Teacher's Day: President Murmu honours 81 teachers, calls for India to be knowledge superpower

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, conferred National Awards on 81 teachers from across the country at a ceremony held in New Delhi today, on Teachers’ Day.

In her address, she drew on her own memories as a teacher to affirm that education is as essential as food, clothing and shelter, fundamental to a person's dignity and security. Sensible teachers, she said, "work to instil a sense of dignity and security in children."

A total of 81 teachers from across India were conferred with the National Awards, 45 by the Department of School Education & Literacy, 21 by the Department of Higher Education, and 15 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

"Education makes a person capable," President Murmu said, underscoring that children from the poorest backgrounds can "touch the skies of progress with the power of education."

She noted that affectionate and devoted teachers provide children with



strength. "The biggest reward for teachers is that their students remember them throughout their lives and make commendable contributions to the family, society and country."

Highlighting the broader role of teaching, she said building students' character is a teacher's primary duty. "Sensitive, responsible and dedicated students who follow moral conduct are better than those students who are only interested in competition, bookish knowledge and selfishness."

A teacher, she added, must balance emotion and intellect, for this coordination has a profound impact.

While acknowledging the value of technological tools like smart blackboards and modern classrooms, President Murmu emphasised that what truly matters is "smart teachers", those who understand students’ developmental needs.

Such teachers make learning "interesting and effective with affection and sensitivity" and empower students to meet the needs of society and nation.