National Teachers’ Awards 2020: President Kovind confers awards to 47 teachers across India…

New Delhi, Sept 05 (HS) President Ram Nath Kovind, conferred National Teachers’ Awards to 47 teachers from across the country in the first ever award ceremony held virtually today (September 5, 2020). 

The national level awards are given to celebrate the unique contribution of some of the finest teachers in the country and to honour those teachers who through their commitment have not only improved the quality of school education but also enriched the lives of their students.

“Good buildings, expensive equipments or facilities do not make a good school but teachers have a crucial role in building a good school.They are the ones who develop foundation of knowledge and character building in our students,” Kovind said at the virtual award ceremony.

Lauding the role of teachers during COVID-19 pandemic when schools and colleges are closed, the president said, “We also need to ensure that the medium for availing digital education facility is also available in rural and distant areas.”

President observed that about 40 percent of the winners were women and appreciated the role women.

“Celebrating his birthday as Teachers’ Day is a mere token for the services he had rendered towards the development of the nation and also a mark of respect for the entire community of educators,” Kovind added.

Pointing out at the digital divide, he also emphasized that steps should be taken so that children from tribal and far-flung areas are also benefited.

The Ministry of Education invited self-nomination by teachers through online portal for the awards. First level scrutiny was done by District Selection Committee (DSC) headed by the District Education Officer. Based on prescribed selection criteria, DSC shortlisted three names and the same were forwarded to State Selection Committee through an online portal. This year, the candidates appeared before the jury through video conference and made presentations.