Teachers’ Day 2025: National awards to 45 educators; IITs, Universities to recognise faculty contributions

Teacher’s Day is celebrated every year on September 5, with events held across schools, universities, and technical institutes. The day marks the birth anniversary of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s second President and a philosopher-teacher. Various education institutes are holding ceremonies, awards, and interactive events to recognise teachers’ service and commitment to education.

The Union Education Ministry has announced the 45 teachers selected for the National Teachers’ Award 2025. The awards will be conferred by President Droupadi Murmu at a national-level ceremony on Teachers’ Day.

The awardees, chosen through a three-stage process at the district, state, and national levels, include 24 men and 21 women. The group features two teachers from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.

The Ministry of Education has also named 21 faculty members from IITs, IIM Bangalore, central, state, and deemed universities, IISER, IIST, BITS, colleges, and a government polytechnic for the National Awards to Teachers (NAT 2025), to be conferred today.

Recognition of faculty contributions at IITs

At the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, Research & Innovation Day 2025 will be held today at Swatantrata Bhawan, BHU. The event included awards for best teachers, patent award felicitation, poster presentations, and faculty-researcher interactions. The programme will be organised by the Office of the Dean (Research & Development).

IIT Jodhpur marked the day with a ceremony recognising faculty contributions to mentoring and education. The event welcomed Rajendra Gehlot, Rajya Sabha MP, as Chief Guest, and Lt. Gen. AVS Rathee, GOC Konark Corps, as Guest of Honour.

IIT Kanpur will present the Excellence-in-Teaching Awards 2025 to faculty across multiple departments, including Biological Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Humanities, Management, and Mathematics. Distinguished faculty members completing 25 years of service will also be recognised.

At the Central University of Rajasthan (CURAJ), the celebration will feature the felicitation of teachers and interactive sessions with students. Vasudev Devnani, Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, will be the Chief Guest.

Also read6 lakh teachers in Maharashtra may have to clear TET after SC ruling, MLC seeks 6 months leave

Teachers’ Day 2025: Reflections from schools

Teachers at Radcliffe School shared classroom experiences and lessons that highlight the everyday impact of teaching. Krina Shah, PRT English at Radcliffe School, Kharghar, shared: “A classroom nurtures students like a gardener tending plants. They grow in their own way. Teaching involves facing many challenges, but it is a blessing to guide students with different abilities. I have been both challenged and blessed in this journey.”

Barnali Saha, PPRT Mother Teacher at Radcliffe School, said: “Being a kindergarten teacher is a blessing because I get to see the world through the pure eyes of little children every day. Every hug, every smile, every “thank you teacher” makes this journey truly special. On this Teacher’s Day, I celebrate my little students who make me a teacher every single day.”

Teachers also shared personal classroom moments, such as a student writing their name for the first time, helping a peer tie shoelaces, or giving a small flower. These moments highlight the daily interactions that shape teaching and learning. Dipika Chauhan, TGT Mathematics and Science, Council Chief, Radcliffe School, described a collaborative activity called “Circle of Clues – Math Detective Game”. Students solved math puzzles in rotating pairs, encouraging curiosity, resilience, teamwork, and peer learning.

NIOS highlights teacher contributions

The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) in Noida held a programme paying tribute to Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Events included Saraswati Vandana and Guru Vandana, a documentary screening on the institute's achievements, and cultural performances.

Akhilesh Mishra, professor at NIOS, emphasised the role of teachers in guiding students and expanding access to education. He noted that educators play a particularly important role in supporting learners from underprivileged and marginalised backgrounds.

PM Modi acknowledges teachers’ role in nation-building

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also acknowledged the contribution of teachers to nation-building and the development of self-reliant citizens. He highlighted their role in fostering innovation and skill development among students, and in promoting initiatives such as the Atal Innovation Mission, Atal Tinkering Labs, and the “Vocal for Local” programme.

Referring to the wider impact of teachers beyond the classroom, he said, “Teachers consistently shape future generations, and your guidance ensures that every citizen contributes to India’s growth.