National Awards for Teachers
Two Tibetan school teachers Sunday received National Award for the year 2009 from the Indian president Smt. Pratibha Patil for their outstanding contribution in the field of education.
Mr Chime Youngdoung, primary teacher of the Mahendragarh Branch of Central School for Tibetans (CST), Chandragiri, Orissa and Mr. Brij Mohan Aggarwal, post graduate teacher (Commerce) of CST Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, along with about 374 teachers from across India were nominated for the 2009 National Awards for Teachers.
The award was presented to them in a function held in Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on Teachers’ Day on September 5.
The award carries with it a certificate of merit, a cash award of Rs.25, 000 and a silver medal.
In presenting the awards, President Pratibha Patil on Sunday called on teachers to expand their role in keeping with the changing times and the advent of technology.
“The question may arise that in an age where there is so much information available in books, on television and the myriads of vehicles of electronic transmission, what is the role of a teacher? In this environment their role has only expanded. They have to interpret the vast information, often guiding children in distinguishing between what is relevant and what is not... Moreover, teachers must inculcate in their students the approaches and principles that constitute civilised human behaviour. Even the best of technology of today cannot do this,” Patil said, adding that teachers must upgrade their teaching methods and employ new technology to ensure children get quality education.
Patil said the Right to Education Act further required teachers to take on more responsibilities. Even as the country was going through an economic transformation, only teachers could help anchor children in the values of tolerance, understanding and respect for different opinions and develop in them “an attitude that embraces all and which unites rather than divides”.
The National Award to Teachers was instituted in 1958 by the Government of India in memory of former President and eminent educationist Dr S Radhakrishnan.
The award is given every year to give recognition to meritorious teachers working in primary, middle and secondary schools. Each Indian State, Union Territory and Organisation has an earmarked quota based on the number of teachers. The scheme also covers teachers of the schools affiliated to CBSE, ICSE, Sainik Schools, KVS, NVS, CTSA and schools run by the Atomic Energy Education Society.
We would love to hear your opinion and views on this in the comments below.
