Express News Service By

CHENNAI: P George Paul, currently serving as the PG Assistant (Physics), former assistant headmaster of Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Egmore, was conferred with the National Best Teacher Award for the year 2014-2015.

He received the prestigious award from the President of India, Pranab Mukarjee. He had an audience with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 4 at his residence along with the Union Minister (HRD), Smriti Irani.

Paul has been working in the school since 1984 and producing a commendable number of state rank holders, doctors, engineers and leading industrialists. His dedicated social service in his neighbourhood, especially towards the mentally retarded children and orphans has brought him this acknowledgment.

Says George Paul, “I was motivated by John Alexander, the correspondent of Don Bosco and former principals Fr Benjamin, Fr John Santhosam and Fr Y L Irudayaraj. I’m grateful for the support of my wife and daughters, who allowed me to render this service to the less privileged during the weekends. My colleagues at the school supported me and encouraged me at every juncture. I request every teacher to be available when the students need them the most. Remember that there are no problematic children, but only children with problems.”

George Paul was also honoured with Tamil Nadu’s Dr. Radhakrishnan Best Teacher Award in 2012.