Gandhinagar: Gujarat honoured 40 outstanding teachers with the State Best Teacher Awards 2026 on Teachers’ Day, recognising their contribution to education and nation-building. Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel presented the awards, certificates of appreciation and cash prizes at a state-level ceremony organised by the Education Department.
The event also highlighted the changing role of teachers as technology, artificial intelligence and digital learning reshape the education system.
Governor Emphasises Values Alongside Technology
Governor Acharya Devvrat congratulated the award-winning teachers and recalled the importance of the Guru in India’s traditional education system. Referring to Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, he said teachers have historically held a high place in Indian society because they help individuals move from ignorance towards knowledge.
The Governor stressed that education should not focus only on material prosperity and professional skills. Humanity, compassion, service, respect for parents and devotion towards teachers, he said, are equally important for creating a balanced society.
He also pointed to India’s historic contributions to fields such as astronomy and mathematics. While technological and scientific knowledge remains essential, he said education must also develop self-awareness and moral values.
Quoting the Sanskrit principle “Sa Vidya Ya Vimuktaye”, the Governor said true knowledge should help a person become cultured, responsible and happy.
He urged teachers to spend a few minutes each day discussing values, patriotism, the art of living and respect for parents before beginning their academic lessons.
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CM Calls Teaching a National Duty
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel described teaching as more than a profession, calling it a national duty that directly contributes to nation-building.
He said teachers have the responsibility to prepare students for a rapidly changing future by combining India’s traditional educational heritage with advanced technology.
According to the Chief Minister, teachers should also create positive energy among students through their speech, conduct and behaviour. Their influence extends beyond classrooms because their values and actions can shape the attitudes of the next generation.
Teachers Must Adapt to AI and Digital Technology
The Chief Minister highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence, digital technology and online platforms in education. As students increasingly remain connected with developments around the world, he said teachers must continuously upgrade their own technological skills.
At the same time, he stressed that teachers must guide students towards the responsible and thoughtful use of technology.
The focus, he said, should be on creating a teaching community that is prepared for future changes while retaining the cultural and value-based foundations of education.
Education Linked to Viksit Bharat Vision
CM Patel said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has positioned education as a tool for nation-building rather than limiting it to employment.
He highlighted the role of the National Education Policy in promoting skill-based and futuristic education aimed at the holistic development of students.
The Chief Minister also pointed to Gujarat’s initiatives such as Kanya Kelavani and Shala Praveshotsav, which have been taken forward as mass movements to strengthen access to education across the state.
He called upon teachers to contribute towards building a capable future generation and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 through the ‘Saptadhara’ approach.
The broader objective, he said, is to build a Viksit Gujarat for a Viksit Bharat with a well-equipped and future-ready teaching community.
Education Minister Highlights Teachers’ Role
Education Minister Dr Pradyuman Vaja congratulated the award recipients and their families, saying the best teachers do more than impart knowledge. They inspire students and help develop values, skills, curiosity and sensitivity.
He described the award ceremony as an effort to honour knowledge itself and said societies that respect knowledge are better placed to progress.
Referring to the lives of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Vaja said laws may be framed in Parliament and Legislative Assemblies, but teachers play a decisive role in shaping the country’s future inside classrooms.
He said the Gujarat government is working to provide quality education and facilities to children even in remote villages. He also urged educators to support the effective implementation of NEP-2020 and help children become capable, sensitive and self-reliant citizens.
40 Teachers Receive State Recognition
The State Best Teacher Awards recognised 40 teachers from across Gujarat for their contribution to education. Along with the awards, the teachers received certificates of appreciation and cash prizes.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials, education representatives, award-winning teachers and their family members.
Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Education Minister Dr Pradyuman Vaja and Minister of State Rivabaa Jadeja also paid floral tributes to former President and eminent educationist Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
Principal Secretary of the Education Department Milind Torawane delivered the vote of thanks.
Building a Future-Ready Teaching Community
The Teachers’ Day ceremony placed the teacher at the centre of Gujarat’s broader education goals. While digital technology and AI are changing how students learn, the government’s message emphasised that technological progress needs to be accompanied by values, responsibility and social awareness.
Recognising teachers for their contribution also reinforces their role in preparing students not only for employment but for responsible citizenship. A combination of modern skills, traditional values and effective teaching can play an important role in Gujarat’s education transformation and the wider goal of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
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