SHILLONG/TURA: Notwithstanding the handful of classroom activity and personal interaction, echoes of admiration and acclaim from the students for the teachers, who, regardless of the hurdles, dedicated their time and effort in ensuring that the students do not miss out on the curriculum, marked this year’s Teachers’ Day.
With social distancing and isolation becoming a must to check the spread of COVID-19, students were mostly found greeting their teachers and mentors over phone, skipping the usual (gatherings), while few functions and programmes were also organised to recognise the contribution of the state’s teachers.
The Education department celebrated the Teachers’ Day in a function organised at the Shillong Public School, Laitumkhrah.
As many as 13 teachers, serving in different schools across the state, were awarded the State Award for Teachers while three received the District Award for East Khasi Hills District, as a mark of recognition and appreciation for their exemplary service.
Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, who was the chief guest, in his address congratulated the awardees and teachers from across the state for their dedication and selfless service in the pursuit of providing quality education to the student community, particularly during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Also, Principal Secretary, DP Wahlang, lauded the teachers’ yeoman service to the state and the society.
Special awards
On the day, the Special Award for Teachers Teaching in Inclusive Schools was conferred to Nostina Thein, Special Educator from Mary Rice Centre for Special Education.
Moreover, as many as nine teachers were 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.
Rotary Club
Meanwhile, the Rotary Club of Orchid City Shillong felicitated six ‘special teachers’ of Roilang Livelihoods Academy – a unit of Bethany Society, Shillong, on the occasion.
Certificate of appreciation were handed to Eldalyne Kharsati, Merliene Diengdoh, Manja Kynter, Tresila Nongdhar, Ester Lalringkim Pamthied and Sibashish Dey for their services in bringing light to numerous underprivileged and differently-abled youth of the state.
Carmo Noronha, Executive Director of Bethany Society was the special guest in the programme.
Resubelpara
The Teachers’ Day celebration was also held in the North Garo Hills district headquarters of Resubelpara, at its Dekachang Community Hall, with a sizeable number of teachers attending the programme.
Local legislator and deputy speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Timothy D Shira, in his address, spoke about the enduring efforts of teachers in moulding the minds of children and preparing them to face the challenges of the world as they grow up.
North Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner SC Sadhu, who attended the event as the guest of honour, echoed the views of Shira.
The DC pressed upon the teachers not to treat all students as the same since the students come from different family backgrounds and the strength and weaknesses of one child differs from another.
On the occasion, the teachers’ award was conferred to Sh. Wilton Marak, Headmaster of Daram Govt. UP School and Sh. Lewithson Marak, Headmaster of Bolsong LP School.
Baghmara
Joining others, Baghmara town in South Garo Hills also celebrated the day at the Baptist Community Hall in the district headquarters.
The Deputy Commissioner of South Garo Hills Hubert B Marak, who was the chief guest of the occasion, congratulated the district awardees and reiterated the contribution made by the teachers’ fraternity in transforming the society and uplifting the younger folks.