Chandigarh teacher who turned school hall into 3D dome theatre selected for National Teachers Award

Ravi Kumar Jaiswal, a science teacher at Government Model High School in Maloya Colony, Chandigarh, has been chosen for the prestigious National Teachers Award 2026. This award recognizes his innovative use of waste materials to create a three-dimensional dome theatre within his school, transforming the way students learn about space and science.

Jaiswal's key innovation, the dome theatre, was constructed using tins and thermocol inside a school hall, offering students an immersive and interactive learning experience. This unique experience has been replicated in six other government schools across Chandigarh. The theatre displays videos and images related to space and other scientific subjects, making lessons more engaging for students.

The Science City in Kapurthala often drew students' attention, inspiring Jaiswal to replicate that experience within his school. He credits the Chandigarh Education Department for their support in advancing his ideas, which has led to his selection for the award. Jaiswal, who studied in Chandigarh, has further supported financially disadvantaged students, helping two former students pursue PhD programmes at Panjab University.

Additionally, Jaiswal has established a weather station at the school, allowing students to observe weather readings and utilize a rain gauge. His students have participated in national-level science exhibitions, with 20 achieving significant success. One student also studied in Japan under a science exchange programme. Jaiswal's teaching philosophy is driven by his own experiences, aiming to fill gaps in students' education. As a recipient of the National Teachers Award 2026, Jaiswal is the sole awardee from Chandigarh.