Over 50 yrs’ experience as teacher, 84-yr-old Clemencia D’Couto says, kids make her feel young

News Network
September 5, 2019

Mangaluru, Sept 5: What started as a passion now is an integral part of Clemencia D’couto’s life. Ms. D’couto has been instrumental in framing the early foundational years of more than 3000 children in the Mangalore region. She has been teaching Pre-Kindergarten, LKG and UKG classes for more than 5 decades. 

Ms. Clemencia has worked for many institutions in Mangalore and currently teaches at Early Learning Centre Kindergarten. Besides, she actively takes part in training teachers. Apart from working with children and teachers, she loves gardening, creating things out of waste, designing and stitching clothes.  

“ELC is my second home”, she gushes when asked how she feels teaching every day.  “The management has been very understanding of me, the children, teachers, parents and support staff love me, and I love them too. It’s wonderful to be part of the ELC family”  
 
Ms. Clemencia believes that a warm hug from children every morning and evening is what keeps her healthy and going strong. Talking about her initial days in teaching, she says that she first started teaching out of passion and love for kids, slowly she got trained in it. She fondly remembers, her first salary being Rs. 60/- way back in 1969. Going back in time, she recollects that though Montessori material was available earlier, nobody knew how to use it, but today things have changed, and she is happy that it has changed for good. 
 
Ms. Clemencia is an inspiration to all. She proves that age is not a number and that dedication to a worthy cause can help us all reach beyond our set boundaries. Teaching being her passion, she is a role model to everyone of excellence, hard work and persistence.  It is the joyfulness of little ones and the community of loving caregivers that she cherishes at the end of the day!

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News Network
May 2,2025

Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada district has secured the top position in Karnataka in the SSLC (Class 10) results for the academic year 2024–25, with a pass percentage of 91.12%, as announced on Friday.

In the previous academic year (2023–24), the district had ranked second in the state with a higher pass percentage of 92.12%. Despite a 1% drop in the pass rate this year, the district has risen to the top position. In 2022–23, it had ranked 17th with 89.52%.

Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI) Venkatesh S Patagar attributed the district’s improved rank to several focused initiatives. Among them were the timely completion of the syllabus by December 2024 and subject-wise special classes.

Special attention was given to slow learners through dedicated support classes. The department also organized fortnightly parent meetings to track students' academic progress.

To instill discipline and a consistent study routine, schools made regular wake-up calls to students in the mornings and evenings. Other initiatives included model question paper practice, the 'Jnana Sinchana' live YouTube series, online doubt-clearing sessions, and interactive radio phone-in programs.

Students were also encouraged to attempt the 'Vijayeebhava' question paper series, developed and published by the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Udupi.

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News Network
May 15,2025

NinaadLasrado.jpg

Mangaluru, May 15: Dr Ninaad Lasrado, a young scientist hailing from Puttur in Dakshina Kannada district, has earned a place in the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia – Health Science List for 2025. He is currently serving as a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.

Dr Lasrado achieved a remarkable academic milestone by completing his PhD in viral immunology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, USA, at the age of 24. He later joined Harvard Medical School, part of Harvard University, where he continues his advanced research in immunology.

With a strong foundation in scientific research, Dr Lasrado has authored over 20 research papers in internationally acclaimed journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, Science, and Scientific Reports (Nature group). His work has earned him numerous awards and fellowships, recognizing his contributions to health science.

His academic journey began at Sudana Residential School, followed by PUC at Ambika PU College, and a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from St Aloysius College, Mangaluru.

Dr Lasrado is a member of Mai De Deus Church, Puttur, and is the son of Stella Sequeira and Dr H R Lasrado, retired deputy director of the Karnataka Animal Husbandry Department. The family currently resides in Puttur.

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