Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh presented the State Teachers’ Awards 2026 to seven educators at a Teachers’ Day function held on Saturday, recognising their contributions to the education sector.
Six of the awardees – Oinam Ranjit Singh, Salam Sunita Devi, R. K. Badal Singh, Hanjabam Sangeeta Devi, Phelim Keishing and Kakchingtabam Pramodini Devi received the honours in person at the ceremony.
The seventh recipient, M. Mangkhoneng Haokip from Tengnoupal district, attended the programme virtually and received the award through the Autonomous District Council (ADC), Tengnoupal.
Each of the seven teachers was presented with a cash award of Rs 50,000.
The ceremony began with Chief Minister Singh paying floral tributes to Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the philosopher, educationist and former President of India whose birth anniversary is observed as Teachers’ Day.
The state government also recognised institutional achievements in higher education through the Chief Minister’s Educational Award for Educational Excellence, which was presented to eight colleges.
Nambol L. Sanoi College emerged first and received a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, while Standard College and Liberal College secured the second and third positions, receiving Rs 3 lakh and Rs 2 lakh, respectively.
Five other institutions – Don Bosco College (Autonomous), Kha Manipur College, Modern College, Manipur College and D.M. College of Teacher Education were awarded consolation prizes of Rs 1 lakh each.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur highlighted the importance of education in shaping society and future generations. He said quality education not only improves a child’s prospects but also contributes to the development of successive generations.
The programme was attended by senior officials, including Education Commissioner Ningthoujam Geoffrey, Director of University and Higher Education Laishram Radhakanta Singh and Director of Education Ng. Bhogendra Meitei. Teachers and officials from the Education Department were also present at the event.