Shillong, Sept 5: “Teachers affect eternity; no one can tell when their influence stops”. Echoing these words, the Education Department today celebrated the 59th Teachers’ Day in a function organised at the Shillong Public School, Laitumkhrah. Education Minister, Shri. L. Rymbui graced the occasion as the Chief Guest in the presence of Shri. D. P. Wahlang, Principal Secretary and other senior officials of the Education Department.
As a mark of recognition and appreciation for their exemplary service, altogether 13 teachers serving in different schools across the state were awarded with the State Award for Teachers and 3 were awarded the District Award for East Khasi Hills District.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri. L. Rymbui congratulated the awardees and teachers all over the State for their dedication and selfless service in the pursuit of providing quality education to the student community, particularly during the Covid 19 pandemic.
Stating that with the implementation of the new Education Policies of the Central and State Government, teachers will be faced with a new challenge, he however expressed hope that they will rise to the challenge and adapt themselves to the dynamic nature of education.
Shri. Rymbui also assured the teachers that the Department is looking into their grievances and although the way forward is not and easy one, the Department is committed to solve the issues as soon as possible.
Shri. D. P. Wahlang lauded the teachers’ yeoman service to the Department, the State and society as a whole. He further added that in view of the Covid 19 pandemic, the State Government has started many initiatives such as online classes and where connectivity is a problem, particularly in rural areas home teaching method where teachers go to the homes of students or where students come together in a common learning centre have been resorted to.
While appreciating the hard work and team effort of all stakeholders in ensuring that some form of learning continues to be imparted to students, Shri. D. P. Wahlang informed that besides redefining the academic calendar from Class 1 to Class 12, Board exams will be conducted in the State with a 30 % truncated syllabus and the details of which will be made public within the month.
On the day, the Special Award for Teachers Teaching in Inclusive Schools was awarded to Smti. Nostina Thein, Special Educator from Mary Rice Centre for Special Education. The award for Best Scout Master was bagged by Shri Akin Ryan Mawphlang of H .L. Mizo Secondary School and Best Guide Captain by Ms. Banylla F. Swer, Shilong Headquarter.
9 teachers were also awarded for their involvement in the process of DIKSHA which is learning through the digital mode, encouraged and initiated by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.