A wave of pride and celebration swept through PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School (CBSE), Sujanpur Tihra, Hamirpur, as its Principal Manjari V. Mahajan was selected for the prestigious National Teacher Award 2026.
She will be honoured by President Droupadi Murmu at a special ceremony in New Delhi on September 5. A total of 48 teachers from across India have been selected for this prestigious national honour. From Himachal Pradesh, three names were forwarded for consideration, and Manjari V. Mahajan emerged as one of the selected awardees.
A Warm and Emotional Welcome at the School
Following the announcement of her selection, Manjari V. Mahajan received a grand and heartfelt welcome upon her arrival at the school. Teachers, students and members of the school community came together to celebrate the remarkable achievement, creating an atmosphere filled with joy, pride and admiration.
Her selection for the National Teacher Award is being seen as a proud achievement not only for Sujanpur Tihra, but for the entire state of Himachal Pradesh.
Excellence Beyond the Classroom
Manjari V. Mahajan has made notable contributions not only in the field of education but also in environmental conservation, innovation and school leadership.
Before joining PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School, Sujanpur Tihra, she served as the Principal of Government Senior Secondary School, Bhaleth. Under her leadership, the school received the Environment Leadership Award in 2026 for environmental conservation and promotion, and the Waste Warrior Award in 2025.
After her selection for the National Teacher Award, she was also felicitated at the office of the Deputy Director of Elementary Education. Deputy Director Kamal Kishore Bharti congratulated and honoured her, expressing happiness over her outstanding achievement.
“This Award Belongs to Everyone Who Supported Me”
Expressing her gratitude, Manjari V. Mahajan said that the honour was the result of collective efforts and support from the entire school and community.
“All members of the community, parents, teachers and students have been my companions in this journey. They all deserve credit for this award.”
She also emphasized that teaching should not be viewed merely as a profession. According to her, teachers have a much broader responsibility towards students, society and their overall development.
She added that she has taken several initiatives in the field of environmental protection, aiming to create greater awareness among students as well as the local community.
The occasion was attended by her husband, Dr Vikram Mahajan, Secretary of the State Selection Commission, Hamirpur, along with Grade-I Kashmir Singh and District Science Supervisor Rajesh Gautam.
A Father’s Proud and Emotional Tribute
Her father, Retired Principal Ravi Datta, shared an emotional message on social media after witnessing the warm reception given to his daughter.
Describing the moment as deeply sentimental and inspiring, he said that the overwhelming love and respect showered upon her created a truly dramatic, exuberant and memorable scene.
He praised his daughter as an intellectually accomplished scholar, an inspiring guide, an efficient administrator and a teacher with a strong sense of responsibility. He expressed hope that the affection, expectations and prayers of her students and well-wishers would continue to bring positive outcomes in the years ahead.
The selection of Principal Manjari V. Mahajan for the National Teacher Award 2026 stands as a moment of immense pride for her school, Sujanpur Tihra, Hamirpur and the entire state of Himachal Pradesh.