Bandipora 09 (KNS): Tawheed Parvaiz Bhat, teacher at Government N.M. Boys Higher Secondary School, Bandipora, has been honoured with the prestigious UT-Level Best Teacher Award for his outstanding contribution to education, innovation and community engagement.

He received the award at a felicitation ceremony held at SKICC, Srinagar, on the occasion of Teachers’ Day. The award was presented by Minister for School Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare, Sakina Masood Itoo, who felicitated 20 outstanding teachers from across Jammu and Kashmir.

The ceremony was attended by senior officers and dignitaries, including Director School Education Kashmir Naseer Ahmad Wani, Director School Education Jammu Dr. Naseem Javaid Chowdhary, Joint Director (Central) School Education Kashmir Syed Shabir Ahmad, Joint Director (North) Hakeem Tanveer Ahmad, and Project Director Samagra Shiksha, J&K Bhawani Rakwal.

Bhat was recognised for his innovative teaching-learning practices, effective use of technology and efforts to make learning joyful, experiential and inclusive. He advocates taking education beyond the traditional classroom and connecting students with real-life situations and practical experiences.

His contribution extends beyond his school. He has actively promoted NEP 2020 at the district and UT levels and has been associated with SCERT in the development of content related to the Holistic Progress Card (HPC). He also serves as a District-Level Resource Person for NEP 2020 at DIET Bandipora, contributing to capacity-building and professional development initiatives.

Apart from academics, Bhat has been actively involved in environmental awareness and community initiatives. He serves as a District-Level Resource Person for the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and District Nodal Officer for Swachhata 50:50, promoting waste segregation, responsible waste management and environmental conservation.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

His environmental work earned further recognition when he received the Green Teacher Award 2026, conferred by the Climate Reality Project India & South Asia in June this year for his contribution to environmental protection and student engagement.

Bhat is also involved in promoting Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) and STEM Labs in schools, encouraging innovation, experimentation, problem-solving and hands-on learning among students.

An author as well, he has written two books Exploring Biotechnology: A Comprehensive Textbook for Class XII and Ethnobotanical Flora of Gurez, Bandipora contributing to academic resources and documentation of the region’s biodiversity.

He is also a regular writer and columnist, contributing articles on education, social issues, digital ethics, environment, science and technology.

Expressing gratitude after receiving the award, Bhat thanked the Chief Education Officer, Bandipora, his Heads of Institutions Gh. Ahmad Malla, Headmaster, High School Qazipora, and Reyaz Ahmad Lone, Head of Institution, N.M. Boys Higher Secondary School, Bandipora, besides his colleagues, students, friends and well-wishers for their continued support and encouragement.

He dedicated the honour to his parents, the teaching fraternity of Bandipora and Jammu & Kashmir, and particularly to his students.

“This award is a source of immense pride, but I consider it a responsibility to continue working with greater dedication, innovation and sincerity for the betterment of education and the future of our students,” he said.(KNS)