Munish Sood
Mandi
Thirty-two teachers, faculty members and instructors from across Himachal Pradesh will be honoured today at the state-level Teachers’ Day function in recognition of their outstanding contribution to education, sports, innovation and the overall development of students.
The awardees represent a wide spectrum of the state’s education system, including school education, higher education and technical education. Their work extends beyond conventional classroom teaching, with several teachers making a significant impact through student mentoring, sports training, environmental initiatives, innovative teaching practices and efforts to improve educational infrastructure.
The recognition comes as Teachers’ Day is being observed across the country, with the state honouring educators whose work has made a tangible difference to students and institutions.
Manjari V. Mahajan to receive national recognition
Among the prominent names associated with this year’s honours is Manjari V. Mahajan, Principal of PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, Sujanpur Tihra, who has been selected for the National Teachers’ Award 2026.
Her contribution includes introducing innovative practices in education, strengthening school management, promoting environmental initiatives and focusing on the holistic development of students. Her selection places a Himachal educator among the teachers receiving national-level recognition this year.
Technical education also gets representation
Five teachers and instructors from the technical education sector will also be honoured today. The list includes Dr. Vivek Kumar Sharma of Pharmacy College, Nagrota Bagwan, and Dr. Ritesh Kaundal of J.N. Government Engineering College, Sundernagar, along with instructors from ITIs at Padhar and Mandi.
Their inclusion reflects the contribution of technical educators in providing students with practical skills and preparing them for professional opportunities.
From rural playing fields to national platforms
A significant number of awardees have contributed to nurturing sporting talent among students.
Sneh Lata of Bilaspur has worked extensively with girls from rural areas, helping young athletes develop their sporting potential and reach national and international platforms.
In Hamirpur, Jagdish Kumar has guided more than 100 players who went on to secure government employment, highlighting the role of sports education in creating both competitive opportunities and career pathways.
Roshan Bharti of Mandi has similarly trained several students who have represented Himachal Pradesh at national-level competitions, while a number of athletes trained under his guidance have secured government jobs through the sports quota.
Keeping education going despite geographical challenges
The contribution of teachers becomes particularly significant in Himachal’s remote and difficult terrains.
Khengchog Jangpo of Lahaul-Spiti has worked to ensure continuity of education for students despite heavy snowfall and challenging climatic conditions in the tribal region.
In Hamirpur, physical education teacher Rakesh Singh has spent nearly two decades training students in different sporting disciplines, helping strengthen the culture of sports at the grassroots level.
Focus on science, environment and innovation
Purnima Kumari of Hamirpur has been working to connect students with science, environmental conservation and innovation, encouraging them to develop a broader understanding of issues beyond the prescribed curriculum.
The honours also recognise teachers who have contributed to improving school infrastructure and learning environments. Roshni Devi, a head teacher from Solan, played an important role in mobilising School Management Committees and contributed to the construction of buildings for three primary schools.
Srishti Sharma of Sirmaur, meanwhile, has been selected for the honour for the second time. Her work has focused on promoting innovation in schools and developing better academic facilities and learning opportunities for students.
The achievements of the 32 educators underline the increasingly diverse role of teachers in shaping young minds. Beyond delivering the curriculum, these educators have worked as mentors, coaches, innovators and community leaders—helping students discover their abilities and creating opportunities that extend well beyond the classroom.
