New Delhi: On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, President Droupadi Murmu today conferred the National Awards on teachers from across the country, celebrating their unwavering dedication and transformative role in shaping the nation’s future.
Earlier, the President paid floral tributes to Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former President of India, on his birth anniversary at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Addressing the gathering, the President underscored the foundational role of education in ensuring a person’s dignity and security, equating it with basic human needs such as food, clothing, and shelter, an official statement said.
Recalling her own time as a teacher, she described it as one of the most meaningful phases of her life.
President Murmu highlighted that education empowers individuals, enabling even those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve remarkable success. She credited devoted and affectionate teachers with nurturing students’ potential and giving wings to their aspirations.
“The greatest reward for teachers is to be remembered fondly by their students who go on to make valuable contributions to their families, society and the nation,” she said.
Emphasising that character building is the primary responsibility of a teacher, Murmu stressed the importance of nurturing sensitive, responsible and dedicated students who follow moral conduct, rather than those who are only interested in competition, bookish knowledge and selfishness.
She stated that a good teacher combines intellect with emotion, creating a lasting impact on students.
The President said that while smart blackboards, smart classrooms and other modern facilities have their own importance, but the important thing is smart teachers who understand the needs of their students’ development.
“Smart teachers make the process of study interesting and effective with affection and sensitivity. Such teachers make students capable of fulfilling the needs of society and the nation,” she said.
Advocating strongly for girls education, the President said, “By investing in girls’ education, we make an invaluable investment in the building of our family, society and nation. providing the best possible education to girls is the most effective way to promote women-led development.”
She mentioned about the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which prioritises initiatives like the expansion of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas and enhanced support for underprivileged girls. She urged teachers to pay special attention to shy or underprivileged students, especially girls, to ensure inclusive education.
Murmu said that the NEP aims to make India a global knowledge superpower. She expressed confidence that with the continued dedication and crucial contribution of Indian teachers across school, higher, and skill education, the nation will achieve the ambitious goal.
UNI
