Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai felicitated 81 retired teachers and 42 meritorious students of Bemetara district at a ceremony held at the Basic School ground. The retired teachers were presented with shawls, ceremonial coconuts, mementoes and certificates of appreciation, while the students, who had excelled in board and college examinations, received gold medals and certificates from various social organisations.
Addressing the gathering, Sai said education is the foundation of progress for an individual, society and the nation. Teachers, he said, do not merely impart bookish knowledge but also shape children’s personalities and instil values in them, laying the foundation for the future of society and the nation. The impact of a teacher’s work extends beyond the student to their family, society and generations to come, which is why teachers are called nation-builders.
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Referring to India’s ancient centres of learning, such as Takshashila and Nalanda, which attracted students from across the world, the Chief Minister said this rich tradition continues to inspire the country today. He said it is necessary to provide children with quality, modern education suited to changing times.
Sai said the state government is focusing on quality education while expanding infrastructure and modern facilities, with the aim of ensuring that no child in Chhattisgarh is left behind for want of resources or opportunities, irrespective of whether they come from a village or a city, or from a poor or affluent family.
He noted that national-level institutions such as IIT, IIM, AIIMS and IIIT in the state have opened new avenues for quality higher education for its youth. Facilities such as Nalanda Parisar are being expanded to provide better libraries and study materials for students preparing for competitive examinations, with similar facilities also being made available in New Delhi for Chhattisgarh students.
He added that the government is supporting students through scholarships, education loans and incentive schemes so that financial circumstances do not stand in the way of talented students’ education and dreams.
The Chief Minister announced a sanction of Rs 2 crore for the construction of a Gaurav Path in Bemetara city and a new electricity sub-station in Gram Panchayat Tivariya. He said the state government is continuously working to expand roads, electricity, drinking water and other basic facilities alongside education, which will accelerate development and improve citizens’ lives.
Notable work done for water conservation and improving groundwater levels under the “Mor Gaon Mor Pani” campaign was also recognised at the ceremony. Janpad Panchayats Bemetara, Berla and Navagarh were specially honoured for helping move the district from a critical to a semi-critical zone.
Calling the conservation of every drop of water a collective responsibility, Sai said public participation alongside government efforts makes large-scale change possible. A magazine, “Shikshak Smriti”, published by local citizens and social organisations, was also released at the event.
The Chief Minister said the state government is working for the welfare of every section of society, including the poor, farmers, women and youth, alongside education. He cited the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for fulfilling the housing dreams of needy families and the Mahtari Vandan Yojana for providing economic support to women.
He added that technology-driven initiatives such as the Atal Monitoring Portal, Sewa Setu and the CM Helpline are making governance more transparent and citizen-centric, with the goal of ensuring that benefits reach the last person in a simple manner and within a set timeframe.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, he said, the country is moving towards a developed India, and Chhattisgarh will play an important role in this journey, with quality education, skilled youth and empowered villages and cities forming its foundation.
Marking the completion of 25 years of the Prime Minister’s public service, the Chief Minister appealed to people across the state to light a lamp at their homes on the evening of September 17 to reaffirm their resolve towards service, development and public welfare.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao said teachers have always held a position of supreme importance in the Indian knowledge tradition, dispelling ignorance and guiding the new generation in the right direction.
They build the future not just of students but also of society and the nation, he said. He extended his best wishes to the honoured teachers, calling their knowledge and guidance an invaluable legacy for future generations.
Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Dayal Das Baghel said education instils self-confidence and the power to move forward in life, and that teachers, besides imparting education, play a key role in shaping students into responsible citizens. He congratulated the honoured teachers and students and wished them a bright future.
MLAs Deepesh Sahu and Ishwar Sahu; Rajakkar Vikas Board Chairman Prahlad Rajak; Chhattisgarh Gau Seva Aayog Vice-Chairman Swami Rajeev Lochan Das; Telghani Board Chairman Jitendra Sahu; Collector Pratishtha Mamgain; Zila Panchayat President Kalpana Yogesh Tiwari; along with public representatives, officials, teachers, students and a large number of citizens, were present on the occasion.
