New Delhi, Sept 5: President Droupadi Murmu on Teachers’ Day 2026 (Guru Dibas) said that building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) would only be possible through quality education. Addressing the National Teachers’ Award ceremony in New Delhi, she said a society that respects its teachers is truly a progressive society.
President Murmu highlighted the importance of academic excellence, skill development and entrepreneurship in the country’s development. She said India’s priority is to emerge as a global Knowledge Power and Skill Capital of the World.
Emphasising the importance of knowledge, the President said education enables individuals to think independently, make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to national progress.
Calling dedicated teachers the “frontline nation builders,” President Murmu also recalled the contribution of Savitribai Phule to women’s education and rights.
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National Teachers Awards 2026
President Murmu conferred the National Teachers Awards 2026 on 48 selected school teachers from 27 States, seven Union Territories and six Central Government organisations.
She also presented National Awards to 21 teachers and faculty members from higher education institutions and polytechnics.
The awardees included 12 teachers and faculty members from central higher education institutions, five from state universities and four from polytechnics. Short documentaries showcasing the exemplary work of each awardee were also screened during the ceremony.
Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, Ministers of State for Education Jayant Singh and Dr Sukanta Majumdar, and senior officials from the education and skill development ministries attended the event.
Tribute to Dr S. Radhakrishnan
Earlier in the day, President Murmu paid floral tributes to Bharat Ratna Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan at Rashtrapati Bhavan on his birth anniversary.
Dr Radhakrishnan, a renowned philosopher, scholar and teacher, served as India’s Vice President from 1952 to 1962 and President from 1962 to 1967. His birth anniversary is observed as Teachers’ Day in India.
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