Two teachers from Chennai to get national award

Chennai: Of 22 teachers who have been selected for national awards from Tamil Nadu this year, two are from the City - G.J. Manohar, the headmaster of 182-year-old MCC Higher Secondary School in Chetpet and A. Edith Deva Thayanithi, headmistress, CSI Middle School in Saidapet.

Manohar said the team work of school management, teachers and parents have got him the award. “Personally, I felt great joy. It is the highest award for a person working in the education system. So, both my teachers and family were happy for me,” he said. He is also the alumnus of the school and appointed as headmaster in 2006.

 “When I took over the student strength was 1,400 and now it is increased to 2,600. We improved the quality of education through various measures including the remedial classes, career counselling and coaching for competitive exams,” he said. He has 28 years’ experience as a teacher.

Currently, the school has got students from the diverse background as economically weaker students also pursuing the education. The school has also done well in Neet as six students have cleared it and three have actually joined MBBS this year. One of them has cleared AIIMS and joined the prestigious institution.

“From next year, we plan to give Neet coaching for Plus-1 and Plus-2 students in our school. We are planning to bring in experts from outside,” he added.

A.Edith Deva Thayanithi, headmistress, CSI Middle School in Saidapet said her dedication, determination, and devotion has brought her the award. She has 30 years’ experience as a teacher.

“I still enjoy taking classes to the students. Majority of our students are from the poor background. We conduct spoken English classes and special classes for them,” she said.

“I have to thank my family as they understood my passion. Even when my daughter was studying plus 2, I spent more time in the school,” she added.

The awards will be presented by the President on September 5 in New Delhi. Totally, 374 teachers will receive the awards this year out of which 20 are reserved for Sanskrit, Persian and Arabic teachers. 

The awards are public recognition to meritorious teachers working in primary, middle and secondary schools. The award includes Rs 50,000 cash award and a silver medal and certificate.