President Murmu confers National Teachers’ Awards

New Delhi, Sep 5: President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Awards to teachers from across the country at a ceremony in New Delhi on September 5, 2025, marking Teachers’ Day.

Addressing the gathering, the President underlined the vital role of teachers in shaping students’ character and futures, stressing that education, like food, clothing, and shelter, is essential for dignity and security.

Recalling her own experience as a teacher, she said devoted and affectionate teachers give children the strength to progress, while the greatest reward for teachers lies in being remembered by their students throughout their lives. Highlighting that “smart teachers” are more important than smart classrooms, President Murmu said effective educators are those who combine intellect with empathy and make learning engaging. She called for special focus on girls’ education, noting that investment in educating girls is the most effective way to advance women-led development. The President emphasised that the success of the National Education Policy 2020 depends on teachers, urging them to pay greater attention to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. She said India can become a global knowledge superpower only if its teachers are recognised as the best in the world, contributing across school, higher, and skill education.