Every year, May 20th is celebrated as World Bee Day, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the vital role bees play in sustaining ecosystems and agriculture. For Shantaveeriah, this day holds special significance, as he is regularly invited by agricultural universities and colleges across Karnataka to share his wealth of knowledge. These celebrations often involve honoring him for his lifelong contributions to beekeeping while providing a platform to educate others on the importance of bees. One such memorable invitation came from Shimogga University, where Shantaveeriah was invited to give a presentation and conduct practical demonstrations.

During his time at Shimogga University, Shantaveeriah observed the presence of several bee boxes on the campus. However, he noticed that there was a lack of expertise in managing and maintaining the colonies. Drawing on his extensive experience, he provided the university with valuable insights on how to properly care for the bees, ensuring their health and productivity. He emphasized that Shimogga, with its rich biodiversity and favorable climate, is an ideal location for beekeeping, making it a potential hub for honey production. Shantaveeriah's visit left a lasting impact on both the faculty and students, inspiring them to take better care of their bee colonies.

#### Importance of World Bee Day Celebration

World Bee Day, celebrated on May 20th, serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of bees in maintaining ecological balance and ensuring food security. Bees are responsible for pollinating about one-third of the food we consume, making them essential to agricultural productivity. The day highlights the need to protect bees from threats such as habitat loss, pesticides, climate change, and diseases.

The celebration of World Bee Day provides an opportunity for communities, governments, and institutions to come together and raise awareness about the significance of bees. Events and educational programs are organized worldwide to teach people about the benefits of bees, the challenges they face, and how individuals can contribute to their conservation. It is also a day to celebrate the beekeepers who work tirelessly to protect these vital pollinators and produce honey, beeswax, and other bee-related products that benefit human health.

For Shantaveeriah, being a part of these celebrations allows him to share his vast knowledge with a wider audience, reinforcing the importance of beekeeping and sustainable practices. World Bee Day not only serves as a platform for education but also for honoring beekeepers who have dedicated their lives to preserving and nurturing bee populations.