Bhopal/New Delhi: Six teachers and educators from Madhya Pradesh were honoured with the National Teacher Awards 2026 by President Droupadi Murmu on Teachers’ Day. The awardees were recognised for their contributions across education, skill development, innovation and research.
The six awardees are Dr Archana Shukla, Shailendra Pratap Singh, Sangeeta Yadav, Prof Saurav Datta, Reena Gupta and Jyotibala Rathore.
Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav congratulated the educators and described their national-level recognition as a matter of pride for Madhya Pradesh. He said their work reflects how teachers can contribute not only to classroom learning but also to social development and nation-building.
According to the Chief Minister, a teacher is not merely a person who imparts knowledge but also plays a key role in shaping the future of society and the country. He said the achievements of the six awardees would encourage other teachers and students to pursue innovation and excellence.
Teachers Driving Innovation Beyond the Classroom
The six educators have worked in different areas, ranging from science and mathematics education to research, digital skills and employment-oriented training.
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Dr Archana Shukla Promotes Project-Based Learning
Dr Archana Shukla, a science and biology teacher, has spent the past 15 years working in project-based learning, environmental conservation and student mentoring.
Following the approach of the National Education Policy 2020, she has undertaken several innovative and low-cost projects with students. Her initiatives include the establishment of more than 1,000 sparrow houses, QR-code-based digital mapping of trees on the school campus and the ‘Plant Emotion’ project.
Her work combines classroom learning with environmental awareness and hands-on experimentation, giving students opportunities to learn through practical projects.
Shailendra Pratap Singh Improves School Participation
English teacher and acting headmaster Shailendra Pratap Singh has focused on improving schools with limited resources through community participation.
His efforts helped increase student enrolment from 69 to 202, while attendance rose from 44% to 96%.
His work has also extended beyond academic outcomes. He has contributed to efforts to prevent child marriage, bring school dropouts back into education and ensure that children with disabilities receive educational opportunities.
Sangeeta Yadav Makes Mathematics More Engaging
Sangeeta Yadav, a head teacher, has focused on innovative mathematics education and teacher empowerment.
She has used initiatives such as Ganitotsav, Quest for Mathematics, Mathemind and Bagless Mathematics Day to make mathematics more enjoyable, practical and activity-based for students.
She is also integrating technology and artificial intelligence into teaching, reflecting the growing role of digital tools in classroom learning.
Prof Saurav Datta Connects Teaching with Research
Prof Saurav Datta, a plant biologist at IISER Bhopal, has contributed to both teaching and research.
His work focuses on encouraging students to develop original and research-oriented thinking. He has received the IISER Bhopal Distinguished Teacher Award twice.
His research on developing plants capable of adapting to climate change is another notable aspect of his contribution, linking scientific research with emerging environmental challenges.
Reena Gupta Builds Digital Skills for Persons with Disabilities
Reena Gupta serves as a Training Officer for the Computer Operator and Programming Assistant trade at Government Divisional ITI, Ujjain.
For the past 16 years, she has trained trainees with hearing and visual disabilities in computer and digital skills. Her efforts aim to help them pursue employment and self-employment opportunities.
She has particularly focused on supporting women and disadvantaged persons with disabilities, helping them develop skills that can contribute to greater economic independence.
Jyotibala Rathore Strengthens Skill Training and Placements
Jyotibala Rathore is a Training Officer at the National Skill Training Institute (Women), Indore. She has six years of industrial experience and 19 years of teaching experience.
Under her guidance, trainees have performed well in national and state-level competitions. She has also contributed to employment generation through her work as a placement officer, helping trainees connect with job opportunities.
Her experience combines classroom training, industry exposure and placement support, making skill development more closely connected with employment.
Recognition for Education, Skills and Social Impact
The recognition of these six educators highlights the diverse ways in which teachers and trainers can influence students and communities.
From environmental projects and improved school attendance to mathematics innovation, scientific research, digital training and employment support, their work demonstrates that education can extend well beyond conventional classroom teaching.
The Madhya Pradesh government has also emphasised improving education quality, expanding modern and employment-oriented learning and encouraging teachers to adopt innovative approaches.
The National Teacher Awards 2026 therefore provide national recognition to educators whose work has created measurable and wider impact. Their achievements can encourage teachers across Madhya Pradesh to experiment with new teaching methods, use technology responsibly and connect education with real-world challenges.
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