President of India Droupadi Murmu will confer the National Teachers Awards 2026 on 82 exceptional educators at a ceremony in Vigyan Bhawan New Delhi today on September 5 as the country celebrates Teachers Day. The awardees comprise 48 school teachers 21 higher education teachers and 13 trainers from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship whose dedication and excellence continue to shape the future of India. Short documentaries highlighting the exemplary work of each awardee will also be showcased during the event organised by the Ministry of Education.
The awards recognise the teachers exceptional contributions to education and their lasting impact on the lives of students. The Ministry of Education stated that these exceptional educators represent dedication and excellence in education. A teacher does more than impart knowledge they shape minds nurture values and contribute to the holistic development of every learner. This Teachers Day is a tribute to the inspiring journey of the changemakers who are shaping the future towards Viksit Bharat 2047 the ministry added.
On the eve of Teachers Day President Murmu extended her heartfelt greetings to all teachers across the country. In her message she said Teachers Day is observed to mark the birth anniversary of the former President of India Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan who was a great author and philosopher. He was also an extraordinary teacher. On this occasion I pay my humble tributes to him.
The President emphasised that teachers through their guidance and mentorship play a vital role in nurturing talent and strengthening character. She said it is their duty to guide students to become good human beings. A dedicated and caring teacher can recognise the unique potential of students serve as a source of inspiration and encourage them to strive for excellence. President Murmu further urged teachers to continually update their knowledge embrace technology and adopt innovative teaching methods. She stressed that they should promote independent thinking and cultivate a spirit of enquiry among students rather than relying solely on rote learning.
The Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education holds a national level function on Teachers Day every year to honour the countrys best teachers. The awardees are selected through a rigorous transparent and online selection process. The National Teachers Award is conferred to recognise the unique contributions of some of the countrys best teachers whose immense work has played a major role in improving the quality of education and enriching the lives of their students
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September 5 marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan the distinguished philosopher scholar and statesman who served as the second President of India. The day has been celebrated as Teachers Day across India since 1962 to honour the contributions of teachers and the values of education that Radhakrishnan championed throughout his life.
The ceremony today will not only celebrate the 82 selected educators but also underscore the governments focus on quality education skill development and the role of teachers in nation building. Officials from the Ministry of Education and other dignitaries are expected to attend the event at Vigyan Bhawan. The recognition comes at a time when the education sector is undergoing rapid transformation with increasing emphasis on digital tools innovative pedagogy and holistic student development.
President Murmus address and the award presentation are expected to inspire teachers nationwide to continue their efforts in shaping young minds. The event highlights how dedicated educators remain central to Indias progress and the vision of a developed nation by 2047. Teachers across schools colleges and skill training centres will mark the day with special programmes and tributes while the national ceremony in New Delhi remains the centrepiece of the celebrations.
The selection of awardees from school higher education and skill development sectors reflects the comprehensive approach of the Ministry of Education in acknowledging excellence at multiple levels of the learning ecosystem. As the President presents the awards the nation once again reaffirms its respect for the teaching community and the enduring legacy of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan whose birthday continues to be observed as a day of gratitude and inspiration for educators everywhere.
