By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 5: Innovation and perseverance exuded by two outstanding teachers from Meghalaya have earned them the National Teachers’ Award conferred on them by none other than the President of India, Droupadi Murmu at a spectacular programme held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, on the occasion of Teachers’ Day on Tuesday.
The teachers are Timothy Jhones Dhar and Madhav Singh.
In the words of Dhar, who is an instructor for Motor Mechanic Vehicle at ITI, Shillong, “For a teacher, the most rewarding part is to see the growth of your students. It is also give us the motivation to work harder and to adapt to the new technique in this field to be able to teach my students better.”
Speaking to The Shillong Times over telephone from Delhi, Dhar said that it is a dream for any teacher to get such recognition.
“For me it is a lifetime achievement. This was possible due to the blessing of God and my well-wishers,” he said.
Dhar completed a certificate course on MMV from ITI, Shillong, in 1988.
Although he had to struggle during the initial years with 8 years dedicated to private workshops and a two-year stint with Rani Motors, he however landed a job as an MMV instructor in 1998 and received his first posting in ITI, Jowai.
He has now been posted as a Mechanic Motor Vehicle Inspector at Shillong Industrial Training Institute since 2013.
Since the last 25 years, Dhar has been imparting advanced practical training despite limited resources.
He uses an innovative mind and adept techniques in his method of teaching. Because of his dedication, his trainees have received excellent employment opportunities in various motor factories and workshops both in and out of Meghalaya.
Some of his trainees have secured very good positions in All India Trade Test exams. He also received Kaushalacharya awards during 2019-20.
He has a patient and positive attitude and never shies away from challenges. In him, the trainees find a true mentor.
Dhar said that he was just doing his job because motor mechanics is something that is not easy to understand.
According to him, there are many of his students who have either set up their own workshop or work in private workshops.
“My students are also working in workshops of major car companies like Toyota, Maruti Suzuki and so on,” Dhar said.
Another gem of a teacher, Madhav Singh Singh, finds passion in Science.
According to him, students perceive Science as a tough subject, but he believes that it is one of the most interesting subjects, which, if taught in the simplest of ways while making the learning a fun experience, such a notion about the subject can be changed.
A Science teacher at Alpha English Higher Secondary School, Ri-Bhoi, Singh completed his BSc degree from Shankar Dev College, Shillong, in 2000.
He subsequently got a chance to teach at Alpha English Higher Secondary School Nongpoh in 2001, and since then he has continued at the school till date.
On being conferred with the prestigious award, he recalled receiving the message that he was getting the National Teachers’ Award 2023. “I got emotional. I thank God for this wonderful achievement and dedicate this Award to my parents, my Principal, Vice-Principal, teachers, colleagues, my dear students, my village people (Nongpoh), and all the people of Meghalaya for this recognition given and it is all because of people of Meghalaya.”
The purpose of National Teachers’ Award is to celebrate the unique contribution of teachers in the country and to honour those teachers who, through their commitment and dedication, have not only improved the quality of education but also enriched the lives of their students.
Each award carries a certificate of merit, a cash award of Rs 50,000 and a silver medal.