National Teachers’ Award 2026 awardee Ronald Meru arrived at Dimapur Airport on Sunday, where he was received by family members and community representatives.

Meru, a teacher at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Sechu Zubza, Kohima, is among 48 school teachers selected for the National Teachers’ Award 2026. He has 20 years of teaching experience and earlier received a district-level award in 2018 and a state-level award in 2023.

The National Teachers’ Award is an annual recognition instituted in 1958 to honour meritorious school teachers for their contribution to improving education and enriching students’ lives. The awards are conferred on Teachers’ Day, September 5, under the Ministry of Education. For 2026, 48 school teachers from across the country were selected through a three-stage selection process at the district, state and national levels.

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the awards at a function held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on September 5.

Speaking to media persons at the airport, Meru expressed gratitude to his colleagues, fellow teachers and senior officers who supported and encouraged him throughout his career.

He also acknowledged the support of the communities where he had served, particularly the people of Pungro, where he spent 10 years of his career.

“The people, the community, were so grateful, so kind, so affectionate, obedient and supportive, which have helped me to reach this platform,” he said.

Meru also thanked his present school, GHSS Sechu Zubza, for its support and encouragement.

Asked about his contributions that led to the award, Meru said his role as a teacher extended beyond classroom teaching. He cited efforts to reduce student dropouts, engage with community members, strengthen school administration and involve the community in developmental and supportive activities for students.

Recalling the challenges of his career, he said his posting in a remote area along the Burma border was particularly challenging. He said he took his wife and children along and settled there during his 10-year tenure at Pungro.

Meru further explained that a teacher seeking the National Teachers’ Award has to first receive recognition at the district and state levels before becoming eligible for consideration at the national level. The 2026 national selection, however, was formally conducted through district/regional, state/organisation and national-level selection committees.