Arunachal honours 40 educators on Teachers’ Day

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh governor KT Parnaik on Friday presented the state teachers’ Awards during the state-level Teachers’ Day celebrations held in Itanagar. A total of 40 educators — including principals, headmistresses, PGTs, TGTs, PETs, and PRTs — from govt and government-aided private schools were honoured for their outstanding contributions to the advancement of education. Congratulating the awardees, governor Parnaik described the recognition as a tribute to their sincere service and a source of inspiration to nurture a generation equipped with knowledge, values, and wisdom. Emphasising the vital role of teachers, he urged them to continually update their knowledge beyond textbooks, teach through examples and application, improve articulation, and take students beyond classroom walls to learn from their environment. He also encouraged educators to adopt a compassionate approach towards weaker students, draw lessons from the lives of great personalities, and instill discipline through personal conduct. Reflecting on the broader education system, the governor said there is a pressing need to adapt the curriculum, teaching methods, and assessments to contemporary needs. “The curriculum we choose, the teaching methods, and assessments should be aligned to develop capacity — not merely to qualify in a test,” he said. He emphasised that higher secondary education should introduce students to complexity, expose them to discipline, and encourage independent judgment. “If these years are dominated by preparation cycles, board syllabi, and rote memorization, it leads to performance anxiety,” Parnaik noted. He stressed that examinations should assess reasoning ability and creative thinking, adding that a nation cannot innovate and evolve if classrooms operate with a ‘status quo’ mindset. The governor commended the education department for organising the Teachers’ Day celebration, stating that the day serves as a reminder that the strength of tomorrow lies in today’s classrooms. “India’s march towards Viksit Bharat 2047 will depend not only on technology and resources but also on the minds and character of its youth — nurtured and guided by teachers,” he said. On the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Parnaik said it offers a roadmap for flexible, multidisciplinary, and skill-oriented learning. “If implemented sincerely, it can bridge existing gaps and prepare our students for the future,” he added. He also underscored the importance of girls’ education, discipline, health and fitness of both students and teachers, career guidance, and instilling a sense of duty in the youth. On the occasion, the Governor released Value Education textbooks for Classes III to V, published by the SCERT. Among those present were Advisor to the Education Minister Mutchu Mithi, Chief Secretary Manish Gupta, and Education Commissioner Amjad Tak.