Teachers Are Nation Builders: President Murmu Confers National Awards

• President Droupadi Murmu conferred National Awards to teachers at a function in New Delhi on Teachers’ Day.
• Said education is as essential as food, clothing, and shelter for dignity and security.
• Recalled her own time as a teacher, describing it as a meaningful period of her life.
• Stressed that smart teachers are more vital than smart classrooms in shaping future citizens.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 6th Sept: President Droupadi Murmu today conferred the National Awards to teachers at a ceremony in New Delhi on the occasion of Teachers’ Day, lauding the role of educators in building the nation and urging that India’s teachers be recognised among the best in the world.

Addressing the gathering, the President said that just like food, clothing, and shelter, education is essential for human dignity and security. Recalling her own stint as a teacher, she described it as “a very meaningful period” of her life.

She underlined that education empowers children from the poorest backgrounds to rise in life, but this journey is made possible by affectionate and devoted teachers who inspire students to succeed. “The biggest reward for teachers is that their students remember them throughout their lives and contribute to family, society, and the nation,” Murmu said.

The President stressed that character-building must remain the core duty of teachers. Sensitive and responsible students, she noted, are more valuable to society than those only focused on competition and personal gain. She emphasised that good teachers balance emotions with intellect, a combination that leaves a lasting impact on students.

While acknowledging the role of modern technology, she said, “Smart blackboards and smart classrooms are important, but the most important are smart teachers—those who understand the needs of their students and make learning effective with affection and sensitivity.”

Placing special emphasis on girls’ education, President Murmu said investing in girls’ learning is “an invaluable investment in building families, society, and the nation.” She highlighted provisions under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to expand Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas and promote education for underprivileged girls. She urged teachers to give extra attention to shy and underprivileged students to ensure inclusive growth.

Concluding her address, she said that the NEP envisions India as a Global Knowledge Superpower. “For this, our teachers must be recognised as the best in the world,” she asserted, expressing confidence that India’s educators would play a crucial role in this transformation.