Fitting tributes paid to teachers on their day
Bandhs, blockades affect education : CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 05 2026: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand today stated that bandhs, blockades and agitations adversely affect the education sector while attending the State-Level Teachers' Day Celebration, 2026, organised by the Department of Education at the City Convention Centre, Palace Compound, Imphal.

The Chief Minister said bandhs, agitations and blockades ultimately cause hardship to the people and adversely affect the economy and education sector.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, the Chief Minister said Teachers' Day serves as a reminder that teaching is not merely a profession but a noble responsibility and a National duty.

Fitting tributes paid to teachers on their day

He said the true character of a teacher lies in treating every student with the same care and concern as one's own family member.

Khemchand said his late father was an English teacher at Ramlal Paul School and used to teach many students at home.

Recalling an incident when his father caught one of his students copying during an examination, he said the student threw a stone at his father while he was returning home on his bicycle.

However, despite knowing the student, his father did not expel him from the school, he added.

Khemchand said his father told him that he would counsel the student the next day to ensure he learnt from his mistake.

Appreciating the dedication and commitment of teachers, he said every teacher has a unique way of contributing to society by educating and guiding young minds.

Referring to the prevailing situation in Manipur, the Chief Minister said the State has faced several issues and crises, but there are now signs that peace is gradually returning.

He particularly appreciated the students of TG Higher Secondary School and CC Higher Secondary School for displaying maturity and restraint during the recent issue related to the census.

Recalling his recent interaction with student leaders, he said the students acted responsibly and did not resort to agitation.

He appreciated their decision not to participate in the bandh called in connection with the issue.

The Chief Minister said bandhs, agitations and blockades ultimately cause hardship to the people and adversely affect the economy and education sector.

He added that issues can only be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, he added.

The Chief Minister also said that he does not use Facebook often these days due to the abusive posts and comments made online, as he does not want people to be arrested over their social media posts.

He said he avoids using Facebook because seeing abusive comments could make him angry and, being human, he too might react emotionally, which could potentially lead to someone being arrested.

Khemchand also said that he used to come across productive discussions on issues concerning Manipur on social media, but there were also people who made random comments.

He also said that a woman who identified herself as an Ima used to make random comments during TV discussion programmes and even phoned him personally.

She became angry when he did not answer her calls, he claimed.

The Chief Minister also paid floral tribute to Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, whose birth anniversary is observed as Teachers' Day across the country, and highlighted his contributions as a philosopher, educationist and former President of India.

Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur, in his address, stressed the importance of education in shaping the future of children and society.

He said good education opens the way for a better future for children and added that generations are shaped through education.

During the celebration, the Chief Minister presented the State Teachers' Awards, 2026, to six teachers in person-Oinam Ranjit Singh, Salam Sunita Devi, RK Badal Singh, Hanjabam Sangeeta Devi, Phelim Keishing and Kakching-tabam Pramodini Devi.

Another awardee, M Mangkhoneng Haokip of Tengnoupal district, received the award through the ADC, Tengnoupal, via video conferencing.

A total of seven teachers were honoured, with each recipient receiving a cash award of Rs 50,000 .

The Chief Minister's Educational Award for Educational Excellence was also presented to eight colleges.

Nambol L Sanoi College, Standard College and Liberal College secured the top three positions and received cash prizes of Rs 5 lakh, Rs 3 lakh and Rs 2 lakh, respectively.

Five other colleges viz Don Bosco College (Autonomous), Kha Manipur College, Modern College, Manipur College and DM College of Teacher Education received consolation prizes of Rs 1 lakh each.

The programme was attended by Commissioner (Education) Ningthoujam Geoffrey, Director (University and Higher Education) Laishram Radhakanta Singh and Director (Education) Ng Bhogendra Meitei, besides teachers, officials and staff of the Education Department.