Shillong, Sep 5: Meghalaya joined hands with the rest of India to celebrate the 64th Teachers’ Day today with great fervour and exuberance.
The main event was organised by the Directorate of School Education and Literacy at U Soso Tham Auditorium here, with Governor Chandrashekhar H Vijayashankar handing out State Awards to outstanding educators from across all districts of the state.
The State Award was bestowed upon Raynold Basaiawmoit, Assistant Teacher at Gorkha Secondary School, 3rd Mile; Dafrit Nongkynrih from Tynring Government L.P. School; Firemoris Marngar, Head Teacher of Pungphreit Government L.P. School in West Khasi Hills; and Sr. Cicilia Kujur, Vice Principal of St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Mairang, Eastern West Khasi Hills.
Other recipients were Sengman Sangma from Lower Umsih Government L.P. School in South West Khasi Hills, Diamond Paswet from Government Boys’ Higher Secondary School in Jowai, Tasiana Kymphat from Tluh Secondary School in East Jaintia Hills, and Sukanta Bhattacharjee of St. Michael’s Higher Secondary School in Umsning, Ri Bhoi District. Also honoured were Aswini Kumar Sarma, Headmaster of Rongrenggiri Model Deficit Secondary School in Williamnagar, East Garo Hills; Maximus M. Kujur, Assistant Teacher at Bajengdoba Government U.P. School in Resubelpara, North Garo Hills; Alithson G. Momin, Assistant Teacher at Ampanggre Government L.P. School, and Purida I. Sangma, Headmistress of Chitoktak U.P. School, both from West Garo Hills, Tura.
In his address, Governor Vijayashankar lauded the teaching community as the backbone of nation-building. Reflecting on his personal background, he shared that his father was a school headmaster, giving him a deep appreciation for the hard work, responsibility, and commitment that the teaching profession demands.
The Governor remarked that teachers play a vital role in helping students understand the difference between right and wrong and in guiding them to become responsible members of society. He noted that a mother is often a child’s first teacher, and expressed his deep respect for both mothers and teachers as key influences in a person’s life.
Calling for continuous appreciation of teachers beyond just one day of celebration, the Governor urged government officials to ensure that educational policies are implemented effectively and truly benefit students across the state.
Quoting former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam concluded his speech by saying, “True education is about building life, character, and values not just acquiring information.”
The event concluded with a cultural programme, honouring the spirit and dedication of educators who continue to shape Meghalaya’s future generation.
On the occasion, the Governor also launched a video awareness campaign on IFC tablets under the PM POSHAN scheme. The launch took place in the presence of Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, Director of School Education and Literacy B.J. Kharshandi, and other senior officials.
In West Jaintia Hills, the celebration was attended by Jowai MLA Wailadmiki Shylla who handed over awards to Wompher Laloo, Headmistress Seinraij Secondary School, Jowai, Lalnunsiami Shylla, Assistant Teacher, Jingshai Mihngi Adventist Secondary School, Jowai, Sumarlang Pakma, Head Teacher, PM Shri Tpep Pale Government Lower Primary School, Jowai, Emidaka Lyngdoh, Guide Captain of Jowai open Unit Guide Company and Martin Pohplet, Scout Master of Amlarem Secondary School Scout Troop in recognition of their dedicated service.
In East Jaintia Hills District Rymbai-Khliehriat MDC Violet Lyngdoh gave away awards to teachers both in Secondary and Primary Levels as also the District Best Guide Captain 2025.
The awardees are Assistant Teacher of Khliehriat Higher Secondary School, Khliehriat, Laura Suja, Headmaster of Saipung Government U. P. School Lairemzoma Thianglai and Head Teacher of Sohkymphor Nein Government L.P. School Wiles Singh Langstang. The District Best Guide Captain 2025 was awarded to Memorial Nongtdu of Khliehriat Presbyterian Higher Secondary School.
In South West Khasi Hills Assistant Commissioner C. Kassar felicitated three teachers that include Ailadstar Nongrem Principal of Jakrem Presbyterian Higher Secondary School, Completely Imiong, Assistant Teacher of Nongnah Deficit Upper Primary School and Emberstone Marak Assistant Teacher of Tilagaw Government Lower Primary School.
In South West Garo Hills, the celebration was held at Ampati MFC wherein three teachers were presented with District Awards in recognition of their dedicated service and commitment to the cause of education.
The awardees are Albinson Marak, Headmaster of Nogorpara Deficit Secondary School in Secondary level; Carey Vinco Ch Marak, Headmaster, Ampati Deficit UP School from Upper Primary level; and Sahanaj Begum, Head Teacher of Majherchar Girls Govt LP School from Lower Primary level.
