Dr Brijesh Pandey: Beacon of educational excellence

 

 

 

Dr Brijesh Pandey, the Principal of Swami Atmanand Government English Medium School in Brahmapara in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, was honoured with the prestigious National Teachers’ Award by President Droupadi Murmu. The award ceremony took place on Teachers’ Day at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. This recognition solidifies Dr Pandey’s status as an exceptional educator and underscores his unwavering dedication to the field of education. Dr Pandey, originally from Sarguja, has been at the helm of the Child Science Congress of the Sarguja region since 2008. His leadership has been instrumental in nurturing young scientific talents, leading to numerous science models and projects from the region gaining national recognition. In addition to his contributions to the world of science education, Dr Pandey introduced an innovative ‘activity book’ that has enriched both academic and extracurricular experiences for students and teachers alike.

 

Dr Pandey’s impact extends beyond academics. He has been a champion for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, such as Nandalal, who, under Dr Pandey’s guidance, secured a place in the prestigious National Institute of Technology, Raipur. Furthermore, his tenure as the principal at Parsa witnessed the reclamation of 22 acres of encroached school land, leading to the establishment of a new English medium school and a significant increase in student enrollment. Dr Pandey’s commitment to sports and physical fitness is also noteworthy. He has encouraged the participation of students in various sports, partnering with CRPF soldiers to develop their physical fitness. As a result, students from his school have represented their institution at state and national levels. His leadership has translated into impressive academic results, with a 100% pass rate and an outstanding 96% of students securing first-division marks in the 2022-23 board exams. Dr Pandey’s contributions have received accolades from various dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of India, the Governor of Chhattisgarh, the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Education Minister of State.

 

Dr Pandey’s academic qualifications are equally impressive, with a background in Physics, including a PhD. He began his teaching career in 1987 and has accumulated nearly four decades of teaching experience across various renowned institutions. When asked about his vision for improving the education system, Dr Pandey emphasiSed the need for effective implementation and supervision of the state’s educational policy. He also stressed the importance of selecting, training, and assessing school teachers while advocating for reducing student absenteeism in rural areas. In Dr Pandey’s own words, “Swami Atmanand Schools offer top-tier facilities comparable to private institutions. They’re both accessible and affordable, especially for the economically weaker sections. This can potentially counteract the commercialisation of education in our State.”