The Progressive Educators Platform (PEP) supported by UNESCO, Oxford University Press and Airmeet in an effort to recognize the effort of teachers during Covid-19 conferred awards on 11 teachers for their invaluable service and contribution to keep the learning process going during the Covid-19 pandemic. These awards were a celebration of their commitment and undying spirit.
The online ceremony that took on August 2 was conceptualized by the Big Impact Consulting Group and was joined by section of educators, school administrators, parents and policy-makers.
The PEP teacher Awards received nominations from over 200 teachers from schools across the country that were carefully evaluated by the Jury members. A total of 11 teachers were awarded with 8 teachers winning key category awards and 3 teachers bagging the Jury Award. The award ceremony also celebrated the remarkable work of some more teachers through Special Recognition Awards.
| Name of the Winner | School | |
| Shubha Rastogi | Ryan International School, Beta 1, Greater Noida | |
| Tuhina Joshi | Shiv Nadar School, Noida | |
| Sehar Fatima | Ryan International School, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi | |
| Neha Tickoo | Vega Schools, Sec 48, Gurugram | |
| Paul Francis Fernandes | St. Ann’s High School, Quelossim, Goa | |
| Jayeeta Dey | Amanora School, Pune | |
| Anjali Yadav | Gems International School, Palam Vihar, Gurugram | |
| Kriti Gogia | Abhinav Public School, Pitampura, Delhi | |
| Jury Award Winners | ||
| Nasimbanu. J. Saiyed | T.M. Patel International School, Surat | |
| Deepmala Arora | Amity International School, Sector 43, Gurugram | |
| Sweta Singh | Vega Schools, Sec 48, Gurugram |
In addition to core academic discussions, the event showcased a fireside chat with Shantanu Moitra, Bollywood Music Composer, who was in conversation with Sharbari Purkayastha, Founder & CEO, Big Impact Consulting Group. He had many inspiring words to say about the role of his teacher in his life who made sure his music did not get swamped by academics, and convinced his parents too, to which he credits his professional success today.
Speaking about the initiative Mame Omar Diop, Chief of Education, UNESCO, New Delhi, said: ” While the education systems are undergoing transformation and learning is challenged, teachers across the globe have to adapt to a new normal and ensure that learning never stops for students. Teachers are the backbone of any education setup and they have yet demonstrated it in these unprecedented times of Covid-19 outbreak. They deserve to be rewarded for their commendable efforts. While there might be a few awardees in this event, for us, all teachers are winners and are extremely crucial to ensure that we guarantee inclusive quality education for all.”
The key speakers and panelists at PEP Awards included Sowmya Velayudham, CEO – Grey Matters India, Saumil Majumdar, CEO & MD Sportz Village, Lubna Sen – Founder of Art Route, Yash Mehta – Executive Director, OUP India among others.
Speaking at the event Sharbari Purkayastha, Founder & CEO, Big Impact Consulting Group said: “I have drawn inspiration from Teachers every day during these recent times. And that’s why the first event of the Progressive Educators Platform (PEP) had to be dedicated to Teachers. In addition to awards, we have brought a few learning sessions, also called PEP Talks, for them today, from which all of us as Educators can get input from a diverse range of people and ideas. Exploring diverse learning input-output will be one of the continuing hallmarks of our Platform, in the service of the future of education and educators.”
