BHUBANESWAR: Known for his innovative and experimental teaching methods, headmaster of Government High School, Alipingal in Jagatsinghpur, Padaraj Umakanta Nayak has been selected for the prestigious National Teacher Award from the state for the year 2026.
Nayak will be honoured for his outstanding contribution to school education, innovative pedagogy and promotion of science education.
He is among 48 teachers from different states and Union Territories shortlisted for the award this year by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education. They will receive the awards from President Droupadi Murmu on the occasion of Teachers’ Day on September 5 in New Delhi.
Nayak expressed his sincere gratitude to the government for the nomination and for their commendable efforts to inspire young minds towards science. “This recognition strengthens my commitment to enhancing my teaching methodology and contributing meaningfully to societal transformation,” said the Alipingal Government High School headmaster.
Nayak began his teaching career as an assistant teacher at Marichpur High School, Baramundali in 2004. During his career spanning over two decades, he has made significant contributions to improving classroom teaching through innovative and experiential learning methods.
He has presented research papers on pedagogy of education at two international and four national conferences, reflecting his commitment to educational research and professional development.
His innovative teaching practices include project-based learning, research-based learning, hands-on activities, learning through dance, technology-based learning, learning through Yoga, game-based learning and learning science through art.
School and Mass Education department officials said Nayak’s book ‘Bigyanagarare Parikhya’ has been published as a resource aligned with the state board science textbook and focuses on simple and practical experiments that can be conducted using materials available in school laboratories as well as at home, making science learning accessible, activity-based and enjoyable for students.
Nayak has also developed several e-contents and delivered lessons through YouTube live classes organised by the School and Mass Education department.
The department official said Nayak has also contributed to strengthening the academic capacity of teachers and promoting innovative approaches to science and mathematics education.
Under his guidance, one student has also participated in an international-level science event, while eight other students have taken part in national-level science events.
He has also been honoured with the State Mukhyamantri Shikshya Puraskar-2023 and Prakruti Bandhu Award.