Mrs Chandra Gopalan, a senior lecturer from Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), School of Business & Accountancy (BA), won the PS21 Distinguished Star Service Award 2011 for extending her role beyond teaching and reaching out to mentor her students.

Mrs Gopalan shares her role as a lecturer:
"I teach Business Law to 1st Year students in BA. I see my role as a good lecturer and also a trusted mentor. I always make time to talk to my students. I try to do my best to motivate them to become confident and compassionate individuals who want to contribute to society."

Mrs Gopalan won the award for going beyond teaching and mentoring her students. One such student who benefited from her mentoring is J Haridharan (Hari). Hari graduated from BA with a Diploma in Accountancy. He suffers from cerebral palsy and walks with crutches. Mrs Gopalan not only taught him Business Law and Company Law but also encouraged Hari to participate in co-curricular activities. By the time Hari graduated from the course in May 2010, he had transformed from a very shy and reserved person to a confident person. She nominated Hari for the “Inspiring Youth” award at the Stars of Shine Festival in 2009. Hari won the award and did NP proud.

Hari did NP proud again when our Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong commended Hari as an exemplary youth at this year’s National Day Rally for overcoming the odds, doing well for himself, and at the same time actively volunteering his services to help the disadvantaged in society.



Pictured above (left): Mrs Gopalan (first from right) with Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister (second from right) and Hari (first from left), at the PS21 Awards Ceremony.
Pictured above (right): Mrs Gopalan (second from right) with Mr Teo Chee Hean (third from right), and other NP colleagues in front of the Istana.