President Murmu confers National Teachers’ Award 2005 to Koijam Machasana

Bringing laurels to Manipur, Koijam Machasana, teacher of Ghari Upper Primary School in Imphal West, has been conferred the prestigious National Teacher Award 2025 by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi today. He is among 45 teachers from across the country recognised for their exceptional service and innovative contributions to education.
The award celebrates educators who have demonstrated exemplary commitment in teaching, from adopting novel pedagogical methods to inspiring first-generation learners and improving outcomes in challenging environments.
President Murmu, while presenting the awards, remarked that shaping the character of students is the foremost duty of teachers. She urged educators to give equal attention to all students, especially those who are shy or from underprivileged backgrounds.
Manipur’s recognition came alongside a strong representation from the Northeast. Debajit Ghosh of Namsang TE Model School on the Assam–Arunachal border, Nang Ekthani Mounglang of Government Secondary School Pachin and Proshanto Kumar Saha of Rajiv Gandhi University (both from Arunachal Pradesh), Peleno Petenilhu of John Government Higher Secondary School in Viswema, Kohima (Nagaland), Karma Tempo Ethenpa of PM Shri Mangan Senior Secondary School (Sikkim), Heipor Uni Bang of K.B. Memorial Secondary School in East Jaintia Hills (Meghalaya), Bidisha Majumder of Hariananda English Medium Higher Secondary School in Gomati (Tripura), and Zoramdinthara of Mizoram University were also honoured.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the awardees. In a light-hearted remark, he said that while teachers usually give homework to students, he wished to assign them one—to lead campaigns promoting swadeshi products and strengthen the “Make in India” and “Vocal for Local” movements.
The National Teacher Award is among the highest honours for educators in India, recognising their role in shaping the future of the nation through dedication, innovation, and integrity.