Jyoti Panka, a Political Science teacher from Arunachal Pradesh, has been awarded the prestigious National Teacher’s Award 2024 for her exceptional contributions to education. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award to Panka at Vigyan Bhawan, recognising her creative teaching methods and commitment to student development. Currently serving as a Post Graduate Teacher at PM Shri Government Higher Secondary School in Longding, Panka has 12 years of experience in the field. She began her teaching career in 2013 as a Trained Graduate Teacher in Kalaktang, West Kameng, before moving to Khonsa and securing her current position through the APPSC exam in 2019.
Beyond the classroom, Panka has spearheaded initiatives like “Ek Kadam Sundarta Ki Aur,” a school beautification project, and “Chale Gaon Ki Aur,” encouraging students to teach in rural areas during school breaks. As an NSS Programme Officer, she organised awareness campaigns in remote villages, fostering community unity under the motto “Not Me but You.” During the pandemic, Panka launched the “School Chale Hum” YouTube channel, providing remote learning to students. Her contributions have previously earned her the State Silver Medal and the State Teachers Award.
The National Awards to Teachers, instituted by the Ministry of Education, recognise educators who have transformed school education through innovation and dedication.