SDM College, Honnavar

As I geared up to face any challenges that lay ahead, I embarked on a journey to Honnavar—an initially distant place for me—to fulfill my duties at SDM College. On that memorable Friday, December 22, 1982, I officially commenced my tenure at the college. During my time there, I had the pleasure of encountering numerous remarkable individuals. Prof. V.S. Bhat from the Economics Department, Prof. Gilbert Sequra from the History Department, Mr. Anil Kumatakar, a Canara Bank Official, Prof. Vasudeva Karanth from the Physics Department, Prof. AD Achar, Prof. Banavalikar, Prof. Honavar, Prof. BD Mesta from the Music Department, Prof. Patankar from the Geography Department, Prof. Kattige Bhat from the Music Department, Prof. GV Hegde, Prof. DG Shet from the Commerce Department, Prof. Udapi from Sankrith dept, Prof. Srikanth Pai from the Commerce Department, and many others.

In Honnavar, I relished spending evenings on the captivating beaches and formed an endearing bond with Prof. VS Bhat, with whom I often strolled along the Sharatvathi Bridge or visited the enchanting Ramatheertha of Hanavara. These indelible memories remain etched in my heart. I began teaching subjects such as Income Tax, Business Statistics, and Auditing, devoting countless hours to my preparation as it was my first time teaching these courses.

I hold fond memories of the camaraderie I shared with Dr. Deshpande from the Physics Department, Mr. RD Naik and Mr. RS Mesta from the Office, Prof. AN Mesta from the Physics Department, Mr. Sriranga Nayak from the Revenue Department, Prof. IV Joshi, and the highly respected and supportive Prof. GS Avadhani from the Commerce Department. Prof. GP. Hegde, Prof. Ganapathi Bhat, and Prof. AV Shanbhag from the Chemistry Department also hold a special place in my heart.

Regrettably, on January 29, 1982, my colleague and esteemed senior faculty member, Prof. J K Nayak, passed away due to a massive heart attack while delivering a lecture at Baliga College, Kumta. Another incident that deeply saddened me was the loss of Prof. Srikanth Pai from the Department of Commerce.

My affection for the college, its students, the people of the area, and the faculty members was immense. In my leisure time, I often cherished the company of GS Avadhani, a highly respected teacher among the student community, and enjoyed numerous lunches and dinners at his home. Mrs. Avadhani, Santhosh and Sangeeta, his children, left an indelible mark on my memory. I still recall our visit to Kedagi of Sidhapur, accompanied by Late Prof. P D Naik, SD Hegde, and GS Avadhani, where Prof. PD Naik's brother treated us to a grand celebration, offering us the rare delicacies of the region. This unforgettable experience filled my heart with warmth. We also ventured to Prof. SD Hegde's residence in Sirisi, a remote location, with Ajjayya, SD Hegde's uncle, as our guide. Furthermore, Prof. VS Bhat, Dr. Deshapande, Prof. PD Naik, and I embarked on an adventurous trip to Goa on two-wheelers. Prof. Avadhani and Prof. VS Bhat graciously introduced me to their relatives and invited me to various family functions. I also cherish the contribution of Dr. N R Naik, former Principal of this great institution.  The people of the area were known for their kindness and hospitality, treating others as esteemed guests. They differed from the people of Udupi and South Kanara, who prioritized purpose over individuals.

I held a deep affection for my students, my profession, and the subject I taught. Even after leaving, I maintained strong connections with many of my students. Eventually, I sought a transfer to the Academy of General Education, Manipal, in the South Kanara District. In 1998, I successfully obtained a no-objection certificate and joined Vijaya College, Mulki. During this transfer process, I am indebted to Dr. H. Shantaram, the Administrative Officer of the Academy of General Education, Dr. M. P. Karki, President of SDM College Trust, Dr. N. R. Nayak, the then Principal of SDM College, Honnavar, the esteemed members of SDM College Trust, and my well-wishers, including the respected mother of Prof. VS Bhat. Their invaluable support played an integral role in fulfilling my dream of transferring to MGM College, Udupi. The cherished memories of SDM College, Honnavar, are beautifully captured in the snapshots provided by Kalil and Rajeevan.