Is a Good Teacher Equal to a Thousand Libraries? Rajasthan CM Sharma Thinks So

Jaipur, Sep 5 (NationPress) Rajasthan's Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma emphasized that Teachers’ Day transcends mere celebration; it serves as a vital moment to express appreciation for those who mold the future of society.

During the State Level Teacher Honor Ceremony at Birla Auditorium, he labeled teachers as the true architects of society and national builders, reaffirming the government's unwavering commitment to enhancing the standard of education, ensuring the well-being and esteem of teachers, and securing a bright future for students.

The event commenced with a solemn tribute, observing silence for the children who tragically lost their lives in the Peeplodi accident.

In honor of the esteemed philosopher and educator Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the Chief Minister remarked that education is not merely the accumulation of knowledge but also the understanding of life and the integration of values.

“Education is the force that shapes individuals and societies,” he stated, adding that its ultimate goal is the comprehensive development of personality.

Recalling the words of the late former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Sharma shared, “A good book is equivalent to a thousand friends, but a good friend is like a library.”

He further elaborated, “I believe a good teacher is equal to a thousand libraries,” underscoring that educators are not just keepers of knowledge but also igniters of dreams whose empowering words uplift discouraged students.

The Chief Minister pointed out that students inherently absorb life values by observing their teachers, who impart not only knowledge but also nurture truth, non-violence, compassion, service, and patriotism.

Teachers, he noted, guide students with lessons of humility, integrity, and dedication, which are the essence of true worship. Referring to the Indian tradition of Guru-Shishya, CM Sharma mentioned that sages have illuminated the world with knowledge from ancient centers like Takshila, Nalanda, and Vikramshila.

In our culture, a Guru is not just a teacher but also a life guide, he stressed, citing exemplary figures like Dronacharya and Chanakya.

Emphasizing Rajasthan's rich heritage of knowledge and culture, the Chief Minister remarked that the region has always been revered for education and wisdom. He recalled how Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II advanced astronomy by constructing Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, while locations like Pushkar and Mount Abu became centers of spiritual learning.

Even today, he noted, the tradition of sharing knowledge through folk songs and stories remains vibrant, reflecting the state's cultural richness.

CM Sharma also highlighted significant advancements made by the government in education. He reported that over 20,000 appointments have been made in the education sector, with advertisements issued for more than 18,000 teacher positions, and 33,217 personnel promoted.

More than 8,000 smart classrooms have been established across 4,000 schools, and 88,800 outstanding students have been provided with free tablets featuring Internet connectivity.

To enhance digital learning, live classes are being conducted by subject experts via the e-Pathshala WhatsApp channel.

The Chief Minister informed that scholarships totaling Rs 139 crore have been distributed by the Secondary Education Department and Rs 24 crore by the Elementary Education Department for 2024–25.

Scholarships amounting to Rs 174 crore have been awarded under the Chief Minister Anuprati Coaching Scheme, along with Rs 4 crore under the Merit Scholarship Scheme, while Rs 175 crore has been allocated under the Gargi Puraskar Yojana.

To promote girls’ education, thousands of scooties have been distributed under the Kalibai Higher Education Scooty Scheme and Devnarayan Chhatra Scooty Scheme.

Additionally, over three lakh youth have undergone skill training through central and state initiatives, and 1.7 lakh new approvals have been granted under the Chief Minister Yuva Sambal Yojana.

CM Sharma concluded his address by stating that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajasthan is experiencing positive transformations across various sectors.

He reiterated that education, respect for teachers, and the empowerment of students will continue to be central to the state government’s policies, as these are the foundations for a robust and prosperous future.