President Honors Teachers on Teachers’ Day, Calls for a Focus on Values and Holistic Development

New Delhi: On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, President of India, Droupadi Murmu, conferred the prestigious National Awards on exceptional teachers from across the country at a ceremony held in New Delhi. These awards recognize educators who have made significant contributions to the field of education and have positively impacted the lives of students.

In her address, President Murmu highlighted the critical role teachers play in shaping not just educated but sensitive, ethical, and enterprising citizens. “Moving ahead in life is success, but the true meaning of life lies in working for the welfare of others,” the President remarked, emphasizing the importance of compassion, ethical conduct, and purposeful living. She stressed that it is the duty of teachers to instill these values in their students, enabling them to lead meaningful lives.

The President also underlined the sacred mission of teaching, stating, “Teaching is not just a job, it is a sacred mission of human development.” She noted that the success of any education system depends on its teachers and emphasized the increased responsibility of educators when students struggle to perform well. She called on teachers to focus not only on academically excellent students but to recognize the diverse talents that each child may possess—whether in sports, leadership, or social welfare activities.

During her speech, President Murmu discussed the role of education in promoting gender equality. She emphasized that the respect for women should go beyond words and be demonstrated through actions. “The status of women in any society is an important criterion for its development,” she said, urging teachers and parents to educate children to always uphold the dignity of women.

Referring to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, the President highlighted the importance of continuous learning for teachers. “If a teacher does not continuously acquire knowledge, they cannot teach in the true sense,” she remarked, expressing confidence that educators will continue their pursuit of knowledge to keep their teaching relevant and engaging.

President Murmu concluded her address by inspiring teachers to guide the next generation in creating a developed India. She urged both teachers and students to adopt a global mindset and acquire world-class skills, noting that “great teachers build a great nation.” She expressed optimism that by inspiring their students, teachers will help India become a global knowledge hub, laying the foundation for a prosperous future.