Four school educators selected for CISCE’s prestigious Derozio Awards 2025

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations on Nov 20 named four educators as the winners of the Derozio Awards 2025, selecting them for their standout contribution to school education and community development.

The national honor, considered one of CISCE’s most respected recognitions, will be presented on Nov 21 by former Supreme Court judge and former chief justice of the Karnataka High Court, Vikramjit Sen, during the School Heads’ Meet in Chandigarh.

Instituted to acknowledge transformative work in primary to senior secondary education and in school leadership, the award includes a 24 gram gold medal, a silver engraved citation plaque, a scroll, and prize money of ₹1 lakh.

CISCE Chief Executive and Secretary Joseph Emmanuel said the chosen educators exemplify the spirit of innovation and commitment shaping the council’s schools.

“This year's awardees shine with extraordinary dedication, bold innovation, and deep human impact. Our rigorous evaluation reaffirmed the remarkable educational transformation unfolding across CISCE schools and the inspiring commitment of educators who continue to elevate learning nationwide,” he said.

The awardees for 2025 are:

1. Shinoj Kizhakkemuriyil, Principal, St Antony’s School, Ghaziabad
2. Priti Sinha, Principal, Gulmohar High School, Jamshedpur
3. Seena Joseph, Principal, Auxilium Nava Jyoti School, Kerala
4. Kusum Uniyal, TGT Science, Jyoti Vidyalaya, Joshimath, Uttarakhand

Their work reflects a wide range of school realities, yet each has been credited with strengthening student outcomes and improving institutional practices.

The announcement coincides with the two day School Heads’ Conference, which opened on Nov 20 with more than 2,000 leaders from CISCE affiliated schools.

This year’s theme, Building stronger schools together, focuses on collective approaches to improving the education system.

Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Kumar Mittal said, “Stronger schools emerge when institutions, universities, and stakeholders work together. We must prepare students not just for white-collar jobs, but for sports, entrepreneurship, and innovation.”

The conference aims to frame a shared roadmap for CISCE institutions and underscore the role of school leadership in shaping the future of education in India.