Hubballi: Oct 2, Gandhi and Shastri Jayanti day, is memorable for Indians. In Karnataka, it used to be the last working day for the first semester of primary, secondary, and college education. Oct holidays used to start from Oct 3, and this has been happening for decades.However, this year, the Oct vacation has been advanced due to the Dasara festival aligning with the Indian calendar. With schools declaring holidays from Sept 20 to Oct 7, students will not get to celebrate Gandhi and Shastri Jayanti on Oct 2 in schools, as has been the tradition every year. However, Gandhi disciples argue that skipping the nationally celebrated occasion is inappropriate. They are also insisting that it should be observed even during the break. Teachers point out that Gandhi Jayanti was never missed in the past.GG Menasinakai, a retired teacher in Gajendragad, noted that Gandhi/Shastri Jayanti has been an integral part of the school curriculum and academic calendar. “There were some instances when the Oct holiday was advanced due to the early arrival of Dasara. However, Gandhi Jayanti was never left in the middle of holidays. It was the beginning of holidays for many years,” he commented.Akkamahadevi Godachappanavar, a teacher in Gadag, said that Gandhi Jayanti was the closing holiday for the first semester, and Nov 1, Karnataka Rajyotsava, was the opening day for the second semester for many years. “Though there was a variation of 1-2 days, the schedule was much remembered by students and teachers. This year, the schedule has changed,” she commented.Prakash Goudar, Kumar Patil, and other govt teachers alleged that they got only 2 months to cover 50% of the syllabus. “As June was spent on conducting the bridge course, we were forced to complete the syllabus only in July and August. Term exams started on Sept 12. For the remaining 50% syllabus, we will get five months, from Oct to Feb,” they mentioned.Shankar Halagatti, a child rights activist, lamented that this holiday schedule is to facilitate Mysuru Dasara. “Completing 50% syllabus is an unscientific teaching method, and learning turns just for formality. Teachers are forced to maintain documents. Such a holiday is neither convenient for students nor parents. But it is convenient for people of South Karnataka. The govt should not keep students away from the teachings of Gandhi and Shastri,” he pressed.Sources in the education department said that all teachers will attend the Gandhi and Shastri Jayanti event on Oct 2, even though it falls during Dasara holidays.
