On Teacher’s Day, 82 educators conferred upon special awards

Murmu congratulated the winners and said that “teachers have to prepare citizens who are not only educated but also sensitive, honest and enterprising”. Mentioning that moving ahead in life is success, but the meaning of life lies in working for the welfare of others, she stated: “We should have compassion. Our conduct should be ethical. A successful life lies in a meaningful life. Teaching these values to the students is the duty of teachers.”

“Teachers make wonderful efforts to increase the interest of children in studies. They have devised new and interesting methods of teaching, used new technology and contributed to making education inclusive. Countless teachers from across the country are working with full dedication… It is not always possible to award everyone,” Mumu said, further thanking the teacher community for their “extraordinary efforts”. “Dear teachers, gurus, acharyas and teachers are treated with great respect in our tradition. The word ‘guru’ is used for the one who imparts spiritual knowledge. The words ‘acharya’ and ‘tikshak’ are used for teachers who impart intellectual and practical knowledge,” she added.

Highlighting how important a teaching job is, Murmu further said: “Some children may be very good sportspersons, some have leadership skills, and some enthusiastically participate in social welfare activities… teachers have to identify their natural talent and bring it out.”

Pointing out the status of women in the society, she said: “The status of women in any society is an important criterion for its development… it is the responsibility of teachers and parents to educate children in such a way that they always behave in accordance with the dignity of women.” She also emphasised that women should not only be respected in “words” but also in “practice”.

Speaking to The Indian Express at the award ceremony on Thursday, a few educators expressed enthusiasm over the accolade they have achieved so far.

School teacher K Sharda, an awardee this year, said: “I am ecstatic to have received this award. This is a semblance for me to go back to school and work harder to contribute towards the betterment of school education… All my students have been constantly texting and calling me since morning, to congratulate me. This fills me with joy.”

A teacher at the upper primary government school in Chhattisgarh’s Khedmara, Sharda has written 10 books on various education aspects including maths, health and wellbeing, and moral stories. Sharda, a teacher since 2009, has even translated a moral storybook into Halbi language for the children of Bastar.

From Bengaluru’s Christ University, Professor and School Head (architecture) Dr Anitha Suseelan won an award in the Higher Education segment for her rural programme mission for academia, outreaching rural India, innovating architectural higher education, and pedagogy through experiential learning and impactful research. “I am extremely delighted to receive this award today. This creates a greater sense of social responsibility in me to provide better towards the education system of our country.” Suseelan said.

“The teacher community and all my colleagues at Christ have been very supportive. I have received an overwhelming response from my students too.” she added.