Educators of all kinds were at the centre of today’s Teachers’ Day celebrations, which were held across the state.
The main event, attended by more than 500 teachers, was organised by the Directorate of School Education and Literacy at U Soso Tham Auditorium here. The programme was a vibrant tribute to the teaching community, recognising their invaluable contributions to the education sector.
Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma congratulated teachers and recipients of national, state and district awards. He underscored the pivotal role teachers play in shaping the nation’s future.
A highlight of the event was the recognition of outstanding educators from across the state. This year, a total of one national award, 14 state awards and 36 district awards were presented to commendable teachers for their exceptional service.
Several significant educational initiatives were also launched during the event. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma launched the CM IMPACT Guidebooks, Science and TLM Kits, Guidelines on Bagless Days prepared by DERT and a booklet on nutrition under PM POSHAN.
In his address, the CM praised the dedication of the teaching community and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bolstering the education sector.
In Ampati, a vibrant celebration of dedication and excellence in education was organised by the office of the District School Education Officer of South West Garo Hills.
Among the distinguished awardees were Sanjib A Sangma, Assistant Teacher of Boldamgre Deficit Secondary School, Grebingham B Sangma, Headmaster of Ampati Deficit Upper Primary School, and Jahan Miah, Headmaster of Kukurmua Government Lower Primary School. They were recognised for their tireless efforts and commitment.
Adding to the accolades, Victor Dorana T Sangma, Assistant Teacher and Scout and Guide Teacher at St Dominic Savio Higher Secondary School, Garobadha, was celebrated as the Best Scout Master, while Silje Ch Momin, Assistant Teacher and Guide Captain at Birin Nuchong Secondary School, Ampati, received the Best Guide Captain award.
Mahendraganj MLA and advisor to the government, Sanjay Sangma, said that repairs of 250 government lower primary schools have been undertaken in the district.
He further highlighted the remarkable achievements of students from the region, many of whom have earned places at prestigious institutions such as IIMs and IITs.
In Jowai, Lahkmen Rymbui, Amlarem MLA and chief adviser to the government, was the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Rymbui praised the teachers for their selfless contribution to moulding and shaping the lives of students. He emphasised that teaching is no longer a simple routine job but a demanding profession that requires teachers to not only impart knowledge but also empower students and guide them to become responsible citizens capable of navigating the complexity of the modern world.
“The role of teachers goes beyond educating young minds, it involves giving students the freedom to think, instil hope and most importantly nurturing them to become good human beings,” Rymbui remarked.
He expresses his satisfaction with the progress teachers have made in improving their skills through various training, including online platforms like NISHTHA. He highlighted the importance of continuous professional development and adaptation to the changing aims and aspirations of students, who now have a wider array of opportunities than ever before. “Gone are the days when students had limited goals. Today’s youth have diverse ambitions and it is not easy for teachers to guide them towards their chosen paths”, he said.
During the celebration, distinguished teachers were honoured with district awards for their exceptional contribution. Mementos and certificates were presented to Diamond Paswet, Assistant Lecturer, Government Boys’ Higher Secondary School, Emperor Gassah, Head Master, Trangblang Govt U.P School, Trangblang, Pratap Singh Khonglah, Head Teacher, SR Manner Memorial Government Lower Primary School, Sohkha, Carefully Gassah, Scout Master, Assistant Scoutmaster, Jowai Open Scout Troop, Grecorisa Sana, Guide Captain, Lissi Pearl Guide Company.
Teachers of North Garo Hills were honoured at Mendipathar.
District Teacher Awards were bestowed on Manoranjan Biswas, Ringrang Sangma, Glizer Marak, Scout Master Denam Marak and Guide Captain Dimche Marak, who received the award from Deputy Speaker and local MLA Timothy D Shira.
Nongpoh witnessed awards handed out by Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun. The three awardees were Sukanta Bhattacharjee, Assistant Lecturer at St Michael’s Higher Secondary School, Umsning, Ristrolian Nongrum, Assistant teacher, Nehru Memorial Secondary School, Umsning, and Mary Magdalin Lamo, Assistant teacher, St Jude LP School, Umpher, Byrnihat. Varsha Sharma of Little Flower Sec School Baridua was Best Scout Master and Manosha Kalwieng of St Paul’s Hr Sec School was Best Guide Captain.
In Baghmara, the district awardees were Quilline M Sangma, Headmistress of Rangku Memorial Girls Secondary School, Phurison N Sangma, Assistant Teacher of Chokpot Government UP School, and Sothin G Momin, Headmaster of Namchapara Government LP School. Sengban Marak received the Best Scout Master award and Sengchira Momin received Best Guide Captain award.
During the function, Shubham Sarkar, who secured 18th position in the MBOSE SSLC board exams 2024 was felicitated. He is the first student from South Garo Hills to have secured such a high ranking in SSLC examination.
