The Shikshak Samman Award, launched by Tech Mahindra and Times Foundations, within the ambit of the Teach India campaign, seeks to encourage teachers. Under this scheme, outstanding teachers and principals of schools run by Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have been identified and awarded. Out of nearly 1,800 schools that MCD runs, about 400 schools operating in difficult circumstances were selected. Five principals and 20 teachers from these schools were chosen after a rigorous selection process, led by experienced and independent educationists. The MCD education department educates almost a million children, and charges no tuition fees and provides children free text-books, uniforms, mid-day meals and periodic health check-ups. The Times Group acknowledges the contribution of teachers and principals who play an important role in shaping the future of our communities.
The Shikshak Samman Awards (2008-2009) included not only a cash component but also coupons for purchasing teaching-learning materials and a professional development programme. The award ceremony was held on February 21 at Jacaranda Hall, India Habitat Centre. The chief guest and key note speaker was K S Mehra, municipal commissioner. Vineet Nayyar, vice-chairman, managing director and CEO of Tech Mahindra, and also one of the directors of the Tech Mahindra Foundation, gave away the awards.
