New Delhi (NVI): President Ram Nath Kovind today conferred the National Teachers’ Awards to 47 teachers from across the country for their contribution in developing innovative methods of teaching.
The national level awards are given on Teachers’ Day to celebrate the unique contribution of some of the finest teachers in the country and to honour those who, through their commitment, have not only improved the quality of school education but also enriched the lives of their students.
“Good buildings, expensive equipment or facilities do not make a good school but teachers have a crucial role in building a good school. They are the ones who develop foundation of knowledge and character building in our students,” Mr. Kovind said at the virtual award ceremony.
शिक्षक दिवस के अवसर पर आप सभी शिक्षकों के साथ जुड़कर मुझे बहुत प्रसन्नता हो रही है। मैं राष्ट्रीय पुरस्कार के लिए चुने गए सभी शिक्षकों को हार्दिक बधाई और शुभकामनाएं देता हूं। आज सभी शिक्षकों की प्रतिबद्धता, समर्पण और उत्कृष्ट योगदान के प्रति हम अपना आभार व्यक्त करते हैं। pic.twitter.com/xM4ozPksKZ
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 5, 2020
The President observed that about 40 per cent of the winners of the National Awards were women and appreciated the role women have played as educators.
Emphasising on the importance of digital technology in the challenging times of COVID-19 pandemic, the President said that teachers are taking the help of this technology to reach out to children.
Applauding the skills of teachers in shifting to this new technology-driven teaching, he said that it is important for all teachers “to upgrade and update” their skills in the field of digital technology so as to make education more effective and also make students conversant with new techniques.
Pointing out at the digital divide, he also emphasized that steps should be taken so that children from tribal and far-flung areas are also benefitted.
Talking about the new National Education Policy, the president said that the newly introduced policy is an endeavour to prepare children for future needs and has been designed after considering the opinion of various stakeholders.
“It is now the teachers who will be at the centre-stage for making the policy successful and productive,” he added.
Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ said, “The selected awardees with their commitment and industry have not only improved the quality of school education but also enriched the lives of their students and community through various activities like improving enrolment and reducing dropouts, adopting joyful and experiential teaching-learning practices.”
Along with the Union Minister for Education, Minister of State for Education, Sanjay Dhotre also graced the occasion.
-CHK
