Kulgam, Sept 5: On Teachers’ Day, Reyaz Ahmad Sheikh, a teacher from Anantnag, received the prestigious National Teachers’ Award from President Droupadi Murmu, recognizing his extraordinary commitment to education and the profound impact he has made on his students’ lives.
Reyaz’s transformative journey has not only increased school enrollment but has also elevated the quality of education, enriching students’ experiences through co-curricular activities.
In 2009, Reyaz assumed the role of a teacher at Government Middle School Poshnari Chittergul, situated in a remote and economically disadvantaged area in Anantnag district.
His mission was formidable: to shift the mindset of parents who often prioritized domestic labor over their children’s education. Reyaz’s relentless dedication and unwavering hard work captured the government’s attention, ultimately leading to the National Award. The National Awardee Teacher 2023, used (Information and Communications Technology) ICT-based teaching-learning methods making learning fun. He developed over 400 Teaching-Learning Materials (TLMs) & various Science projects & helped student learn by observations & immersive experiences. Reyaz told Rising Kashmir, “From our school, through the Department of Youth Services and Sports, 15 of our students successfully completed a three-year Snow Ski course at Gulmarg. This initiative included girls, empowering them in ways beyond academics.” The National Teachers Awardees 2023 interacted with Prime Minister and later in recieved the awards from the President.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the National Teachers Awardees, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s youth. “Met our nation’s exemplary educators who have been honoured with the National Teachers’ Awards. Their dedication to shaping young minds and their unwavering commitment to excellence in education is very inspiring. In their classrooms, they are scripting a brighter future for India’s youth,” PM Modi said. Notably, Reyaz Sheikh was the sole teacher from Jammu and Kashmir to receive the National Teachers’ Award this year. The award comprises a certificate of merit, a cash prize of Rs 50,000, and a prestigious silver medal.
