Chasing an illusive dream As the teacher for 13 years and Headmaster of 22 years, I never did entertain such a dream .My most admirable English teacher, a prolific writer, Poet, dramatist , lyricist was obsessed with an illusion that he would one day be nominated for the Nobel prize in literature He was the worthiest of all the teachers, I had known, but did not receive the one recognition he could, though he did not crave for it.. Another teacher, Sir J D`Cruz who received this coveted award was not enamored by its glory or never displayed , flaunted the title for self praise.. .In fact the amount of the award was donated to the Pillar Society. Another teacher recipient who for the interview had to talk on rain for five minutes did not last beyond a sentence. Headmistress, Sr Jane Pinto was requested by colleagues not to relinquish her teaching post or delay it by only one term, her elevation in the Society. She brushed off very politely the suggestion of her colleagues because she was being actively considered for Teacher award that year. The teacher award at State and National award is meant to appreciate and encourage self development, creating love for students and promote Education. .How far this sentiment has reached its goals is a matter of evaluation. In Goa, I did prod my colleagues to apply, but never succeeded in motivating a single one. .By general standards and in comparison to previous award winners, they had enviable resumes for entitlement. At least one of them was bold enough to state that application is only a statistic, meant to increase the numbers of aspiring applicants. Influence and recommendations from political masters is what counts in most of the final analysis. Many others, well deserving just shrugged off such an idea..Two of our colleagues honestly admitted at the forum that she did not know why she was honoured and while the other guessed that it might be for working in rural schools and some social work. The most alluring reason for seeking the award is not public praise and publicity but extension in service for another year, subject to physical and mental fitness. In one instance the teacher awardee was denied extension without assigning any reason of disqualification. She sadly retired in agony in spite of entitlement and without pleading or challenging the decision of her employer It has become a annual ritual and tradition on Teacher Day, shone of its glitter and much without appreciation of the teaching community. The only redeeming new feature of the scheme is the addition of Physical Education teacher, Higher Secondary educator and Principal of Higher Education. The classification of selection is more defined to- day, in categories such as Govt category teachers, women, and on religious lines, which is lowering the validity further. The value of the award is raised to Rs 25000/ The numbers are not increased as the limited number of awardees is what adds to its relevance and distinguishing feature. The society has improved upon this scheme, by various non profit and social organisations, local bodies, Banks and Trusts feeling the void by providing a platform for recognition and Honour.. The financial reward ,extension in service is not the criteria but there is more acceptability, less contradictions as selection is done without formal application and recipients are motivated and happy. The Education Department hides behind the apron of Selection Board under confidentiality clause for not disclosing information under Right to information Act even the number of applicants in each category, forget the reasons considered for selection. No profiles of achievements of recipient teachers are released for the appreciation of general public or the press is loath to highlight it... As an when synopsis are published by some dailies, they do not inspire the confidence of teaching community nor motivate them to aspire. The suggestion to provide the achievements and offer for free publication and distribution was ignored,Also he idea to form a "think thank" of such gems/pearls of Educationist, to train, .motivate and to make such teachers available in institutions did not find favour with the Department. Hence for all practical purposes the accumulated wisdom and experience as valuable Educational resource lies unused and wasted. The Education Society with the largest number of Primary, Secondary, .Higher Secondary, Colleges has ignored the suggestion to recommend to the selection committee names of teachers from such institutions I had never for once entertained the idea of application, having written adversely various times on Teachers day... I received a personal messenger from an important, higher authority , an my admirer to apply within a day and return the same through the messenger not to cross the period of limitation.It was a dilema and contradiction of my own principle. In order not to offend a friend ,I put down quickly for the first time my humble, significant achievements of which I was proud of anyway, though not for self glorification or aggrandizement .Imagine my surprise, when I was urgently called to meet .I was asked politely to get the recommendation from then CM through a personal friend, who had very close relation with the CM and known to my well wisher. He dictated to me on request how to approach the CM., I was writing my own note, as he dictated, and it read "I sincerely regret in applying for the award on request from an authority in Ed Dept, I therefore, unconditionally and irrevocably withdraw my application, if it does not stand the scrutiny of merit When he read my note , he was naturally furious and tore the note.. I went down, rewrote and registered the same for the purpose of record Hence i confirmed my my own doubts that at best of times, influence, recommendations is very much a part of final selection process not withstanding the independence, credentials and validity of selection Board with diverse representations. An analysis,opinion survey from teaching community may reveal to indicate whether it is serving the intended motivation or it is an disincentive, silently resented or needs modification of the scheme, I bore malice towards none with jealousy or envy but hoping that positive debate will be generated for its acceptance modification or its elimination Nelson Lopes Chinchinim
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