Gangtok, September 05: A brief programme to commemorate the Teacher's Day, 2020 was organised in a simple manner at the Conference Hall of the Education Department today. The event was graced by Hon’ble Minister for Education Shri Kunga Nima Lepcha in the presence of Shri M.P. Subba, Advisor, Education Department, Additional Chief Secretary Shri G.P. Upadhyaya, Secretary Shri Anil Raj Rai along with all Directors and Additional Directors.
The ACS, Shri G.P. Upadhyaya welcomed the guests and officers present. While highlighting the importance of the Teacher's Day, he acknowledged the contribution of the teachers in shaping the lives of thousands of students. He also mentioned that out of 45 total awardees in India this year, 02 are from Sikkim to get the National Award for Teachers. Medals and certificates have been mailed from Delhi and the Department is contemplating a programme at the Raj Bhawan to felicitate national and state awardees. He further mentioned that the Government has conferred the State Teachers’ Awards upon 8 teachers and Commendation Awards to 15 teachers this year. The Department has congratulated them for their earnest works and achievement.
Shri M.P. Subba, Advisor, while addressing the gathering, stated that the ideals of Dr Radhakrishnan require to be disseminated by the senior level officers. He urged to ensure whether we are reaching out to the teachers to really acknowledge their achievement. He also mentioned that we all need to ponder this factor and ensure reaching out to the teachers. Recognising, acknowledging and understanding each other and their profession is important. A creative, congenial, vibrant and professional environment is the call of the day and we need to ensure teaching profession as a respected and well sought for.
Speaking on the occasion, the Hon'ble Minister Shri K.N. Lepcha expressed his happiness that despite many protocols to be observed, a small but well-planned programme was organised. He mentioned that the respect towards teachers in the earlier days really encouraged them to perform for the wellbeing of their students. Teachers are the ultimate source of knowledge and deserve the respect. At the same time, it is also important to involve the teachers and understand their concepts for proper planning in education sector. Regarding the functioning pattern, he mentioned that it is time for decentralisation and devolution of powers and functions in order to empower the districts. He has further acknowledged the hard works done by the teachers during the lockdown. He further congratulated all the award winners and mentioned that their contribution has helped us acquire the current status in education sector. He also mentioned that discussion and deliberation on National Education Policy, 2020 are underway and a meeting will be conducted on September 08, 2020 to work out action plan by respective Directorates for framing policy.
The programme concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the Secretary Shri Anil Raj Rai