December 30, 2009, Don Bosco: Union Education Minister Kapil Sibal conferred awards on a Salesian priest and a nun for their committed efforts in education.

Salesain Father Johny Parankamalil, former principal of the St. Anthony`s Higher Secondary School in Shillong, was awarded the Life Time Best Teacher Award.

The Award consists of a trophy and one million rupees.

Sister Mercy Thomas of Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians was awarded in the category of outstanding contribution to special education. She directs the Ferrando Special School in Shillong.

The award, instituted by Varkey Gems Foundation, a Dubai-based education group, aims at promoting quality in educational service.

Father Parankamalil is former president of All India National Association of Catholic Schools.

The award recognizes the priest's distinguished and dedicated service to education in Northeast India, spanning more than two decades.

He has also authored several popular books and has been involved in teacher training. He has recently completed his doctoral studies in education.

Father Parankamalil has been appointed head of the Don Bosco Teacher Education College in Tura, Meghalaya.

The awardees were nominated through internet polling by students and then selected by a jury consisting of eminent educationists. The event was organized in partnership with CNN-IBN, the Delhi-based national television news channel.