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This Teachers' Day, meet India’s inspiring teachers, recipients of the National Teachers Award (2024), who have ignited countless young minds, uplifted communities, and redefined learning through their dedication and vision.
Select a state to celebrate the educators making a difference near you.
shaping its classrooms.
Champions of Learning
Not all heroes wear capes. Some carry chalk and change lives quietly. Meet India’s noted educators who go beyond duty, reimagining learning, mentoring with empathy, and making education accessible to all.
Tell Us About an Amazing Teacher
Do you know a great teacher? Or are you one? Nominate an educator who's making a real difference in the classroom or beyond. Share a post or video to help us spotlight their impact.
Abdul Malik
Padinjattumuri, Kerala- For over two decades, he has swum across the Kadalundi River daily to reach his school, bypassing a 12-kilometre road journey, never missing a day of teaching.
- Carrying his books and clothes in a plastic bag. He also advocates for environmental conservation by leading river clean-up drives.
- His remarkable story has gained national recognition, sparking discussions on the challenges faced by rural educators and the importance of environmental action.
Aditya Kumar
Cycle wale Guruji- Known for cycling across India to teach underprivileged children free of charge, Aditya Kumar has travelled thousands of kilometres to offer education.
- His efforts have earned him a place in both the Limca and Guinness Book of Records.
- With a mission to educate over one crore children, his cycle stops serve as both his classroom and temporary homestay, spreading knowledge across the country.
Babar Ali
Murshidabad, West Bengal- Starting at the age of 9, Babar Ali became the world’s youngest headmaster by 16, founding a school that provides free education to children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
- His school, Ananda Shiksha Niketan, offers not only education but food, uniforms, and learning kits, ensuring holistic support for students.
- His dedication has earned him recognition, including features in CBSE textbooks and Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30.
Ashwini Angadi
Karnataka- A visually impaired educator and social activist, Ashwini founded Belaku Academy to provide free education, food, and shelter to children with disabilities, especially those from rural areas.
- Overcoming her own challenges as a blind child, she uses her personal journey to inspire and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.
- Ashwini has been honored with the UN Special Envoy for Global Education's Youth Courage Award and the Queen's Young Leader Award.
Jobin S Kottaram
Chitrasalabham, Kerala- Founder of the Chitrasalabham project, Jobin runs a free initiative under Absolute IAS Academy that helps students with disabilities prepare for the UPSC CSE exam.
- The project, which includes offline and online batches, has helped 108 aspirants crack the prestigious exam.
- His vision to provide education without financial barriers is reflected in the project's name, ‘Chitrasalabham,’ meaning 'butterfly,' symbolizing the empowerment of students with disabilities.
Manu Gulati
Delhi- A teacher at Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, Manu became a media sensation after a video of her dancing with students went viral, embodying the joyful spirit of education.
- As a Mentor Teacher, she has been recognized with several awards, including the Martha Farrell Award for Women Empowerment and the National ICT Award.
- Her approach to teaching emphasizes befriending students and guiding them towards success, making her a beloved figure in the Delhi education community.
A Note For a Teacher Who Mattered
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