National Teachers’ Awards 2026: Punjab, Chandigarh Teachers Honoured for Innovative Science Teaching

September 5, 2026

Chandigarh/Patiala: Two teachers from Punjab and Chandigarh have been selected for the National Teachers’ Awards 2026 for their innovative efforts to make science education more practical, engaging and accessible for students in government schools.

President Droupadi Murmu will honour 48 selected teachers from across the country at an award ceremony in New Delhi on National Teachers’ Day. Among the awardees are Chandigarh science teacher Ravi Jaiswal and Patiala physics lecturer Dr Dinesh Kumar, who have used innovative methods to take students beyond textbook-based learning.

While Jaiswal created a 3D dome theatre and a weather station at his school, Dr Kumar developed a virtual physics laboratory and more than 100 zero-cost science models.

Chandigarh teacher creates 3D dome theatre

Ravi Jaiswal, a science teacher at Government Model High School in Maloya Colony, Chandigarh, created a 3D dome theatre inside the school to make science and space-related subjects easier for students to understand.

Using waste materials such as tin and thermocol, Jaiswal constructed a dome-shaped structure in the school hall. Videos and images related to space and science are projected onto the dome, giving students a visual and immersive way to understand concepts that they may otherwise find difficult through textbooks alone.

The idea was inspired by his students’ interest in visiting Science City in Kapurthala. When students expressed their desire to experience the facility, Jaiswal decided to bring a similar learning experience to their school.

His initiative was later replicated in six other government schools across Chandigarh.

Weather station and national science exhibitions

Jaiswal has also established a weather station at the Maloya school, allowing students to observe weather-related information and measure rainfall using a rain gauge.

His approach encourages students to connect scientific concepts with their surroundings and learn through observation and experimentation.

Around 20 of his students have participated in national-level science exhibitions and brought recognition to the school.

Jaiswal has also provided financial assistance to needy students whenever required so that financial difficulties do not interrupt their education. Two of his former students are currently pursuing PhDs at Panjab University in Chandigarh.

Jaiswal said his teaching approach has been influenced by his own experiences as a student. He wants today’s students to receive opportunities that he may not have had during his own education.

He learnt about his selection for the National Teachers’ Award from a colleague who had seen the list of selected teachers on Friday. He subsequently received an email confirming his selection.

Patiala teacher develops virtual physics lab

Dr Dinesh Kumar, a Physics Lecturer at Government Victoria Girls Senior Secondary Smart School in Patiala, has also been selected for the National Teachers’ Award 2026. He is the only teacher from Punjab to be chosen for the honour this year.

With nearly 25 years of experience in education and more than a decade at his current school, Dr Kumar has focused on making physics easier and more interesting for students.

He developed a virtual physics laboratory using computer programming, allowing students to conduct and understand physics experiments digitally without relying entirely on expensive laboratory equipment.

He has also created more than 100 zero-cost models using discarded household items and other low-cost materials. The models help explain complex scientific concepts through simple, practical demonstrations.

Focus on making physics accessible

Dr Kumar’s virtual laboratory is particularly useful for students in government schools where laboratory equipment may be limited.

Through interactive visuals and digital experiments, students can understand physics concepts in a more engaging manner. His objective is to reduce students’ fear of physics and encourage them to learn through experimentation.

The 52-year-old teacher holds a PhD in Physics. He completed his undergraduate studies at Government Mohindra College in Patiala and his MSc at Punjabi University, Patiala.

For his contribution to education, Dr Kumar received the Punjab Government’s State Teacher Award in 2020. He also provides free extra classes and guidance to needy students after school hours and during holidays.

The work of both teachers reflects an emphasis on practical and experiential learning, with their innovations helping government school students access scientific concepts beyond conventional classroom teaching.