In a proud moment for the North Eastern region of India, seven outstanding teachers, including Karma Tempo Ethenpa from PM SHRI Mangan Senior Secondary School, Sikkim, have been honoured with the National Teachers’ Award 2025. These awards are presented every year by the Government of India to recognize teachers who have shown exceptional dedication, innovative teaching methods, and a strong commitment towards students’ growth. The recognition brings pride not only to the individual teachers but also to their schools, states, and the entire North East.
List of Teachers Awarded from North East India
The following seven teachers have been selected for the National Teachers’ Award 2025 from different states of the North East:
- Nang Ekthani Mounglang – Govt. Secondary School Pachin, Papum Pare, Arunachal Pradesh-791110 (Arunachal Pradesh)
- Peleno Petenilhu – John Govt. Higher Secondary School, Viswema, Kohima, Nagaland-797001 (Nagaland)
- Koijam Machasana – Ghari Upper Primary School, Imphal West, Manipur-795140 (Manipur)
- Karma Tempo Ethenpa – PM SHRI Mangan SSS, Mangan, Sikkim-737116 (Sikkim)
- Dr. Heipor Uni Bang – K.B. Memorial Secondary School, Wapung, East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya-793160 (Meghalaya)
- Bidisha Majumder – Hariananda English Medium H.S. School, Gomati, Tripura-799120 (Tripura)
- Debajit Ghosh – Namsang TE Model School, Dibrugarh, Assam-786614 (Assam)
Their Journey and Contribution
- Nang Ekthani Mounglang (Arunachal Pradesh): From Govt. Secondary School Pachin, she has been actively engaged in strengthening classroom learning and motivating children in remote areas of Arunachal Pradesh. Her focus has been on making education accessible and meaningful for tribal children.
- Peleno Petenilhu (Nagaland): A Postgraduate Teacher of English at John Govt. Higher Secondary School, Viswema, with 19 years of teaching experience. Her teaching journey changed when she encountered a student who struggled with studies, which led her to visit the student’s home. This experience reshaped her approach, making her more compassionate and student-centered.
- Koijam Machasana (Manipur): An Arts Graduate Teacher from Ghari Upper Primary School. She received the State Level Teacher’s Award in 2023 and was nominated for the National Conference on School Leadership in 2025. She has worked extensively on foundational literacy, inclusivity, and community engagement in her school.
- Karma Tempo Ethenpa (Sikkim): From PM SHRI Govt. Senior Secondary School, Mangan. He is respected for his efforts in academic excellence and his dedication to developing a strong learning environment in one of the hill regions of Sikkim. His recognition has brought immense pride to the education sector of the state.
- Dr. Heipor Uni Bang (Meghalaya): From K.B. Memorial Secondary School, Wapung, East Jaintia Hills. Known for his innovative methods and commitment to rural education, Dr. Bang has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of secondary education in his community.
- Bidisha Majumder (Tripura): From Hariananda English Medium Higher Secondary School, Gomati. She has been appreciated for her effective teaching strategies, encouragement of girl child education, and efforts to create an inclusive classroom environment.
- Debajit Ghosh (Assam): From Namsang TE Model School, Dibrugarh. His work has centered on building strong academic foundations, using modern teaching tools, and promoting holistic student development in Assam’s tea garden community.
Chief Ministers Extend Congratulations
The selection of these teachers has been widely celebrated. Chief Ministers of different states took to social media to congratulate the awardees and share their pride.
- Tripura Chief Minister, Dr. Manik Saha, congratulated Ms. Bidisha Majumdar, saying: “Heartiest congratulations to Bidisha Majumdar of Hariananda English Medium Higher Secondary School, Gomati District, Tripura, on being selected for the prestigious National Teachers’ Award 2025. This remarkable achievement will surely inspire both students and teachers, encouraging them to pursue excellence in the field of education.”
- Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister congratulated Smt. Nang Ekthani Mounglang, writing: “Congratulations to Smt. Nang Ekthani Mounglang, Headmistress of GSS Pachin, Naharlagun, on being honoured with the National Teachers’ Award 2025 by @EduMinOfIndia. Her dedication to nurturing young minds is a true inspiration for Arunachal Pradesh and the nation.”
- Sikkim Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), expressed his pride in Mr. Karma Tempo Ethenpa’s achievement: “With immense pride, I congratulate Mr. Karma Tempo Ethenpa, Principal of PM SHRI Govt. Sr. Secondary School, Mangan, on being selected for the National Teachers’ Award 2025. On 5th September 2025, he will be felicitated by the Hon’ble President of India Madam Draupadi Murmu Ji at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, a proud moment for Sikkim and an inspiration for all. Wishing him continued success as he nurtures the future generation with passion and excellence.”
- Meghalaya Chief Minister also shared his greetings to Dr. Heipor Uni Bang: “Congratulations to Dr. Heipor Uni Bang, Principal and Founder of KB Memorial Secondary School, East Jaiñtia Hills District, for being selected for the prestigious National Teachers’ Award 2025. This remarkable achievement brings great pride to Meghalaya and reflects his unwavering dedication, exceptional service, and impactful contribution to the field of education.”
Stories of Dedication
- Mr. Debajit Ghosh (Assam): A State Awardee in 2023, he has been acknowledged for his remarkable work in reducing school dropouts and encouraging inclusive learning. His efforts earned him the position of Mentor under the National Mission on Mentoring (NMM), led by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). His service is an example of how one teacher can bring about systemic changes.
- Dr. Heipor Uni Bang (Meghalaya): His journey is especially inspiring. He began teaching in 2009 after completing his MSc in Botany. In 2013, he established the KB Memorial Secondary School in East Jaintia Hills to provide English-medium education to rural children at very affordable fees, sometimes as low as ₹200 per month. The school produced its first SSLC batch in 2015. In 2024, Dr. Bang completed his PhD in Environmental Management, and under his leadership, the school became a model of inclusive education, especially for persons with disabilities (PWD). He introduced free education for PWD students, enabling many to pass board examinations successfully. Last year, one of his PWD students achieved a first division with letters, a rare milestone in the state. His work has been appreciated not only by the Chief Minister but also by local MLA Kyrmen Shylla and the United Democratic Party (UDP), who called his recognition a “source of pride for Meghalaya.”
The announcement of these awards has been met with heartfelt congratulations from across the region. Parents, students, and education departments of the respective states have praised these teachers for bringing recognition to the North East. Many leaders and educationists have expressed that such awards motivate other teachers to continue working with the same spirit and dedication.
The recognition of seven teachers from North East India with the National Teachers’ Award 2025 highlights the immense talent, hard work, and commitment present in this region. Their unique teaching methods, compassionate approach, and dedication towards students’ growth show how teachers play a powerful role in shaping the future of society. These awards are not just personal achievements but also an inspiration for thousands of educators across India.
The North East has always been known for its cultural richness and diversity. With this achievement, it is once again proving that the region is also a strong pillar in the field of education.
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