Seven Teachers from Northeast Among National Awardees, Reflecting Region’s Resilience in Education

EduNE Bureau

Guwahati: Seven teachers from India’s Northeast have been selected for the prestigious National Teachers’ Awards 2025, underscoring the region’s enduring commitment to education despite geographical isolation, infrastructural gaps, and cultural complexities.

The awards, instituted by the Ministry of Education’s Department of School Education and Literacy, will be conferred by President Droupadi Murmu on Teachers’ Day, September 5. Each recipient is honoured with Rs 50,000 in cash, a certificate of merit, and a silver medal.

Leading the Northeastern achievers is Nang Ekthani Mounglang of Government Secondary School Pachin in Arunachal Pradesh’s Papum Pare district. For a hill state where teachers often trek miles across rough terrain to reach classrooms, her recognition shines a light on the challenges and perseverance of educators in remote mountain regions.

From Nagaland, Peleno Petenilhu of John Government Higher Secondary School, Viswema in Kohima has been named among the awardees. Nagaland’s education sector has consistently relied on teachers to bridge linguistic diversity and preserve indigenous values while nurturing modern learning.

Manipur’s Koijam Machasana of Ghari Upper Primary School, Imphal West, and Sikkim’s Karma Tempo Ethenpa of PM SHRI Mangan Secondary School also figure in the list. Both states have made notable progress in improving access to elementary education, where teachers play pivotal roles in sustaining enrollment in rural and semi-urban pockets.

In Meghalaya, the recognition of Dr. Heipor Uni Bang of KB Memorial Secondary School, East Jaintia Hills carries special weight. The state, which prides itself on one of the highest literacy rates in the Northeast, has long seen education as a tool of empowerment, especially for girls in its matrilineal society. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma hailed the award as a “matter of great pride” for Meghalaya, calling Dr. Bang’s work an example of “unwavering dedication and exceptional service.”

Tripura’s Bidisha Majumder of Hariananda English Medium Higher Secondary School, Gomati district, and Assam’s Debajit Ghosh of Namsang TE Model School, Dibrugarh round off the Northeastern contingent. Both states have emphasized modernisation of rural schools and strengthening of teaching quality in recent years.

Contextual Background

The National Teachers’ Awards, instituted in 1958, were designed to honour outstanding educators across India who not only excel in classroom teaching but also contribute to educational innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement. In recent years, special attention has been given to teachers working in remote, tribal, and conflict-affected areas — categories that often apply to the Northeast.

Despite facing barriers such as poor road connectivity, ethnic diversity, and linguistic plurality, teachers in the region have consistently worked to ensure that education reaches the last mile. The presence of seven awardees this year is seen as recognition of the Northeast’s resilience and its unique educational landscape.

Nationally, Maharashtra and Bihar lead the tally with three teachers each, while Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal account for two each. Notably, five awardees represent PM SHRI (Prime Minister Schools for Rising India) institutions, a programme launched in 2022 to develop model schools across the country.

As the nation prepares to celebrate Teachers’ Day 2025, the Northeast’s strong representation reflects not only individual excellence but also the collective story of educators who overcome geographical and social challenges to keep the classroom alive.