Teachers should stimulate creativity of children

Dehradun: Putting emphasis on the importance of value-based education, Uttarakhand Governor K K Paul said on Tuesday that driving the energy of children in the right direction by stimulating their creativity and inculcating upon them the habit of rational thinking was the foremost responsibility of teachers.

"An environment which nourishes creativity in children and impels them to imbibe the highest values should be built in schools so that when they grow up they are able to keep India's glorious culture and civilisation alive," Paul said in his address at the 52nd foundation day of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan here. The Governor called upon teachers to create a scientific temper and a spirit of inquiry among students.

Reminding them that they were dealing with young minds where things get etched forever, he said teachers should conduct themselves in such a way that they continue to inspire their students for life.

"Teachers are the role models of their students and can leave an everlasting impact on their personality," he said. So, the conduct of teachers, within the school and outside, should be such which would inspire students to emulate it, the Governor said.

Paul, who gave away incentive awards to teachers for meritorious service on the occasion, said honouring and respecting teachers was India's glorious tradition as it is they who build the character of students and thus make a priceless contribution to nation building. Talking about the Prime Minister's skill development programme, the Governor said schools should focus on skill development courses also. There are some students who cannot afford higher education. In such cases, skills acquired in school could help them earn a living.