Teachers Should Inspire Students to Dream Big,  says Governor Ramen Deka

00Teachers Play a Crucial Role in Talent Development India Has Always Been Rich in Quality Education – Vishnudev Sai00

00State-level Teacher Awards Ceremony Held at Raj Bhavan00

Raipur
On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnudeo Sai honored outstanding teachers for the year 2023-24 at a dignified ceremony held at Raj Bhavan. Governor Deka urged teachers to inspire students to dream big and encourage them to achieve those dreams. He emphasized that teachers should ensure that, alongside education, students are taught moral values.

Both the Governor and the Chief Minister congratulated and extended their best wishes to all the honored teachers for the year 2023-2024. Three teachers were awarded the State Teacher Award in honor of three great literary figures of the state, while 52 teachers were honored with the Governor’s Award. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also announced the names of 64 teachers selected for the State Teacher Award for the year 2024-25.

At the state-level ceremony held in the Darbar Hall of Raj Bhavan, three exceptional teachers were honored: Dr. Rashmi Singh Dhurve from Bilaspur district received the Dr. Padumlal Punnalal Bakshi Memorial Award, Shri Rajarshi Pandey from Kabirdham district received the Dr. Mukutdhar Pandey Memorial Award, and Dr. Sarita Sahu from Durg district was awarded the Dr. Baldev Prasad Mishra Memorial Award. In total, 52 outstanding teachers from various categories, including headmasters, lecturers, assistant teachers, and LB teachers, were recognized.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Deka highlighted the significant role teachers play in developing quality talent, stating that they are key citizens of society. He noted that significant changes have been made to the education system introduced by Lord Macaulay, and the results of these changes will be positive.

Governor Deka also remarked on the revolutions taking place in every sector, including education. Teachers are a part of this revolution, as teaching methods have evolved, but it is crucial to maintain a focus on the quality of education. He also emphasized the responsibility of teachers in instilling moral values in children.

He further stated that while parents give birth to a child, teachers shape their personality and provide them with a bright future. Beyond education, teachers stand by students at every step, offering guidance, encouragement, and inspiration. They are the source of knowledge and wisdom. “Just as a country is as great as its people, its citizens are as good as its teachers. Much depends on teachers to provide children with quality education. I salute all teachers for their passion, dedication, commitment, and contribution,” said Governor Deka.

Governor Deka also noted that teaching is the mother of all professions. Teachers’ Day serves as a reminder of the responsibilities and commitments toward preparing future generations to face challenges and make the country a more advanced and developed nation with greater sensitivity toward human welfare.

Chief Minister Sai remarked that the enthusiasm and importance given to Teachers’ Day in India is rarely seen elsewhere. The birthday of former President and Bharat Ratna recipient Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan is celebrated as Teachers’ Day. He stated that India has always been rich in quality education, from introducing zero to the world in mathematics to producing scientists like Aryabhata and mathematicians like Bhaskara. Chemists like Nagarjuna were also born here. Teachers have always provided direction to the country. While knowledge is now accessible with a single click in the age of the internet, the experience-based learning, value-based education, life skills, and the art of living can only be imparted by teachers in schools. Recognizing this need, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which envisions comprehensive changes in education, incorporating both local and global knowledge and understanding.

The Chief Minister further shared that the NEP has been implemented in the state, with the establishment of 9,438 Balwadis (preschools) and the introduction of education in 18 local languages. Books have been created, and teachers are teaching in these languages, laying a strong foundation for children. Education is spreading rapidly in Bastar, an area once overshadowed by Naxalism, with 29 schools reopened after years of closure.

Chief Minister Sai noted that today’s era is defined by AI and robotics, and the state’s children will not be left behind. Robotics and AI education has been introduced in schools, even in tribal areas. Children from Naxal-affected districts are being provided interest-free education loans for higher studies, with a strong focus on skill development. Even basic training in small trades can pave the way for a brighter future for children. The government is also preparing hi-tech schools, with 211 schools already inaugurated under the PM Shri Yojana, and an additional 52 schools approved, all aimed at providing quality education. The state government has also decided to establish hi-tech libraries similar to Nalanda in 13 urban bodies.

Chief Minister Sai also mentioned the government’s initiative of community-driven “Nyota Bhoj” in schools, providing nutritious meals to children through community collaboration.

During the event, School Education Secretary Siddharth Komal Pardeshi delivered the welcome address and presented the report, while Divya Umesh Mishra, Director of Public Instruction, extended a vote of thanks. School Education Secretary Siddharth Komal Pardeshi presented Governor Deka and Chief Minister Sai with books as mementos.

The event was attended by Mayank Srivastava, Commissioner of Public Relations; Bhishma Prasad Pandey, the Governor’s Legal Advisor; Sanjeev Jha, Managing Director of Samagra Shiksha; Hina Animesh Netam, Joint Secretary to the Governor, along with school education department officials, teachers, and journalists.