Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with winners of the National Teachers Awards 2026 on Teachers’ Day, discussing issues ranging from public speaking and children’s screen time to changing student behaviour and the role of teachers in shaping young minds.
The interaction took place around the annual national recognition of teachers. The official government programme includes 48 school teachers, selected from 27 states, seven Union Territories and six Central Government organisations. Separately, 21 teachers and faculty members from higher education institutions and polytechnics were selected for National Awards to Teachers.
PM Asks Teacher for Public Speaking Tips
During the interaction, Modi asked a woman teacher who teaches public speaking what advice she would give him if he were one of her students and wanted to become a good public speaker.
The teacher responded that confidence was the first requirement. Modi then asked how a person could develop that confidence.
The teacher explained that confidence comes through practice. The exchange prompted a light moment during the interaction and highlighted the importance of practical skills alongside classroom learning.
Screen Time Emerges as Key Concern
Excessive screen use among children was one of the major issues discussed during the interaction.
Modi said screen time had increasingly become a form of addiction for children and suggested that greater participation in physical sports could help address the problem.
He distinguished outdoor sports from video games and emphasised activities that encourage children to spend time on playgrounds and engage in physical activity. The Prime Minister also called for creative activities and other ways of keeping children meaningfully engaged.
Teachers Asked to Understand Behavioural Changes
The Prime Minister also highlighted the need for teachers to remain attentive to changes in children's behaviour.
He said teachers should be alert to concerns and anxieties developing in children and understand how different circumstances and influences may affect them.
The emphasis was on identifying behavioural changes at an early stage and creating an environment where students can receive appropriate guidance and support.
Discussion on Dress Codes and Awareness
Dress codes at educational institutions also came up during the conversation.
The discussion referred to situations in some large cities and universities where dress-code-related issues have emerged. The broader point was that rules affecting students need to be accompanied by awareness and adequate explanation.
The interaction reflected the wider role expected from teachers in helping students navigate issues beyond academic subjects.
82 Educators Selected Across Three Categories
According to the government announcement, the National Teachers Awards 2026 programme covers 82 teachers and educators across three categories.
The largest component consists of 48 school teachers. They were selected through a three-stage process at the district, state and national levels. The 48 awardees include 26 men and 22 women.
Another 21 teachers and faculty members from higher education institutions and polytechnics were selected under the National Awards to Teachers. The group includes faculty from central institutions, state universities and polytechnics.
The third category comprises 13 skill trainers from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, taking the overall number of educators recognised under the programme to 82.
Awardees Selected From Across India
The 48 school-teacher awardees represent a wide geographical spread, with selections made from 27 states, seven Union Territories and six Central Government organisations.
The annual award programme is intended to recognise teachers whose work has contributed to improving school education and enriching students' lives. The selection process involves district, state and national-level scrutiny.
PM Continues Teachers’ Day Interaction Tradition
Modi has regularly interacted with National Teachers Award recipients around Teachers’ Day.
The Prime Minister’s Office said this year’s interaction provided an opportunity to discuss the contribution of teachers to society as well as challenges affecting children and education. On Teachers’ Day, Modi also paid tribute to former President and educationist Dr S. Radhakrishnan, whose birth anniversary is observed as Teachers’ Day in India.
The latest interaction put the spotlight not only on teaching methods but also on the changing environment in which children are growing up, including excessive screen use, behavioural changes and the need to preserve curiosity and meaningful social interaction.
