(Clockwise from left) Jyotsna Asthana, Ramesh Kumar Tiwary and Baidyanath Mishra. Telegraph pictures

Ranchi, July 30: One developed a telescope and acted as a resource person in a telescope-making workshop organised by National Council for Science & Technology Communication, another travels over 6km daily to reach his school.

They are teachers to be honoured with the President’s award for distinguished services in the education field.

They would receive the award from President Pratibha Patil in Delhi on September 5.

Meet Baidyanath Mishra of Lutheran High School, Lohardaga; Karam Chandra Ahir of Rajakiya Samposhit Uchcha Vidyalaya, Tonto in West Singhbhum; Ramesh Kumar Tiwary of Rajakiya Madhya Vidyalaya, Soh in Garhwa block and Jyotsna Asthana of Jhanda Singh Middle School in Daiguttu area of Mango in East Singhbhum.

“He never gave special tuition despite several requests during his long career as teacher. He is due to retire next year but his enthusiasm level has not decreased,” said Nandkishore, the son of Mishra, an assistant teacher of physics and mathematics.

Mishra, with his wife Jayanti Devi, would leave for Delhi soon to receive a citation, Rs 25,000 cash and a memento by the President.

He feels excited while sharing the fact that the telescope developed by him was put on display at the national science exhibition in Jaipur.

It also bagged the first prize in a state-level exhibition in Patna.

During Ahir’s stint at several primary schools in Tambajudi village in Naxalite-affected Musabani block and Tirildih in Potka block, these villages were declared 100 per cent literate.

A farmer’s son, Ahir, who teaches Hindi and English and is due to retire next year, did his PhD from Ranchi University in 2003.

Hailing from Phulwaria (Rahe) village in Sonahatu block, Ahir finished his schooling from Rahe Uchcha Vidyalaya before graduating from Birsa College, Khunti.

“Teachers should abide by two rules — dedication and honesty,” said Ahir.

Tiwary, the headmaster of Rajakiya Madhya Vidyalaya in Soh, would be the first teacher from Garhwa to be bestowed with the award. Sources in Garhwa said that Tiwary had special interest in literary activities and had also authored many books.

His research on freedom fighters Neelambar and Pitambar was adjudged one of the best works in the field.