An event was organized on September 14th, 2011, in collaboration with the Education department in the state of Rajasthan, to commemorate five years of Intel’s presence in the State.

It marked the celebration of a fruitful relationship and highlighted achievements by teachers in the field of education during this period. While showcasing the change in the way new innovative methodologies are being adopted by teachers to bring a difference in the school environment, the event also served to recognize and acknowledge the sustenance model of KRPs which is providing strength and sustainability to the ICT initiative of the Rajasthan Government.

The Chief Guest for the event Mr. Ashok Samptaram, Principal Secretary, School & Sanskrit Education (GoR) along with other dignitaries spent some moments with the teachers showcasing their projects done with students. Impressed with the project work, Mr. Sampatram urged that such good work should be collated and put on the Rajasthan government education website or onto CDs which can be exhibited for a large audience. Such work will inspire and motivate fellow teachers to take the first step towards use of technology and innovation.

“Tamso Ma Jyotir Gamaya- from darkness to light” - the proceedings of the event began with the very beautiful tradition of lighting the lamp, signifying the kindling of the light of knowledge, before the proceedings begin.

The Principal Secretary Mr. Ashok Sampatram, was joined by Mr. Ashutosh Chadha, Director, CAG, South Asia, Intel, Mr. V K Jain, Additional Commissioner, RCEE, Mrs Abha Beniwal, OSD, REI and Mrs Valsa Williams, Head, CAG, North & East, India, Intel for the lighting of the lamp.

After a formal welcome of the dignitaries on the dais, Mrs.Abha Beniwal, OSD (Rajasthan Education Initiative, RCEE) gave an overview of the progress in Education in the state of Rajasthan. In her update address she shared the state of the education with statistical support for the same and also shared the Government perspective on quality education and bridging the gap between the rural and urban students.

She congratulated and thanked Intel and commended the Intel Education Initiative as one of the key trusted programs which, from time to time, has not only been providing support for the capacity building of teachers of CALP and other computerized schools but has also been involved in providing inputs on reforming education practices through use of ICT in pedagogy. She also stressed on the Government’s focus on Girl Child education and talked about the support Intel Education is providing for enhancement of the quality of Girl Child education in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalas across the state.

The exemplary work of leadership and innovation by some of the teachers which led to bringing about a difference in the lives of students and parents was captured in the form of an Audio Visual on the initiatives undertaken by teachers to use ICT in classroom teaching. The idea behind the presentation was to acknowledge the good work done and share the same with a larger audience.

The Rajasthan AV was formally launched and played for the viewers. Teachers whose work was captured were also present. Their achievement, captured in the form of the AV, was successful in sending a message of inspiration to the audience to be the element of change for the future.

Keeping in mind the motivational effect of inspirational achievements on others, 20 Intel trained Lead Master Trainers were awarded joint certificates by Rajasthan Council of Elementary Education (RCEE) & Intel.

Three teachers Mr. Ramesh Kumar Khamrana, Mrs. Archana Tripathi and Mr. Giriraj Singh Chauhan were also felicitated for the exemplary work they have done in their schools to use ICT to initiate a change in the teaching learning process.

Seth Meghraj Govt. Adarsh Upper Primary School was felicitated for the effort in connecting the community with the school to spread the message of education far and wide in the community.

Mr. Ashutosh Chadha, Director, CAG, South Asia, Intel, in his keynote address, spoke on “Technology for Education Transformation” . His thoughts were focused on the need of students in today’s knowledge based society. He shared his thoughts on how technology is the key in translating the transformation in Education. He also shared that the Intel Education Initiative has signed a license agreement with the department of Education for replication of the Intel Digital Help Guide. He presented the Digital Help Guide CD to the Principal Secretary, as a token of sharing the license with the Rajasthan Government. In his address he thanked the Education department for the support they have shown for the Intel program in the state and advocated that Intel will continue working with the Education Department. He congratulated the LMTs and teachers for their work and inspired them to attain greater heights in their profession and work with students.

The Principal Secretary in his address spoke about the use of technology in education to enhance not only the quality of education but also to maintain the balance between what students experience in the outside world and in schools. He said that now technology is seen everywhere and anywhere in various forms so it becomes inevitable that education and educationists should also adopt and adapt to the nuances of technology to bring about a change. He said putting infrastructure in schools is not about upgrading technology but the way it should be used in disseminating knowledge and enriching the learning capabilities of students. It will transform the quality of education.

He applauded the efforts of Intel in supporting the cause of education in the state and reiterated that the Government will keep on providing support to the Intel Education Initiative to together bring about and sustain transformation in education.

Mr. Vimal Kumar Jain, Additional Commissioner (RCEE) read out the message of Honorable Education Minister of Rajasthan Master Bhanwar Lal Meghwal, on this occasion.

The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks.