Sri Vijaya Puram, September 8: National Teacher Award-2026 recipient J. Prakasa Rao, a specially abled teacher at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Mayabunder, was felicitated by students of Andaman Law College at the college auditorium on Monday.
Rao received the Best Teacher National Award from the President of India, recognising his contribution to teaching despite the limitations associated with his disability and limited resources. His achievement has brought recognition to the Islands and the teaching community.
Addressing the gathering, Rao spoke about his experiences as a divyangjan and the challenges he encountered in his journey. He urged students to approach difficulties as opportunities to improve their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
“I took every challenge as an opportunity. With limited mobility and limited resources, I was able to make a difference in teaching,” Rao said while sharing his experience with the students.
His interaction with the students centred on the importance of confronting challenges rather than allowing limitations to determine the scope of one’s contribution. He also highlighted his own experience of continuing his work in education despite limited mobility and resources.
Principal Dr. P.V.N. Sarma, who presided over the programme, said Rao had brought laurels to the Islands and the teaching community by winning the National Teacher Award-2026.
The felicitation programme was organised by the students of Andaman Law College at their auditorium. Puja Patro and Sania anchored the programme, while Tanzeela Arif proposed the vote of thanks.
Rao’s recognition at the national level and his subsequent interaction with students brought the focus of the programme to the experience of a specially abled teacher who received the country’s Best Teacher National Award from the President of India.
