Srinagar/Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday felicitated teachers from various schools of the union territory on the occasion of Teachers’ Day at separate functions held in Srinagar and Jammu.
In Srinagar, five teachers were awarded silver medals and a cash prize of Rs 50,000 each for their outstanding services in the field of education while six others, including a specially-abled teacher, were given certificates of appreciation.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha said a teacher is the biggest revolutionary and courageous person in this world.
“A teacher breaks the barriers, old methods and gives a new shape, a new direction to the children, a new resolve and sparks new thinking in the minds of the children. The goal of education is not to create a competitive mind but to create a creative and curious mind. We need a fine balance between competition and creativity,” he said.
“A teacher is an explorer who discovers hidden diamonds, gems and pearls in the form of students. As a gemologist, a teacher examines and shapes the diamonds carrying diverse talents. He is a jeweler and gives perfect shape and shine to precious gems,” the LG added.
The role of a teacher is to also bring creativity inside the classroom. A teacher should be courageous enough to break the stereotypes and let young minds develop their own creative, innovative ideas and critical thinking. Only the teacher has the ability to know the value of hidden talents, he said.
At the function, the LG impressed upon the teaching community to promote individuality and uniqueness of students and make the teaching-learning process more interactive.
“Goal of education is not to create a competitive mind but to create a creative and curious mind. We need a fine balance between competition and creativity. Test should not be based on competition but it should be based on originality, experiment, creative and scientific activity,” Sinha said.
“I believe today we need teachers to instill creativity, curiosity, teamwork, leadership qualities and civilizational values of harmony, brotherhood and compassion in our children. We need to evolve new methods to create effective approaches to lifelong learning,” the LG said.
The LG reiterated the commitment of the UT administration for upgradation of schools including manpower and infrastructure in a holistic manner. “I assure you that funds will be provided for the upgradation of 7000 such schools which lack basic facilities (6000 this year and 1000 during the next year),” he said.
“On this day, let us strengthen our resolve and ensure that every child, especially the girls, have access to quality education,” the LG said.
In a similar function held in Jammu, paying tributes to former President, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary, the LG said the occasion provides us an opportunity to acknowledge the significant contribution of teachers to the society and the nation.
“Teachers create a system that is appropriate to the needs of the time and requirement of the society. They are the creators of the real strength of the nation and pave the way for rapid social and economic progress of the future,” the LG said.
In his address, the LG called upon the teaching community to develop curiosity and inquisitiveness among the students and nurture their unique creativity and talent.
“Society can discover new solutions when students develop curiosity, collaborate, become more creative and learn the values of teamwork. For lifelong learning, both teachers and students should have a thirst for knowledge and intense curiosity that is not confined to the classroom,” the LG said.
“We need to stop comparison, burden of tests and curriculum on students. Every child is unique. We need to remind children to be yourself. If we want to secure the future of this nation and create new possibilities, then we must provide an opportunity for their uniqueness to blossom,” he added.
At the function, the LG highlighted the importance of developing schools as a very foundation for shaping the future of the younger generation.
Today, it is important that we create an ecosystem of education. Schools should become part of the ecosystem of a city or a village, connected to the local community, local businesses and other institutions so that the students are aware about local problems and possibilities, he said.
“Schools should prepare for future-proofing of education so that they are empowered, anticipate change, develop a system for adjustment and students are encouraged for lifelong learning skills, combination of basic knowledge and applied skills,” the LG said.
The LG also inaugurated 790 civil works under Samagra Shiksha and laid e-foundation of 376 Astrophysics Labs and 10 Virtual Reality Labs across J&K.
He also initiated the process for engagement of 15017 Aaya/Helpers for schools with pre-primary sections.
Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to LG; Padma Shri Prof. JS Rajput; Padma Shri Prof. Vishwa Murti Shastri; Padma Shri Dr SP Varma; Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary, School & Higher Education, senior officers, teachers and students were present.
