Sikkim has marked a proud moment in its educational journey as Karma Tempo Ethenpa, Principal of PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, Mangan, received the prestigious National Teachers’ Award 2025 from President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi. Ethenpa, among 45 educators recognised nationwide, was honoured for his exceptional service in guiding students beyond academics—encouraging sports, promoting healthy lifestyles, and steering the young away from tobacco use and technology addiction.
The award highlights the growing contribution of teachers from smaller states like Sikkim, showcasing how dedicated educators can influence entire communities. Speaking after the ceremony, Ethenpa expressed gratitude to his colleagues and students, crediting the collective spirit of Sikkim’s teaching fraternity for the recognition.
Back home, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) led the State-level Teachers’ Day celebration at Manan Kendra, Gangtok, paying homage to educators and recalling his own early years as a teacher. “I began my professional journey in classrooms, where I understood the struggles of limited resources and the perseverance of teachers. Those lessons continue to inspire my work even today,” he said, striking a personal chord with the audience.
The Chief Minister described teachers as “carriers of students’ dreams” and “nation-builders,” stressing that teaching is not just a profession but a service to society. He reminded the gathering of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s second President and a great philosopher, whose birthday on September 5 is observed as Teachers’ Day across the country.