SHILLONG: A proud yet humbled recipient of the National Teachers’ Awards from Shillong, Rahul Chatterjee, has sent out a message for teachers, who are, perhaps, looking to join the prestigious award-club one day.
“If you have passion for the subject, love the children, and are willing to put hard work coupled with integrity, then there is absolutely no reason for you to not reach your goal.”
With these words, Chatterjee, who is an assistant lecturer (Physics) at S Jail Road Boys’ Higher Secondary School, hoped that the aspiring teachers achieve their goals.
Chatterjee, who specialises in Physics, has remained dedicated to the core to his profession and has surged ahead against all odds.
He received the award from the President, Ram Nath Kovind, in a virtual programme held at the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner’s office.
The award was later handed over by East Khasi Hills DC Matsiewdor War Nongbri to Chatterjee.
“It is a culmination of years and years of hard work and naturally, there is happiness. It is a recognition of the hard work at the highest level but along with it there is this huge sense of responsibility that comes,” said Chatterjee, soon after the function got over.
He said that after the recognition, he will feel more responsible.
‘‘What do I do next? These are the thoughts running through my head for the past few days,” he added.
Asked how the journey has been for him so far, Chateerjee said, “If I have to think of the last 25 years or so, the major thing that comes is a lot of hard work”.
He added, “I did not take holidays year after year. During winter vacations, my wife and daughter would go to the in-laws’ but I stayed back, simply because it was a good time to catch up on my work”.
He reasoned that when school was open, he couldn’t do the extra work as teaching and associated work took away a lot of time.
“It is not like I have never taken holidays, but yes, I have sacrificed a lot of them,” he added.
Rymbui congratulates awardee
Meanwhile, Education Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui, congratulated Chatterjee for making the state proud and for his immense contribution.
“I am glad to know that Rahul Chatterjee has been conferred with the national award today. It is a moment of pride for the state, especially for him as the country has recognised his contribution in the field of education and we all know that he is sincere, dedicated and a hardworking teacher,” the minister said.
Rymbui said that he has learnt from many of Chatterjee’s students that they have immensely benefitted from his teachings.
Interestingly, having won many national and international awards, Chatterjee has no state or district award to his credit.
President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday 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 revamped the quality of school education but also enriched the lives of their students.