Imphal, September 05, 2010: On the occasion of the Teachers' Day celebration, 10 teachers of government schools were honoured with State Teachers' Award recognizing their dedicated service in the profession.

This was done in a function held at the office premises of the Education (S) Department, Lamphel today.

Gifts were also presented to headmasters and principals of the government run HSSLC and HSLC schools which had produced high scoring students.

State Education Minister, L Jayentakumar graced the function as chief guest.

Teachers who were conferred and honoured with State Teachers' Award were Thangjalhun, graduate teacher of Rengkai Government High School,Sumkhochung Aimol, headmaster of Tengnoupal Government High School, Germa, head master in-charge of Thoubal Leitanthem Kanhai Junior High School, L.Ibopishak, science graduate teacher of Gokul Junior High School, Ng Kesho, lecturer of Ibotonsana Higher Secondary School, K.Sumati, principal of TG Higher Secondary School, Gouramohan head master in-charge of Bhairodan Memorial Hindi Primary School, Y.Shamu, headmaster in-charge of Kakching Makha High School, and M Gambhini headmistress of Wangkhei High School.

Headmasters and teachers of schools who produced top 10 students in the HSLC and HSSLC exams were also honoured with presentations.

The function began with offering of floral tributes to the photograph of the country's second President, academic philosopher Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan.

Addressing the teachers, the chief guest spoke about the role of the teachers of the elementary schools in moulding children to be perfect citizens.

Students need to have a solid foundation which has to be built by the teachers of elementary schools.

The sorry state prevailing in Manipur needs to be rectified, Jayentakumar said calling on teachers to take an active role in creating an ideal society.

The value of teachers is being shown by the fact that Teachers Day is observed to show respect to them.

A few teachers who are irregular in attendance and turn up only to append their signatures in the register book and are engaged in contract works have lowered the respect given to their profession, the minister observed and appealed to teachers to leave such habits and work with a spirit of sacrifice for the children.

While informing that a new education policy which would witness a marked difference from the existing policy, the minister announced that the new policy will require the teachers to put in more labour.

They have to impart special training on computers and other high-tech knowhow with the era of teaching students with computers having arrived in Manipur.

He reiterated to give incentives to students securing high marks in HSLC and HSSLC exams and said that government is getting ready to launch the scheme by including the required fund in the state budget.

The unfortunate thing for education in the state is that while all sections of the society are demanding to make education a free zone, anti-social elements continue to threaten teachers even by intruding into school campuses, Jayentakumar said citing the recent incidents at Johnstone Higher Secondary School and Ananda Singh Higher Secondary School in which extortionists were held by students.

Despite such disturbances, development of education in the state should not be stalled.

Government is also taking up various human resource development programmes in the state, the minister added.

The state level celebration function was presided over by commissioner of education (s) and Prof W Nabakumar and director of education (s) Ranjit as guests of honour.

Comment