On the occasion of National Teachers’ Day, Gujarat’s two teachers – Chandreshkumar Borisagar, acting head teacher at Navi Badhada Primary School and Vinay Patel, Principal at RF Patel High School, Vadala, are conferred with the National Teachers’ Award 2024 award.

Both the teachers are among 50 selected awardees across the country who will be honoured by President Droupadi Murmu today at Vigyan Bhawan, Delhi.

Who is Chandreshkumar Borisagar?

Chandreshkumar Borisagar, the acting principal of Badhadapara Primary School in Amreli, has exemplified a unique approach to innovation in the field of education.

He turns the educational tasks into engaging and dynamic learning experiences through innovative experiments. The positive impact of these initiatives is evident in the comprehensive development of his students.

“I simplify education through music, performance, and play,” said Borisagar.

Innovative ‘mobile school’

A passionate musician, Chandreshkumar talked about his educational innovations, saying, “My love for music has significantly improved my teaching approach. I created a mobile school on a bike and used songs to motivate children to learn.”

“By incorporating local folk songs into the curriculum, I’ve found that music greatly boosts student engagement. In the classroom, integrating music through singing, playing instruments, and performing has successfully made complex subjects easier to understand,” he added.

Simplified learning 

At Badhadapara Primary School, English poems are played on speakers outside the classroom as a listening exercise to enhance language learning. This method has helped children improve their English by absorbing the language through poetry. 

Moreover, innovative techniques have been introduced, such as writing alphabets on tree branches and carrom boards. 

Along with traditional reading and writing, listening, speaking, and acting are incorporated into various sports activities and homework, supporting both the physical and mental well-being of the students. These creative approaches are yielding positive results for the overall development of the students.

Who is Vinay Patel?

Patel, a teacher who has served as principal for 16 years in the RF Patel High School in Anand, has been selected for the National Teachers’ Award 2024. 

“I chose to work in a rural school to serve the children in remote areas. I accepted this job as a principal because I would have more freedom to work,” said Patel.

Plastic-free campus

Patel, associated with environmental activities since 1996 in Anand’s Vadala village, said, “Where I have planted trees, I have also kept information charts there so children can learn about them. On my birthday, I give each child a different medicinal tree as a gift.”

He mandates that children visit the library once a week.

“Today, this high school has an Ayurvedic medicinal garden, a digital library, and smart classrooms. Single-use plastic is not used in any programmes held at the high school,” added Patel.

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