Who Are the Odisha Teachers Honored with National Awards This Year?

On Teachers’ Day, four exceptional teachers from Odisha were honored with the National Teachers’ Awards by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi. This prestigious recognition highlights their contributions to education and skill development. The event emphasized the importance of quality education and the role of teachers in shaping responsible citizens. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also engaged with the awardees, discussing innovative teaching methods and the need to focus on students' overall well-being. Read on to learn more about these inspiring educators and their impactful work.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 6, 2026, 10:10 IST

Celebrating Excellence in Education

Bhubaneswar: On Teachers’ Day, President Droupadi Murmu honored four educators from Odisha among 82 recipients of the esteemed National Teachers’ Awards during a special event in New Delhi.

Out of the total awardees, 48 were recognized from the Department of School Education and Literacy, while 21 were affiliated with higher education institutions and polytechnics. Additionally, 13 skill trainers from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship were also acknowledged.

The awardees from Odisha included Padaraj Umakant Nayak from Alipingal High School in Jagatsinghpur, Mohammad Zafar Alam from Eklavya Model Residential School in Karanjia, Dr. Srikant Golapudi, an assistant professor at IIT Bhubaneswar, and Pranab Kumar Choudhury from the Central Tool Room and Training Centre in Bhubaneswar.

During the ceremony, the President emphasized the significance of educational excellence, skill development, and entrepreneurship for national progress. She remarked that education serves as a vital tool for achieving the constitutional ideal of 'equality of opportunity.' 'School education lays the groundwork for the entire education system,' she stated.

Murmu encouraged teachers to focus on nurturing children's intellectual, physical, and moral growth in their formative years, preparing them to be responsible citizens and effective learners. She urged educators to commit themselves to ensuring every child receives quality education while fostering knowledge, motivation, and sensitivity.

In a related event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the award-winning teachers at his residence in New Delhi. They discussed innovative strategies to enhance classroom engagement and learning effectiveness.

Modi advised educators to broaden their focus beyond academic achievements and examination results, emphasizing the importance of monitoring students' behavior, mindset, and daily lives. He also expressed concern about the rising screen time among children, urging teachers to collaborate with parents to encourage participation in sports, physical activities, and creative endeavors.