Teachers’ Day celebrated with fervor and festivity.
17 received state award and 9 gets commendations, 4 educators get Special Recognition Award
Chandigarh – 5th September, 2024….Department of School Education, UT Chandigarh organised a Teachers’ Day function at the Guru Nanak Auditorium, Raj Bhawan, Chandigarh. The program waa a mix of cultural extravaganza and felicitation ceremony for the award of state awards and commendations for Teachers . The purpose of Awards to Teachers is to celebrate the unique contribution of some of the finest teachers in the city and to honor those teachers who through their commitment have not only improved the quality of school education but also enriched the lives of their students.
Shri Gulab Chand Kataria Governor Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh graced the occasion as the chief guest. Shri Rajeev Verma Adviser was the guest of honour.
The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Sh. K. Siva Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary to Governor Punjab, .Sh. Abhijit Vijay Chaudhari, Secretary Education, Sh.H.S Brar, Director School Education Sh.Jatinderpal Malhotra, President BJP, Chandigarh and other officers of Chandigarh Administration and Education Department.
The event started off with lamp lighting after which teachers of PMSHRI GGMSSS 18 presented a beautiful group dance depicting the role of a teacher in the lives of students and nation building. It was followed by an emotional Skit on the importance of teachers by the teachers of GMSSS 40. The group song presented by the teachers raised the emotions to new heights. Moving on, the final felicitation ceremony started off where 17 Principals and teachers were given State awards, 9 teachers were given commendation for their extraordinary work and 4 educators received special recognition award
Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor Punjab & Administrator, UT Chandigarh in his address congratulated the department for putting up a grand show. He also gave reference of Dr S. Radhakrishnan, and the story of his birthday finally giving an eventful day called Teacher’s day. Talking about Sh. APJ Abdul Kalam who led a simple life even after being the president of India. Dr. Kalam always wanted to be remembered as a ‘Teacher’. Governor motivated the teachers to keep working for the betterment of the society. He showed his immense belief in the talent of teachers and he expressed his desire to make Chandigarh an example before the country in terms of Education.
Drawing inspiration from ancient educational centers such as Takshila and Nalanda, the Governor remarked on the profound role that the Guru-Shishya tradition has played in building India’s rich cultural heritage. He also invoked the contributions of revered figures like Maharishi Vishwamitra, Rishi Vashishtha, Guru Dronacharya, and the selfless dedication of Eklavya, emphasizing the lasting legacy of the Guru-disciple relationship.
He highlighted the invaluable contributions of great teachers throughout history, such as Chanakya in shaping Chandragupta Maurya into a great ruler and Ramakrishna Paramhansa in guiding Swami Vivekananda to become a spiritual leader.
Referring to Swami Vivekananda’s famous address at the Chicago World’s Fair, where he began with “Brothers and Sisters of America,” the Governor said, “It was the teachings of his Guru, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, that shaped Vivekananda into the leader he became.” He added, “Nobody can take the place of a teacher, as they are the true architects of society.”
He lauded Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s belief that education must be imparted with love, underscoring that the success of a teacher lies in the love and respect earned from students.
The Governor praised the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as a significant step toward meeting the educational needs of the 21st century. He stressed that the new policy focuses on affordability, accessibility, quality, equity, and responsibility in education to prepare India’s youth for the challenges of the digital age, ultimately supporting the vision of ‘Developed India 2047’.
He applauded the efforts of the Department of Education, UT Chandigarh, in raising the standards of education. He highlighted initiatives such as the Right to Education Admission Portal for Economically Weaker Sections, which earned national recognition, and the collaboration between the School Education Department and CBSE to provide specialized training to teachers. He noted the addition of two PM Shri Schools in Chandigarh, emphasizing skill-building and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
Governor of Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh extended his heartfelt congratulations to all the officials, principals, and teachers who were honoured with prestigious awards for their exceptional contributions to education.
Additionally, a student from Government Model School, Sector 21, presented a beautiful painting of the Governor to him, a gesture that was highly appreciated.
The program ended with passionate rendering of the National Anthem.
