Sambalpur: Efforts will be made to preserve the 150-year-old Chandrasekhar Behera Zilla School here as a heritage institution and explore partnerships with IIM, Sambalpur, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said Monday during a visit to the school.
Pujari also reviewed the teaching and learning process of the students during his visit. He spent a considerable amount of time with the Class X students and observed the teaching by the science teacher while sitting among the students on a bench. Later, he discussed the implementation of the National Education Policy, 2020 with the teacher. Pujari also quizzed students on topics in science and history to test their grasp on the lessons.
Later, the minister joined students during their mid-day meal and spoke to the media about his own years at the school, where he studied for two years in Classes VIII and IX. Many of Odisha’s freedom fighters were once students at the district school, he noted, emphasising the need for students to appreciate the school’s rich history and draw inspiration.
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Pujari paid tribute to late Baju Narayan Murty, the headmaster during his time at the school, whom he remembered as an exemplary educator.
Teachers must observe and learn from the advanced teaching methods being practised at IIM Sambalpur, Pujari said.
Pujari praised the use of smart classrooms at the school, calling the system a model for others. “If a school is a machine for creating capable humans, then teachers are its operators,” he said.
He noted that the school’s students are full of talent, and proper guidance will help them thrive and prosper.
The minister also held discussions with school headmaster Lokita Das and District Education Officer (DEO) Lakshman Bhoi about transforming the school into a heritage institution. Pujari added that he will take up the matter with the state’s education secretary and director.
Later, the minister visited Brajamohan Patnaik School in Pattnayakpada to observe its teaching process and shared a midday meal with students.
DEO Lakshman Bhoi and other education officials were present on the occasion.
PNN
