PM Modi Interacts with National Teachers Award Winners, Calls for Greater Focus on Children’s Well-Being
New Delhi, September 5, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the winners of the National Teachers Awards at his residence at Lok Kalyan Marg, highlighting the expanding role of teachers in shaping children’s lives beyond academics.
A total of 82 teachers and educators have been selected for this year’s National Teachers Awards across three departments. The selection includes 48 teachers from the Department of School Education and Literacy, 21 teachers and faculty members from Higher Educational Institutions and Polytechnics, and 13 skill trainers from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
During the interaction, the awardees spoke about their teaching experiences and innovative methods used to make classroom education more engaging, practical and effective.
Teachers urged to look beyond academic performance
Prime Minister Modi emphasised that teachers should pay attention not only to students’ academic results but also to their behaviour, habits and day-to-day lives. He noted that with the traditional joint-family structure becoming less common, teachers have an increasingly important role in supporting and guiding children.
He particularly urged teachers to remain vigilant about drug addiction among young students. Teachers, he said, should identify behavioural changes, understand the underlying reasons and help affected children overcome such difficulties.
Focus on preserving childhood and curiosity
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of protecting the innocence of childhood and nurturing children’s natural curiosity. According to him, children possess an inherent sense of curiosity, and teachers can make a lasting contribution by channelising it in a positive and constructive direction.
He also highlighted the growing concern over excessive screen time among children. Teachers were encouraged to discuss the issue with parents, including children’s mobile-phone usage and the habit of using devices late into the night.
As an alternative to excessive screen exposure, PM Modi encouraged greater participation in sports, physical games and creative activities, which can help children develop healthier routines.
Connecting education with real-world skills
Referring to the National Education Policy, the Prime Minister called for learning to extend beyond the traditional classroom. He encouraged teachers to expose students to real-world skills and different forms of work so that education becomes more connected with practical life.
He further stressed that education should not be limited to completing the prescribed syllabus. Teachers should also help students develop important values, including respect for work and dignity of labour.
The interaction underlined the important role educators can play in addressing emerging challenges facing children while making learning more meaningful, practical and connected to society.
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
