Bringing down dropout rates, authoring a book in Braille for visually challenged students to learn music, encouraging group learning — these were among the various initiatives by three teachers from Maharashtra who have been selected for the prestigious National Teachers’ Award 2025.
The awardees are Sonia Kapoor, headmistress of Atomic Energy Central School No. 2 in Mumbai; Dr Shaikh Mohammad Waquioddin Shaikh Hamidoddin, a teacher at Zilla Parishad (ZP) High School in Ardhapur village of Nanded district; and Dr Sandipan Jagdale, from Dayanand College of Arts in Latur.
They were among the 45 teachers selected from across the country for the award by the Union Ministry of Education.
Kapoor expressed her gratitude towards her organisation for fostering an environment that encourages innovative teaching practices. “With this support, we’ve been able to create an inclusive learning environment for students. We have developed teaching-learning materials for club activities that promote peer-based group learning. We have also integrated ICT into academics and emphasised life-skill development as part of everyday learning,” Kapoor said.
Dr. Sandipan Jagdale, who has over 23 years of experience teaching music at Dayanand College of Arts, is known for reviving the importance of music as a subject in mainstream education.
Under his mentorship, over 27 of his students have joined the entertainment industry in the state.
“Art is deeply satisfying and can foster a positive outlook on life,” said Jagdale, adding, “We only get one life, and it’s important to use it meaningfully. I have decided to help students find ways for a better life.”
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Jagdale has also authored several books on music education, including one he developed in Braille for visually challenged students. Apart from teaching music, Jagdale emphasises on encouraging students to participate in various extra-curricular activities which he believes can help in holistic development and personality building.
Dr Shaikh Mohammad Waquioddin Shaikh Hamidoddin, a teacher with over 28 years of experience at a ZP school in rural Nanded, is widely respected for his innovative work that supports students from underprivileged backgrounds.
“Children in ZP schools often come from very challenging circumstances. I believe it is my duty to help them build better futures,” said Shaikh.
Noticing a high dropout rate among girls due to the school’s distance— 3–4 km from many homes — he initiated the establishment of two satellite classrooms within their communities.
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“We rented rooms closer to where these girls lived. Within a year, dropout rates dropped dramatically,” he explained. The initiative later expanded to include younger children as well, with support from the local community.
Shaikh also led awareness campaigns about menstrual hygiene and collaborated with NGOs to distribute sanitary napkins.
The teachers will be presented the awards in a ceremony held in New Delhi on September 5, which is celebrated as the Teachers’ Day.
