Teachers Have a Mission to Shape Young Minds: Mr. Pattnaik ;

DIET Khordha launches week-long induction programme for newly admitted D.El.Ed. students

Dillip Kumar Pattnaik

KHORDHA, NOVEMBER 2: Underscoring the importance of teachers in shaping the character and future of society, the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Khordha, on Monday inaugurated ‘DIKHYARAMBHA’, a week-long induction programme for newly admitted Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.) student-teachers.

The programme is designed to familiarise students with the academic framework, institutional environment and professional expectations of teacher education, while fostering discipline, punctuality, ethical conduct and a sense of responsibility.
Dr.Tapas Kumar Nayak, Principal of DIET, Khordha, inaugurated the programme and explained the significance of Dikshya, linking its underlying philosophy to the traditional Gurukul system of education. He observed that the Gurukul tradition placed equal emphasis on the acquisition of knowledge, character formation, self-discipline and moral values.
Addressing the newly admitted

student-teachers as the chief guest, senior journalist and social activist Dillip Kumar Pattnaik said teaching was not merely a profession for earning a livelihood but a mission involving a profound social responsibility.
He observed that teachers played a crucial role in shaping the character, values and outlook of young people, with their influence extending far beyond the classroom. He urged the aspiring educators to cultivate punctuality, sincerity, discipline and dedication from the beginning of their professional journey.

Emphasising the importance of personal integrity, Pattnaik said a teacher’s conduct and commitment to duty could leave a lasting impression on generations of students. He called upon the student-teachers to approach their training with sincerity and recognise the responsibility that comes with the teaching profession.

Dr.Nayak, in his address, urged the students not to view the D.El.Ed. course merely as an academic qualification but as the first step towards becoming responsible and committed educators.
He pointed out that a teacher’s role extended beyond delivering lessons and completing the prescribed syllabus. Teachers are entrusted with nurturing young minds, encouraging curiosity, building character and contributing to the intellectual, moral and social development of society.
He called upon the students to make effective use of the opportunities available during their training and develop the professional competence, ethical values and personal discipline required to discharge their responsibilities.
The week-long DIKHYARAMBHA programme will familiarise the newly admitted students with the institute’s academic environment, curriculum, syllabus, training requirements and institutional rules and regulations. It also seeks to foster a sense of belonging and prepare them for the academic and professional challenges ahead.
The initiative places particular emphasis on the ethical and social dimensions of teaching, recognising that the initial phase of teacher education plays an important role in shaping the attitudes, habits and professional outlook of aspiring educators.
Ms Binapani Padhi, teacher educator, coordinated the inaugural programme. Faculty members present on the occasion included Ms Monalisa Panda, Ms Rasmi Rekha Swain, Ms Deeptiprava Dash, Ms Subhalaxmi Parida, Dr.Ayesha Tanwir, Ms Subhasmita Dash and Dr. Manjulata Hansda.
The inauguration marked the beginning of a new academic journey for the student-teachers, reinforcing the message that teaching goes beyond academic qualifications and demands a commitment to guiding young minds and building a responsible society.