Certain teachers in India distinguish themselves through their innovative approaches and dedication. They extend beyond conventional educational practices and concentrate on ensuring students not only acquire knowledge but also develop into self-assured and competent people. These teachers recognize that education extends far beyond mere employment—it involves transforming lives and motivating future generations. In honor of Teachers' Day 2025, here are some educators who have been reshaping communities through their distinctive and imaginative instructional approaches.

Ranjitsinh Disale - Teacher & Foundation Leader brining technology & education to students all over the world

Ranjitsinh Disale, a student pursuing his Ed.M. at Harvard Graduate School of Education, received the Global Teacher Prize 2020 for his work in revolutionizing education for women students at Zilla Parishad Primary School located in Paritewadi, Solapur, Maharashtra, India. Upon winning, he made an extraordinary decision to distribute half of his award money evenly among the other finalists to help fund their projects.

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Through his creative implementation of textbooks featuring QR codes, he enabled students in isolated regions to access educational content more easily. Additionally, he successfully combined conventional educational approaches with modern technology, demonstrating education's potential to close the divide between India's rural and urban communities. The results of Ranjitsinh's work have been remarkable: the village has eliminated child marriages entirely, and the school now achieves complete attendance rates among female students.

Ranjitsinh's commitment extends beyond his own learning. He is dedicated to sharing his knowledge with fellow educators.

Throughout summer breaks, Ranjitsinh has conducted in-person training sessions for over 16,000 active teachers across Maharashtra, teaching them methods to enhance their instruction through technology.

Due to Ranjitsinh's significant contributions, Microsoft's current CEO, Satya Nadella, featured Ranjitsinh as one of three Indian success stories in his 2017 publication 'Hit Refresh'.

Ranjitsinh continues to show strong dedication to promoting educational collaboration at various levels, from local to global scales.

Kiran Bir Sethi - She Empowers Children through Community-based Social Programs

Kiran Bir Sethi began her career as a designer before transitioning into teaching, then evolved from a school principal to an education reformer, and ultimately transformed into a social entrepreneur.

With her background as a graphic designer trained at the National Institute of Design, she naturally incorporates design terminology – such as iteration, prototype, and design specifications – to create both innovative curricula and community-focused social initiatives.

In 2001, Sethi established the acclaimed Riverside School in Ahmedabad, India.

Riverside functions as an experimental space for testing design methodologies that employ a comprehensive systems approach to foster an empowering culture, producing young civic leaders who possess an 'I CAN Mindset' – utilizing their capabilities to benefit society.

This mindset is supported by five core values known as the 5 E's – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Elevation and Evolution – deliberately guiding the transformation toward becoming HumanE through intentional design.

The Riverside Learning Centre (RLC), established in 2016, has systematized the methodologies and procedures from The Riverside School, organizing them within 6 foundational Pillars (Curriculum, Parent Partnership, Personal and Professional Development, Community, Administration and Leadership) and created Training Programmes that enable additional schools to adopt a user-focused approach.

Kiran also established 'aProCh'—a program dedicated to creating more child-friendly urban environments, which earned her recognition as an Ashoka Fellow in 2008.

 

In 2009, Kiran introduced "Design for Change," which employs a straightforward 4-step design methodology – FIDS (Feel, Imagine, Do, Share) to develop the I CAN mindset in children everywhere. Currently, DFC represents the globe's most extensive change movement led by and for children, operating across more than 60 countries and reaching over 2.2 million children and 65,000 educators.

Sonam Wangchuk - The Educational Reformer and Activist

Sonam Wangchuk represents a distinguished Indian engineer, innovator, and advocate for educational reform who has gained widespread acclaim for his work in sustainable development and rural schooling throughout Ladakh, India.

His most notable achievement involves creating the "Ice Stupa" initiative, an innovative method that preserves water by forming artificial glaciers to combat water shortage problems in the Ladakh region. Additionally, Wangchuk established the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), an educational institution that champions a non-traditional learning approach emphasizing creative thought, analytical skills, and environmental awareness. SECMOL stands out for its distinctive educational framework that opposes traditional memorization-based learning and motivates students to acquire knowledge through hands-on experience and discovery.

As a dedicated supporter of environmental preservation and traditional wisdom, Wangchuk has devoted efforts to advancing clean energy alternatives and sustainable methods in Ladakh. His commitment to safeguarding the area's delicate natural environment has established him as a notable personality in environmental and educational fields.

The remarkable contributions of Wangchuk have brought him recognition both domestically and globally, while his promotion of community-based innovation and independence has garnered respect as a forward-thinking leader. His personal journey and professional achievements remain a source of motivation for individuals pursuing meaningful transformation, positioning him among India's most distinguished innovators and educational pioneers.

Anand Kumar - From Patna’s Streets to IIT Seats

Anand Kumar, a mathematics educator and instructor hailing from Patna, Bihar, has emerged as a symbol of inspiration for numerous disadvantaged students across India. Recognized primarily for establishing the Super 30 initiative, Kumar's story exemplifies perseverance, creativity, and steadfast dedication to improving society through educational opportunities.

Refusing to allow his personal situation to determine his destiny, Anand Kumar began his career as a mathematics instructor. In 1992, he established the Ramanujan School of Mathematics (RSM) by leasing a modest classroom for Rs.300 monthly, beginning his venture with merely two pupils. His commitment rapidly drew additional students, and RSM developed a strong reputation for delivering excellent education at affordable costs.

In 2002, Anand Kumar introduced Super 30 through RSM. The initiative had a straightforward objective: select 30 talented students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds annually and offer them complimentary tutoring, housing, and meals to help them prepare for the extremely competitive IIT-JEE (Indian Institutes of Technology Joint Entrance Examination).

Anand Kumar's educational approach is founded on understanding and structure. He maintains that while talent exists everywhere, opportunities do not. Through eliminating economic obstacles and creating a supportive atmosphere, he helps students unlock their capabilities. The Super 30 program follows a rigorous schedule, incorporating daily examinations and group conversations that promote dedication and teamwork.

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Anand Kumar's path from Patna's streets to international acclaim represents a narrative of determination, foresight, and education's life-changing impact. Via Super 30, he has transformed the lives of countless students while questioning the belief that excellent education belongs exclusively to the affluent. His story serves as a compelling demonstration that through resolve and kindness, a single person can create significant societal change.

Arvind Gupta - He Turns Trash into Toys for Learning

Arvind Gupta stands out as a beloved science educator cherished by children across India and around the globe. This nationally and internationally acclaimed teacher brings an engineering background to his extraordinary mission of transforming waste materials into educational toys that serve as teaching tools for scientific concepts. For approximately five decades, he has dedicated himself tirelessly to this innovative field. Through his toy-creation workshops, he stimulates and nurtures the developing minds of India's future scientists. As both an explorer and educator, he has traveled extensively, including trips to Australia where he conducted educational workshops at schools throughout Canberra. His outstanding contributions to science education earned him the prestigious Padmashri award in 2018. His work has gained recognition from prominent organizations including UNESCO, UNICEF, MIT Media Lab, and educators from numerous developing nations. Academic institutions such as Halmstad University and Boston Science Centre have acknowledged both his contributions and publications. His innovative teaching aid designs have been endorsed by Walt Disney Imagineering and Research, Auhof Rehabilitation Centre in Hilpolstien, Germany, and the International Play Association in Finland. IIT Kanpur has honored him with distinguished alumnus status. Additionally, numerous Indian organizations have celebrated both his achievements and his publications focused on science education materials.