Hiriyadka: Kudi Vasantha Shetty, a retired head teacher and recipient of the national award, passed away on Monday, November 11, following a brief illness. Shetty, originally from Kudi village in Hiriyadka in Udupi, had served as the head teacher at Sri Vishnumurthy High School for three decades.

Shetty began his teaching career in 1980 as the founding head teacher of the high school in his hometown. Over his long career, he played an instrumental role in local education. He was the founding secretary of the District Head Teachers’ Association, where he served for four years, and later became its president for five years.

Recognizing his contribution, K Vasantha Shetty was awarded the national-level Best Teacher Award in 2012.

A distinguished orator and resourceful guide, Vasantha Shetty was also actively involved in community service, contributing to the management committees of the village’s temples and local deities’ shrines.

He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and several siblings.