From asteroid hunts to school breakfasts: The teachers changing the way India learns

In India, the National Teachers’ Award stands as the country’s highest national accolade for school educators. Since its inception in 1958, this year’s list of 48 awardees highlights unsung heroes who have made significant strides in transforming the education landscape. From Rajasthan to Jharkhand, these educators have been instrumental in changing the face of learning in India.

Divyendu Sen, a biology teacher from Rajasthan, believes that curiosity matters more than grades. For nearly two decades, he has nurtured his students’ passion for learning, leading them to identify 12 potential asteroids through a NASA-supported citizen space campaign. Sen has also embraced technology, converting educational content into audio formats using student voices and coordinating science competitions.

In Kerala, K P Sunil Kumar has dedicated his three decades in teaching to addressing learning gaps through innovative student programs. His initiatives, such as ‘Thenara’, ‘Parayanundu’, and ‘Ezhuthattam’, aim to improve language skills, communication, and public speaking, helping students bridge the learning divide caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

West Bengal’s Palash Chowdhury, headmaster of a government school, is proud of providing breakfast for his 300 students daily, despite the high cost. This initiative, along with a fully digital classroom setup, has transformed his school into a hub of learning and community engagement. Chowdhury’s efforts have earned him the National Teachers’ Award, hoping it will garner more support for his school.

Chhattisgarh’s Sunita Yadav, a teacher for 18 years, combines innovative education with community participation. After being inspired by her father, she has introduced a nutritional programme, providing students with daily milk to enhance focus. Her school now uses DIKSHA, multimedia resources, and smart classes to make learning engaging and inclusive.