Education circles in Himachal Pradesh are celebrating as a local principal prepares to receive one of the nation's highest pedagogical honors. Manjari V Mahajan, who heads the PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School CBSE in Sujanpur Tihra, Hamirpur district, has been chosen for the National Teachers Award for 2026. She stands out as the sole educator from the state to make it to the final list this year. President Droupadi Murmu will present the award to her in New Delhi on September 5. A nationwide selection process picked 48 teachers for the honor, following a shortlist that initially included three nominations from Himachal Pradesh.
A Track Record of Environmental Leadership and Innovation
Beyond standard classroom instruction, Mahajan has built a strong reputation in school administration, teaching innovation, and environmental conservation. Prior to her current posting at Sujanpur, she served as principal at the Government Senior Secondary School in Bhaleth. Under her guidance, the Bhaleth institution earned the Environment Leadership Award in 2026 for its conservation efforts, following a West Warrior Award in 2025. Her administrative initiatives have consistently focused on building ecological awareness among students and the surrounding community.
Local Celebrations and Tributes
Following the announcement of her selection, local officials extended warm greetings to Mahajan on Saturday at the office of the Deputy Director of Elementary Education. Deputy Director Kamal किशोर भारती felicitated her and praised her dedication to the field. Mahajan credited her entire school community, parents, fellow teachers, and students for the milestone, emphasizing that educators should look beyond routine professional duties and embrace broader responsibilities. Her husband, Dr. Vikram Mahjan, who serves as secretary of the State Selection Commission in Hamirpur, attended the events alongside Grade-One officer Kashmir Singh and District Science Supervisor Rajesh Gautam.
