Education / Teachers' Responsibility Extends Beyond Academics, Says Dharmendra Pradhan at Gangadhar Meher University

Sambalpur, Sep 5: On Teachers’ Day, Sambalpur MP and former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan called upon teachers to shoulder greater responsibility in preparing students not only for academic success but also to contribute meaningfully to society.

Addressing teachers at Gangadhar Meher University in Sambalpur, Pradhan said the health and nutrition of future generations must be treated as a collective responsibility.

“Proper nutrition of students is the foundation of a strong and prosperous Odisha,” he said, urging teachers to help create a skilled and capable generation for a healthy society.

Pradhan said teachers should take responsibility for preparing students who can embody the courage and commitment of freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai. He described the role of a teacher as a tradition as well as an institution, stressing that a teacher’s responsibility extends throughout a student’s life.

Preparing Odisha’s Next Generation
Pradhan said Odisha would complete 100 years of its formation in 2036 and that the coming decade would be crucial in shaping the state’s future.

He urged teachers to focus on students’ education as well as their skills, nutrition, environment and hygiene.

“Along with education, the skills of children must also be developed. We have to prepare skill-based students for society,” he said.

He also recalled the contributions of personalities associated with western Odisha, including Gangadhar Meher, Chandra Sekhar Behera, Raja Basudev Sudhaldev, Sant Kabi Bhima Bhoi and Veer Surendra Sai.

Pradhan said the contributions and sacrifices of these personalities would become truly meaningful when teachers prepare students who can similarly serve society and the nation.

Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan Lays Foundation for RISHI Building at OSOU on Teachers' Day

Focus On 2.75 Lakh Healthy, Skilled Children
Pradhan said the goal of preparing society for the 21st century should include creating a generation of healthy, skilled and socially responsible children.

He said the target of preparing around 2.75 lakh children to become healthy and equipped to contribute to society places a significant responsibility on teachers.

“Teachers have a major responsibility in preparing such students,” Pradhan said, stressing that education must go hand in hand with practical skills and social responsibility.

He said teachers must prepare themselves continuously to meet the changing needs of students and society.