On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, a State-level function was held at Peterhoff, Shimla, where Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla honoured 19 outstanding school teachers with State Awards and felicitated one teacher with the National Award for 2024. For the first time, awards were also presented to 19 teachers from colleges and technical education institutions, along with certificates of excellence.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor extended warm greetings to the entire teaching fraternity and congratulated the awardees for their dedication and tireless service, especially in remote and challenging regions of Himachal Pradesh. Quoting Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and Mahatma Gandhi, he emphasized that teaching is not just a profession, but a sacred duty that contributes immensely to nation-building.
He called upon teachers to go beyond traditional classroom roles, embrace innovation, and nurture students to become responsible citizens. Highlighting the significance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, he stressed the need for holistic education rooted in Indian values, research, and creativity. He also lauded Himachal Pradesh’s achievement in securing 5th rank nationally in the PARAKH 2025 survey, attributing it to the collective efforts of the teaching community.
The Governor urged teachers to actively contribute to the “Nasha Mukt Himachal” campaign by spreading awareness among students about the dangers of drug abuse. He also highlighted the need for environmental protection, especially in light of recent natural disasters, warning against reckless construction and deforestation. “Himachal is a natural treasure,” he said, “and it is our shared responsibility to protect its ecological heritage.”
On this occasion, the Governor also released a souvenir commemorating the event.
Education Minister Rohit Thakur, in his address, welcomed the Governor and reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to improving the quality of education. He spoke about key initiatives such as transparent award selection, foreign exposure tours for teachers, educational trips for students across India, and the establishment of English-medium schools in every constituency.
Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani expressed his appreciation for the inclusion of technical education teachers in the State Awards for the first time, calling it a significant step toward recognizing their contribution.
The programme also featured a cultural performance by students of Government Senior Secondary Schools Portmore and Totu. A two-minute silence was observed in memory of those who lost their lives in recent natural calamities.
Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar welcomed the dignitaries, while Director of School Education Ashish Kohli delivered the vote of thanks. Other notable attendees included Secretary to Governor C.P. Verma, Director Higher Education Amarjeet Sharma, and State Project Director Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan Rajesh Sharma.
