Bhubaneswar, Sept. 5: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik honoured 100 teachers of government schools from across the state at a programme held at Jayadev Bhavan on the occasion of Teachers' Day today.

The awardees included 25 female teachers. A cheque of Rs 25,000 was given to each of them along with a cit-ation highlighting their contribution.

Narayan Chandra Das, an assistant teacher of Singhpur High School in Jajpur, was one the teachers felicitated by the chief minister. Das has been a teacher for more than 25 years. Known as a strict disciplinarian among his students, his efforts to ensure delivery of quality education was recognised by the state government on Teachers' Day.

'I always want my students to be focused and have some principles. My aim has always been to dig out the best qualities in my students and help them nurture their talents,' Das said.

Naveen said teachers were the cornerstones of an empowered and enlightened society. 'On the occasion of Teachers' Day, I thank them for their invaluable contribution towards nation-building,' he said.

The chief minister also wished teachers on social media. He tweeted: 'Greetings to teachers on #TeachersDay and homage to scholar, philosopher & former President of India Dr S Radhakrishnan on birth anniversary.'

Students made cards for their teachers to make the day special for them.

'It was really heartening to see students putting in so much efforts. They gave me a number of handmade cards and gifts,' said Suman Jana, a teacher at an Army Public School in the state.

A host of events were organised at various schools here to mark the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, which is observed across the country to acknowledge the contribution of teachers in our society.

The day was celebrated at many colleges and universities across the state as well. At Utkal University and Rama Devi Women's University, students felicitated the vice-chancellor.

This apart, the government today decided to provide free uniforms to all students in state-run schools across the state.

'Students belonging to Above Poverty Line category will also be provided free uniform from this year. Earlier, students belonging to Below Poverty Line category received the benefit,' Naveen said.

Also, Class IX students will be given free bicycles that were earlier provided only to Class X students.