Nominations open for Sri Sri Awards 2027 (India)

Deadline: 15-Oct-2026

The Sri Sri Award for Distinguished Educationists recognizes educators in India who have made significant contributions to transformative, inclusive, innovative, and value-based education. The award celebrates educationists who have helped transform institutions, advanced teaching and teacher education, influenced education policy and reform, promoted Indian culture and values, and created lasting social impact through education. Eligible nominees must have at least 10 years of teaching experience and may be nominated by any individual with authentic knowledge of their contributions. Each awardee will receive a plaque, certificate, and cash prize. Previous recipients of the Sri Sri Awards and national awardees are requested not to apply so that the recognition can reach a wider pool of deserving educators. What Is the Sri Sri Award for Distinguished Educationists? The Sri Sri Award for Distinguished Educationists is designed to recognize educators who have made outstanding and sustained contributions to the education sector in India. The award focuses on educationists whose work goes beyond routine teaching and demonstrates meaningful contributions to institutional transformation, educational innovation, inclusion, research, leadership, policy, culture, and nation-building. It provides recognition to educators who have helped create positive change through education and demonstrated a long-term commitment to improving learning opportunities and educational systems. What Contributions Does the Award Recognize? The award recognises a broad range of contributions to education. Eligible nominees may have demonstrated excellence in one or more areas, including: - Founding or transforming educational institutions - Developing innovative approaches to education - Advancing transformative education - Contributing to teacher education - Strengthening educational leadership - Influencing education policy and reform - Promoting Indian culture and values - Creating social impact through education - Promoting inclusive and equitable education - Improving access to education - Advancing educational research - Using technology to improve education - Demonstrating sustained commitment to nation-building The award therefore recognises both individual educational leadership and broader contributions to society. Transformative Education Transformative education involves approaches that create meaningful and lasting changes in how education is delivered and experienced. Educators may demonstrate transformative impact through: - New teaching approaches - Institutional reforms - Innovative learning models - Student-centred education - New approaches to teacher development - Educational leadership - Initiatives that improve learning outcomes Nominees should be able to demonstrate how their work has contributed to meaningful educational change. Institutional Transformation The award recognises educators who have founded or transformed educational institutions. This may include educationists who have played a significant role in developing institutions, improving their educational approach, strengthening leadership, or creating new opportunities for students and teachers. The emphasis is on meaningful contribution rather than the size or age of the institution. Innovation in Education Educational innovation is another important area of recognition. Educators who have introduced new or creative approaches to teaching, learning, institutional management, teacher development, or educational technology may be considered. Innovation should ideally be supported by evidence of its impact and demonstrate how it has improved or transformed educational practice. Teacher Education and Leadership The award also recognises contributions to teacher education and educational leadership.

Educators may demonstrate impact through:

- Teacher training - Professional development - Mentorship - Leadership development - Capacity building - Educational management - Development of teaching practices Strong nominees should explain how their work has strengthened the capabilities of teachers and educational leaders. Education Policy and Reform Educationists who have contributed to policy development or educational reform may also be recognised. This can include educators whose expertise and leadership have influenced broader educational systems, policies, reforms, or practices. The nomination should clearly explain the nominee’s contribution and its significance to education. Indian Culture and Values The award recognises educators who promote Indian culture and values through education. This may involve integrating cultural knowledge, values, traditions, ethics, or social responsibility into educational practice. Nominees should demonstrate how their educational work has contributed to preserving, promoting, or strengthening Indian cultural values. Social Impact Through Education Education can create significant social impact by improving opportunities for individuals and communities. The award recognises educators whose work has produced meaningful social benefits through education.

Examples of potential impact include:

- Expanding educational opportunities - Supporting disadvantaged communities - Improving access to learning - Creating inclusive educational environments - Developing socially responsible learners - Addressing community needs through education Inclusive and Equitable Education The award specifically recognises educators who promote inclusive, equitable, and accessible education. This means nominees may demonstrate efforts to ensure that educational opportunities are available to diverse groups of learners. Their work may address barriers to participation, access, or inclusion and help create more equitable educational environments. Educational Research and Technology Advancing educational research and technology is another area recognised by the award. Educators who have contributed to research, dev