New Delhi, Sep 5 (IANS): The work being done by teachers in nation building was recognised, President Pranab Mukherjee said on Saturday on the occasion of Teachers Day.

"We recognise the dedicated services of many teachers throughout the country who were actively engaged in building and strengthening the intellectual and ethical foundations of children.

"I take this opportunity to recognise, with deep appreciation, the professional dedication with which you all have played a commendable role in making our nation a confident, vibrant and modern India," he said at the presentation of National Awards to teachers from across the country at Vigyan Bhavan here.

Congratulating the awardees, he stressed the need for "inspired teachers to instill in our children the civilizational values of sacrifice, tolerance, plurality, understanding and compassion".

"Our teachers need to get themselves a new orientation and evolve new methodologies to create relevant and effective approaches to teaching and learning," he said, adding it was important to work "for the long term goal of creating institutional facilities for innovative training and professional development of teachers".