- 5 teachers from Rajkot, Kheda, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Daman in Gujarat honored
- To make India a global knowledge superpower, our teachers must be recognized as the best teachers in the world: President Murmu
- By investing in the girls’ education, we make an invaluable investment in the building of our family, society and nation: President
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
NEW DELHI, SEPT 5
President Droupadi Murmu presented the National Teacher Awards to 45 educators from around the country, including five from Gujatat, on Friday, recognising their outstanding contributions to teaching and learning. The awardees were honoured at the annual ceremony, Teachers’ Day, for their novel teaching methods, dedication to student development, and efforts to improve learning outcomes in challenging environments.
From innovative teaching techniques to inspiring first-generation learners, the awardees have significantly influenced young minds across India.
Addressing the gathering, the President said, “Like food, clothing and shelter, education is essential for a person’s dignity and security. Sensible teachers work to instill a sense of dignity and security in children.”
She recalled her time as a teacher and described that time to be a very meaningful period of my life.
The President said, “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.”
The President said, “Building the character of students is the primary duty of a teacher. Sensitive, responsible and dedicated students who follow moral conduct are better than those students who are only interested in competition, bookish knowledge and selfishness. A good teacher has both emotions and intellect. The coordination of emotions and intellect also impacts the students.”
The President said that 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.
The President said that the education of girls should be given utmost importance. By investing in the girls’ education, we make an invaluable investment in the building of our family, society and nation. She stated that providing the best possible education to girls is the most effective way to promote Women-Led Development. She highlighted that the National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes expanding Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas and providing special education facilities to girls from underprivileged classes. But the success of any initiative related to education mainly depends on teachers. She told teachers that the more they contribute to educating girls, the more meaningful will be their life as teachers. She urged teachers to pay special attention to all students, including girls, who are relatively shy or come from less privileged backgrounds.
The President said that the National Education Policy aims to make India a Global Knowledge Superpower. For this, our teachers must be recognized as the best teachers in the world. Our institutions and teachers have to contribute actively in all three areas of education – school education, higher education and skill education. She expressed confidence that our teachers will establish India as a Global Knowledge Superpower with their crucial contribution.
Vibha Sharma, a Professor of English at Aligarh Muslim University, has been acknowledged for her innovative and interactive teaching methods that blend theatre studies with Indian knowledge systems. “An accomplished playwright and actor, she has developed MOOCs, led GIAN courses, mentored students in theatre practice, and contributed as a national-level resource person, extending her outreach to learners across India, especially the underprivileged,” the citation read.
S Siva Sathya, a professor of computer science at Pondicherry University, has been recognized for over 25 years of excellence in higher education through curriculum design, mentorship, and experiential learning. “Her research bridges AI and societal impact, with innovations like MITRA, a women’s safety app that earned her the “Naari Shakti Puraskar” from the Hon’ble President of India. Beyond technology, she also nurtures a deep passion for art and yoga,” MoE said.
Gujarat
Hitesh Kumar Pravin Chandra Bhundia, Shri Swaminarayan Gurukul Vidyalaya, Rajkot
“Hitesh Kumar Praveenchandra Bhundia is a highly qualified science teacher and headmaster at Shri Swaminarayan Gurukul Vidyalaya in Rajkot , whose career is marked by innovation , mentorship and a deep commitment to student development. His journey began as a junior scientist and since then he has become a key figure in promoting practical , experiential science education. Hitesh Kumar secured a grant of ₹20 lakh to set up the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL ). Beyond the classroom, Hitesh Kumar has made significant contributions to the community, including designing a patented alkaline water filter, organizing social initiatives like ‘Science Journey’ and water recharge projects.”
Hirenkumar Hasmukhbhai Sharma, Primary School Vavdi, Kheda
“Hirenkumar is an innovative teacher who has consistently focused on the holistic development of his students by integrating traditional values with modern teaching methods. His learner – centered approach is reflected in the development and implementation of activity – based learning modules, creation of local educational content in Gujarati, and strategic use of digital tools like DIKSHA and YouTube to enhance classroom engagement.”
Dr. Amit Kumar Dwivedi, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Gandhinagar
“Dr. Amit Kumar Dwivedi is a Professor at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII). He teaches courses on Family Business and New Venture Creation. His research expertise lies in entrepreneurship education and MSME policy, published in leading peer – reviewed journals and books. Notably, he has co – authored several Global Entrepreneurship Monitor ( GEM ) India National Reports ( 2014-2024 ) and an international report on women entrepreneurship.”
Prof. Urvish Soni, Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering , Government Polytechnic College, Ahmedabad
“Prof. Urvish Soni is a lecturer in the Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering. With previous industrial experience at Reliance Industries, he brings real-world experience to the academic arena. He established the Project and Innovation Lab, a model startup ecosystem, and initiated the ‘One Student One Skill Momentum’ to develop employability and entrepreneurial skills in every student.
Bhaviniben Dineshbhai Desai, GUPS, Bhensa Road, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
“Bhaviniben, a dedicated teacher serving for over 26 years at GUPS Bhensa Road. Bhaviniben Desai has shown exceptional leadership and commitment. As the Head Teacher in-Charge, she has actively contributed to various government duties and has held key roles such as Complex Head and Sports Coordinator. Her innovative teaching methods include the use of Smart TVs and making low-cost teaching aids from waste. These efforts have not only enhanced learning but her school has also won the District Champion Shield in Sports for four consecutive years. She has successfully reduced student dropout through community engagement and parental awareness.”
Prime Minister Modi greets everyone on Teachers’ Day
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has conveyed his greetings to everyone on Teachers Day. The Prime Minister stated that the dedication of teachers to nurturing minds is the foundation of a stronger and brighter future.”We also remember the life and thoughts of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, a distinguished scholar and teacher, on his birth anniversary”, Shri Modi added.
The Prime Minister posted on X; “Wishing everyone, particularly all hardworking teachers, a very happy #TeachersDay! The dedication of teachers to nurturing minds is the foundation of a stronger and brighter future. Their commitment and compassion are noteworthy. We also remember the life and thoughts of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, a distinguished scholar and teacher, on his birth anniversary.”
Wishing everyone, particularly all hardworking teachers, a very happy #TeachersDay! The dedication of teachers to nurturing minds is the foundation of a stronger and brighter future. Their commitment and compassion are noteworthy. We also remember the life and thoughts of Dr. S.…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2025
