Teeka Das Marabi: A Life Dedicated to Education, Culture and Social Service
From the Classroom to a Journey of Recognition and Community Service
Some people build their careers around a profession, while a few turn their profession into a lifelong mission. Teeka Das Marabi, Principal of Government High School, Kotmi Khurd, Development Block Gaurela, District Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi, Chhattisgarh, belongs to the latter category.
With an academic background in M.A. in Hindi Literature and professional qualifications including D.El.Ed. and B.P.Ed., along with being a Gold Medalist, Teeka Das Marabi has built a journey that connects education, sports, culture, public awareness and social service.
Over the years, his work has received recognition from several respected personalities and institutions. His journey reflects not only professional dedication but also a deep involvement in activities that connect education with society, culture and community life.
The Foundation of Education
Education has remained one of the strongest pillars of Teeka Das Marabi's professional life.
His qualification in Hindi Literature reflects his connection with language, literature and education, while his professional training in D.El.Ed. and B.P.Ed. reflects a broader engagement with teaching as well as physical education and sports.
His achievement as a Gold Medalist adds another significant dimension to his educational journey.
Today, as the Principal of Government High School, Kotmi Khurd, he carries the responsibility of educational leadership while continuing a journey that has included teaching, sports, cultural participation and social engagement.
A Journey That Began with Sports
Long before many of the recent recognitions came his way, Teeka Das Marabi was already associated with sports and educational activities.
In 1994, he received a certificate connected with the District School Sharda Sharad/Autumn-Winter Mini Sports Competition, Bilaspur District.
He also received a certificate for participation in the State-Level Athletics Competition, Bilaspur.
In 1999, he received a certificate from Manav Seva Samiti, Machalpur, District Bilaspur, Madhya Pradesh.
His association with sports continued over the years. From 2 to 5 September 2007, he served as a judge in the Seventh State-Level School Sports Competition in the Printer Athletics and Gymnastics programme, receiving a certificate for his role.
In 2010–11, he also received a certificate for participation in the 56th National School Games.
These experiences show that his professional journey has never been confined to the traditional boundaries of classroom education.
Education with Innovation
Teeka Das Marabi's contribution to education has also received recognition for innovation.
On 30 May 2019, he received a certificate for the Electric Teacher Innovation Award through the Zero Investment Innovation in Education initiative.
Earlier, on 5 September 2005, during a World Teachers' Day Honour Ceremony, he received recognition for his special contribution to the Innovative Pathshala Success Programme.
He was also associated with the Pratibimb Programme, organised by the District Institute of Education and Training, Bilaspur, and received a District-Level Teacher Honour certificate on 5 September 2018.
These recognitions reflect the importance of innovation and continuous involvement in the field of education throughout his career.
Connecting Education with Culture
Teeka Das Marabi's journey has also extended into cultural activities.
From 2 to 26 December 2003, he received a certificate connected with the Naya Nupura programme organised by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, New Delhi, in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
From 22 to 26 December 2016, he participated in the 8th National School Sports Competition and received a participation certificate for the national programme organised in Pendra, District Bilaspur, through the education administration and school education department.
His participation in cultural and educational programmes demonstrates a professional journey in which education, culture and extracurricular activities have remained closely connected.
Standing with Society During Difficult Times
Teeka Das Marabi's contribution was also recognised during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On 7 April 2020, he received a certificate connected with the Government of India जन जागरूकता एवं कोरोना काल में सुरक्षा कार्यक्रम.
During 2019–20, he also received a certificate connected with the World Health Organization's Corona Awareness Campaign.
On 13 September 2020, he received a certificate from the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Chhattisgarh, connected with a meeting organised through a Virtual Marathon.
These activities reflect his participation in public-awareness initiatives during a period when community awareness and responsible behaviour were especially important.
A Deep Connection with Folk Art
Another defining aspect of Teeka Das Marabi's journey is his association with folk art and cultural traditions.
On 11 February 2023, at Gram Potiya Kala, Durg, he received a certificate during the Achchha Lok Kala Mahotsav, where the chief guest was Home Minister Shri Tamradhwaj Sahu.
On 18 May 2023, at Engineer Bhawan, Civic Centre, Bhilai, he received the Bharat Gaurav National Award at the national-level Vaicharik Sangoshthi and Lok Kala Sadhak Samman Samaroh. The event's chief guest was Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, former Union Minister, and the recognition was presented by Durg MP Shri Vijay Baghel.
This recognition became one of the significant milestones in his journey of cultural and social contribution.
Recognitions Across Chhattisgarh
His cultural and social involvement has continued to receive recognition at different events across the state.
On 10 August 2019, at Shakti Bhavan, Risali, District Durg, he was honoured at the State-Level Surta Minimata Mahila Sammelan, where the chief guest was Cabinet Minister Dr. Shiv Kumar Dahariya.
On 26 August 2019, at Manas Bhavan, Durg, he received the Samajik Samrasta Samman during the state-level Surta Devdas Banjare Lok Kalakar, Samajik Samrasta Sammelan.
On 17 December 2019, at Gundrapara Nagri Sihawa, District Dhamtari, he was honoured during the Gadhiya Mahotsav 2019 by Culture Minister Amarjeet Bhagat.
On 27 February 2021, at Ganiyari, Bhilai-3, District Durg, he was honoured during the Ganiyari Lok Kala Mahotsav by chief guest Cabinet Minister Shiv Dahariya.
On 26 August 2021, at Satnami Ashram, Durg, he received the Devdas Banjare Smriti Puradha Samman during the state-level Suta Devdas Banjare Lok Kala Mahotsav, presented by Culture Minister Amarjeet Bhagat.
On 10 August 2021, at Shakti Bhavan, Risali, District Durg, he was honoured during the state-level Surta Minimata Mahila Sammelan. The chief guest was Cabinet Minister Shri Tamradhwaj Sahu, and the recognition was the Bhagwat Prasad Baghel Smriti Samman.
Continuing Recognition in 2021 and 2022
On 10 October 2021, at Bhola Pathar, Peraguda Karhibhadar, District Balod, Teeka Das Marabi was honoured during the Bhola Dussehra and Navakhai Mahotsav.
On 30 October 2021, at Rajyotsav, Raipur, he received a certificate for participation in the National Tribal Festival.
On 15 January 2022, at Sector 10, Bhilai, District Durg, he was honoured at a Shradhanjali Sabha for Swar Kokila Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar. The honour was presented by Padma Vibhushan Dr. Teejan Bai, Padma Shri Bharti Bandhu, Padma Shri Madan Chauhan and Padma Shri Radheshyam Barle.
On 23 April 2022, at Pitora (Nandini Khudni), Development Block Dhamdha, District Durg, he received a Lifetime Achievement Honour at the Pitora Rang Mahotsav.
On 3 April 2022, at Tapobhoomi Giroudpuri Dham, he was honoured by retired I.F.S. Shri K. K. Khelwar.
On 15 May 2022, at Devpuri, Raipur, he received the State-Level Satnami Samaj Gaurav Samman during the Yuva Mahotsav, where the chief guest was Padma Shri Radheshyam Barle.
A Life Where Recognition Became Responsibility
The long list of certificates, honours and recognitions tells only one part of Teeka Das Marabi's story. Behind each recognition lies years of involvement in education, sports, cultural activities and social initiatives.
From school-level sports activities in the 1990s to national-level participation, from educational innovation to teacher recognition, and from folk-art programmes to social harmony initiatives, his journey has continued to evolve.
His recognition by the then Chief Minister and the Hon'ble Governor further reflects the appreciation he has received for his work. He has also been honoured by numerous organisations for notable contributions in the field of social service.
The Heart of His Journey
What makes Teeka Das Marabi's journey meaningful is the way different aspects of his life come together.
He is an educator, but his journey extends into sports.
He is an educational leader, but his work also connects with culture and folk art.
He has received professional recognition, but he has continued to participate in community-oriented initiatives.
His career demonstrates that education can become a bridge between individuals and society. A teacher's contribution does not end with a lesson in a classroom; it can continue through awareness, cultural preservation, sports, community participation and social responsibility.
A Legacy of Education and Service
Today, as the Principal of Government High School, Kotmi Khurd, Development Block Gaurela, District Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi, Chhattisgarh, Teeka Das Marabi continues to carry forward a journey built over decades.
His qualifications—M.A. in Hindi Literature, D.El.Ed., B.P.Ed. and Gold Medalist—form the academic foundation of his career. His numerous certificates and honours reflect his continued participation in educational, sporting, cultural and social activities.
His journey from the early sports competitions of the 1990s to recognitions received in 2023 shows remarkable continuity of purpose.
For Teeka Das Marabi, achievement has never been only about receiving an award. It has been about remaining connected with education, culture and society and continuing to contribute wherever an opportunity arises.
His story is a reminder that a teacher can influence not only classrooms, but communities; that education can inspire culture and service; and that a career becomes truly meaningful when knowledge, dedication and recognition are ultimately turned towards the betterment of society.