India’s education system often remains behind the scenes, but every so often, stories emerge that make us proud and hopeful. One such moment has arrived: three exceptionally dedicated teachers from Maharashtra Sonia Vikas Kapoor, Dr Shaikh Mohammad Waquioddin Shaikh Hamidoddin, and Sandipan Jagdale have been selected among the 45 recipients of the National Teachers’ Awards 2025. The awards, conferred by the Department of School Education, will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, on September 5 (Teachers’ Day)
The Heroes Behind the Awards
- Dr Shaikh Mohammad Waquioddin Shaikh Hamidoddin (58), a science teacher at Zilla Parishad High School in Ardhapur, Nanded, dedicated over 28 years to teaching. He rented classrooms in his village so girls wouldn’t drop out due to long travel. As a result, over 2,000 girls stayed in school. He also addressed health issues by distributing sanitary napkins in his school when he discovered high uterine cancer cases among women in the community
- Sandipan Jagdale (52), a music teacher at Dayanand College of Arts, Latur, translated a Class 1 Marathi textbook into the Waddar language, ensuring children of stone-cutting communities felt included. He also converted his music textbook for Class 12 into Braille and composed songs for voter awareness
- Sonia Vikas Kapoor, from Atomic Energy Central School No. 2 in Mumbai, is celebrated for her innovations in education integrating ICT, peer-based learning, and life skills into the curriculum to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes
Teachers like these don’t just teach lessons; they transform lives. Dr Shaikh is ensuring girls don’t drop out; Mr Jagdale is preserving the heritage and dignity of marginalized communities; and Mrs Kapoor is bringing modern techniques into everyday classrooms. For many of us, these awards symbolize a real shift that education can unite, uplift, and liberate.
Why This Recognition Matters
- Beyond Academics: These educators tackled challenges like gender inequality, language barriers, and educational accessibility demonstrating teaching isn’t just about chalk and blackboards.
- Inspiring Others: Awards of this stature encourage others in the profession. They show innovation, courage, and compassion.
- Pride for the State: Maharashtra having three recipients highlights the state’s rich tradition of inspiring education and social inclusion.
Teachers like Sonia Kapoor, Dr Shaikh, and Sandipan Jagdale reaffirm our faith in educators. Their work reminds us that true teaching ignites hope, fosters equity, and builds community. As a citizen, I say: these awards aren’t just trophies, they are signals that education still has that power.
