Patience and positive attitude and never shying away from challenges are the traits of Timothy Jones Dhar who was awarded the prestigious National Teachers’ Award by President of India, Droupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi today on the occasion of Teachers’ Day.
From Meghalaya, Dhar and Madhav Singh received the National Teachers’ Award 2023 from the President.
Dhar is an instructor for Mechanic Motor Vehicle in the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) at Rynjah here.
Since the last 25 years, Dhar has been imparting advanced practical training despite limited resources. He is using his innovative mind and 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 the state of Meghalaya.
His contribution is highly commendable as his trainings have been helping his students find their way to success.
Some of his trainees have secured very good positions in All India Trade Test exams. In him the trainees find a true mentor.
Dhar also received Kaushalacharya Awards during 2019-20.
Madhav Singh, who is a Science teacher at Alpha English Higher Secondary School at Nongpoh in Ri-Bhoi District Singh is a resource person in National Children’s Science Congress and is actively involved in popularising science among young children.
As a coordinator of Green Club, he is instrumental in organising environmental protection activities. He has also authored a book on health education.
Singh had also received Meghalaya’s best teacher award in 2021.
Terming his achievement as a remarkable one and expressed his gratitude to everyone, he said, “Well I am very much excited. The day when I received the message that I am getting 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), Ri-Bhoi District and all the people of Meghalaya for this recognition given and it is all because of people of Meghalaya.”
Speaking about his journey as a teacher, Singh said that it all started from the year 2000 when he had just completed his college studies.
On the turn of events that led to choosing teaching as a career, he said, “After completing my B.Sc from Sankar Dev College, Shillong, I was waiting for my result in 2000. Then one of my teachers was deputed for B.Ed training from Ri-Bhoi Presbyterian Secondary School, Nongpoh, so I had to officiate him for one year. After that my classmate Melvin Passah, who is now a Pastor, requested me to teach in Alpha English Higher Secondary School, Nongpoh in 2001 and automatically I don’t know what happen I just continued teaching and I have been teaching in the same school Alpha English Higher Secondary School, Nongpoh till date.”
Speaking about his passion for Science and how he developed the interest for the subject, Singh said he had special interest for Science from his school and various conducive environments since those days helped him in developing his interest.
“Right from the time when I was a student, the Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi District K N Kumar started organising science exhibitions and competitions during 1992-93 and as a student of Ri-Bhoi Presbyterian School, Nongpoh I have enjoyed science exhibitions since then. When I was appointed as a teacher I helped my students to make science models and take keen interest in science. I am thankful to the State Council of Science, Technology and Environment which helped inculcate scientific temperament in me and I too develop the same to my students,” Singh said.
Terming Science as one of the most interesting subjects, Singh said that the teacher should teach in the simplest method and make the learning a fun experience.
He added, “First of all in students’ minds, Science is a tough subject. So we should teach the subject in a simple method where students can understand your teaching. Conduct experiments while teaching and make students feel that it is not a tough subject. Science is actually an interesting subject and every child must have scientific knowledge which helps in understanding the subject scientifically.”
Singh also exhorted young teachers to give their best in teaching Science, as he said, “You dedicate yourself in teaching and enlighten the light of science education in the young buds.”
