As an effective communicator, a teacher allows students to raise questions and addresses them by providing multiple answers as possibilities. Diligent students explore the solutions themselves and become successful in life.
Traditionally, the relationship between a teacher and a student is considered sacred in India. In maintaining this tradition, the nation pays its respects to teachers on September 5, which is, incidentally, the birthday of the late President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
Ahead of the Teachers Day, Sunday POST interacts with a few illustrious teachers who have been conferred medals by the President of India for their meritorious services to the student community.
Kavita Devi, a President’s award winner and a retired headmistress of Nandankanan UGUP School, Khurda, says, “Teachers can transform a school into a holy place if they wish. A teacher’s sincere efforts can generate a positive environment in the school for the students. A good teacher also sets an example before students by becoming a role model himself. As a teacher, I not only focus on syllabus, but also take care of the cleanliness in the school surroundings. I think, a teacher’s job is not limited to mechanically working for eight hours a day. In my school, I paid attention to quality education, while I insisted that the students take care of the environment, and sanitation. So, during their leisure, my students cleaned the premises and took care of school garden. In view of the government’s notification against engaging students in physical work at school, I abandoned some projects. The school is a place that ensures the physical, mental and intellectual growth of its students. In view of the restrictions, I stopped engaging kids in gardening work. Subsequently, the school garden lost its beauty. During summer vacations I engaged two helpers to clean the premises and took up gardening with my own money. So, a good teacher can always focus on the students’ sustainable development and such teachers alone command respect from their students.”, a teacher of Maharaja Krushna Chandra Uchha Vidyalaya, Mayurbhanj, has been awarded by the state government and the Centre for his dedication to educational development of his students. Biswal, a recipient of several awards from Nepal, Thailand, Dubai, Malaysia and Japan for his remarkable work in educational sector, has also bagged the prestigious Bharat Sikshya Ratna Award from Governor in 2005 and President’s medal in 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2014. A good teacher, according to him, is always with his students who reflect the teacher’s personality. Good behaviour and responsibility towards the students help the development of the school as well as students.
“The Mo school Abhiyan launched by the state government has helped the students become more communicative with the teachers. In my view a teacher should be able to identify what a student requires. As a teacher, I focus on imparting quality education to my students. I treat them as my children. It is always a teacher’s attitude that helps students’ growth. I encourage my students to take part in various competitions which the state or Centre organises.”
Harihar Sahoo, a teacher of Deogan Government Primary school of Dhenkanal district, is known for his dedication to quality teaching and learning. A recipient of the State Government award (2006), National award (2010) and Nikhila Utkal Baisya Sikshyak Gourab Samman, Sahoo says, “Students always follow the footsteps of their teachers. If a teacher wants his students’ overall improvement, he should be punctual to his duty and prove his dedication. In my school, I arrange various competitions and involve the students to create a conducive and competitive school environment for them. I also advise my colleagues to focus on extra-curricular activities of students besides their ciurse content.”
Gobardhan Bhoi, headmaster of Netra Bhanu Government High School, Jarasingha (Bolangir), focuses on the students’ academic development in rural areas where providing quality education is a difficult task as schools lack infrastructure, electricity, and laboratory among other things. Well-known as an ideal teacher in Bolangir district Bhoi organises awareness campaigns on environment, superstitions and sanitation. He was awarded as a best teacher by School and Mass Education department of Odisha in 2015, Dr BR Ambedkar National Samman Padak in 2015 and Babu Jagajivan Ram Sahitya Kala Sanskruti Academy award for the development and promotion of education in rural areas among others.
As a teacher, who has served his pupils for over 22 years, Bhoi says, “A good teacher always notices the inherent quality of his students. He is impartial in the treatment of his students as his treatment has a lasting impact on their lives.
“I always want my students to be good in studies and be good human beings. Teaching is both a profession and a service and I perform it as a service for the unprivileged students in rural areas,” avers Bhoi.
Krushida Begam, a teacher at Singh Sahi Primary School, Dhenkanal, has earned immense popularity for her creative thinking and dedication to work. She is also involved in various social activities undertaken by NGOs on working on education, child rights, environmental protection, water conservation and health sectors.
Enumerating the attributes required of a good teacher, she says, “A teacher plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of education. A teacher should love his/her students as their progeny. Besides, a friendly and congenial atmosphere at school helps students to come up in life. Every child has some inherent quality and it is the teacher’s responsibility to identify and explore it. Teachers should organise various activities at school and allow students to choose them according to their instincts. I have always tried to create a friendly atmosphere so that students could express themselves freely. A harmonious school environment provides the right opportunity for the students to grow and it is the teachers who should be instrumental in ensuring this. I believe, some students express themselves better than others. So, it is the teacher who should win the trust of students to help them communicate well to boost their personality.”
Bratati Baral, OP
