Pride of Bihar: Three educators receive national award for transforming classrooms and student lives

Bihar proudly celebrates three of its educators, Dr Pramod Kumar, Kumari Nidhi, and Dilip Kumar, who have received the prestigious National Teachers’ Award 2025, presented by President Droupadi Murmu on Teachers’ Day, Sept 5.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar congratulated the awardees, stating the honor reflects their dedication, hard work, and their pivotal role in strengthening the state’s education system.

Dr Pramod Kumar, senior master and head of the biology department at Sainik School, Nalanda, has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to STEM education, student welfare, and leadership training.

He has promoted innovative teaching practices, integrated traditional Indian knowledge with the modern curriculum, and served as a mentor for teachers nationwide under NEP 2020.

“The aim of Sainik Schools is to develop leadership qualities among students. Using my expertise in educational psychology, I have worked to prepare them for the challenges of the 21st century. This acknowledgment inspires me to keep working toward making India a global leader in education,” he said.

A gold medalist in zoology from Banaras Hindu University, Dr Kumar also holds PhD degrees in animal science and educational psychology.

He joined Sainik School, Nalanda, in 2005 after conducting research at BHU and Gurukul Kangri University between 2000 and 2002.

Apart from classroom teaching, Kumar plays several crucial roles in student welfare. He works as a CBSE resource person and tele-counsellor, helping students manage stress and providing career guidance.

He is also a ‘Regional Mentor of Change’ with NITI Aayog, mentoring Atal Tinkering Labs across the region to foster innovation among children.

In addition, he serves as the Secretary of Vigyan Bharti, Bihar, promoting awareness about the contributions of Indian scientists often overlooked in history.

Earlier, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) had honored him with the CBSE Teacher Award for 2019-20, recognizing his contributions to education and student development.

His school community is elated with the recognition. Principal Colonel Bhupender Kumar congratulated him, calling it “an unprecedented achievement for Sainik School Nalanda,” and said the honor reflects his “unparalleled contribution in the field of education and student development.”

Following him, Kumari Nidhi of Primary School Suhagi, Kishanganj, has been honored for her transformative “Mission NIPUN” initiatives.

She designed the innovative child-centric program “NIPUN Bal Manch,” which inspired a state-level e-magazine and created a school space for students to express themselves through art and writing.

Through her community-driven campaign “Our School, Our Responsibility,” Nidhi revitalized landless schools, prevented child marriages, and re-enrolled dozens of girls, significantly improving foundational literacy and numeracy proficiency.

Earlier, she had been awarded “Teacher of the Month” by the Bihar Government in April.

Dilip Kumar, a science teacher at Lalit Narayan Laxmi Narayan Project Girls High School, Supaul, was selected for his efforts in encouraging innovation and experimentation in science education.

Since joining in 2023, many of his students have won state and national awards, with some selected for Inspire Award competitions.

Kumar emphasized that the award is “a moment of pride and inspiration” shared with his colleagues and students, continuing a tradition of excellence at the school, which has previously received both state and national honors.

Each awardee will receive a certificate, ₹50,000, and a silver medal.

This recognition not only highlights the remarkable achievements of Bihar’s teachers but also underscores the state’s ongoing commitment to educational innovation, leadership development, and student empowerment across diverse communities.