Two educators from Odisha have brought pride to the state after being honoured with the prestigious National Teachers’ Award 2025 by President Droupadi Murmu at a glittering ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The recognition was given for their innovative and creative approaches to teaching that have transformed classroom learning for young students. The awardees from Odisha are Basanta Kumar Rana, Headmaster in-charge of Government UP School at Kondel village in Malkangiri district, and Tarun Kumar Dash, a primary teacher at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya in Koraput district. This year, a total of 45 teachers from different states across India were felicitated, including 24 male and 21 female educators.

Basanta Kumar Rana, aged 54, was recognised for his outstanding contribution to foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN). He has been using puppetry as a powerful teaching tool to make lessons more interactive and enjoyable for children. From preparing shadow, glove and stick puppets on his own to integrating them into lessons for Balvatika and Classes I to III, Rana has ensured that the basics of learning become both fun and effective. His innovative methods have not only improved learning outcomes but also boosted student enrolment in his school. Since he joined the Kondel village school in 2022, the student strength has increased remarkably from 86 to 146. With over three decades of dedicated service in various government schools across Malkangiri, Rana’s sincere efforts stand as an inspiring example of how creativity can transform education even in the most remote regions.

Similarly, Tarun Kumar Dash from Koraput has been honoured for his creative pedagogy that combines storytelling, drama, puppet shows, short films, and community radio to deliver holistic learning experiences. His unique initiatives have become popular models of innovative teaching. One of his most notable projects, ‘Katha Chitra’, is a student-led short film initiative that raises awareness about pressing social issues. He also introduced ‘Millet Kranti’, which promotes nutrition and health by encouraging millet-based meals, and ‘Light Bag, Happy Back’, a campaign designed to ease the burden of heavy school bags for children. Dash’s guidance has helped many children from underprivileged backgrounds to not only win national awards in drama and filmmaking but also achieve the rare honour of delivering speeches in the Central Hall of Parliament. He has written and directed seven short films along with his students, each of them focusing on socially relevant themes and issues.

The recognition of these two educators underlines how Odisha’s teachers are playing a pioneering role in shaping the future of education through creativity, innovation and community engagement. Their achievements also highlight how imaginative teaching approaches can break barriers, enrich classroom experiences and inspire students to achieve greater heights. The fact that the awards were conferred by President Droupadi Murmu, who herself belongs to Odisha, made the moment even more special for the state. For both Basanta Kumar Rana and Tarun Kumar Dash, the honour marks not only a personal milestone but also a proud moment for the education fraternity of Odisha. Their work demonstrates how passion, dedication and innovation in teaching can make a lasting difference in the lives of children.