Chennai, Sep 24: Agurchand Manmull Jain College, a Unit of Sri S.S. Jain Educational Society and a NAAC A+ accredited, Jain Minority, Co-educational Institution affiliated to the University of Madras, hosted its much-anticipated annual ceremony, Guru Dhakshina 2026 — A Celebration of Gratitude, Recognising the Teachers, at the Bhagwan Mahaveer Gyan Bhavan.
In a moment that moved the entire gathering, the college paid tribute to 135 school teachers, felicitating each one for years of dedication, patience and quiet sacrifice in shaping young minds across schools in and around Chennai. As every educator walked up to receive their token of appreciation, the hall broke into sustained applause, with many in the audience visibly moved — a fitting tribute to men and women who rarely receive the recognition their work deserves.
The ceremony was graced by an eminent panel of guests and dignitaries: Dr. Dhamu, Chief Guest — a disciple of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, celebrated film actor, motivational speaker and educationist and Mr. Sesha Sai, Guest of Honour — Founder of Farmguru Agritech, who spoke on gratitude, mentorship and the ripple effect of good teaching.
For the organisers, Guru Dhakshina is the institution's way of pausing, once a year, to say thank you to the people who give the most and ask for the least in return. Bringing together 135 school teachers under one roof turned the afternoon into an emotional homecoming, with several teachers recalling students they had taught years ago and the small classroom moments that had stayed with them long after.
The event was also attended by Mr. Udhan Kumar Chordia, Secretary; Mr. Hemant P. Chordia, Associate Secretary; Dr. N. Venkataramanan, Director; Dr. M. M. Ramya, Dean; and Dr. R. Surekha, Deputy Dean — all of whom joined in honouring the 135 school teachers and reaffirmed the institution's commitment to celebrating the teaching community.
In his address to the audience, Secretary Mr. Udhan Kumar Chordia spoke warmly about the role school teachers play far beyond the classroom, describing them as the quiet foundation on which every student's future is built. He thanked the 135 school teachers present for their patience, discipline and years of selfless service, and urged the students and staff of AMJ College to carry forward the same spirit of gratitude and respect towards their own teachers. He remarked that the Guru Dhakshina ceremony was not a formality but a heartfelt acknowledgment long overdue, and reaffirmed the management's commitment to continuing the tradition every year as a reminder that no contribution of a teacher goes unnoticed.
The ceremony featured a symbolic gesture of a student seeking blessings from a teacher, capturing the timeless Guru-Shishya tradition that lies at the heart of Indian education. The moment, met with visible emotion across the hall, set the tone for an evening centred on humility, respect and reflection.
