Chief Minister gives away best teacher awards to 373

Delivering his speech at the National Teachers’ Day function held at the Kalaivanar Arangam here, Palaniswami said teachers played a pivotal role in imparting good habits, self-confidence and general knowledge on the students.

Remarking that Teachers’ Day is celebrated to honour the contribution of selfless teachers, Palaniswami said, “Education is the only undiminishing wealth in the world and the only wealth in the world which does not reduce when it is given to others. Education is also the only wealth which when given to others make us feel immensely satisfied.”

Quoting a Thirukkural which stressed on the significance of education, the CM said its importance lies in developing the individuality of students. Teachers should shape the thought process of students in such a way that it promotes creativeness.

The future of Tamil Nadu lies in conducive educational environment and realising that fact the State government under former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa allotted the highest share to the education department, he said.

In the final six years of her tenure, Rs 1.07 lakh crore was allotted for the school education department and Rs 17,714 crore was provided to the higher education department. 

“The present government under my leadership has allotted Rs 24,587 crore for the school education department and Rs 4,620 crore for the higher education department for the year 2018-19,” said Palaniswami.

Because of the higher fund allotment, the pass percentage of students has increased, and the enrolment status has also improved. “Tamil Nadu has achieved the feat of being the top State in education sector in India,” the CM said.

He further said that awards given to teachers and students are intended to encourage them. Deriving motivation from the recognition, teachers should help students achieve their goal.