National award for City principal, teacher

A postgraduate in Geography, Rajesh Choudhary began her teaching career in 1971 as a lecturer in Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 16, where she taught for 18 years. In July 1990 she was promoted as a principal. She worked as principal of Government Senior Secondary School, Dhanas, till 1991 and principal of GMSSS-16 till 1994 before coming to the Sector 18 school.

During her present tenure, the school has emerged as a topper with maximum participation in cultural events. It also topped amongst the UT ordinary schools for small savings under the sanchayika scheme for which it got the President award.

“I had never joined teaching profession with the intention of getting the National award but I am happy that my efforts have been recognised,” said Rajesh Choudhary, when asked about her reaction to the award. She had earlier received the State award from the Chandigarh Administration, in 1993.

During her 27 years’ service, she made various achievements as an able administrator and an outstanding academician. A committed and dedicated teacher, she feels that “a good teacher is one who has a good grasp of the subject and is well informed about the latest developments. He should also establish a good rapport with his students and as far as possible help him with his personal problems.”

“Similarly, a principal who is a link between students, parents and teachers, should give priority to the welfare of students and teachers and set certain traditions. Teachers ought to be dedicated since they have a big social responsibility towards the nation and society,” Choudhary says.

The other awardee is Surinder Kaur who will be rewarded for her contribution in the field of education, art, culture and social services. She received the prestigious State award in 1994 besides recognition of her services by various social organisations. Grateful to God for the award, she feels that her efforts could not have been rewarded without the support of her husband, G. S. Rupyal, a Class I officer.

Surinder Kaur, who joined regular service in the department in 1980 began her career as a primary teacher in Government High School, Mani Majra. She brought about various innovations in teaching practices during her 14 years’ teaching experience in rural areas.

Besides good academic results, she has also contributed in the field of music.She was also given special recognition for her singing capabilities by the NCERT. And why not? She can sing in 14 different Indian languages! Surinder Kaur also writes poetry on topics of national integration, tree plantation, cleanliness and blood donation.

A humane person, she has been financing two needy students of her school for the last three years, besides one more for the Bharat Vikas Parishad. “ A teacher should be impressive in all that he does because the students look upon him as role models,”she adds.