Manipur today joined the rest of the country in observing Teachers’ Day. The state-level celebration, organised by the State Education Department at the City Convention Centre, Imphal, was attended by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand and newly appointed Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur as Chief Guest and President, respectively.

 

During the function, seven teachers were presented with this year’s State Teachers’ Awards 2026, recognising their contributions to student enrolment, preventing school dropouts, and introducing innovative teaching methodologies. DM College of Teacher Education Associate Professor Kh. Dineshkumar and the team behind “Building and Learning Aid” (BaLa) were awarded appreciation certificates.

 

Three colleges received the “Educational Excellence Award”, carrying cash prizes of 5 lakh rupees, 3 lakh rupees, and 2 lakh rupees, respectively. Five colleges were also awarded cash prizes of Rupees 1 lakh each as consolation prizes.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Khemchand said, “A teacher’s biggest virtue is their ability to treat all the students in their class as their own family members.” He also lauded the students of TG Higher Secondary School and CC Higher Secondary School for withdrawing their support for the general strike called by some CSOs demanding the NRC before the census. Shri Khemchand urged individuals and CSOs to come forward for talks and negotiations before launching such agitations, as the poorest sections are the worst affected.

 

Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur expressed his appreciation for initiatives such as those undertaken by BaLa. He urged the award-winning teachers to continue their pursuit of excellence and not rest on their laurels.