Celebrating Innovation and Empathy: Mumbai and Palghar Teachers Honoured with Savitribai Phule State Teacher Appreciation Awards

In a prestigious ceremony that recognised some of Maharashtra’s most innovative and compassionate educators, 109 teachers across the state were honoured with the Savitribai Phule State Teacher Appreciation Awards. Among the awardees were Bhausaheb Ghadge from Mumbai and Ananda Anemwad from Palghar district, both celebrated for redefining traditional teaching models through the integration of technology and empathy.

These annual awards aim to spotlight primary and secondary school teachers who are driving transformation in education through digitalisation, creativity, and deep community impact.

Bhausaheb Ghadge: Leading AI and Digital Learning in Urban Classrooms

Representing Mumbai, Bhausaheb Ghadge stands out not only for his dedication but for his visionary approach to 21st-century education.

• Ghadge teaches in two schools simultaneously—a morning school in Vikhroli and a night school in Bhandup, reflecting his tireless commitment to reaching students from all walks of life.
• Long before AI became a buzzword, he authored a book on artificial intelligence in 2017, aiming to demystify the subject and encourage students to explore it as a viable career path.

Speaking about the evolving demands of the classroom, Ghadge remarked:

"Anybody who wants to be a teacher must always accept change. You can no longer simply have chalk, talk, and blackboard—we have to cater to the needs of the new generation, they need audio-visual engagement."

This forward-thinking mindset led him to play a critical role in Maharashtra's early digitisation initiatives. He contributed to the conversion of Bal Bharati textbooks into QR-coded formats, making lessons digitally accessible to students across the state. This initiative not only widened access to educational content but also made learning more dynamic and inclusive.

At the heart of his teaching philosophy lies a profound respect for student autonomy and emotional well-being:

"I am first a friend to my students; they do not fear me at all."

By creating a free and fearless learning environment, Ghadge empowers his students to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow with confidence—a vital component of modern pedagogy.

Ananda Anemwad: Revolutionising Education in Tribal Dahanu

From the remote Mahalpada village in Dahanu (Palghar district), Ananda Anemwad is quietly leading a digital learning revolution in tribal areas, proving that quality education doesn’t need urban infrastructure—it needs creativity and care.

His journey began modestly—with just a tablet to play educational videos. This small step, however, led to significant changes:

• Student attention improved noticeably.
• Attendance rose, and over time, many students went on to pursue careers in science.

Driven by this success, Anemwad gradually expanded his approach, introducing projectors and even 360-degree YouTube videos to enhance the learning experience.

He uses this technology not just to explain concepts, but to make learning immersive and visual:

"Even while teaching a poem, I project each element on screen so that students not only understand it but also imagine it."

Through these innovations, he has effectively built digital classrooms in one of the most underserved regions of Maharashtra, ensuring that geography is no longer a barrier to imagination and understanding.

But Anemwad’s commitment goes far beyond gadgets and screens. For him, teaching is rooted in empathy:

"If a child has nothing to eat at home, then even the best lesson will not be absorbed."

This insight guides his holistic approach to education. He understands that basic human needs must be met for learning to truly happen, and he often steps in to support students beyond academics—reinforcing the teacher’s role as a community anchor and a trusted guide.

A Celebration of Modern Education Values

The 2025 edition of the Savitribai Phule State Teacher Appreciation Awards has reinforced the idea that teaching today demands far more than traditional methods. The honoured educators are:

• Innovators integrating AI, QR codes, and immersive digital media into their lesson plans.
• Mentors who foster safe, fearless environments where students are encouraged to explore, question, and grow.
• Changemakers working in both urban and rural landscapes, often overcoming infrastructure and resource constraints.
• Humanitarians who view their students not just as learners, but as whole individuals with emotional and social needs.

Conclusion: Teachers Who Inspire the Future

Educators like Bhausaheb Ghadge and Ananda Anemwad exemplify the spirit of the Savitribai Phule Award—honouring those who don’t just teach, but transform. Their stories serve as a reminder that meaningful education is not defined by a classroom's walls or a textbook's limits, but by the teacher's vision and compassion.

As Maharashtra and India continue to evolve their educational landscape, these teachers set a powerful precedent for what the future of learning can—and should—look like.