PANAJI: The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat highlighted the immense contribution of teaching community to the society. Mr Kamat said they have been doing selfless service in molding children into responsible citizens.

The Chief Minister was speaking as the chief  guest at  the state level celebration of 49th Teachers’ Day at Kala Academy, Campal on Monday.
Education Minister, Mr Atanasio Monseratte, Secretary Education, Mr  M Modassir graced the occasion.
Speaking further, the Chief Minister said, education can bring about transformation in the country. Education can make India, a super power in the years to come, he added.
Referring to garbage problem, he told the students to come forward to educate and stop their parents, if they are throwing garbage on roads from their galleries. Initiative by students can help in a big way in tackling the menace.
Mr Kamat extended greetings to teachers and students on the occasion of Teachers’ Day. Earlier, Chief Minister, Education Minister and other dignitaries garlanded the photograph of late Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, former president of India in whose  memory Teachers’ Day is celebrated.
Chief Minister and Education Minister honoured eight teachers with State Awards and also presented prizes for highest collection on Teachers’ Day last year.
Mr Monseratte, who was the guest of honour on the occasion said, the government has tried to solve the problems faced by the teaching  community.
He said, the government believes that contract system in education field should  come to an end, adding the government has already enhanced the  remuneration to the teachers.
More than 3000  teachers have been benefitted by laptop to teachers scheme. The benefits of this scheme will also be extended to teachers from primary section, he informed.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Modassir said, our culture has given high place for teachers and added that the students should honour this tradition.
Eight teachers were honoured with State Awards with for 2010 for their meritorious service to the society. The award  comprises of a cheque of Rs 25,000, a merit certificate and a memento.
The awardees are  primary teachers — Ms Chandrabhaga A Shetgaonkar, GPMS, Socorro, Porvorim; Mr Shankar K  Budke,  GPS,  Talsai-Dharbandora, Sanguem; secondary teacher — Mr Subhash D Lotlikar, assistant teacher, Sacred Heart of Jesus High School, Carmona, Salcete; Mr  Dattatray K K Ghanekar, assistant teacher, People’s  High School, Mala-Panaji. Mr Premanand P. Mahambre, headmaster,  Dayanand High School, Chodan, Tiswadi and Ms Maria I C Gonsalves, headmistress, St Thomas High School, Cansaulim-Salcete. Mr Shrikant More, teacher grade-I, Smt Parvatibai Chowgule College, Margao and Mr Subhash N Naik, principal, Saraswat Vidyalaya Purshottam Walawalkar Higher Secondary School, Mapusa.
Prizes were given to the taluka office of ADEI for  last year’s Teachers’ Day highest collection based on the population ratio and a special prize for the highest collection.  Earlier, Director of Education, Ms Celsa Pinto welcomed the guests. Ms Akshata Puranik compered the function. Mr Ramesh Dande, assistant director, education proposed the  vote of thanks.