The role of teachers in shaping society and building the future of the nation is invaluable, said Anantapur MP Ambika G. Lakshminarayana.The Guru Pooja Mahotsavam and Best Teacher Awards presentation ceremony was organised on Friday at the Arts College Drama Hall by the SR Educational Society and Mera Yuva Bharat (MYBharat) of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to recognise and honour the dedication and contribution of teachers serving in government and private educational institutions in the district.Arts College Principal P. Padmashri, MYBharat representative Bisathi Bharath, SR Educational Society founder Sunkara Ramesh and Indian Red Cross Society vice-chairman Geetha Bala were among those who participated in the programme. The dignitaries inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp and paying floral tributes to the portrait of Bharat Ratna Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, whose birth anniversary is observed as Teachers’ Day.Addressing the gathering, Mr. Lakshminarayana said teachers did much more than impart academic knowledge. They served as mentors, role models and guiding forces in the lives of students, helping them develop character, values and a sense of responsibility. Their contribution to nurturing responsible citizens and strengthening society was immeasurable, he said, and appreciated the initiative to recognise teachers for their dedicated service.The dignitaries also visited the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ awareness stall established by its ambassador Sunkara Navaneetha and the blood-grouping stall organised by the Indian Red Cross Society. They appreciated the social and community-oriented initiatives undertaken as part of the programme.As part of the celebrations, 65 teachers from government and private educational institutions across the district were presented with Best Teacher Awards in recognition of their exemplary service, dedication and contribution to education and to shaping the lives of students. Published - September 04, 2026 07:00 pm IST