Prime Minister urges teachers to play a vital role in the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, involve students in school projects and activities that identify and celebrate ‘Made in India’ items
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, conferred National Awards on teachers from across the country at a function held in New Delhi on Teachers’ Day (September 5, 2025). This year 45 school teachers are from 27 States, 7 UTs and 6 Organizations from school sector and 21 higher education teachers from Polytechnics, State Universities and Central Higher Education Institutions received the award at the Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Addressing the gathering, the President said sensible teachers work to instill a sense of dignity and security in children. She recalled her time as a teacher and described that time to be a very meaningful period of my life.
The President said that education makes a person capable. Children from the poorest of backgrounds can touch the skies of progress with the power of education. Affectionate and devoted teachers play the most important role in giving strength to the flight of children. The biggest reward for teachers is that their students remember them throughout their lives and make commendable contributions to the family, society and country.
The President said that building the character of students is the primary duty of a teacher. Sensitive, responsible and dedicated students who follow moral conduct are better than those students who are only interested in competition, bookish knowledge and selfishness. A good teacher has both emotions and intellect. The coordination of emotions and intellect also impacts the students.
The President said that smart blackboards, smart classrooms and other modern facilities have their own importance. But the most important thing is smart teachers. Smart teachers are the teachers who understand the needs of their students’ development. Smart teachers make the process of study interesting and effective with affection and sensitivity. Such teachers make students capable of fulfilling the needs of society and the nation.
The President said that the education of girls should be given utmost importance. By investing in the girls’ education, we make an invaluable investment in the building of our family, society and nation. She stated that providing the best possible education to girls is the most effective way to promote Women-Led Development. She highlighted that the National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes expanding Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas and providing special education facilities to girls from underprivileged classes. But the success of any initiative related to education mainly depends on teachers. She told teachers that the more they contribute to educating girls, the more meaningful will be their life as teachers. She urged teachers to pay special attention to all students, including girls, who are relatively shy or come from less privileged backgrounds.
Yesterday, the teacher awardees met the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to all recipients of the National Teachers’ Awards. He stated that their selection is a recognition of their hard work and unwavering dedication.
PM Modi lauded the natural respect Indian society holds for teachers, calling them a powerful force in nation-building. He emphasized that honoring teachers is not merely a ritual but a recognition of their lifelong dedication and impact. On this occasion, he also paid tribute to the contributions of all educators involved in nation-building.
The Prime Minister lauded the enduring role of teachers in India’s progress, stating that the nation has always revered the Guru-Shishya tradition. In India, a Guru is not merely a provider of knowledge but a guide for life. “As we move forward with the vision of building a developed India, this tradition remains our strength. Teachers like you are living embodiments of this heritage. You are not only imparting literacy but also instilling the spirit of living for the nation in the younger generation,” Shri Modi stated.
He called upon all teachers across the country to continually sow the seeds of self-reliance in every student. The Prime Minister highlighted the crucial role of educators in explaining the importance of a self-reliant India in simple language and local dialects. He urged teachers to inspire students to understand that a nation dependent on others can never progress as rapidly as its true potential allows. The Prime Minister encouraged teachers to engage students in exercises that highlight the presence of imported products in daily life and promote the use of indigenous alternatives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded the rising interest of Indian students in innovation, science, and technology, crediting the success of the Chandrayaan mission for inspiring millions to become scientists and innovators. He recalled how Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla’s return from a space mission energized his school community, underscoring the vital role of teachers in shaping and guiding youth beyond academics.
The Prime Minister highlighted the support now available through the Atal Innovation Mission and Atal Tinkering Labs, with over 10,000 labs already established nationwide. The government has approved the creation of an additional 50,000 labs to provide young innovators across India more opportunities to innovate. “The success of these initiatives depends greatly on the dedicated efforts of teachers nurturing the next generation of innovators” Shri Modi underscored
Shri Modi highlighted the government’s dual focus on empowering youth digitally while safeguarding them from the harmful effects of the digital world. He referenced the recently passed law in Parliament regulating online gaming, aimed at protecting students and families from addictive, financially exploitative, and violent content.
The Prime Minister urged teachers to raise awareness among students about these risks. He emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting India’s presence in the global gaming sector, especially by leveraging traditional Indian games and supporting innovative startups. “By educating students about responsible gaming and digital opportunities, the government envisions creating promising career options for the youth in this expanding industry,” Shri Modi added.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi urged the educators to play a vital role in the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, which encourages embracing indigenous products as symbols of India’s pride and self-respect. He emphasized involving students in school projects and activities that identify and celebrate ‘Made in India’ items.
The Prime Minister suggested assignments that help students and their families recognize the use of local products at home, raising awareness from an early age. He also encouraged the use of indigenous materials in art and craft classes and school celebrations to nurture a lifelong sense of pride in Indian-made goods.
Shri Modi called upon schools to organize initiatives like ‘Swadeshi Week’ and ‘Local Product Day’ where students bring local products from their families and share their stories. He emphasized discussions on the origin, makers, and national importance of these products to foster deeper awareness. “There should be interaction between students and local artisans, highlighting the value of indigenous crafts and manufacturing passed down through generations. Made in India gifts can be encouraged for occasions like birthdays to instill pride in local products. Such efforts will nurture patriotism, self-confidence, and respect for labor among youth, linking their personal success to national progress”, Shri Modi added.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that teachers will continue to advance this mission of nation-building with dedication.
