“There is a need to provide holistic education to students. Along with domain knowledge, students must be strengthened mentally, physically, culturally, spiritually, socially and emotionally,” said John Ebenezer, Bengaluru-based orthopaedic surgeon said in Dharwad on Sunday.

“Students are coming under increasing mental stress because of technology and are also becoming addicted to various substances. Therefore, it is very important to provide student-centred, holistic education,” he said.

He was delivering the Professor S. Radhakrishnan and Dr. D.C. Pavate Memorial Fundamental Lecture on the topic- ‘Beyond Education: Towards a Complete and Healthy Life.’ The event was organised at the Senate Hall to mark Teachers’ Day in the Karnatak University Dharwad (KUD).

“Technology has brought about a huge transformation in education and made learning much easier. However, greater emphasis must be placed on physical activity among students. More attention should also be paid to their mental health,” he said.

He said teachers had a major responsibility to develop critical thinking, self-confidence and good values among students.

Chief guest R.H. Gunaki said that Dr. Pavate was a visionary educationist who greatly impacted the functioning of the university.

“He was born into a poor family in a remote village, but went on to gain recognition at the national and international levels as a mathematician, Vice-Chancellor and able administrator. Dr. Pavate had the distinction of studying at the University of Cambridge in England,” Dr. Gunaki said.

“Dr. Pavate, former V-C of KUD, had authored books on mathematics for students pursuing the subject. He established several facilities at the university, including the Botanical Gardens and student hostels,” he said.

KUD Vice-Chancellor A.M. Khan recalled Dr. Pavate’s contribution to the university. “The cooperation of all teachers is essential to take the university to greater heights,” he said.

The guests felicitated 13 teachers who had gathered international recognition in various fields.

A book titled ‘Dr. D.C. Pavate as an Administrator’, was released.