President Droupadi Murmu writes: Let’s hold our teachers in the highest esteem. They help India learn and lead
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Droupadi Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu will confer the National Teachers’ Awards on 82 educators this September 5. The recipients include a diverse group of innovators, from asteroid hunters to proponents of Indian Knowledge Systems.
Celebrating Pedagogical Excellence: The 2024 National Teachers’ Awards
On September 5, India observes Teachers’ Day, a tradition rooted in the memory of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the nation's second President. This year, the occasion is marked by the conferment of the National Teachers’ Awards by President Droupadi Murmu upon 82 distinguished educators. These awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to shaping the destinies of students through creative pedagogy and community leadership.
A Diverse Spectrum of Achievement
The list of 82 awardees highlights a remarkable breadth of educational focus. Among the recipients are 48 school teachers, 21 faculty members from higher education, and 13 trainers from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The diversity of the winners is striking, ranging from an 'asteroid hunter' and a Special Olympics hockey coach to educators working in coal mining communities. This variety underscores the government's shift toward rewarding educators who go beyond traditional classroom boundaries to engage with specialized fields and societal needs.
Integrating Tradition with Modern Technology
A significant focus of this year's awards is the inclusion of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). The recognition of faculty who teach Vaastu Shastra and the Bhagavad Gita signifies a broader national push to institutionalize ancient wisdom. Notably, this is being paired with forward-looking technological initiatives, such as the integration of Sanskrit with Artificial Intelligence. This synthesis reflects a growing trend in Indian academia to bridge the gap between ancient cultural heritage and the demands of the digital age.
The 'Math Wizard' and Hands-on Learning
Innovation remains at the heart of the selection process. Educators like Haryana-based Anil Kaushik, known as the 'Math Wizard,' exemplify this shift toward experiential learning. By constructing a state-of-the-art physical Maths lab equipped with over 40 original learning models, Kaushik demonstrates how tangible, interactive tools can demystify complex subjects. Such initiatives are crucial in transforming rote learning into a deeper process of understanding.
The Teacher's Evolving Role in the Information Age
As the landscape of education shifts, the role of the teacher is becoming increasingly critical. In an era where students have instantaneous access to vast amounts of information, the teacher’s duty is no longer merely to impart facts, but to guide students in distinguishing between raw data and true understanding. By helping students ask meaningful questions and use knowledge responsibly, teachers act as mentors in a complex digital ecosystem.
Historical Context and Future Implications
Reflecting on the legacy of figures like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam—who famously preferred to be remembered as a teacher over a scientist or President—the award highlights the enduring prestige of the profession in India. From the ancient gurukul system to modern classrooms, the teacher remains central to societal development. Moving forward, the emphasis on creative pedagogy and the blend of IKS with modern tech suggests a future where Indian education aims to be both globally competitive and culturally rooted.