Honouring teachers for their outstanding contribution to education and children
Chennai, 5th September 2025: Lions Club of Meenambakkam and Mission Guru Devo Bhava hosted the first Vidhya Seva Samman Awards 2025 at D.A.V. Girls Senior Secondary School, Gopalapuram. The awards recognised twenty teachers who have made a lasting impact on the lives of children and the education ecosystem.
Dr. Irai Anbu, Former Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu, presented the awards and spoke on the “Role of a Teacher in Nation Building.” He praised the initiative for “enhancing pride in teaching and honour of teachers.”
Ms. Vidya Shankar Chakravarthy, noted educationist, conducted a session on “Happy Teachers – Happy Classrooms”, while Mrs. Shanthy Asokan, Director of DAV Group of Schools, felicitated the awardees.
The awardees were selected by school correspondents and headmasters for their exceptional contributions to students, schools, and the education ecosystem. Each awardee received a citation and a cash prize of ₹21,000.
The ceremony also showcased a short documentary highlighting teachers who left corporate careers to serve in schools, exemplifying the spirit of selfless service.
Ln. CA Anil Khicha, Co-Founder, Mission Guru Devo Bhava, added: “A teacher shapes society and ultimately builds the nation.”
Mr. A. Balaji, President, Lions Club of Meenambakkam, remarked: “With Vidhya Seva Samman, we honour the true heroes of society—our teachers.”
Mrs. S. Mala, an awardee from The Children’s Garden Higher Secondary School, said:
“Those who light the lamp of knowledge keep the flame of humanity alive. I am honoured to be part of this noble initiative.”
About Mission Guru Devo Bhava
Launched in 2012 under the guidance of CA S. Gurumurthy, the movement “enhances pride in teaching and honour of teachers” through documentaries, a teachers’ anthem, discussions, and educational forums. The Vidhya Seva Samman Awards aim to establish an annual tradition celebrating teachers as the architects of society and the nation.
About Lions Club of Meenambakkam
One of India’s oldest and largest Lions Clubs, serving for over 60 years. It runs the Lions Chinmaya Medical Centre in Chinmaya Nagar, Chennai, along with several other social initiatives.
