Mandi Teacher Ashok Thakur Selected for Prestigious International Exposure Visit to Singapore.
Shimla:
Ashok Thakur, a dedicated Commerce teacher at Government Senior Secondary School Boys Mandi, has been selected for the esteemed International Teacher Exposure Visit to Singapore. Thakur, who was honoured with the State Teacher Award in 2023, is one of the two teachers from the Mandi district to be chosen for this remarkable opportunity.
Organised under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, the international exposure visit aims to provide educators with a deeper understanding of global educational practices, advanced teaching methodologies, and cutting-edge technological innovations. The tour will offer participants a chance to explore some of Singapore’s leading educational institutions and engage with both educators and students. This exposure is designed to help teachers gain new insights into modern teaching strategies such as experiential learning, group teaching, problem-solving approaches, and project-based learning – all key aspects of 21st-century education.
The selection process for this prestigious program was highly competitive. Teachers had to meet stringent eligibility criteria set by the state’s Education Department. These included academic and professional qualifications, teaching experience, contributions to student welfare, achievements in education, and awards at both the district and state levels. After an interview process, Ashok Thakur was chosen for his exemplary teaching career and commitment to education.
Thakur’s contributions to the field of education are impressive. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he leveraged technology by teaching his Commerce students through a YouTube channel, ensuring continuity of education when schools were closed. He also played an integral role in the Ghar Pathshala program, further demonstrating his dedication to his students’ education. In recognition of his efforts, Thakur was awarded the State Teacher Award by the Governor in 2023. Moreover, in the same year, he was recognised by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for creating an effective disaster management plan at his school. Thakur’s achievements continued into 2024 when he received the Exceptional Educator Award for his role as the additional Nodal Officer for the District Mandi’s SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) initiative during the Lok Sabha elections.
Yashvir Dhiman, the Deputy Director of Higher Education, congratulated Thakur on his selection for the international exposure visit. He expressed confidence that this experience would further inspire Thakur in his professional journey and bring more energy to his educational work. Dhiman also wished Thakur continued success in the future.
This International Teacher Exposure Visit is part of a broader initiative by the state to expose teachers to global educational standards. Last month, a group of talented students from Himachal Pradesh traveled to Cambodia and Singapore for similar educational exposure, highlighting the importance of such international experiences in shaping the future of education.
Ashok Thakur’s selection for this prestigious visit is a proud moment for Mandi district and serves as a testament to his commitment and contributions to the education sector.
