Parveen Kumari Honored with National Award, marking a proud moment for Chandigarh as she joins just 45 teachers across India recognized this year. A Social Studies teacher at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 20-B, she will be celebrated on September 5, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The honor from the Ministry of Education carries a certificate, silver medal, and a ₹50,000 cash prize.

The Chandigarh Education Department expressed pride in her achievement, stating that the recognition reflects their transparent and fair nomination process. Director Harshuhinder Pal Singh Brar emphasized that her success validates their approach, while Secretary Prerna Puri noted that focusing on true contributions helps identify national role models.

For Parveen, the award is deeply personal. Overwhelmed with happiness, she shared her emotions in simple words, while her retired teacher parents felt immense pride. Her father, Pawan Kumar, praised her consistent dedication, and her mother, Naresh Kumari, reflected on their years of hard work. Her supportive husband Rajneesh, along with children Parth and Prachi, also celebrated the achievement.

Parveen has brought innovation into her classrooms. With advanced degrees in English, History, and MPhil, she introduced creative methods such as puppet shows, role-play, music, and dance to make Social Studies engaging. She built a Social Science Lab, set up a Herbal Nursery and Lily Pond, and shared over 150 resources on platforms like Diksha, PM Vidya, and Kishor Manch to support inclusive education.

Her influence extends beyond academics. Since 2018, she has led the Student Police Cadet (SPC) Program, empowering girls with skills like self-defense and road safety. As a Guide Captain, she has taken students to national and international jamborees and now serves as the State Training Commissioner, training educators to establish Guide units in schools.

Parveen also champions environmental causes. She spearheaded campaigns such as “Go Green Diwali” and “Herbal Holi,” along with anti-tobacco and substance abuse awareness programs. Recognized with several honors, including the Eco Warrior Award in 2024, her efforts earned praise from senior environmentalists.

Her dedication continues a family legacy in teaching, inspired by her uncle Om Parkash, a 2011 National Teachers’ Award recipient. Colleagues describe her as an all-rounder with a cheerful spirit, always ready to serve.

Ultimately, Parveen Kumari Honored with National Award symbolizes more than an individual achievement. It reflects her unwavering commitment to education, community, and environment, inspiring both students and teachers to pursue excellence and make a lasting impact.

Ludhiana teachers frustrated as their transfer process has been disrupted due to major technical glitches in the education department’s online portal. The department was forced to pause the selection of new stations after a flood of complaints, leaving educators anxious about their future and students’ learning.

The trouble began when teachers found that many options for new postings were missing on the portal, while others couldn’t access the link at all. On August 7, the department issued a notice confirming the temporary suspension of primary cadre station selection, promising to reopen on August 12 after fixing the issues. However, the disruption has already impacted schools, forcing staff changes mid-session.

Educators worry that such delays harm both teaching quality and classroom stability. According to Dharamjeet Singh Dhillon, district president of the Lecturer Cadre Union, students adapt to a teacher’s style in the early months, so sudden transfers can confuse both sides and disrupt syllabus coverage. He stressed that transfers should be finalized by June to ensure smooth functioning.

Adding to the uncertainty, a similar order was released for secondary teachers on August 8, but without a reopening date. This left teachers unsettled and school principals hesitant to approve moves, fearing staff shortages. Daljit Singh Samrala of the Democratic Teachers’ Front reminded that every teacher has the right to seek a transfer. He noted that union representatives even met the Director of Secondary Education, pressing for urgent solutions.

Teachers argue that this is more than a technical flaw, it directly affects classroom management and learning outcomes. Punjab’s education system has repeatedly struggled with online transfers, exposing deeper management problems. Mid-year shifts often hinder syllabus completion and unsettle students.

In Ludhiana, where schools already face pressure to maintain standards due to the city’s industrial environment, stability is crucial. Teachers now demand a fairer and more efficient system, with better communication from the department to avoid confusion.

Ultimately, the pause has highlighted systemic weaknesses that require immediate reform. Ludhiana teachers frustrated by these delays, want a reliable process that ensures both effective teaching conditions. And an uninterrupted academic journey for students.

Education

Governor Kataria Reviews Chandigarh education and sports initiatives in a key meeting held on Friday. Acting as Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator, Gulab Chand Kataria assessed how current policies are strengthening schools and promoting athletic programs across the city.

In education, the School Education Department reported progress in its recruitment drive. Out of 993 teaching posts, 739 appointments have already been made, reflecting a strong effort to enhance Chandigarh’s learning infrastructure. Alongside recruitment, the School Volleyball Programme is running in 108 government schools with support from the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) and the Abhinav Bindra Foundation. This effort aims to increase sports participation and inspire more students to embrace volleyball.

A major highlight was UDAAN, a program supporting 125 bright government school students with free coaching for exams like JEE and NEET. In addition to subject preparation, students receive mentorship, motivation, stress management guidance, and personal development support. This balanced approach not only sharpens academic skills but also boosts emotional readiness for competitive exams.

In sports, Kataria reviewed projects that will transform Chandigarh’s facilities. The city is preparing for the International Chandigarh Marathon in November 2025, with a route certified by World Athletics. Sector 42 will soon have an Olympic-standard swimming pool, a multipurpose indoor hall, and a hostel for girl athletes. Meanwhile, the revamped cricket ground in Sector 16 is expected to reopen in August.

Chandigarh has also gained recognition by hosting national-level events like the North Zone Chess Championship and the National Table Tennis Championship. With new coaches appointed and associations receiving financial aid, the city is investing in a stronger sports culture.

In higher and technical education, Kataria reviewed counselling results that filled over 95 percent of seats in undergraduate and postgraduate courses. For the 2025-26 academic year, an additional 200 undergraduate seats will be available. He emphasized better monitoring of faculty performance and stronger sports integration in colleges to ensure quality.

The meeting also discussed the EduCity project in Sarangpur and the move toward granting autonomous status to select colleges. Through the Chandigarh Skill Development Mission, new opportunities are emerging. Initiatives like the Model ITI at Burail Jail and the National ITI Upgradation Scheme will strengthen vocational and technical education.

Kataria urged departments to adopt transparent evaluation systems, with clear performance indicators in academics and sports. He emphasized better inter-departmental coordination and the use of technology for accountability and transparency. Regular monitoring, he noted, will ensure that progress continues effectively.

In conclusion, Governor Kataria Reviews Chandigarh efforts showed strong progress in both education and sports. With initiatives like UDAAN, upgraded sports facilities, and EduCity, the city is shaping a brighter future for its youth by blending academic growth with athletic excellence.