The value of a true award lies in the work that a person has done for society and the community. The real purpose of an award should not be to enhance one’s personal identity or job. Instead, it should be to honour those who have succeeded in bringing about meaningful change in society, whether in the field of education or any other field. Such awards should be for the real development and good of the society, and not just a symbol of personal honour.
Teacher honour, which has always enjoyed a high place in society, is facing some changes these days. The passion and dedication of some teachers towards education really strengthen the foundation of education. But in the last few years, a new trend has been seen—the process of honouring teachers by NGOs. While on one hand, this step is commendable, on the other hand, it is also affected by bias and personal likes and dislikes. While naming by the principals of schools or colleges, it is often seen that some hardworking teachers are ignored, which lowers their morale.
Nowadays, NGOs and other organizations organize teacher felicitation ceremonies, but there is a clear lack of transparency in these ceremonies. Teachers are often selected based on bias or personal judgment. This is disappointing for teachers who have been promoting excellence in education with their hard work and dedication for years, but do not get due recognition. This can affect their morale, and it can also affect the quality of their work.
Teacher awarding bodies and the government should make the process more transparent. When awards are given, it is important that eligibility is checked at every level, and not just limited to the school or college principal. Students, parents and nearby residents should also be involved, as they are the ones who understand the real impact of a teacher. This scrutiny should be carried out throughout the year, so that there is no discrimination in the selection process and everyone gets equal opportunity.
In today’s society, awards and honours are considered a symbol of prestige. Whether it is the State Teacher Award or the National Teacher Award given by His Excellency the President, the selection for these awards is done through a certain process. The teacher has to apply himself to get the award, which includes processes like online application, photographs, videos, departmental report, police verification and interview. Despite this, many awards are publicised as if they have been received only due to work, while in reality, some teachers resort to their personal reach and influence to get them.
In fact, this selection process was made with the objective that deserving teachers themselves come forward for the award, because earlier, when the selection was done by the officials, there was a risk of impartiality or nepotism. But this is where a serious problem arises. There are people in every field who spoil every rule and process. Because of them, sometimes those people get the award who may not be that deserving, but their reach and art of getting the award in the wrong way make them successful. This is the reason why even good teachers sometimes become victims of criticism.
An important question that arises here is whether we should really apply for awards? It does not match my ideology to ask for awards myself. It is an honour to receive awards, but is it right to come forward to receive them yourself? The real purpose of a teacher is to contribute to the education and development of students, not to receive awards to increase one’s job or salary.
When we look at awards only as personal benefits, the question arises as to what benefit does this award bring to the school, children, society and community? Does it have any real impact on society, or does it just remain a symbol of respect and recognition? Often, we are unable to see that the award has brought about some concrete change in the school infrastructure, education of students, or for the betterment of society as a whole.
As far as awards are concerned, I fully respect award-winning teachers, but I believe that the real purpose of awards should never be for personal gain. If a school can get better resources, roads, grounds, rooms, or any other necessary facilities through awards, I will apply for the award with folded hands, so that the school and the children can benefit. But I will never put myself forward for any award if that award is only for personal gain.
The value of a true award lies in the work that a person has done for society and the community. The real purpose of an award should not be to enhance one’s personal identity or job. Instead, it should be to honour those who have succeeded in bringing about meaningful change in society, whether in the field of education or any other field. Such awards should be for the real development and good of the society and not just a symbol of personal honour.
