Times Foundation and CHRIST (Deemed to be University) in partnership with Byju’s, organized “Teacher Awards for Innovative Teaching(TAFIT) – 2016”. TAFIT aims to recognize and acknowledge innovative strategies tried by teachers in their classrooms. Teachers across Karnataka had sent their portfolios showcasing innovative ideas in teaching-learning assessments.

On 28th January,the Award ceremony was organised at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) which was attended by esteemed guests, teachers and budding teachers from the Department of Education, CHRIST (Deemed to be University). The event was inaugurated by a traditional lamp lighting ceremony.
Ms. Kala Devi, South Regional Head of Times Foundation spoke about the recognition of Teachers and the need for TAFIT. Ms. ShwethaHarshwal, Programme Manager of Times Foundation gave information about the TAFIT Awards.

Following this Dr. Anil Joseph Pinto, Registrar of CHRIST (Deemed to be University) took efforts to narrate the CHRIST (Deemed to be University)’s journey in Education and the role of today’s teachers in shaping today’s youth.Prof. MallikaKrishnaswami, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences gave her observations on the event and also spoke about the importance of the role of a teacher and the lasting impact that the profession has.
Chief Guest of the event Mr. Jaffer, Commissioner for Public Instructions and State Project Director, SarvaShikshaAbhiyan, in his talk stressed the need to incorporate technology into teaching and said it could not replace a teacher totally. He also mentioned that Technology Assisted Learning Projects (TALP) is being introduced in the state to improve standards especially in government schools. He added that the studies show that level of proficiency among students is dismally low, so throughPratham Project, remedial intervention has been undertaken.

The Guest of Honour, Ms. Anita Nazare, Dy Director Education Cell, spoke about the relevance of teachers and the teaching tool in shaping the future. She said teachers have to go beyond just the learning, reading, writing and speaking abilities of the students and she also pointed out that technology is not just about using a projector or audio visual elements but asking students the right questions and using appropriate evaluation methods.

Later, the Panelist Judge, Ms Padma Shastry, Director-SamamVidyagave an overview on the innovative methods used byteacher applicants.
The winners for the event were awarded with cash prize and certificates. The details are of follows:
Savithri .K,Pompei High School, NaziaShamim from Deens Academy,S.PSridevi from The Brigade School,Jaishree.B.N from Sindhi School and RevathiSundaresanfrom National Hill View Public School were awarded as winners for TAFIT 2016-17.
G.Rama Devi from Christel House India, Anu Thomas from Christ School,KetakiKumta from Deens Academy,PrathimaPai from Sindhi School,Kavitha Mohan from Deens academy received runner up awards and were awarded with mementos and certificates.