Teachers Must Come Forward to Address Social Challenges: Governor Shri Patel

Bhopal, Sept 2025 : Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav felicitated outstanding teachers at the State-Level Teacher Felicitation Ceremony organised at the RCVP Noronha Academy of Administration and Management, Bhopal on the occasion of Teachers’ Day. During the event, a sum of ₹330 crore was transferred directly into the bank accounts of 55 lakh students of Classes 1 to 8 in government schools for the purchase of school uniforms.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav announced that under the implementation of the Time-Bound Promotion Scheme, assistant teachers, upper-grade teachers, newly classified primary teachers and secondary teachers will now also receive the benefit of the fourth pay scale, similar to the fourth time-scale pay. He emphasised that imparting knowledge is not just a profession but a true form of service and dedication.

Governor Shri Patel, in his address, stated that teachers must come forward to provide guidance to families and society and play a proactive role in addressing contemporary social challenges. He recalled that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the country is working towards the goal of a Developed India 2047. He said the Prime Minister has also initiated youth-centric dialogues, such as on Swami Vivekananda Jayanti, to inspire the nation’s young generation. He said that the Guru-Shishya tradition has always been a treasured heritage of India’s glorious culture. Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Lord Shri Ram and Shri Krishna, teachers should inculcate values and discipline in students. He further stated that teachers are the true nation-builders, who shape the character, personality, and future of the next generation by imparting knowledge, values and skills.

Expressing concern over the rising challenge of student suicides in modern society, Shri Patel said that parents and teachers must collectively work to nurture respect and gratitude for teachers in the minds of students for life. He stressed that this felicitation ceremony is a tribute to the dedication and commitment of teachers in nation-building. He said Education is the true power and medium that equips a nation with knowledge, skills, and life values, enabling social and economic progress.

Governor Shri Patel also highlighted with pride that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given a new dimension to the role of teachers in building a developed India. He said the National Education Policy (NEP) is a far-sighted, student-centric reform that caters to local and global needs, positioning India as a knowledge superpower. He described NEP as the most innovative initiative in the field of education since independence and a living document of national aspirations.

On the occasion, Governor Shri Patel, as the first citizen of the state, conveyed his greetings to all teachers, congratulated the award-winning teachers, and paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the great thinker, philosopher, freedom fighter and proponent of Indian culture, on his birth anniversary.

1.5 Lakh Teachers to Receive Fourth Time-Scale Pay: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced that 1.5 lakh teachers in the state, including assistant teachers, senior teachers, newly classified primary teachers and secondary teachers, will be granted the fourth time-scale pay benefit. A proposal for this will soon be placed before the Cabinet. Eligible teachers will begin receiving this benefit from the financial year 2025–26, involving an additional expenditure burden of about ₹117 crore on the state exchequer. CM Dr. Yadav said the government is committed to honoring teachers and ensuring their well-being. He described the eternal significance of the Guru in Indian tradition, where meditation rests on the Guru’s image, worship at the Guru’s feet, mantra on the Guru’s word and liberation by the Guru’s grace. He recalled how in ancient times, Gurus prepared future rulers: Maharishi Vishwamitra imparted both the art of scriptures and weaponry to Lord Shri Ram and Lakshman, while Maharishi Sandipani guided Shri Krishna in Ujjain, shaping him into the teacher of the Bhagavad Gita.

The Chief Minister emphasised that receiving and imparting knowledge are both essential for building a cultured society. He said, imparting is not only a service to society but also an expression of commitment to moral values. He stated that without a Guru, life remains in darkness. It is the Guru’s knowledge that illuminates human lives.

CM Dr. Yadav said education alone makes an individual cultured and value-driven. He cited the contributions of Guru Vishwamitra in shaping Shri Ram into Maryada Purushottam and Guru Sandipani in guiding Shri Krishna as the creator of the Gita. CM Dr. Yadav said, Teachers remain eternally revered for enlightening the temples of learning with their wisdom and effort. The Chief Minister paid homage to Bharat Ratna Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, describing him as a great philosopher and scholar who dignified the office of the President with his brilliance.

Highlighting India’s progress under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, CM Dr. Yadav stated that the country is moving forward with strength. He mentioned that Indian scientists have developed a modern ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ to strengthen the nation’s defense. He said, “India has always given the world the message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, and as a ‘Vishwaguru’, has instilled values through education. In the era of Artificial Intelligence, machines may be created, but only teachers can impart values”. CM Dr. Yadav recalled that the renowned universities of antiquity, Takshashila and Nalanda, remain shining examples of India’s educational heritage. Referring to Dr. Radhakrishnan’s wish that his birthday be celebrated as Teachers’ Day, CM Dr. Yadav said that September 5 is now observed across India to honor teachers. He stated that even the life of Adi Shankaracharya was transformed in Madhya Pradesh, as it was on the land of Omkareshwar that he became Shankaracharya. CM Dr. Yadav said, “Madhya Pradesh is a sacred land where lives are transformed”.

The Chief Minister also announced that ₹330 crore has been transferred to 55 lakh students for school uniforms. He shared that Sandipani Schools are being established in the state and that government schools have performed better than private schools, the best in the past 15 years. He congratulated all teachers and the education department staff on this achievement.

Speaking at the ceremony, School Education and Transport Minister Shri Uday Pratap Singh said India’s teachers have played a vital role in raising the nation’s prestige globally. He emphasised that the strength of every achiever in society is the outcome of the blessings and dedication of teachers and parents and paying tribute to teachers is a sacred duty of society.

On occasion, dignitaries, including School Education Secretary Dr. Sanjay Goyal, Commissioner of Public Instruction Smt. Shilpa Gupta and Director State Education Centre Shri Harjinder Singh presented a memento depicting the state tree, the Banyan, to the guests. Commissioner of Tribal Welfare Shri Shrimant Shukla proposed the vote of thanks.

The ceremony was attended by Sports and Youth Welfare and Cooperation Minister Shri Vishwas Kailash Sarang, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare and Nomadic Tribes Welfare Smt. Krishna Gaur, Mayor Smt. Malti Rai, MLA Shri Rameshwar Sharma, MLA Shri Bhagwandas Sabnani and Director of Hindi Granth Academy Shri Ashok Kadel. Award-winning teachers, along with a large number of students, were also present.