Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha emphasized the imperative of enhancing the government's investment in education to foster its advancement, particularly considering the existence of even rudimentary infrastructure within the education sector.
In her address at the 18th 'National Education Awards' ceremony organized by the National Monthly Education on Chaitra 6, 2080, Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha underscored the importance of directing funds towards physical infrastructure, technological advancements, and contextual curriculum development. She highlighted that the lack of progress in education adversely impacts societal development. Additionally, she proposed integrating yoga and meditation practices into school education to foster holistic growth. She remarked, "Education serves not only for survival but also for cultivating essential life values."
The event honored educators, activists, intellectuals, school principals, staff, and education journalists. Dignitaries such as former Vice-Chancellor of Mid-West University, Prof. Dr. Nanda Bahadur Singh, Madhyapur Thimi Mayor Tara Kumari Kaji Mahato, Teachers Service Commission's Administrative Chief Dr. Kamal Pokharel, Janak Education Material Center's Managing Director Anil Kumar Jha, Galaxy Public School's Founder Geeta Rana, Gyanodaya Bal Batika's Founder Indira Yakthung, Melamchi Ghyang Secondary School's Principal Purna Bahadur Gautam, Neel Barahi Secondary School's Principal Dr. Januka Nepal, Mahesh Vidhyashram in Tanahun, and Prithvi Secondary School's associate Rajendra Prasad Dhimal were among those recognized.
Furthermore, Chief Editor of Education Monthly, Shyam Tandukar, presented a Rs 10,000 education journalism award to Sunil Acharya of Jupiter Media and Parvata Chaudhary of Radio Kantipur, while also commending the contributions of educators.
A committee for recognition and award selection was established, consisting of Under-Secretary of Education Service Gehanath Gautam, Education Journalist Prakash Silwal, Engineer BK Shrestha, along with educators Deepika Thapa and Ramhari Silwal as resource persons for the selection process.
