Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin advised teachers during an event on Saturday. He said that teachers have the responsibility to develop rational thinking in students. They should be encouraged to develop perspectives by asking questions like “how” and “why.” Students should be taught about the need for equality and social justice. They should set good role models for students and become role models themselves. They should instill civic sense in them.
At a School Education Department event, the CM said that teachers should ensure that students do not develop caste-based and gender-based discrimination. Students attending government schools have become a symbol of pride. The infrastructure and quality of state-run schools have improved. Government school students are taken on tours to foreign countries to understand the outside world and enhance their knowledge. The Chief Minister also detailed the DMK government’s schemes, mentioning the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme and the scheme that provides a monthly assistance of ₹1,000 to college-age students. Stalin said that students should be exposed to accurate, appropriate content. Considering the availability of Google’s web search engine and AI, students should not become complacent by relying solely on such technology-based solutions. Students should be made aware of the difference between human thought and technology. They should be taught the power of religion and the need for honesty.
He urged teachers to go beyond the curriculum and educate children on topics such as alternative energy sources. Citing social media content created by some teachers on critical thinking and problem-solving, Stalin said others could also consider creative solutions to help students.
The School Education Department’s program, called Mupperum Vizha, aimed to organize entry-level training programs for teachers and lay the foundation stone for new buildings in 243 schools in Chengalpet, Kallakurichi, Tiruppattur, Tiruvallur, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Tiruchirappalli, Coimbatore, and the Nilgiris districts.
The foundation stone for the construction of a new Tamil Nadu headquarters for the Bharat Scouts and Guides organization was also laid at Kamarajar Salai in Chennai. The government is starting construction work on this at a cost of ₹277 crore. Stalin also inaugurated newly constructed buildings at a cost of ₹94 crore in 59 schools in Salem, Sivaganga, Thanjavur, Theni, Tiruvallur, Tiruvarur, Tuticorin, Ariyalur, and Chengalpet districts. He also presented cheques of ₹10,000 each to 142 students who scored 100% marks in Tamil subject in the 10th and 12th class board examinations.
