National Teachers’ Awards 2024: Celebrating Excellence in Education

On September 5, 2024, India celebrated Teachers’ Day with a prestigious ceremony in New Delhi, where President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Teachers’ Award 2024 to 82 exceptional educators from across the country. This annual event, commemorating the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, recognizes the pivotal role of teachers in shaping the nation’s future.

The Essence of Teaching: Beyond Academics

In her address, President Murmu emphasized that the role of teachers extends far beyond imparting knowledge. She stated that educators bear the responsibility of nurturing well-rounded citizens who are not only educated but also sensitive, honest, and enterprising. The President highlighted that true success lies not just in personal achievement but in working for the welfare of others, underscoring the importance of instilling values such as compassion and ethical conduct in students.

Identifying and Nurturing Diverse Talents

President Murmu called upon teachers to recognize and cultivate the unique talents of each student. She pointed out that excellence is not limited to academic performance alone and urged educators to pay attention to students who excel in areas such as sports, leadership, and social welfare activities. This holistic approach to education, she emphasized, is crucial for the comprehensive development of young minds.

Empowering Women Through Education

The President stressed the significance of women’s status as a key indicator of societal development. She called on teachers and parents to educate children in a manner that fosters respect for women, not just in words but also in practice. This emphasis on gender equality in education is seen as a vital step towards building a more inclusive and progressive society.

Continuous Learning for Educators

Quoting Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, President Murmu highlighted the importance of teachers’ continuous acquisition of knowledge. She expressed confidence that educators would maintain their commitment to lifelong learning, ensuring that their teaching remains relevant and engaging for students.

Building a Developed India

The President emphasized the crucial role of teachers in shaping the generation that will create a developed India. She advised educators to cultivate a global mindset and world-class skills in their students, asserting that only teachers with a developed outlook can nurture citizens capable of building a developed nation.

The National Teachers’ Award: Recognizing Excellence

The National Teachers’ Award is a prestigious recognition that celebrates the unique contributions of educators across India. Each awardee receives:

• A certificate of merit
• A cash award of Rs. 50,000
• A silver medal

Selection Process and Diversity of Awardees

The Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, selected 50 teachers through a rigorous, transparent, and online three-stage selection process at the district, state, and national levels. The awardees represent:

• 28 States
• 3 Union Territories
• 6 Organizations

Among the 50 selected teachers:

• 34 are male
• 16 are female
• 2 are differently-abled
• 1 works with Children with Special Needs (CWSN)

Additionally, 16 teachers from the Department of Higher Education and 16 from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship were also honored.

New Categories in Higher Education

In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the importance of motivated and capable faculty, two new categories of awards were instituted in 2023 for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Polytechnics. This expansion recognizes excellence across the entire spectrum of education in India.

Table of Awardees

Dept. of School Education & Literacy Awardees:

Dept. of Higher Education Awardees:

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Awardees: