Ludhiana/rohtak/shimla, Aug. 26 -- Three teachers from Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh are among the 45 educators selected for the National Teachers' Award, 2025. The Union ministry of education announced the names on Monday, President Droupadi Murmu will confer the awards at a ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on Teachers' Day (September 5). Among the three teachers is Narinder Singh, head teacher of Government Primary School, Jandiali, Ludhiana, Punjab. Narinder is credited with being the first to introduce a summer camp in a government primary school back in 2008, along with an "Honesty Shop", where students buy stationery without a shopkeeper. Since joining the school in 2006, when it had just three rooms and 174 students, he has overseen its transformation into an institution of 800 students and 15 air-conditioned smart classrooms. His ingenuity also earned him the state award in 2012. "I always wanted my students to grow not just academically but with strong moral values. From mobile and open libraries to the concept of an 'Honesty Shop', everything we have built is to nurture integrity and responsibility," said an elated Narinder. In 2014, he was honoured for bravely saving students when a truck crashed into the school wall. Though two lives were lost, five children were saved because of his timely action. He has also authored four books, focused on instilling values in young learners. Education minister Harjot Singh Bains congratulated Narinder on social media, calling him an inspiration for Punjab's teaching community. Narinder, who once taught at a convent school, said he always dreamt of making his government school even better. "Today, with dedicated labs, vibrant activities and motivated children, that dream is coming true," he said with pride. Sunita Dhull, 52, post-graduate teacher (Geography) from PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School at Murthal Add, while talking to HT said that she believed in "improve to proof and pay back to society" mantra. She had joined as PGT (geography) in Haryana government in 2014 and before that she was a teacher in private schools. "I believed in practical and my students learn concepts in a lighter mood. I never mount pressure on them. I focus on human behaviour, scientific intelligence. This award belongs to my students, colleagues and my family members. As a daughter and bahu of defence personnel, discipline is in our blood and I teach my students the same. I have prepared notes and work sheets of every chapter," she added. Shashi Paul, 39, is the only teacher from Himachal Pradesh to be selected for the National Teachers' Award. Paul, a teacher in Government Model Centre, Primary Shamror School, Solan, has been working towards inclusive, value-based education over the past 14 years. He began his career as an educator on August 11, 2011, as a Junior Basic Teacher at GPS Niyari, a remote primary school in the hilly terrain of Solan. From that moment, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that no child, regardless of background, is left behind. His key initiatives and contributions include implementing multi-grade, multi-level teaching strategies tailored to individual learning levels, promoting sports and co-curricular development. During COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, he initiated online classes using WhatsApp and Google Meet.. He also started free online coaching for Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) entrance exams in which 211 students got selected for JNVs (2021-2025) and 24 students received SJMMSE scholarships. He also got the Best Teacher Award (2022) by DIET Solan and the district Best Teacher Award. "Over the years, I have endeavoured not only to teach but to transform; the classroom, the student's life, and the community's perspective on education. My personal motto, "Right Directions, Bright Future," reflects my belief that with proper guidance and support, every child can thrive" said Paul while talking to HT...