Imphal: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh demanded an end to blockades and bandhs during the 2026 State-Level Teachers Day celebration. He spoke to teachers and officials at the City Convention Centre in the Palace Compound of Imphal. The Chief Minister warned that continued unrest only hurts the public. He pushed for negotiation as the only path forward. "The State had gone through multiple crises but there were signs that peace was gradually returning," Khemchand said.
He praised students from T.G. Higher Secondary School and C.C. Higher Secondary School. These pupils avoided recent census-related protests. The Chief Minister noted that teachers carry a noble duty to treat students like family. Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur also spoke at the event. He stated that quality schooling creates a better future for everyone.
Seven educators earned the State Teachers Award, 2026. Each recipient walked away with 50,000 rupees. Six winners attended the ceremony. M Mangkhoneng Haokip of Tengnoupal district accepted the honor via video call. Officials also handed out the Chief Ministers Educational Award for Educational Excellence. Nambol L. Sanoi College took 5 lakh rupees. Standard College won 3 lakh. Liberal College received 2 lakh. Five other colleges earned 1 lakh rupees each as consolation prizes. The event opened with a tribute to the late Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
Updated at 6th September 2026 at 1:48am
The government identified the six teachers who accepted their awards in person as Oinam Ranjit Singh, Salam Sunita Devi, R. K. Badal Singh, Hanjabam Sangeeta Devi, Phelim Keishing, and Kakchingtabam Pramodini Devi. The state also named the five institutions receiving the one lakh rupee consolation awards: Don Bosco College (Autonomous), Kha Manipur College, Modern College, Manipur College, and D.M. College of Teacher Education.
The Chief Minister credited the decision of local students to skip the recent census-related protests to his own recent talks with student leaders. Education Commissioner Ningthoujam Geoffrey, Director of University and Higher Education Laishram Radhakanta Singh, and Director of Education Ng. Bhogendra Meitei attended the ceremony alongside other senior officials.
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