Guv calls teachers most respected figures in one’s life; CM urges educators to continue shaping future generations
SHILLONG/NONGPOH/JOWAI/KHLIEHRIAT, Sep 5: Recognising the invaluable contributions of the teaching fraternity, Meghalaya on Friday joined the rest of the nation in celebrating Teachers’ Day with a series of events across the state. From the capital Shillong to the remote villages of Garo and Jaintia Hills, tributes poured in for educators whose dedication and sacrifices continue to shape generations.
Celebration in Shillong
More than 500 teachers from different corners of the state gathered at U Soso Tham Auditorium to participate in the state-level Teachers’ Day celebration, organised by the Directorate of School Education and Literacy.
The programme’s highlight was the presentation of State Awards to outstanding educators from various districts, conferred by Governor CH Vijayashankar.
In his address, Governor Vijayashankar lauded the commitment of teachers, describing them, alongside mothers, as the most respected figures in a person’s life. “Without the support and mentoring of teachers, students cannot fully develop their personality. It is only in the classroom under their guidance that children acquire the values and skills to excel in academics, sports, music and other fields,” he said.
Quoting former President APJ Abdul Kalam, the Governor said that education must transcend the transfer of information to become life-building, man-making and character-building.
He then urged students to take pride in their cultural heritage and live with dignity.
Calling upon senior government officials to ensure that education policies truly benefit learners, the Governor added, “May we continue to honour teachers not only on this day but every day, by acknowledging their immense contribution towards shaping the future of our children.”
On the occasion, the Governor also launched a video awareness campaign on IFC tablets under the PM POSHAN scheme, in the presence of Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, Director of School Education and Literacy BJ Kharshandi, and other senior officials.
The event concluded with a vibrant cultural programme that honoured the spirit of teaching and celebrated educators as torchbearers of knowledge.
The teachers who were conferred with the State Awards this year included Raynold Basaiawmoit (Gorkha Secondary School, East Khasi Hills), Dafrit Nongkynrih (Tynring Government LP School, East Khasi Hills), Firemoris Marngar (Pungphreit Government LP School, West Khasi Hills), Sr. Cicilia Kujur (St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Eastern West Khasi Hills), Sengman Sangma (Lower Umsih Government LP School, South West Khasi Hills), Diamond Paswet (Government Boys’ Higher Secondary School, West Jaintia Hills), Tasiana Kymphat (Tluh Secondary School, East Jaintia Hills), Sukanta Bhattacharjee (St. Michael’s Higher Secondary School, Ri-Bhoi), Aswini Kumar Sarma (Rongrenggiri Model Deficit Secondary School, East Garo Hills), Maximus M. Kujur (Bajengdoba Government U.P. School, North Garo Hills), Alithson G. Momin (Ampanggre Government LP School, West Garo Hills), Purida I. Sangma (Chitoktak UP School, West Garo Hills), Sanjib A. Sangma (Boldamgre Deficit Secondary School, South West Garo Hills) and Bijoy Saha (Rugapara Deficit Secondary School, South Garo Hills).
Beyond official functions, underprivileged children from SPARK Educational Centres held a heartfelt celebration to honour their teachers in Mawlong, Mawlynrei, Pongkung, Rangmen and Bara Bazaar slum. According to a statement here, More than 300 children actively participated in the programme, making every effort to express their love, respect and gratitude.
Many children came forward to share how their teachers had inspired and supported them not only academically but also emotionally and personally.
During the programme, several students expressed their dream of becoming teachers themselves so that they too could guide other children towards education and empowerment.
The programme also included special performances, each one highlighting the impact of teachers in shaping lives.
GH honours educators
Garo Hills also joined the Teachers’ Day celebrations with programmes organised across different districts, honouring educators for their dedication and service to the cause of education.
In Tura, West Garo Hills, the event was held at the District Auditorium with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma as the chief guest.
He congratulated the award recipients from the district, urging them to continue their dedication towards shaping future generations. “Teachers are the true nation builders, and their contribution to society is invaluable,” he said.
This year’s district awardees included Sorash Marak, Headmaster of Dalamgre LP School, Dalu; Luckyrina A. Sangma, Headmistress of Perennial Upper Primary School, Anogre; Bikromjit A. Sangma, Scout Master at Tura Public School; Taringchi S. Sangma, Guide at Baden Powell Memorial LP School, Rongkon; and Nishita Saha, Assistant Teacher at Christian Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Tura.
In South West Garo Hills, the celebration was organised at Ampati MFC, where three teachers were honoured with District Awards 2025. They were Albinson Marak, Headmaster of Nogorpara Deficit Secondary School (secondary level); Carey Vinco Ch. Marak, Headmaster of Ampati Deficit UP School (upper primary level); and Sahanaj Begum, Head Teacher of Majherchar Girls’ Government LP School (lower primary level).
Rangsakona MLA and KVIB Chairman Subir Marak, who was the chief guest during the event, noted that teaching is often seen as a last resort profession but stressed that empowering teachers is essential for building a strong education system.
On the other hand, Deputy Commissioner Hema Nayak, who attended the programme as the guest of honour, commended teachers for their tireless service, particularly in rural and remote areas.
The event also featured cultural performances by students, including songs, dances and a skit on the value of education.
In South Garo Hills, the celebrations took place at UBSS Hall, Baghmara, where three teachers, viz. Wiseson Ch. Sangma of Sibbari Deficit Secondary School, Arabinda Das of Rugapara Government UP School, and Silash Ch. Marak of Magapagre Government LP School were honoured for their dedicated service.
Deputy Commissioner Sumit Kumar Singh, who was the chief guest for the programme, lauded the teachers’ commitment and highlighted the role of education in preventing substance abuse among youth, a growing concern in the district.
He also emphasised the need for Aadhaar enrolment of students to ensure access to government welfare schemes.
Celebrations in Ri-Bhoi
In Ri-Bhoi, Teachers’ Day was celebrated through a district-level programme organised by the Office of the District School Education Officer and the Sub-Divisional School Education Officer at the Parish Hall of St. Paul’s Higher Secondary School, Nongpoh.
The programme was attended by Mawhati MLA Charles Marngar as the chief guest, while Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal attended the same as guest of honour.
The function was also attended by DSEO Savio B. Blah, Joint Director of School Education and Literacy D. Hujon, and officials teachers and students from across the district.
Three teachers were conferred with District Awards, namely Streamlet Khongwir, Assistant Teacher of Nehru Memorial Higher Secondary School, Umsning (Secondary Level); Roshan Pokhrel, Headmaster of Nepali Government School, Nongpoh (Upper Primary Level); and Jesful Wahlang, Head Teacher of Centre Village Government Lower Primary School, Jirang (Lower Primary Level).
Addressing the gathering, Baranwal highlighted the dual role of teachers in imparting knowledge and life lessons, stressing that their influence goes beyond textbooks. The DC encouraged students to express gratitude, pointing out that appreciation motivates teachers to go the extra mile.
In his remarks, MLA Marngar paid tribute to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, whose birthday is commemorated as Teachers’ Day.
Describing teachers as heroes in the eyes of students, he quoted Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai’s words on the transformative power of “one book, one pen, one child and one teacher.”
Meanwhile, Plasha RCLP and RCUP School in Rongjari under Umden area held its own programme, which was attended by Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem as the chief guest.
Established in 1976, the school is nearing five decades of service but continues to face infrastructural challenges. Teachers and parents placed their concerns before the MLA, requesting support for facilities such as a proper school building, computers, and separate toilets.
During the programme, Syiem praised teachers as vital contributors to society and reflected on the influence of his own educators. He assured the school community that improvements would be taken up in phases, expressing hope for a better future.
Events mark Teachers’ Day in EJH, WJH
In Jowai, the District School Education Officer organised the 64th Teachers’ Day celebration at the District Library Auditorium. Local MLA Wailadmiki Shylla, who attended the event as the chief guest, praised teachers as nation-builders and mentors who shape students beyond academics.
He also highlighted government efforts to strengthen education through new institutions and infrastructure.
District Awards were presented to five individuals, namely Wompher Laloo (Seinraij Secondary School, Jowai), Lalnunsiami Shylla (Jingshai Mihngi Adventist Secondary School, Jowai), Sumarlang Pakma (PM Shri Tpep Pale Government Lower Primary School, Jowai), Emidaka Lyngdoh (Guide Captain, Jowai Open Unit Guide Company), and Martin Pohplet (Scout Master, Amlarem Secondary School).
During the programme, SDO (Sadar) Vevotolu Kezo emphasised the lasting impact of teachers as educators and cultural custodians, while encouraging students to live by the values imparted by their mentors.
The programme also featured cultural performances by schoolchildren.
At Khliehriat in East Jaintia Hills, Teachers’ Day was celebrated at the Higher Secondary School Auditorium, with Rymbai-Khliehriat MDC Violet Lyngdoh as the chief guest.
In her address, she congratulated teachers for their selfless service and described them as lamps that light up lives.
On the other hand, Additional Deputy Commissioner SR Marak also lauded the teaching community, urging students to strive for excellence.
District Awards were conferred upon Laura Suja (Khliehriat Higher Secondary School), Lairemzoma Thianglai (Saipung Government UP School), Wiles Singh Langstang (Sohkymphor Nein Government LP School) and Memorial Nongtdu (Khliehriat Presbyterian Higher Secondary School, Best Guide Captain).