Bengaluru: On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, conferred the National Teachers’ Awards 2025 upon 15 distinguished trainers and master trainers from the skill development ecosystem alongside teachers from schools and higher education institutions. This marks the third consecutive year that Skill Trainers have been celebrated at this prestigious platform — a powerful recognition that education and skilling are now inseparable pillars of nation-building. The ceremony was organized by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MoE) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
The purpose of the National Teachers’ Award is to celebrate the unique contribution of teachers in the country and to honor those who, through their commitment and dedication, have not only improved the quality of education but also enriched the lives of their students — a vision first championed by Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, whose birthday we commemorate as Teachers’ Day.
The awardees, from Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), and other skill training institutions across the country, were recognized for their outstanding contributions in preparing India’s youth for the future of work through innovative pedagogical practices, industry collaboration, and inclusive training models.
Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, said, “Our trainers are the true nation-builders who silently but powerfully shape India’s growth story. Each awardee honored today is a beacon of excellence, guiding our youth towards meaningful livelihoods and contributing to India’s vision of becoming the Skill Capital of the World. The inclusion of skill trainers in the National Teachers’ Awards reflects our growing respect for vocational educators and our focus on vocational training. These recognitions are not just awards, but a testament to the transformative power of vocational education.”
On the eve of the ceremony, the awardees also had the privilege of meeting the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, who interacted with them, appreciated their contributions, and inspired them with his vision of a skilled and empowered India. The trainers returned deeply motivated to continue shaping the youth of our nation.
The trainers awarded this year have demonstrated excellence in diverse areas, including the development of advanced training laboratories, integration of digital tools into classroom instruction, promotion of women’s participation in non-traditional trades, creation of inclusive resources for persons with disabilities, and establishment of sustainable industry linkages. Collectively, their efforts have enhanced the quality and relevance of vocational training, empowering thousands of youth with market-ready skills.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes that motivated, empowered, and skilled faculty are essential for the growth of students, institutions, and the teaching profession. It also highlights the importance of incentives, including rewards and recognition, to nurture a culture of excellence within the education system. In line with this vision, two new award categories were introduced in 2023 for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Polytechnics under the ambit of the National Awards to Teachers (NAT), which had previously been limited to school teachers. A total of 81 educators, including school, higher education, and vocational training faculty, were honoured this year.
