3 honoured with State Teacher award, 52 receives Governor’s award

Raipur: Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnudeo Sai honoured outstanding teachers for the year 2023-24 at a ceremony held at Raj Bhawan on Teachers' Day, Raipur, on Thursday.Three teachers were honoured with the State Teacher Award in memory of three great literary figures of the state, while 52 teachers received the Governor's Award. On this occasion, CM also announced the names of 64 teachers selected for the State Teacher Award for the year 2024-25.Dr. Rashmi Singh Dhurve from Bilaspur district was awarded the Dr. Padumlal Punnalal Bakshi Memorial Award, Rajarshi Pandey from Kabirdham district received the Dr. Mukutdhar Pandey Memorial Award, and Dr. Sarita Sahu from Durg district was honoured with the Dr. Baldev Prasad Mishra Memorial Award. In total, 52 outstanding teachers from various categories, including headmasters, lecturers, assistant teachers, and LB teachers, were recognised.Governor Deka emphasised that teachers should ensure that, alongside academic education, students are also taught moral values. He highlighted the significant role teachers play in nurturing talent, stating that they are key members of society. He noted that substantial changes have been made to the education system introduced by Lord Macaulay, and the results of these changes will be positive.CM Sai remarked that the enthusiasm and importance given to Teachers' Day in India is rarely seen elsewhere. He said the birthday of former President and Bharat Ratna recipient Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan is celebrated as Teachers' Day. Recognising the need for educational reform, 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, leading to the establishment of 9,438 Balwadis (preschools) and the introduction of education in 18 local languages. Books have been developed, and teachers are imparting education in these languages, laying a strong foundation for children. Education is rapidly spreading in Bastar, an area once overshadowed by Naxalism, with 29 schools reopened after years of closure.Chief Minister Sai noted that the current 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. The govt is also developing 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 govt has also decided to establish hi-tech libraries similar to Nalanda in 13 urban bodies.Both the Governor and the Chief Minister congratulated and extended their best wishes to all the honoured teachers for the year 2023-2024.During the event, School Education Secretary Siddharth Komal Pardeshi delivered the welcome address and presented the report.