India celebrates National Teachers' Day on September 5 every year to honour its educators. This date was chosen to commemorate the birth anniversary of D. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the country's second president and a well-known educator. On the occasion of National Teacher's Day, President Droupadi Murmu will honour 45 educators nationwide with the National Teachers' Awards, acknowledging their exceptional contributions to education. Each award consists of a ₹50,000 cash prize, a silver medal, and a certificate of excellence.
The Ministry of Education has arranged accommodation for the awardees at The Ashok hotel in Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. The arrangements will cover their stay from the afternoon of September 3 to the forenoon of September 6.
These teachers, who work in schools all over India—from rural and tiny towns to big cities—have won praise for their commitment, creative teaching methods, and ability to change students' lives. For instance, after taking over as the head of school in 2017, one teacher from Mirzapur worked on improving the school, which was being used for multiple other purposes like a cricket pitch and laundry drying area. The teacher took the initiative to increase enrolment, encourage students to attend class on a regular basis, and bring innovation into the classrooms.
Yet another teacher is credited with curbing dropout rates at school. Over 150 students have been able to continue their studies after receiving scholarships from different government schemes. During Covid, the teacher painted more than 400 walls in the village with environment-related messages to create awareness among children and also provided free education to underprivileged children.
National Teachers' Day serves as a reminder of the ideals that educators instill in society as well as a chance to congratulate honourees. By recognising educators from different areas and backgrounds, the government hopes to draw attention to their role in fostering the country's future.
Image source: Indiaspend, TWI, The Telegraph