The Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan graced the 11th Graduation Day of the Modern Institute of Teachers Education (MITE) Kohima as the special guest on August 31.
According to PRO Raj Bhavan Kohima, speaking on the occasion, the Governor remarked that education is a tool for development and said true education is not achieved by mere transaction of curriculum but by empowering the students to dream as well as achieve.
The Governor emphasized the importance of teachers as nation builders and encouraged them to commit to quality education and rise to transform the system in line with the National Education Policy 2020.
He lauded the educational atmosphere in Nagaland, noting it has potential to spur socio-economic development. Addressing the issue of proxy-teaching and reluctance to serve in remote districts, he urged teachers to spread quality education throughout the state.
He highlighted the National Education Policy’s mechanisms for teacher motivation and assessment of their commitment and pointed out that true development isn’t just through funding but requires a conducive environment, including peace and a positive attitude.
Encouraging the committed teachers, Governor said that teachers are expected to serve with honour and dignity. “As teachers, it is also expected of them to be well informed and to keep themselves abreast with the latest trends”, he added.
Ganesan said that a teacher needs to be modern by integrating modern technology with education. He also said that knowledge is available at the click of a mouse and a teacher should be more than a teacher who facilitates student’s self-learning by enabling the students to search the right resource and learn on their own and construct knowledge together.
“A teacher can be a good facilitator only when he or she is a perpetual learner”, he stated. Speaking on the National Education Policy 2020, the Governor said that NEP has not only provided a new structure and functioning mechanism but also mechanism for teacher motivation.
Ganesan underlined that the new policy would also assess teachers’ commitment and their efficient participation for advancement. He reminded the teachers that their role is demanded even outside of the school to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”, for sustainable development.
The Governor shared on how the state has developed through the years and also said that development cannot just be brought about by fund allocations alone. Therefore, he urged upon everyone to create a conducive environment for development, that include peace and the change in attitude of people.
The Governor also handed over the certificates to NU rank holders in presence of the chairperson of Modern Society Kaisa Mao, principal MITE Dr. Kate Dandesh Kumar, managing director Pelee Hekha and members of managing board and faculty members of the college and others.
Principal MITE, Dr. Kate in his welcome address acknowledged the Governor for sparing his valuable time for the students and also said that MITE is one of the top institutions of teachers’ education in the state.
Cultural performances and speeches by students added to the event’s grandeur.