Two Arunachal teachers receive national honour; Governor stresses education reforms

Two educators from Arunachal Pradesh have been honoured with the prestigious National Teachers’ Award 2024, earning accolades from Chief Minister Pema Khandu for their transformative contributions to education and society.

The awardees include Dr. Proshanto Kumar Saha, faculty of Psychology at Rajiv Gandhi University, and Nang Ekthani Mounglang, Headmistress of Pachin Government Secondary School.

"For more than 14 years, Dr Saha has inspired students with his expertise in forensic and neuropsychology, while also building institutions like the Neuropsychology Lab and supporting child abuse victims with compassion. His recognition is truly well-deserved, reflecting both academic brilliance and a deep commitment to society," Khandu said in a post on X.

Equally inspiring is the journey of Nang Ekthani Mounglang, Headmistress of Pachin Government Secondary School, near here.

Two years ago, the school struggled with a pass percentage of just 27. Under her leadership, ICT classrooms were introduced, co-curricular activities were encouraged, and community participation was strengthened. The efforts paid off with an 81 per cent pass rate in 2024 and a landmark 100 per cent result this year, the first government school in the state capital to achieve the feat.

Congratulating her, the chief minister said, "Her extraordinary leadership has now been recognised with her being conferred the National Teachers' Award, on Teachers' Day. Congratulations, Ms Mounglang! Your work shows how one teacher's vision can transform not just a school, but an entire community." The awards were presented in New Delhi by the President of India on the occasion of Teachers' Day.

Meanwhile, Governor K T Parnaik, while presenting state awards to 40 teachers in Itanagar, stressed the urgent need for reforms in the education system. He emphasised that teaching methods, curriculum and assessments should prioritise creativity, reasoning and problem-solving over rote learning.

Presenting the state awards to 40 teachers on the occasion of Teachers’ Day in Itanagar, Parnaik said that higher secondary education should prepare students to deal with complexity, discipline, and independent judgment.

“If these years are filled only with preparation cycles, board syllabi, and memorising answers, it leads to performance anxiety,” he said.

Highlighting the National Education Policy 2020 as a roadmap for flexible and skill-oriented learning, the Governor urged adoption of digital classrooms, localised content, and skill-based education in fields like hydropower, agriculture, tourism, IT and traditional crafts.

Congratulating the awardees, he hailed teachers as “true nation-builders, shaping young minds and the destiny of society,” and urged them to continuously innovate, update themselves, and instill values through personal conduct.