The glory and glamour of teacher awards is that they are too few chased by many aspirants .It is a little wonder why many ,much more deserving, eligible aspirants do not even want to apply Sometimes requests to apply is only to add numbers .The criteria per se seems very noble but the choice of selection , very often then not does not raise the admiration and confidence of the teaching fraternity . It is common experience and feeling that political influence, recommendations play major role in final analysis ,The Govt when requested under RTI Act just takes shelter under the cloak of confidentiality clause. There is no public, press release about the merit, achievements or contribution towards growth and development of Education , which should be major criteria. Instead some social participation takes precedence over Educational Contribution. Even the Tiatrist (TAG) releases details of those honoured by them. The suggestion to publish their praise worthy achievements or contributions has never been accepted , nor one can secure a copy of merit of selections .Such path breaking luminaries in the field of Education should serve as light house to members in every school. These honoured teachers should form a think tank for Govt to further reforms and progress but sadly their wisdom , expertise experience is never in demand..After being honoured they form the the role of honour .The greatest benefits that appeals to recipient in general is the extension in service by one year after retirement . It is on record that some recipient of state awards are denied this privilege even when they are eligible on health grounds The institution considers as its prerogative to extend or not to extend simply because it doubts the merit and for not being taken into confidence . Often the colleagues are not enthusiastic about such recognition nor feel proud and ecstatic about honour bestowed upon their colleague Besides there appears to be a quota system based on religious lines, Govt and non Govt institutions and thus merit takes a back seat. The number of such awards need to be enhanced to cover a little larger recipients at least based on schools run by religious entities Non religious , Trusts, Govt , Vocational streams and further categorised into Primary Secondary , Headmasters principals, physical Educational teachers, lecturers from Higher Secondary and College Then recommending candidates for National award should be independently assessed apart from just winning State recognitions The teaching community is not at all enamoured by these honours which are more presumed to be political largesse. At times the selection is accepted at large because of merit known to public in general The community is the best judge of such selections but may not express any opinions to hurt the sentiments of the recipients . The criteria should necessarily be Educational accomplishments which takes precedence over social involvements of impeachable records. In general It is doubtful whether any Educator consciously works for this glory .It is a windfall when it comes unexpectedly The societies and Trusts must recommend their teachers as the process will be more objective to accurately judge the merit The resentment among teachers for the choices of less deserving is never addressed over the years and as such makes no impact on majority to clamour for this honour Nelson Lopes Chinchinim
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