PM Modi addresses National Awardee Teachers, calls educators a ‘powerful force in nation-building’

On September 4, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at a special event honoring the country’s top teachers. In his speech, he praised the deep respect India holds for its educators and emphasized that teachers play a vital role in shaping the nation’s future.

PM Modi said that honoring teachers is more than a tradition — it’s a recognition of their lifelong dedication and positive impact on society. He congratulated all the winners of the National Teachers’ Awards, recognizing their hard work and commitment.

The Prime Minister highlighted that teachers do more than teach; they help build the future of India. Across the country, millions of teachers work with sincerity and a spirit of service, just like this year’s awardees. Modi paid tribute to their important contributions to the nation’s progress.

He also spoke about India’s proud Guru-Shishya (teacher-student) tradition, where teachers are seen not just as knowledge givers but as guides for life. “In India, a Guru is more than a teacher — they are a guide for life,” he said. PM Modi stressed that this heritage remains a strength as India moves toward becoming a developed nation. Teachers help instill national pride and a sense of duty among young learners.

PM Modi talked about the importance of continuous reforms in education, making curricula more relevant to current times. He linked this idea to broader reforms in India’s economy, like recent changes to the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The government has simplified tax rates, reducing them to mainly 5% and 18%, making everyday products more affordable — just in time for Navratri and Diwali.

He explained that GST is one of India’s biggest economic reforms, replacing complex and high taxes with a simpler system. This benefits families by lowering the cost of essential goods, healthcare, and household items like cement, appliances, and medicines. For example, taxes on items like toothpaste, soap, bicycles, and even hotel stays have been significantly reduced since 2014.

PM Modi highlighted how these tax cuts directly help farmers, small businesses, and workers. Most agricultural tools and equipment now attract very low or zero taxes, easing farming costs and supporting rural livelihoods.

The reforms also give a big boost to sectors like textiles, handicrafts, and leather, by lowering taxes and reducing prices for clothing and footwear. Startups and small traders benefit too, with easier procedures to do business.

Healthy lifestyles are encouraged too, with GST rates lowered on services like gyms, salons, and yoga classes. These steps aim to improve quality of life and promote fitness among young Indians.

PM Modi called these GST reforms a “historic step forward” for India’s economy. He explained that they have made the tax system simpler, boosted consumption, attracted investments, and strengthened cooperation between the Centre and states.

In addition, the government has increased tax-free income limit to Rs 12 lakh, giving more relief to middle-class taxpayers. India’s inflation remains low, and the economy is growing at about 8%, making India the world’s fastest-growing major economy — a sign of strong governance.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to becoming self-reliant with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ movement. He urged teachers to inspire students to understand the importance of self-reliance, using simple language and local dialects. He encouraged teachers to explain why India needs to reduce imports, like spending over Rs 1 lakh crore annually on edible oil.

He reminded teachers of Mahatma Gandhi’s Swadeshi movement — promoting homemade and indigenous products — and asked students to think about how they can contribute to national development. Modi emphasized that today’s youth are showing great interest in science, innovation, and space exploration, inspired by missions like Chandrayaan.

He also praised efforts to promote innovation in schools through programs like Atal Tinkering Labs, which now have over 10,000 facilities across India. The goal is to nurture India’s next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs.

The Prime Minister touched upon the importance of responsible digital use, urging teachers to educate students about online risks like harmful gaming and content. The government is working to support Indian startups and promote traditional Indian games on the global stage.

A big focus was on fostering pride in Indian products. Modi urged schools to celebrate ‘Made in India’ items through activities such as ‘Swadeshi Week’ and ‘Local Product Day’. Students can bring local crafts, learn about their origins, and meet local artisans, boosting patriotism and respect for Indian labor.

He concluded his speech by congratulating all the dedicated teachers for their exceptional contributions. PM Modi expressed confidence that teachers will continue to inspire and participate in nation-building efforts, helping India progress toward a brighter future.

Keywords: PM Modi, teachers, India growth, GST reforms, self-reliant India, national development, education reforms, Made in India, GST 2.0, economic growth, nation-building, Indian tradition, innovation, patriotism.