Two veteran educators receive Lifetime Achievement Awards for their long-standing contribution to education and society
YAMUNANAGAR | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK
The Rotary Club Yamunanagar organised its prestigious Nation Builder Awards ceremony at Hotel Sapphire in Yamunanagar, honouring 36 teachers for their notable contribution to the field of education and their role in shaping the lives of students and strengthening society. The programme brought together educators, Rotary members and dignitaries to recognise the dedication, commitment and lasting influence of teachers in building a better society.
The ceremony was organised as a gesture of gratitude towards teachers whose work extends far beyond classrooms and textbooks. Through knowledge, values, discipline and continuous guidance, teachers play a vital role in shaping young minds and preparing future generations to contribute positively to society. The event highlighted the belief that investment in teachers is ultimately an investment in the future of the country.
Among the highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to Mrs Ranjana Gulati and Mrs Shashi Bathla in recognition of their long-standing, dedicated and distinguished contribution to education. Both educators have spent years guiding students and contributing to the larger cause of education, playing an important role in helping young people develop academically as well as personally.
Their recognition reflected the broader objective of the Nation Builder Awards—to acknowledge educators whose sustained efforts have made a meaningful difference to students and the institutions with which they have been associated. Their years of service and commitment were appreciated as an example of how educators can contribute to social development through knowledge and values.
The chief guest, PP Rotarian Dr Narendra Pal Singh Narang of Rotary Club Paonta Sahib, described teachers as one of the most important links in the process of nation building. He said the responsibility of a teacher goes much beyond imparting academic knowledge. According to him, educators help shape the personality of students, instil values and lay the foundation for their future.
Dr Narang said honouring teachers was, in essence, an acknowledgement of the wider system that works to strengthen future generations. A teacher’s influence can remain with a student for years, shaping decisions, attitudes and aspirations long after formal education has ended. He emphasised that the contribution of educators should therefore be recognised with genuine appreciation and respect.
PDG Rotarian Subhash Garg said the core objective of Rotary was to bring positive change to society through service, and teachers were among the most effective partners in this endeavour. He said the generations prepared by teachers would ultimately determine the future direction of the country and society.
Garg said teachers do not merely complete an academic responsibility; they help develop citizens who carry the knowledge, values and discipline acquired during their formative years into different spheres of public and professional life. He described the recognition of committed educators as a matter of pride for Rotary and said their contribution deserved appreciation.
Rotary Club Yamunanagar president Rotarian Abhishek Dutta said the contribution of teachers could never be confined to a single student or educational institution. Their ideas, values and lessons often continue to influence students throughout their lives and can subsequently reach future generations.
Dutta said the honour bestowed on 36 teachers was a small but meaningful effort by the Rotary Club Yamunanagar to express its respect and gratitude for their service. He said educators undertake a responsibility that has a lasting impact on society, and recognising their contribution was an important way of reminding the community of the value of the teaching profession.
He further said Rotary Club Yamunanagar would continue to encourage and honour individuals who make outstanding contributions in different fields of society. Such recognition, he said, could help inspire others to contribute towards social development and motivate institutions and individuals to continue working with dedication.
The ceremony also reflected the importance of recognising teachers not only for academic achievements but also for the values and social responsibility they help instil in students. In an era of rapid technological and social change, educators continue to play an important role in helping young people develop a balanced outlook, a sense of responsibility and the confidence to face emerging challenges.
The Nation Builder Awards were therefore presented with the larger objective of acknowledging those teachers who continue to work towards creating a better tomorrow through knowledge, dedication and values. Their contribution was viewed as an important part of the process of building a strong and responsible society.
The event also provided an opportunity for members of the Rotary Club and the teaching community to come together and celebrate the role of educators. The presence of senior Rotary office-bearers, teachers and other distinguished guests added significance to the programme and reinforced the organisation’s commitment to community service and social recognition.
Rotarian Harvinder Singh, secretary of Rotary Club Yamunanagar, Rotarian Sumeet Gupta, treasurer, and Rotarian Rahul Mittal, club executive chair, were among those present at the ceremony. Several other Rotary members, teachers and prominent citizens also attended the programme.
The organisers said the recognition of teachers was intended to reinforce the importance of education as a foundation for social progress. Teachers, through their knowledge and personal example, influence not only the academic development of students but also their understanding of responsibility, discipline, compassion and citizenship.
The Lifetime Achievement Awards presented to Ranjana Gulati and Shashi Bathla further underlined the importance of sustained service in education. Their recognition alongside 34 other educators demonstrated the Rotary Club’s effort to celebrate both long-standing achievements and the continuing contribution of teachers working to shape young lives.
The Nation Builder Awards ceremony ultimately conveyed a simple message: a strong society depends on strong educational foundations, and teachers remain central to that process. By recognising 36 educators, Rotary Club Yamunanagar sought to express its appreciation for their dedication while drawing public attention to the lasting role teachers play in creating responsible citizens and a better future.
POD/DESK
