Assam headmistress to receive National Teachers' Award from President
Manisha Khetrapal, headmistress of PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya in Rangiya, Assam, will be conferred the National Teachers’ Award 2026 by the President for her work supporting foundational and preparatory education under NEP 2020. Her career includes leading inclusion initiatives at IIT Guwahati and t
Key takeaways
- Manisha Khetrapal, headmistress at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, NFR Rangiya, Assam, will receive the National Teachers’ Award 2026 from the President.
- Award cites her innovations in foundational and preparatory education aligned with NEP 2020 rollout.
- Her prior work includes Project DivyaMitra at IIT Guwahati and leading EduLead training for 382 PM SHRI school principals and head teachers in Assam.
What Happened
The headmistress of PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, NFR Rangiya, Assam, Manisha Khetrapal, has been selected to receive the National Teachers’ Award, 2026. The award will be presented by the President. The recognition cites her innovation and contribution toward strengthening foundational and preparatory stages aligned with the rollout of the National Education Policy 2020.
Why It Matters
The award highlights a focus on early and foundational education as a component of implementing NEP 2020. By recognizing a district and school-level leader for work in inclusion and preparatory schooling, the announcement underscores attention to regional education development and the Northeast’s access to enhanced learning opportunities. The awarding of such a national honor may influence perceptions of teacher leadership and may encourage replication of successful early-education strategies in other settings.
Background
Prior to serving at KV NFR Rangiya, Khetrapal spent eight years at Kendriya Vidyalaya, IIT Guwahati. There, she initiated Project DivyaMitra, a program aimed at meaningful inclusion, developed in collaboration with the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation Of India (ALIMCO). She also played a key resource-role in EduLead, a joint venture between Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan and Samagra Shiksha Assam. EduLead trained 382 principals and head teachers of PM SHRI schools across Assam.
Khetrapal holds a PhD in Inclusive Education from Gauhati University and has presented at multiple national seminars. Her broader mission focuses on expanding learning opportunities for children in the Northeast, evidenced by activities such as visits to science events and facilitation of exchanges with international partners.
Key Facts
- Recipient: Manisha Khetrapal, headmistress of PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, NFR Rangiya, Assam
- Award: National Teachers’ Award, 2026
- Reason: innovation and contribution toward strengthening foundational and preparatory stages for NEP 2020 rollout
- Previous role: eight years at Kendriya Vidyalaya, IIT Guwahati
- Projects: Project DivyaMitra (inclusion, with ALIMCO)
- EduLead involvement: trained 382 principals and head teachers of PM SHRI schools across Assam
- Education: PhD in Inclusive Education from Gauhati University
- Public activity: facilitated a visit of delegates from The Japan Foundation; involvement in India International Science Festival at IIT Guwahati
What Happens Next
The President will confer the National Teachers’ Award 2026 on Khetrapal. Details on the ceremony and subsequent engagements were not provided in the source material.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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