Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the winners of the National Teachers’ Awards on September 5 at his residence in New Delhi. During the meeting, he engaged in a light-hearted yet impactful dialogue regarding various pressing issues in education, such as innovative teaching methods, screen addiction, and the importance of preserving childhood. This event coincided with the celebration of Teachers’ Day, dedicated to honouring the contributions of educators to society.

In a video shared on X, PM Modi acknowledged the contributions of teachers and paid tribute to Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, the former President of India, on the occasion. The meeting served not only to appreciate the teachers but also to discuss the roles and responsibilities they hold within their communities.

One teacher highlighted her approach to teaching children how to conduct interviews in novel ways, which led to a humorous exchange with PM Modi. He playfully remarked on the nature of the interviews conducted by students at home, which prompted laughter and camaraderie within the room.

Discussions on Public Speaking and Identifying Talents

PM Modi prompted another educator, involved in mentoring students in public speaking, to share tips for effective oratory. The teacher responded with insightful advice while expressing her own nerves when addressing the Prime Minister. The interaction revealed the dual nature of teaching—imparting knowledge while also navigating one’s feelings of apprehension.

The conversation also delved into the teachers’ efforts to identify hidden talents in students. PM Modi encouraged educators to recognize that not every child excels academically, asserting that each individual possesses unique strengths. A teacher confirmed that recognising diverse talents among students is a key aspect of their mission in education.

Among the teachers was an awardee who credited PM Modi’s Eklavya schools initiative for inspiring first-generation learners. She remarked that the initiative has significantly transformed aspirations for children who previously had no access to formal education, fostering dreams of pursuing advanced studies.

Addressing Current Challenges in Education

The issue of breast cancer awareness was also addressed during the interaction. A teacher working to educate women on this topic shared her initiatives within schools to overcome the stigma surrounding it. Prime Minister Modi recounted his own efforts in this arena, including a campaign in Kashi aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer, which successfully encouraged women to seek medical advice.

Moreover, PM Modi addressed the growing concern of screen addiction among children, labelling it a significant challenge. He advocated for increased participation in physical sports and creative activities as a means to counteract this trend. He emphasised the importance of engaging children beyond digital screens to support their overall development.

In closing, PM Modi extended a broader message to the education sector, urging teachers to integrate life experiences into their teaching methods. He stressed that preserving the essence of childhood is a critical duty for educators, ensuring that the spirit of curiosity and creativity remains alive in students.

National Teachers’ Awards Ceremony

The National Teachers’ Awards were conferred by President Droupadi Murmu on September 5, recognising 48 teachers from various states and Union Territories. The recipients were chosen through a rigorous three-stage selection process at district, state, and national levels, reflecting the diverse teaching community across the country.

The awardees included 26 men and 22 women representing 27 states, seven Union Territories, and six central government organisations. Teachers’ Day is annually commemorated on September 5 to honour Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s significant contributions to education, reinforcing the value placed on educators within Indian society.

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