In a proud moment for India’s Northeast, seven educators from the region have been selected for the National Teachers’ Awards 2025, a recognition of their outstanding contributions to school education in some of the country’s most challenging terrains.
The Ministry of Education’s Department of School Education and Literacy announced the 45 national recipients earlier this week. The awards will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu on September 5, celebrated as Teachers’ Day across India. Each awardee will receive ₹50,000 in cash, a silver medal, and a certificate of excellence.
Representing Arunachal Pradesh, Nang Ekthani Mounglang from Government Secondary School Pachin in Papum Pare district has been honoured for her work in a region where mountainous geography often hinders access to quality education.
From Nagaland, Peleno Petenilhu of John Government Higher Secondary School in Viswema, Kohima, has been recognised for her efforts in promoting inclusive learning in a culturally diverse setting.
Manipur’s awardee, Koijam Machasana, teaches at Ghari Upper Primary School in Imphal West, while Sikkim is represented by Karma Tempo Ethenpa of PM SHRI Mangan Senior Secondary School — both educators have played key roles in expanding primary education in remote areas.
Dr. Heipor Uni Bang from KB Memorial Secondary School in East Jaintia Hills brings distinction to Meghalaya, a state known for its high literacy rates and emphasis on girls’ education. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma congratulated Dr. Bang on social media, calling the award “a matter of great pride” and praising his “exceptional service” to the field.
Tripura’s Bidisha Majumder, from Hariananda English Medium Higher Secondary School in Gomati district, and Assam’s Debajit Ghosh, of Namsang TE Model School in Dibrugarh, complete the Northeast’s representation.
Despite facing challenges such as difficult terrain, limited connectivity, and linguistic diversity, the northeastern states continue to produce educators who demonstrate innovation, resilience, and deep commitment to their students.
Nationally, Maharashtra and Bihar lead with three awardees each. States including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal have two recipients each. Notably, five teachers from the PM SHRI (Prime Minister Schools for Rising India) initiative are also among those honoured this year.
The National Teachers’ Awards celebrate educators who go beyond the classroom to inspire, innovate, and transform the lives of their students — and this year, the Northeast has made its mark with distinction.
