The BRICS TimesFrom pioneering classroom methods to motivating first-generation learners, the honoured teachers have played a transformative role in shaping young minds across India.
On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, President Droupadi Murmu on Friday felicitated educators from across the nation with the prestigious National Teacher Awards, highlighting the indispensable contribution of teachers in shaping society and drawing attention to the pivotal role of girls’ education in India’s progress.
“We make an invaluable investment in the building of our family, society and nation by investing in girls’ education. Providing the best possible education to girls is the most effective way to promote women-led development,” the president remarked while addressing the gathering in New Delhi.
This year, 45 teachers representing diverse regions of the country were honoured with the award, including 24 men and 21 women.
In her address, President Murmu underlined the power of education as a driving force for empowerment and dignity, equating its significance with the fundamental necessities of food, shelter, and clothing.
“Education makes a person capable. Children from the poorest of backgrounds can touch the skies of progress with the power of education. Affectionate and devoted teachers play the most important role in giving strength to the flight of children. The biggest reward for teachers is that their students remember them throughout their lives and make commendable contributions to the family, society and country,” she said.
Reflecting on her personal journey, she recalled her years as a teacher, describing them as “a very meaningful period of my life.”
President Murmu also appealed to educators to focus on building values and integrity rather than limiting learning to competition or memorisation, stating that moral development must remain central to teaching.
“The coordination of emotions and intellect also impacts the students,” she observed.
She further emphasised that technology and modern classroom resources must always be coupled with human sensitivity and understanding for teaching to be truly impactful.
“Smart blackboards, smart classrooms and other modern facilities have their own importance. But the most important thing is smart teachers. Smart teachers are the teachers who understand the needs of their students’ development. Smart teachers make the process of study interesting and effective with affection and sensitivity. Such teachers make students capable of fulfilling the needs of society and the nation,” she added.
Applauding the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the president stressed that its inclusive approach and focus on strengthening girls’ education would pave the way for long-term societal transformation.
“The success of any initiative related to education mainly depends on teachers. The more they contribute to educating girls, the more meaningful their lives as teachers will be,” she noted.
The National Teacher Awards, presented annually, recognise educators who go beyond traditional teaching to bring innovation, dedication, and inspiration to the classroom, thereby enriching the academic and personal lives of their students.
