Teacher in Suryapet district shapes curriculum to make biology magical

For her inventive methods, she was given Nat’l Best Teacher Award ’25.

Maram Pavithra points to a question at the digital board as students look on during a class at the Zilla Parishad High School (ZPHS), Penpahad  

HYDERABAD: In a remote classroom at Zilla Parishad High School (ZPHS), Penpahad, Suryapet district, biology isn’t just a subject in a textbook — it’s a card game, a digital app and even a seed pen. This is the world shaped by Maram Pavithra, a teacher whose inventive methods have ignited a love for science and earned her a place among the nation’s best. She is the only teacher from Telangana selected for the National Best Teacher Award 2025.

Out of 45 awardees across India, Pavithra stands out for her innovative, hands-on approach. Since beginning her career in 2009, she has transformed biology learning at ZPHS, Penpahad, with app-integrated teaching, card games, digital resources and activities that nurture scientific curiosity and entrepreneurship. Her work has boosted enrolments, reduced dropouts and made her a sought-after resource person for the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), she tells TNIE

Pavithra has gone beyond classroom teaching to connect her students with global peers. Through the Vidyavaradhi programme, coordinated by US-based scientists Ravi Prakash Mayreddy and Latha, her students interacted with Indo-American student Anish from Pennsylvania, exchanging ideas on education systems, curriculum and culture, she adds.

Pavithra has also led awareness projects like seed pens, seed rakhis, clay Ganesh idols, mosquito sticks from chrysanthemum, incense from eucalyptus, seed balls and nutrient-rich teas, initiatives that have featured in science fairs while spreading awareness about sustainability and resource conservation.

students learn about human anatomy outside the classroom in Suryapet district

Her contributions to school education extend across platforms. Pavithra said she created interactive biology content for the Telangana Windows app and Shiksha portal, developed lessons for the TSAT channel (including classes for NMMS aspirants) and contributed as a textbook writer for Telangana Open School Class 10 in both Telugu and English. She also prepared 90 digital resources for biology concepts from classes 6 to 10, published through SCERT textbooks with QR codes for easy access.

Recognition has followed. Pavithra was honoured with the Sarabhai Teacher Scientist National Award (2021-22), the Telangana State Best Teacher Award (2023) and now, the National Best Teacher Award 2025.