India
oi-Swastika Sruti
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to teachers to play an active part in the formation of children’s personalities rather than confining themselves to the boundaries of the textbook only.
In New Delhi, PM Modi appealed to 82 National Teachers’ Day awardees to develop children’s personalities beyond curricula, preserve their curiosity, and address health issues like screen addiction and substance abuse, emphasizing teachers’ lifelong impact.
Addressing the National Teachers’ Day award winners at New Delhi, he has said that teachers must enable their students to preserve their innate curiosity, creativity, and fun of childhood in addition to equipping them to face the realities of life.
He has also stressed upon issues such as addiction to screens, substance abuse, and the need for health awareness in children and their families.
PM Modi’s message on Teachers’ Day:
“A big issue is screen time.
Students should be pushed towards physical activities and sports, not Gaming at home 😆
We must nurture creativity. That’s the way to pull them away from this screen-time distraction.” pic.twitter.com/DPbpKtVejU
— Amitabh Chaudhary (@MithilaWaaala) September 5, 2026
‘Preserve the Child Within Yourself’
Modi emphasized the point during the discussion that the teachers can have an impact on their students for a lifetime if they make their way into the lives of students beyond the mere completion of syllabus.
He stated that teachers should take care that the “child within” in each and every student stays alive.
This is possible only when teachers also keep their own “child within” alive. As per Modi, the teacher who retains his/her curiosity and energy can have more impact on their students’ life.
One of those wonderfully candid Modi moments! 😊
During the National Teachers’ Award interaction, PM Modi playfully turned the tables on a teacher who said she helps students develop public-speaking skills by asking her for tips on how he could become a better orator.
Her… pic.twitter.com/0T4e8ZYUR3
— Sameer (@BesuraTaansane) September 5, 2026
PM Modi Raises Concern Over Screen Addiction
One of the key issues discussed during the interaction was the growing amount of time children spend on phones and other digital devices.
Modi expressed concern over excessive screen use and suggested that children should be encouraged to spend more time playing sports, participating in outdoor activities and exploring creative interests.
Sports and other physical activities, he said, can provide children with healthier alternatives to spending long hours on screens.
#TeachersDay is about appreciating the strong contribution of teachers to our society. It is also a day to pay homage to Dr. S. Radhakrishnan.
Here is what happened when the National Teachers Awards winners were invited to 7, LKM yesterday…. pic.twitter.com/LtXTvHiQoQ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2026
Creative activities can also help students develop skills and interests beyond academic studies.
Teachers Can Help Children Stay Away From Drugs
The Prime Minister also spoke about the growing threat of drug abuse among young people. He stressed that awareness about the dangers of drugs needs to be created continuously because children can sometimes be exposed to harmful substances without fully understanding their consequences.
Teachers, schools and families can play an important role in identifying risks early and helping children make informed choices.
Focus on Breast Cancer Awareness
Modi also referred to the importance of breast cancer awareness and regular health check-ups. He noted that more women are voluntarily coming forward for health screenings, which he described as a sign of increasing awareness about the importance of early detection and preventive healthcare.
The discussion highlighted how teachers can also contribute to creating awareness about important health and social issues within communities.
82 Teachers Selected for National Teachers’ Awards
This year, 82 teachers and educators have been selected for the National Teachers’ Awards across three departments.
The awardees include:
- 48 teachers from the Department of School Education and Literacy
- 21 teachers and faculty members from Higher Educational Institutions and Polytechnics
- 13 skill trainers from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
The selected educators come from different areas of teaching and training, reflecting the diverse role teachers play in India’s education system.
Awardees Share Innovative Teaching Ideas
During their interaction with the Prime Minister, the award winners spoke about their teaching experiences and the methods they have developed to make learning more interesting.
They shared examples of creative approaches used in classrooms to help students understand concepts more effectively and participate actively in learning.
Their experiences also highlighted how teachers often adapt their methods according to the needs and interests of their students.
