HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Feb 19: The district-level felicitation programme for Best School Management Committee and Mother Group’s Award 2024-2025 and the Vidyanjali 2.0 District-Level Award 2024-2025 unfolded in grandeur at the GC College Auditorium, Silchar on Wednesday.
It marked a significant milestone in the district’s commitment to education. Organised by Samagra Shiksha, Cachar, the event witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Cachar district commissioner Mridul Yadav, additional district commissioner Antara Sen, district mission coordinator & assistant commissioner cum in-charge deputy director of information and public relations Barak Valley Zone, Bonnykha Chetia, and other distinguished guests.
The event was a celebration of the tireless efforts of schools, educators, and community contributors who have played an instrumental role in elevating the educational landscape of Cachar. Addressing the gathering, Yadav emphasised the transformative power of education in driving societal progress. He lauded the relentless dedication of teachers, school management committees, and community members in uplifting educational standards, urging all stakeholders to continue their mission of excellence to ensure quality education and holistic development for every child in the district.
A poignant moment in the ceremony was the speech delivered by Prankishore Deb, a distinguished contributor whose unwavering dedication has revolutionised the infrastructure of 127 government schools in Katigorah. With deep emotion, he spoke about his vision and commitment to providing better learning conditions for underprivileged children.
“I firmly believe that the future of our nation lies in the hands of our children, and it is our collective responsibility to provide them with an environment conducive to learning and growth. Seeing students struggle due to inadequate infrastructure deeply moved me, and I felt the urge to contribute in every possible way. Through the donation of ceiling fans, desks, chairs, and the construction of floors, I wanted to ensure that students could study in comfort, without distractions caused by poor facilities,” Deb said.
“Education is not merely about textbooks and exams; it is about shaping young minds to become responsible citizens. If a child sits in a well-equipped classroom, free from discomfort, they can focus on their lessons and dream of a brighter future. My journey of contribution does not end here; I am committed to continuing my support for schools and children in need. I urge all individuals, businesses, and organizations to come forward and play their part in making a difference in the education sector,” he added.
His heartfelt words received thunderous applause from the audience, reflecting the deep appreciation for his selfless service to government schools.
Earlier, in his inaugural address the officer in-charge of the programme, Bidyut Deb Choudhury, district programme officer (Community Participation), SSA, Cachar, and regional secretary, Assam State School Education Board, DIV-I, Cachar, highlighted a landmark achievement—the declaration of all schools in Cachar as tobacco-free zones. Stressing the importance of a tobacco-free school environment, he announced a forthcoming signature campaign to gather community pledges for a healthier and more disciplined future for students. He also thanked the community people and contributor who have done selfless service for the education development under Cachar District.
The commitment to education was further reinforced by Ganesh Harijan, inspector of schools, Cachar, who expressed deep gratitude to retired teachers who, despite concluding their official tenure, continue to serve the noble cause of education. Their selfless dedication has been pivotal in shaping young minds and strengthening the district’s academic foundation.
Emphasising the role of collective efforts, Bibhas Deb, principal of GC College, reminded the audience that educational institutions were not merely built by infrastructure but by the dedication of teachers, the enthusiasm of students, and the commitment of school management committees. He urged all stakeholders to continue working together to create a progressive and inclusive education system in Cachar.
The event concluded on a high note, with the district commissioner Yadav presented awards and felicitations to outstanding school management committees and mother groups who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to educational welfare. The initiative not only honored excellence but also served as an inspiration for others to contribute toward enhancing the education system in Cachar.
It is to be mentioned here that Cachar honored 227 School Management Committees (SMCs) and Mother Groups for their outstanding contributions to school development. Representing each educational cluster in the district, these groups have played a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of education at the grassroots level. Their dedication and commitment were recognized in a special ceremony that underscored the significance of collective efforts in shaping a brighter future for students.
As part of the Vidyanjali 2.0 initiative—a government-driven programme that encouraged voluntary contributions to schools—the district also acknowledged the most significant contributors registered on the Vidyanjali portal. The Top Three Asset Contributors who were felicitated for their remarkable support to schools are minister of food, public distribution & consumer affairs, mines and minerals, Barak Valley Development Kaushik Rai, MLA Udharbond , Mihir Kanti Shome, and Pran Kishore Deb. Their generosity has made a tangible impact on the development of educational institutions, ensuring better resources and facilities for students.
In the Volunteer Service Category, two distinguished individuals were recognised for their selfless dedication to education. Sunanda Choudhury, retired headmaster of Niranjan Paul Institute, and Anup Kumar Das, a businessman associated with Harina Public ME School, Sonai, were honored for their invaluable contributions. Their unwavering commitment to supporting schools through voluntary service has set a commendable example of how community involvement can drive educational progress.
Adding to the accolades, the Best Vidyanjali Block Award was presented to Silchar Urban Block for securing the highest donations under the Vidyanjali 2.0 programme.