Student builds home as 'dakshina' for guru

To sir with love

As a mark of gratitude, Malatesh Hanumanthappa Talawara, a native of Shiragambi village in the taluk, has constructed a house for his teacher in Dharwad.

“Shivalingappa Eshwarappa Madiwala was our favourite teacher in the school. He taught art at the Government High School in Shiragambi village. He ensured that I pursued my education despite abject poverty at home,” recounts Malatesh.

Malatesh, now a successful civil engineer who runs his own firm in Bangalore, is married with two children.

Three years ago, he gifted a bike to Shivalingappa Eshwarappa, his guide, philosopher and mentor. Madiwala, a native of Shirol village in Nargund taluk, served as a teacher at the government high school for 25 years.

As a tribute and to ensure that his teacher led a peaceful retired life, Malatesh constructed a house on a plot purchased in Vinayak Nagar in Dharwad. The house-warming ceremony was held on October 6.

“My teacher strove to see me complete my education and carve a niche for myself in society. He had been my backbone during my student days when times were really hard.

He inspired me to educate myself against all odds. In the light of his guidance and contribution towards my growth, the gift of a house is negligible,” says Malatesh.

Touched and overcome by emotion, Madiwala reacted thus: “Students are my only assets. Malatesh, by gifting a house, has done what one’s own children will hesitate to do these days.”

At a time when the role of teachers is relegated to the background, the heartwarming tale of Malatesh and his immense love for his teacher is worth emulating.