National Teachers’ Award 2024: Women ITI Instructors from Goa to Bhopal Shine in Vocational Training Excellence

Women instructors from across India lead the way in vocational training, entrepreneurship, and skill development, empowering the next generation through their dedication and innovative teaching methods

Vanamala Swapna, Associate Faculty Member at the National Institute for MSME, Hyderabad, has been awarded the “National Teacher Award 2024” by the Hon'ble President of India, Draupadi Murmu. Vanamala’s visionary approach in promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, skill development, and quality management has greatly benefited the MSME sector. For over 10 years, she has led the “Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre,” assisting startups and small enterprises in securing patents and intellectual property rights. Her contribution to the development of an SOP for training and course design has been instrumental in enhancing the effectiveness of training institutes.

Jyoti Jain, Head of the Design and Decoration Department at MSME-CDGI, Firozabad, has also been honored with the National Teacher Award 2024. Jain has played an essential role in advancing the art of glass decoration, a tradition rooted in Firozabad, the city famous for its bangles. For 30 years, she has empowered young women through technical training, helping them build careers in this creative field. Her dedication to encouraging women to pursue technical education in glass decoration has made her an inspiration nationwide.

Pauline Priya, Training Officer in the Sewing Technology Department of the National Skill Training Institute, Chennai, has made significant contributions to vocational training by focusing on both skill development and personal growth. Pauline not only trains her students in the latest sewing technologies but also enhances their communication and entrepreneurial skills. Her dedication to equipping trainees with essential technical knowledge while inspiring them to pursue business opportunities has earned her the National Teacher Award 2024.

Jitendra Jangid, Training Officer in Electronics Trade at the National Skill Training Institute, Patna, was recognized for his innovative approach to training. By incorporating emerging areas of technology into his curriculum, he has helped students adopt out-of-the-box thinking. His individualized training strategies, emphasizing each student’s strengths, have made his teaching both effective and inspirational.

From Himachal Pradesh, Sarita Devi, a Vocational Instructor at Shamsi ITI, Kullu district, has made a remarkable impact on her community. She has been honored for empowering youth through sewing and embroidery training, providing valuable skills to make them self-reliant. Sarita has also devoted her time to training divorced, widowed, and abandoned women outside regular working hours, helping them gain independence and economic security.

Vijay Chari, Skill Trainer in the Carpenter Trade at Government ITI Kakora, Goa, has been awarded for his dedication to developing his trainees' skills in carpentry. Under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, his students have created stunning artifacts of high quality. Chari has also equipped his trainees with marketing skills, ensuring that their work reaches a wide audience, contributing to both their professional and financial growth.

In the northeastern region, Utpal Saikia, Course Trainer at North East Skill Centre, Guwahati, Assam, was awarded for his dedication to skill development in food and beverage services. Saikia’s students have gone on to successful careers in five-star hotels across India and abroad, a testament to his high-quality training and passion for hospitality education.

Shivalingaiah K.G., Junior Training Officer at Mysore Government ITI, Karnataka, received the National Teacher Award for his outstanding work in CNC machining. By fostering strong industrial connections, Shivalingaiah has ensured that a large number of his trainees secure apprenticeships and employment in advanced technical fields. His ability to explain complex technical concepts in Kannada and English through social media platforms has made him popular among his students.

Premlata Rahangdale, Training Officer at Divisional ITI, Bhopal, was recognized for her exceptional work with visually impaired students in the Computer Operator and Programming Assistant trade. Her dedication to providing opportunities for visually impaired students has led many of them to secure jobs in prestigious institutions such as the railways and banking sector. Premlata’s vision to create an inclusive environment for her students has made her an inspiration to the entire country.

Natasha O Carvalho, Vocational Instructor at Mapusa ITI, Goa, was honored for her outstanding contributions to cosmetology training. Over the past 15 years, Natasha has trained hundreds of students, many of whom have gone on to establish successful enterprises or gain employment in the beauty industry. She has been recognized six times as the Best Vocational Instructor in Goa for her innovative teaching methods and dedication to improving the skills of her trainees. Her grassroots workshops under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana and Atmanirbhar Abhiyaan have empowered women at every level of society.

Vivek Chiman Chandalia, Craft Instructor at Government ITI Kolhapur, Maharashtra, received the National Teacher Award 2024 for his long-standing commitment to vocational skill training. He has trained over 500 students in painting and spray-painting techniques, guiding them toward a brighter future. Chandalia has also authored trade-specific course books in Marathi, making it easier for students to grasp the material in their native language.

Finally, Tinku Prasher, Incharge of the Welding Technology Lab at ITI Pusa, New Delhi, played a critical role during the Covid-19 pandemic by training students in the operation and maintenance of oxygen plants. His timely efforts helped equip youth with the skills needed during a national crisis. Tinku has also contributed to setting up an advanced industry-sponsored lab at his institute, helping students gain access to cutting-edge technology.

The National Teachers' Award 2024 stands as a testament to the dedication, innovation, and passion of these educators, particularly the women instructors who have made significant contributions to vocational training and empowerment across India. Their efforts continue to shape the future workforce and inspire generations to come.