Salesian Educator Wins Life Time Achievement Award

NEW DELHI, Dec. 30, 2009, 10.00 Hrs (George Plathottam sdb / CBCI News):

Fr. Johny Parankimalil sdb, former Principal of the St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School, Shillong, and Ex-President of All India National Association of Catholic Schools, has bagged the prestigious Life Time Best Teacher Award for his outstanding contribution to education. The Award consisting of a trophy and ten lakh rupees was conferred on him by Union Education Minister Kapil Sibal, at Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi, December 23.

The Award instituted by Varkey Gems Foundation, a Dubai-based education group, aims at promoting quality in educational service. Fr. John, member of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has rendered distinguished and dedicated service to education in Northeast India, spanning more than two decades. He has also authored several popular books and has been involved in teacher training. He has recently completed his doctoral studies in education. .Fr. John has been appointed head of the Don Bosco Teacher Education College in Tura, Meghalaya.

The awardees were nominated through internet polling by students and then selected by a jury consisting of eminent educationists. The event was orgnised in partnership with CNN-IBN, the Delhi-based national television news channel. Sr. Mercy Thomas msmhc, Director of the Ferrando Special School, Shillong, was awarded in the category of outstanding contribution to special education.