National Teacher Awards 2025: President Droupadi Murmu Honours 45 Educators for Excellence
The National Teacher Awards 2025 were presented on Teachers’ Day in New Delhi, where the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu felicitated 45 outstanding teachers from across the country. The prestigious awards recognize the relentless dedication, innovation, and contribution of teachers in shaping the nation’s education system and nurturing generations of students.
Honouring the Role of Teachers in Nation Building
In her address at the ceremony, President Murmu reflected on the irreplaceable role of teachers in building character and capability. She described education as fundamental to human dignity and security, equating its importance with basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. Recalling her own experience as a teacher, she called it one of the most meaningful phases of her life, shaping her perspective on the transformative power of education.
“The biggest reward for teachers,” she noted, “is that their students remember them throughout their lives and make commendable contributions to the family, society, and country.”
Teachers as Character Builders
President Murmu highlighted that proper education goes beyond academics and competition. It equips children from the poorest backgrounds to pursue progress and success. She stressed that affectionate, responsible, and devoted teachers have the most lasting influence on students.
She urged teachers to focus on building students' character and producing sensitive, responsible, and morally grounded individuals. She says, “Students who follow moral conduct are better than those who only focus on competition, bookish knowledge, and selfish pursuits.”
She emphasized that the best teachers combine emotion and intellect, guiding students to excel academically and develop compassion, responsibility, and integrity.
The Need for “Smart Teachers” in Modern Education
Acknowledging the technological advancements in education, President Murmu mentioned the increasing use of smart classrooms and digital learning tools. However, she underlined that the cornerstone of effective teaching is not technology but “smart teachers.”
Defining them as educators who understand their students' developmental needs, she explained that smart teachers are those who make learning engaging, interesting, and impactful through affection, innovation, and sensitivity. Such teachers, she said, prepare students to meet the needs of society and the nation.
Special Focus on Girls’ Education
The President also highlighted girls’ education as a critical driver of progress. She called it one of the most important investments for families, societies, and the nation. “The more teachers contribute to educating girls, the more meaningful their lives as teachers will be,” she stated.
Referring to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, she noted that initiatives like the expansion of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas and provisions for special education facilities are helping ensure quality education for girls, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
She urged teachers to give special attention to students from underprivileged families and to encourage shy and hesitant girls to step forward with confidence.
Teachers as the Foundation of a Global Knowledge Superpower
In her concluding remarks, President Murmu expressed confidence that Indian teachers would play a defining role in helping the country achieve the vision of becoming a Global Knowledge Superpower.
She called upon teachers and institutions to actively contribute across school education, higher education, and skill development, ensuring holistic learning for students. Recognising teachers as the backbone of India’s growth story, she reiterated that for India to lead globally, its teachers must be counted among the best in the world.
Celebrating Excellence Through the National Teacher Awards
The National Teacher Awards, instituted by the Ministry of Education, celebrate the contribution of exceptional educators who go beyond conventional teaching. Every year, the awards honour teachers who adopt innovative methods, demonstrate extraordinary commitment, and positively influence students’ lives.
The 2025 awards showcased the diversity of India’s education landscape, bringing together teachers from government schools, private institutions, rural classrooms, and urban centres. Their achievements reflect the transformative impact of dedicated educators, who often go unnoticed despite their pivotal role in national development.
A Day of Pride and Reflection
The ceremony on Teachers’ Day was not just a celebration of the 45 awardees but also a tribute to the teaching community across India. The event highlighted how teachers are central to the NEP 2020 vision, bridging traditional knowledge systems with modern approaches, and ensuring inclusivity in education.
As President Murmu aptly observed, teachers are both guides and nation-builders. They lay the foundation for a society rooted in knowledge, compassion, and progress by instilling values, shaping character, and fostering curiosity.
Conclusion
The National Teacher Awards 2025 served as a reminder of the enduring influence teachers have on shaping India’s future. While technology and infrastructure continue to transform education, teachers' wisdom, compassion, and dedication ultimately drive meaningful learning.
With the government’s continued focus on empowering educators and expanding access to quality education—especially for girls and underprivileged communities—India’s path toward becoming a Global Knowledge Superpower looks promising and achievable.
On this Teachers’ Day, the nation not only honoured 45 exemplary teachers but also celebrated the spirit of teaching—a profession that remains at the heart of progress and nation-building.
