Chhattisgarh honoured 64 teachers for their contribution to education at a state-level Teachers’ Day ceremony in Raipur on Saturday, with four educators receiving special Smriti Puraskar for notable work and innovative teaching practices. The awards were presented in the presence of Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and School Education Minister at Chhattisgarh Mandapam in Lok Bhavan.

Among the four special awardees was Pragya Singh from Durg, who was recognised for adopting new approaches to make mathematics easier and more engaging for students. Rajesh Kumar Prajapati of Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai, Kamta Prasad Jaiswal of Korba and Priyanka Goswami of Sarangarh-Bilaigarh were the other recipients. 

Pragya Singh Recognised for Making Maths Engaging

Pragya Singh, a teacher from Durg, received the Dr Mukutdhar Pandey Smriti Puraskar for her efforts to make classroom learning more interesting through new teaching methods.

Her recognition highlights the growing emphasis on innovative approaches in school education, particularly methods that help students understand subjects that are often considered difficult.

The other three special awards were named after prominent Chhattisgarh literary figures. Rajesh Kumar Prajapati received the Dr Padumlal Punnalal Bakshi Smriti Puraskar, Kamta Prasad Jaiswal received the Dr Baldev Prasad Mishra Smriti Puraskar, and Priyanka Goswami received the Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh Smriti Puraskar. 

64 Teachers Selected Across Chhattisgarh

The State Teachers’ Honour was given to educators selected from districts across Chhattisgarh. The awardees included principals, head teachers, lecturers, teachers and assistant teachers working in different categories under the School Education Department.

The selection covered districts including Raipur, Dhamtari, Durg, Bilaspur, Rajnandgaon, Raigarh, Surguja, Bastar, Dantewada, Jashpur and Korba, among others.

The teachers were selected in recognition of their academic work, service and contribution to improving education.

Awards Presented at Raipur Ceremony

The state-level award ceremony was organised at Chhattisgarh Mandapam in Lok Bhavan, Raipur, on Teachers’ Day.

Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the programme along with the School Education Minister and presented the honours to the selected educators.

The ceremony brought together teachers from different parts of the state and recognised their work in classrooms as well as their broader contribution to students and the education system.

Four Smriti Puraskars for Innovative Work

The four special awards are presented in memory of noted literary figures associated with Chhattisgarh. They recognise teachers whose work demonstrates excellence and innovation in education.

For 2025-26, the four recipients were Rajesh Kumar Prajapati, Kamta Prasad Jaiswal, Pragya Singh and Priyanka Goswami. Reports ahead of the ceremony identified the same four teachers for the special honours. 

The awards are intended to encourage teachers to experiment with teaching methods and contribute beyond routine classroom instruction.

Teachers Recognised Across Different Roles

The State Teachers’ Honour was not limited to one category of educator. Principals, head teachers, lecturers and assistant teachers were among those selected.

The broad representation reflects the state's effort to recognise contributions across different levels and responsibilities within government school education.

The 64-teacher selection for 2025-26 had been announced ahead of Teachers’ Day, with teachers from districts across the state included in the list. 

Focus on Better and More Engaging Education

The recognition of Pragya Singh and the three other Smriti Puraskar recipients puts the spotlight on innovative teaching practices alongside conventional academic achievement.

For Chhattisgarh, the Teachers’ Day ceremony served both as a felicitation programme and as recognition of educators working to improve classroom learning.

The state's teacher awards also underline the role of educators in helping students develop stronger academic foundations while making classroom learning more accessible and engaging.