Bengal and Andhra Teachers Shortlisted for 2023 Global Teacher Prize

Deep Narayan Nayak, a primary school educator from West Bengal, and Hari Krishna Patacharu, an English teacher from Andhra Pradesh, have been named among the top 50 finalists for the prestigious 2023 Global Teacher Prize. This annual $1-million award, organized by the Varkey Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO and in partnership with Dubai Cares, attracted over 7,000 nominations and applications from 130 countries.

Nayak, a teacher at Tilka Manjhi Adivasi Free Primary School, Asansol, was recognized for his innovative teaching methods that have positively impacted underprivileged students facing educational and social challenges. His efforts during the pandemic included transforming mud walls into blackboards and roads into classrooms, narrowing the digital divide for marginalized students. Additionally, Nayak has addressed issues like malnutrition, child exploitation, and environmental sustainability, exemplified by his ‘Raster Master’ project.

Patacharu, an English teacher at ZPHS Ilavaram, Guntur District, was acknowledged for his dedication to overcoming language barriers and enriching his students’ lives. He introduced cross-cultural sessions and established a global network of educators to empower students to express themselves confidently in English. Patacharu’s initiatives have extended beyond language, fostering educational opportunities and international connections for his students.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Deccan Herrald