Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the recipients of the National Teachers Awards 2026, recognising educators whose work is transforming classrooms across India. The awards were conferred on 82 educators at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on Teachers’ Day, September 5, including 48 school teachers, 21 higher education teachers and 13 teachers from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
The awardees were recognised for initiatives ranging from technology-based learning and sports development to inclusive education, community participation and innovative teaching methods. Their stories highlight how teachers are addressing local challenges while creating opportunities for students.
#TeachersDay is about appreciating the strong contribution of teachers to our society. It is also a day to pay homage to Dr. S. Radhakrishnan.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2026
Here is what happened when the National Teachers' Awards winners were invited to 7, LKM yesterday…. pic.twitter.com/LtXTvHiQoQ
Changing Classrooms
Among the educators recognised was Md. Zafar Alam, who has spent over two decades working to improve education at EMRS Karanjia, Odisha. His approach combines technology, sports and tribal heritage to create a learning environment that supports students beyond academics. Under his leadership, the school achieved 100% Class X results and won 16 national sports medals. He has also worked towards improving enrolment, running anti-addiction initiatives and supporting students in pursuing higher education.
Ms. Sangeeta Yadav from St Joseph’s Convent Sr. Sec. School, Idgah Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, has transformed mathematics learning by moving away from rote memorisation towards exploration and problem-solving. Through initiatives such as GANITOTSAV, MathEMind and Mathletics, she encourages critical thinking, creativity and collaboration among students.
Learning Through Innovation
Shri Vaibhav Vasantrao Kulkarni from Maharashtra has made mathematics more accessible through digital learning resources. He created 700+ open-access mathematics videos, helping students and teachers understand concepts in a more engaging way beyond traditional classrooms.
Shri Mahadev Hanamant Shinde from South Goa has focused on inclusive education by developing digital and activity-based resources for children with disabilities. His work has helped create practical learning tools while also supporting other educators in making classrooms more inclusive.
Shri Shivprasad Arvind Tingare from Maharashtra has encouraged hands-on science learning through low-cost tools and digital methods. He has also mentored students, including more than 100 cadets who went on to be selected as officers.
Shri Shivprasad Arvind Tingare of Sainik School Satara, Maharastha is recognized for his contributions to advancing hands-on science education, low-cost instructional design, and interactive digital learning.
— Ministry of Education (@EduMinOfIndia) September 5, 2026
Over twelve years, his sustained mentorship has nurtured national… pic.twitter.com/mVvSrxkGNh
Inspiring Young Minds
Dr. Divyendu Sen from Rajasthan introduced students to a NASA-supported citizen science campaign. Since the COVID-19 period, his students have identified 12 asteroid candidates, with four receiving provisional recognition from scientists. His work has encouraged students to explore science beyond textbooks and participate in global scientific efforts.
Dr. Divyendu Sen from Mahatma Gandhi Govt School, Jhalawar, Rajasthan, a distinguished Biology Lecturer, stands out for a decade of transformative contributions to school education, scientific research, and educational equity.
— Ministry of Education (@EduMinOfIndia) September 5, 2026
Honored with the State-Level Teachers Award (2021)… pic.twitter.com/jw8lCwP3Tk
In West Bengal, Palash Chowdhury and Santanu Patra were recognised for their commitment to student welfare and learning. Palash Chowdhury and another teacher contribute nearly ₹60,000 every month towards breakfast for 300 students. Their school also provides digital learning opportunities and conducts CPR and AI sessions for mothers, while Santanu Patra has highlighted the need for greater support for educators working at the grassroots level.
Shri Palash Chowdhury of Sri Ramkrishna Sarada Vidyapith Primary School, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, has made significant contributions to improving student nutrition, advancing digital education, promoting inclusive and community-driven school development.
— Ministry of Education (@EduMinOfIndia) September 5, 2026
To eliminate… pic.twitter.com/TYX5TzfB79
Building Communities
Ms. Bhavani Bompelly from Telangana increased school enrolment from 40 to 130 students while introducing pre-primary education and using play-based and digital learning methods to make mathematics and languages easier for children.
Ms. Bhavani Bompelly of Mpps Girls Gandhari, Kamareddy, Telangana, is recognized for scaling school enrollment from 40 to 130 children, pioneering pre-primary education, and creating play-based, digital-learning environments. Through innovative methodologies like the… pic.twitter.com/63qEpmxMva
— Ministry of Education (@EduMinOfIndia) September 5, 2026
Ms. Sunita Yadav from Chhattisgarh built a smart classroom with community support and expanded initiatives such as Nyota Bhojan and home reading campaigns, showing how collaboration between schools and communities can strengthen education.
Ms. Sushma Tamang from Sikkim has worked with remote learners through peer-led education, guiding students towards national and global competitions while promoting climate education.
Inclusive Education
Ms. Munmun Bhattacharjee from MS School Barmasia, Dhanbad, Jharkhand, has used low-cost foundational literacy and numeracy tools, art-integrated learning and vocational exposure to address learning gaps linked to poverty. Her efforts, aligned with NEP 2020 and NIPUN Bharat, have helped students become recognised young artists, NEET aspirants and self-reliant vocational entrepreneurs.
Ms. Munmun Bhattacherjee of MS School Barmasia, Dhanbad, is recognized for her extraordinary dedication to empowering a vulnerable coal-mining community through education. Grounded NEP 2020 principles and NIPUN Bharat goals, she pioneered low-cost FLN tools, art-integrated… pic.twitter.com/AkwXABL2Pw
— Ministry of Education (@EduMinOfIndia) September 5, 2026
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Teachers are not only responsible for delivering lessons; they often become mentors, innovators and community builders who help students overcome barriers. The stories of these 82 National Teachers Awards 2026 recipients show that meaningful educational change can begin with one classroom, one idea and one teacher willing to go beyond expectations.
From supporting children with disabilities to encouraging scientific curiosity, improving access to digital learning and strengthening communities, these educators represent the many ways teaching can create social impact. While celebrating their achievements, it is equally important to ensure that teachers across India receive the resources, recognition and support needed to continue this work.
How can communities, policymakers and families come together to support teachers who are shaping the future of India, one classroom at a time?
