National Teacher Awards 2025: President Murmu honours 45 teachers for excellence in education

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, honoured 45 teachers from across the country with the National Teacher Awards 2025 at a ceremony held in New Delhi. The awards were presented to recognise the outstanding contribution of teachers in the field of education on the occasion of Teachers’ Day.Addressing the gathering, President Murmu emphasised the importance of teachers in shaping the future of the nation. She said that education, like food, clothing, and shelter, is essential for a person's dignity and security, and that sensible teachers instil these values in their students. Recalling her own time as a teacher, the President described it as a very meaningful period of her life.The role of teachers in building character and capabilityPresident Murmu highlighted that education makes individuals capable, enabling children from the poorest backgrounds to achieve progress.

She noted that affectionate and devoted teachers play the most important role in supporting the growth of children. According to the President, “The biggest reward for teachers is that their students remember them throughout their lives and make commendable contributions to the family, society and country.

”She stressed that the primary duty of a teacher is to build the character of students. “Sensitive, responsible and dedicated students who follow moral conduct are better than those students who are only interested in competition, bookish knowledge and selfishness,” she said.

The President further explained that a good teacher combines both emotions and intellect, which greatly impacts the students.Smart teachers crucial for modern educationThe President acknowledged the role of technology in education, mentioning smart blackboards and smart classrooms, but emphasised that the most important element is “smart teachers.” She defined smart teachers as those who understand the developmental needs of their students and make learning both interesting and effective through affection and sensitivity.

“Such teachers make students capable of fulfilling the needs of society and the nation,” she added.Focus on girls’ education and Women-Led DevelopmentPresident Murmu underlined the importance of girls’ education as a critical investment in the family, society, and nation. She said that providing quality education to girls is the most effective way to promote Women-Led Development. Referring to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, she highlighted initiatives such as expanding Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas and special education facilities for girls from underprivileged communities.She urged teachers to pay special attention to all students, including girls who may be shy or come from less privileged backgrounds. “The more teachers contribute to educating girls, the more meaningful their life as teachers will be,” the President stated.India’s path to becoming a global knowledge superpowerIn her concluding remarks, President Murmu expressed confidence that Indian teachers will help establish the country as a Global Knowledge Superpower. She called upon teachers and educational institutions to contribute actively in all three areas of education—school education, higher education, and skill education. She reiterated, “Our teachers must be recognised as the best teachers in the world” to achieve this goal.The National Teacher Awards ceremony celebrated the dedication, skill, and commitment of educators who continue to play a vital role in India’s development.