TFP Raipur, September 5, 2025: The Raj Bhavan witnessed a grand celebration of knowledge and dedication on the occasion of Teachers’ Day as Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai felicitated outstanding educators from across Chhattisgarh. The state-level Teachers’ Felicitation Ceremony, held at the Chhattisgarh Mandapam, brought together hundreds of educators, officials, and dignitaries to honour those who have made exceptional contributions to the field of education.
A total of 64 teachers were honoured with the Governor’s Award for the year 2024. School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav, addressing the gathering, also announced the names of 64 teachers who have been selected for the State Teachers’ Awards for 2025, further extending recognition to educators shaping the future of students across the state.
Delivering the keynote address, Governor Ramen Deka paid homage to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s first Vice-President and one of the country’s most respected educationists. He described education as the most powerful tool for holistic development and teachers as guiding lights in students’ lives. “A teacher is not just an instructor but a role model. They inspire, shape and nurture responsible citizens,” he said, urging teachers to instil resilience in students to face life’s challenges.
The Governor highlighted the importance of making education attractive and accessible, emphasizing that it is not the physical infrastructure of schools but the quality of teaching that truly matters. Referring to India’s ancient Gurukul tradition, he called it exemplary and relevant even today. He described the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as a landmark reform, stressing that its emphasis on skill-based learning and mother-tongue instruction would transform education in India. “When a child learns in his or her mother tongue, learning becomes more natural and engaging,” he said. He also applauded teachers in Chhattisgarh for adopting creative teaching methods and urged them to continue updating the curriculum to match the demands of a changing society.
Presiding over the event, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said teachers are the true architects of society and the nation. “Like a lamp that burns itself to give light, teachers dedicate their lives to spreading knowledge despite challenges,” he remarked. He noted that Chhattisgarh, now celebrating its Silver Jubilee year, has made great strides in the field of education. “From just a handful of institutions at the time of state formation, today we have over 20 universities, more than 15 medical colleges, and national-level institutes like IIT, IIM, AIIMS, and the National Law University. Education is the mantra of development, and life is incomplete without it,” the Chief Minister said.
He reiterated his government’s commitment to ensuring access to education for every child. “We are making efforts to provide schools within easy reach – primary schools within 1 km, middle schools within 3–4 km, high schools within 6–7 km, higher secondary schools within 8–10 km, and colleges in every block. Education must be within the reach of all,” Sai said. He also lauded the innovative initiatives being rolled out by the education department to make learning more inclusive and effective.
On this occasion, four teachers were honoured with prestigious memorial awards. Ajay Kumar Chaturvedi of Surajpur received the Dr. Padumlal Punnalal Bakshi Memorial Award, Ramesh Kumar Chandravanshi of Kabirdham was conferred with the Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh Memorial Award, Sunita Yadav of Sarangarh–Bilaigarh received the Dr. Mukutdhar Pandey Memorial Award, and Bhojram Patel of Raigarh district was awarded the Dr. Baldev Prasad Mishra Memorial Award. These awards recognized not only academic excellence but also the commitment of teachers to social and cultural upliftment.
The ceremony also celebrated 64 outstanding educators from various categories including Headmasters, Lecturers, LB Lecturers, LB Teachers, Assistant Teachers, and LB Assistant Teachers. Their stories of dedication and innovation in classrooms were shared, inspiring the younger generation of teachers present.
The event began with a welcome address by School Education Secretary Siddharth Komal Pardeshi and concluded with a vote of thanks from Director of Public Instruction, Rituraj Raghuvanshi. Among those present were the First Lady of Chhattisgarh, Rani Deka Kakoti, MLA Purandar Mishra, Governor’s Secretary Dr. C.R. Prasanna, Samagra Shiksha Managing Director Sanjeev Jha, senior officials of the School Education Department, and a large gathering of teachers and students.
The state-level felicitation not only honoured individual educators but also reinforced the message that teachers remain the backbone of society. With the combined vision of the Governor, the Chief Minister, and the Education Department, Chhattisgarh is moving towards a future where education will become both inclusive and transformative, laying the foundation for a stronger nation.
