In a notable achievement for Kerala, two teachers from the state have bagged National Teachers’ Award. The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, will present the awards to the two recipients and 80 distinguished teachers on Thursday at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. This annual recognition, held on Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s birth anniversary, which is commemorated as Teachers' Day, honours teachers who have made exceptional contributions to education and profoundly impacted their students' lives.

The Kerala recipients this year are Jinu George from S.D.V.B.H.S.S., Alappuzha, and K. Sivaprasad from VPAUPS, Palakkad.

Jinu George, a drawing teacher at S.D.V.B.H.S.S., has played a pivotal role in establishing a children’s art gallery at his school. His commitment extends beyond conventional teaching; he provides drawing and painting lessons to students with autism and actively engages in the Student Police Cadet programme and the Little Kites IT Club, enhancing both academic and extracurricular opportunities for his students.

K. Sivaprasad of VPAUPS, Palakkad, is recognised for his innovative approaches in education. His contributions include developing study materials, conducting teacher training, and creating an audiobook system for students with visual impairments. Additionally, Sivaprasad has been instrumental in establishing Science Parks, Geo Labs, and Adapted Science Parks through his involvement with the Learning Teachers Kerala Academic Consortium, significantly advancing educational resources and accessibility across the state.

Each awardee receives a certificate of merit, a cash prize of Rs 50,000, and a silver medal, along with an opportunity to meet the Honourable Prime Minister.

Selection process

The Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, has chosen 50 teachers for this year’s National Teachers' Awards. The selection process, which was conducted online, involved three stages: District, State, and National levels.

The awardees come from 28 states, 3 Union Territories, and 6 organisations. Of the 50 selected teachers, 34 are male, 16 are female, 2 are differently abled, and 1 works with children with special needs.

Additionally, 16 teachers from the Department of Higher Education and 16 from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship will also receive awards.
 

PIB