Mangalore : The state-level best teacher awards 2014-15 will be conferred on Purushottam M S, Hattajeguttu V Prabhakar Hegde, and Shashikala G Sherigar, retired headmistress of Mallar general government higher primary school near Kaup.

Purushottam M S
One of the recipients of the award, Purushottam M S, hails from Montadka in Sullia taluk and resides in Sriram Pet in Sullia. He joined St Philomena College, Puttur as an art teacher in 1974. In between 1985 and 2012, he has also served as the officer in charge of NCC air wing. Purushottam had undergone various trainings in teaching profession and in his capacity as NCC officer. In recognition of his talent and meritorious services, he has been conferred with several awards from different organizations.

Hattajeguttu V Prabhakar Hegde
Born in 1957, Hattajeguttu Prabhakar Hegde, started working as teacher after pursuing education in Venoor and then at Sarvodaya teachers training centre at Virajpet. Hegde, who was serving as teacher, left job to work as extension officer in Syndicate Bank. But, when he got an opportunity to rejoin the teaching profession in 1991, he served various places including Nekkilu and Timmanabettu and currently serving as a teacher of Mangalateru government higher primary school.

Hegde also displayed his painting talent by creating attractive concrete art forms on walls for the benefit of these schools. Also being a skilled sports person, he has bagged first prize in 800 metre race, and second place in shot put, at the 33rd Masters Athletic Championship held at Bangalore this year. He was also selected for the national championships and international championship held last year at Toronto, Italy.

Shashikala G Sherigar
Shashikala G Sherigar, started her teacher profession at Kaup model school in 1976 and served at Uppoor, Padubidri, Udupi-Puttur etc. In 2006, she got promoted as headmistress and retired on July 31, 2014 after serving at Mallar government higher primary school since 2007.

Shashikala has a credit collecting the grants and getting additional facilities for schools like toilets, borewell, construction of compound wall, additional computer room, undertaking door-to-door visits to increase the student strength during holidays. She has won a number of awards including district level best teacher award in 2012-13. She continues to serve the school even after retirement.