Smt. Swedesunuo Zoo, Head Teacher of Government Middle School Jakhama, made all of us proud by winning the prestigious Teachers National Award 2021. There were 44 awardees across the subcontinent, and she was the only one from Nagaland.
C. Shanavas, IAS, Principal Director of School Education, highlighted the unique practices of this educator. His words are an appreciation for all educators who are dedicated, hardworking, innovative, and trustworthy across the state.
Despite many calls, the practice of proxy teachers running schools continues in Nagaland. Teachers on the payroll of the Government and not performing their teaching-learning duties are literally doing a crime to society and the future of the land. The social commitment and responsibilities of teachers are highlighted everywhere. A long gap exists between planning and implementation until and unless teachers recognise their role in society.
India celebrated Teachers Day on 5th September. Although I couldn’t read all the messages in my inbox, I flipped and scrolled down one after another. As the memory of the phone reached its maximum, I deleted some messages to allow more beautiful messages to be accommodated.
One message was touching, in which one message was very meaningful and touching. I will rewrite that for easy comprehension;
A TEACHER must be: As a Trustworthy transmitter of knowledge, and Efficacious and enthusiastic mentor, Attracting every child towards them for guidance, they are Creative and innovative in all aspects of their life, are very Happy in their profession, are Empathetic, and always Regular in their duties.
Eminent scholar and teacher Dr. S. Radhakrishnan wanted to know more about the President of India than as a teacher. With all the above qualities, he was a unique individual. He is a role model for all teachers. His birthday is celebrated as Teachers Day because we are proud of him.
The academic journey he took was excellent and outstanding. He graduated from Madras Christian College at the age of 19. He also completed his Master’s degree there. His dissertation was published when he was 20 years old. He was appointed to the Department of Philosophy at Madras Presidency College in 1909. Served as a professor of philosophy at the University of Mysore in 1918. As a professor at the University of Calcutta in 1921. He served as Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University from 1931 to 1936. He was nominated to Oxford University in 1936. His other notable accomplishments include serving as Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University from 1939-1948 as the successor to Pt. Madhan Mohan Malaviya. Finally appointed as the first Vice-President and the second President of the Republic of India.
Whenever something extraordinary is discovered, you will find the fingerprints of the teacher who made it. Mr. Arne Duncan, an American educator summarised this quote: “Whenever you find something extraordinary, you will find the fingerprints of a great teacher.”
With these proven words, Arne Duncan says; there is a touch of a god’s hand in the form of a teacher on all of our achievements, awards, and recognitions. This truth cannot be forgotten. The beautiful memories we cherish are priceless.
It must be you who have inspired someone, consciously or unconsciously, the touch of his hand through you may make history.
I am proud to say that I am a teacher.
Have a blessed day.
Rev.Fr.Dr.P.S. Varghese
Principal
MGM College, Midland
psvargheseachen@gmail.com
