The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented National Awards to teachers from across the country at a function at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi today (September 5, 2015).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that on the occasion of Teacher's Day we recognise the dedicated services of many teachers throughout the country who were actively engaged in building and strengthening the intellectual and ethical foundations of children. The President congratulated teachers who received national awards today. He also greeted all teachers of the country and expressed gratitude for their service and commitment.

The President said he believed that more than ever, today we need inspired teachers to instil in our children the civilizational values of sacrifice, tolerance, plurality, understanding and compassion. He said that he would define an inspired teacher as a value-oriented, mission-driven, self-motivated and result-oriented individual. He said that our teachers need to get themselves a new orientation and evolve new methodologies to create relevant and effective approaches to teaching and learning. He also said that we must work for the long term goal of creating institutional facilities for innovative training and professional development of teachers.

This release issued at 1445 hrs.