Vidhya Seva Samman 2026 Honours 10 Chennai Teachers with ₹50,000 Prize

Chennai: Ten teachers from Chennai were honoured with the Vidhya Seva Samman 2026 for their contribution to education and dedication to shaping young minds. Each awardee received a ₹50,000 prize along with a Citation of Honour.

The awards were presented by Mission Guru Devo Bhava, in association with the Lions Club of Meenambakkam and Vedritam Group (formerly D.A.V. Group, Chennai), at D.A.V. Girls Senior Secondary School, Gopalapuram, Chennai.

CA S. Gurumurthy, thinker, columnist, social commentator and Editor of Thuglak, attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest.

10 teachers honoured

The award recipients were:

• Dr. Kala Raman – P.S. Higher Secondary School
• Thanukrishnan J. – Smt. Durgadevi Choudhary Vivekananda Vidyalaya (Senior Secondary School)
• Dr. Shalika Banu – Fathima Central Senior Secondary School
• G. Sripriya – Motilal Fomra Sanatana Dharma Higher Secondary School
• J. R. Lakshmi Kantham – The Children’s Garden Higher Secondary School
• K. Revathy – Chennai Higher Secondary School
• Janaki G. – Lady Sivaswami Ayyar Girls Higher Secondary School
• Sujatha Mukundan – Shri Natesan Vidyasala Matriculation Higher Secondary School
• Seema Madan – Kola Saraswathi Vaishnav Senior Secondary School
• R. Subramanian – Government Model Higher Secondary School

The Vidhya Seva Samman is associated with the Guru Devo Bhava movement, which was initiated on September 8, 2012, under the guidance and mentorship of CA S. Gurumurthy and under the auspices of the Lions Club of Meenambakkam, Chennai.

The movement focuses on engaging, inspiring, enriching and empowering teachers while strengthening pride in teaching and respect for educators. Over the years, it has brought together students, parents and educators through educational forums, discussions, honours, documentaries and other initiatives.

Gurumurthy highlights role of teachers

Speaking at the ceremony, CA S. Gurumurthy said teaching should be viewed beyond a profession and highlighted the role of the Guru in guiding students and passing on knowledge, values and culture.

He said the impact of teachers cannot always be measured through academic achievements or numbers, as their influence is also reflected in their ability to inspire, nurture and shape the character of young people.

CA Anil Khicha, Co-Founder, Mission Guru Devo Bhava, said the movement began 14 years ago with a focus on the role of teachers in shaping the society of tomorrow.

He described the Vidhya Seva Samman as an expression of society’s gratitude to teachers and said the prize and Citation of Honour represented that appreciation.

Educators speak on values and Guru-Shishya tradition

Lakshmi Narayan Sharma, veteran educator and educationist, travelled more than 2,500 kilometres from his village, Leedi, in Ajmer district, Rajasthan, to attend the ceremony.

Having spent more than 50 years as a teacher, Sharma said education should prepare children not only for careers but also for life. He emphasised values, character and compassion as important elements in preparing children to contribute to society.

Eminent Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer and Guru Padma Subramanian also spoke about the Guru-Shishya tradition. She said a Guru not only imparts knowledge but also passes on tradition, values and a way of life.

Subramanian said she began teaching at the age of 14 and that her students have carried what she shared with them across the world. She also said, “Teaching is nothing but learning.”

217 nominations received

The 2026 Samman received 217 nominations. These were screened by a seven-member committee of experienced educators before being considered by the jury.

The jury comprised V. Nandakumar, Padma Shri Prof. V. Kamakoti, Dr. Sudha Seshayyan, Gopal Agrawal and K. V. K. Sriram.

Gopal Agrawal, philanthropist and educator, said the selection considered factors including teachers’ dedication, ability to inspire, commitment to values, innovation and contributions beyond the classroom, in addition to academic achievements and years of service.

Uma Maheshwari, Dean of Akshaya School and Head of the Screening Committee, highlighted the challenge of selecting 10 teachers from among the nominated educators.

Since its inception, Guru Devo Bhava has conducted programmes, talks, educational forums, competitions, discussions, documentaries and initiatives such as the Teachers’ Anthem. The Vidhya Seva Samman is part of these efforts to recognise teachers and highlight the role of teaching in society.