Conferring 26 distinguished teachers with Governor's Award at the Raj Bhawan here, he said the teachers have been assigned the responsibility of shaping students, who are the country's future.
They should realise that education should not just fill minds, it should "ignite" them, make them alert and receptive, Paul said.
The governor was of view that the education "should fuel the imagination and nourish creativity" besides giving knowledge.
Constant intellectual exchange between teachers and students is what can result in this, he said.
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Such a teacher will produce men and women of immense moral and intellectual powers and strength of character to guide and shape humanity, Paul said.
He also asked teachers not to stop learning themselves.
"The process of learning should not stop for a teacher. A teacher should remain a student all his life," he said.
As the country's future is in the hands of teachers their efforts need to be recognised, honoured and encouraged, the governor said terming the award as an initiative in that direction.
Instituted on the initiative of the Governor the award carries a cash prize and a citation. It was the first edition of the award.