The National Teachers Awards were presented to 82 educators from across India, recognizing their innovative teaching methods and commitment to improving education. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the awards during a ceremony on Thursday.
Among the awardees was Chandralekha Damodar Mestri from Satyawati Soiru Angle Higher Secondary School, South Goa, honored for developing low-cost teaching aids and bridging the language gap for first-generation learners. Her home visits, offering books and stationery, have fostered a love for learning among her students.
Sagar Chittaranjan Bagade from Sou S. M. Lohia High School, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, was recognized for his social work supporting orphans, tribals, and disabled students. His folk dance performances, recognized by the Asia Pacific Book of World Records, provided students with international exposure across 226 countries.
K. Suma from Andaman and Nicobar Islands was awarded for her efforts to improve government school infrastructure and increase enrolment, promoting health and wellness through yoga camps, and supporting inclusive education with home-based visits.
Minakshi Kumari from Shiv Ganga Girls Plus 2 High School, Madhubani, Bihar, was honored for preventing child marriages, improving school facilities, and advocating for greater female participation in academics and sports. She has published over 50 stories and poems.
Hukam Chand Chaudhary, a government school teacher from Rajasthan, was recognized for creating low-cost, project-based tools, including an automated school bell from recycled materials and an AI-powered chatbot for student queries.
Pallavi Sharma, Principal of Mamta Modern Senior Secondary School, received the award for initiatives like a Maths and Science Park, a Literacy and Numeracy Lab, and the “Khushishala” happiness lab to enhance student well-being.
Other honorees included Mantaiah Chinni Bedke from Maharashtra, who developed a “speaking wall” to expand students’ vocabulary, and Narasimha Murthy H K from Karnataka, whose methods involved gamified learning through activities like treasure hunts and Minecraft Education.
The awards celebrate the unique contributions of these teachers, who have enriched students’ lives through innovative education. Each award includes a certificate of merit, Rs 50,000 cash, and a silver medal. The winners also have the opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister.
This year, the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, selected 50 teachers after a three-stage process. Additionally, 16 teachers from the Department of Higher Education and 16 from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship were also honored. This marks the second year that awards were extended to higher education institutions and polytechnics, alongside school teachers.
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