Two Odisha teachers win National Award from President Murmu for inspiring teaching with puppetry, storytelling & films
OdishaPlus Bureau
Two teachers from Malkangiri and Koraput districts in Odisha were conferred National Teachers’ Award by President Droupadi Murmu at a glittering ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Friday.
The awardees are Basanta Kumar Rana, headmaster in-charge of Government UP School at Kondel village in Malkangiri district, and Tarun Kumar Dash, a primary teacher at the PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya in Koraput.
By Taboola
This year, 45 teachers from different states were honoured with the national award, of whom 24 were male and 21 female.
Rana was picked for the National award for his work in foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN). The 54-year-old has been using puppetry as a medium to teach the primary graders. He prepares shadow, glove and stick puppets on his own. His sincere efforts, focussing on Balvatika, and classes I, II and III, have taken the students’ strength in the school, which he joined in 2022 after having worked as a teacher in various government schools of Malkangiri for the last three decades, from 86 to 146.
Likewise, Dash uses storytelling, drama, puppet shows, short films, and community radio to create engaging, holistic learning experiences.
Among his notable initiatives are ‘Katha Chitra’, a student-driven short film project tackling social issues; ‘Millet Kranti’, promoting nutrition through millet-based meals; and ‘Light Bag, Happy Back’, easing the burden of heavy school bags. He has helped many children from disadvantaged backgrounds to win national awards in drama, short films, and even deliver speeches in Parliament’s Central Hall.
He has written and directed seven short films with his students, focusing on social issues.
Sefalika Madam – Teacher With a Difference
Teachers are often called the silent architects of society, shaping lives with patience and guidance. On this Teachers’ Day, we bring you the story of a remarkable teacher whose unique methods have not only inspired her students but also reversed a trend, drawing children away from private schools and back into a government classroom.
At the Government Project Upper Primary School in Duanpali, Bolangir district, the morning begins with the chanting of Sanskrit shlokas. Amidst the voices of children and teachers, one name stands out—Sefalika Panigrahi.
Affectionately known as “Didi” by her students, Sefalika for the last ten years, has been redefining classroom learning with love, creativity, and innovation.
Unlike the conventional approach of strict instructions, Sefalika Madam explains with affection and patience. She uses role-play, songs, and fun activities to simplify complex lessons. Even something as simple as teaching with a paper boat or a folk song becomes a tool for learning. Every lunch break, she gathers students to sing Sambalpuri-Koshali songs, turning tables and compass boxes into makeshift drums.
Her efforts have transformed the atmosphere of the school. With over 100 students from Balbatika to Class VIII, the institution faces a shortage of staff. Yet, thanks to her energy and dedication, attendance has risen, and children eagerly look forward to lessons. Parents, once inclined towards private schools, are now sending their children back to this government school.
Arriving before time and staying until evening, Sefalika Madam invests every ounce of her effort into nurturing young minds. Her work has not gone unnoticed; the School Management Committee and the community hail her as a true role model.
On this Teachers’ Day, her story shines as a reminder: a great teacher does more than teach lessons—she transforms lives.