As a biology teacher who introduced his wards to theatre and books and thereby cultivated a love for the topics among his students, Pradeep Kannamkode always remained a favourite with his students.
Now, by bagging the National Award for Teachers instituted by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Union Ministry of Human Resources Development, it has become official- he is one of the best teachers one can have.
Pradeep, who retired after a 31-year-long service as teacher from the Edamon Vocational Higher Secondary School in the district this May, values the recognition from his students and fellow teachers more than any national recognition.
“While the national recognition matters, if at least one of my students or colleagues feel that I do not deserve such a recognition, then what value does such an award has?” asks Pradeep.
A native of Kannamkode near Anchal, Pradeep had earlier secured the best teacher award from the State Government in 2004. Pradeep is known for his dramas and books based on science themes, which helps students to have a better understanding of the subject. Four of his dramas, presented by students of various schools, have received national recognition in the Science Drama Competition.
He is a member of curriculum committee for High School Biology and a faculty member of State Institute of Educational Technology (SIET). Pradeep finds a place in the panel for educational programmes of All India Radio and Victers TV as well.
His first national recognition came from the NCERT for a paper on the Science Theatre in 1997. He received the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment award for best children’s literature work in 1998 and his book ‘Oro Thulli Chorayilum’ had bagged the state award for Best Children’s Science Literature work in 2000.
Post retirement, Pradeep has decided to spent time on his passions- reading and writing.
“I have decided not to join an unaided school as a teacher as many others do and decided to devote time on reading and writing. Right now I am working on 11 books, which will be part of 120 books on science to be published by DC books,” he said.
Pardeep’s wife B S Malathiyamma is also a teacher at Edamon VHSS. The couple has two daughters Anjitha, who has completed MBBS, and Manjima.