In a country as vast and diverse as India, some of the most inspiring stories of transformation emerge not from metropolitan classrooms, but from government schools in small towns and villages. Shama Parveen, a government school teacher from Sitamarhi, Bihar, is one such example. Her journey is a story of dedication, innovation and a belief that education is not merely about completing a syllabus it is about making children curious, confident and capable of facing the world.
Shama Parveen currently serves as the Head Teacher of Primary School, Koiri Tola, Dhanushi, in the Runni Saidpur block of Sitamarhi. Her work has gained recognition for using activity-based and child-centred approaches to teaching. In September 2026, she was among 38 government teachers from Bihar selected for the Bihar State Teacher Award, recognising their contribution to education.
What distinguishes Shama’s work is her willingness to go beyond conventional classroom teaching. Rather than limiting education to textbooks and examinations, she has focused on making learning interactive and accessible for young children. According to reports, she has used creative and activity-based methods to engage students. Her approach reflects a broader understanding of the role of a primary-school teacher: children learn more effectively when lessons are connected with creativity, participation and everyday experiences. Her commitment has also extended beyond her own subject. Although she is a Social Science teacher, reports state that when there was a shortage of teachers, she stepped forward to teach Sanskrit, English and Science as well. This willingness to take additional responsibility reflects her commitment to keeping the classroom active even when resources are limited.
Shama Parveen’s work has not remained limited to her district. She was selected among a limited number of teachers from across India for an NCERT six-month special course and represented Bihar at a 21-day workshop held at the NCERT headquarters in New Delhi. This national-level exposure provided an opportunity to engage with new approaches to teaching and education. Her professional interests also extend to the changing relationship between education and technology. Reports state that she has presented research papers on teaching methodologies and the role of Artificial Intelligence in education, indicating an interest in how emerging technologies can contribute to the learning process.
The Bihar State Teacher Award-2026 is the latest recognition in a series of honours associated with Shama Parveen’s educational work. She has previously received the TBT Awards in 2023 and 2024, along with Teacher of the Month and the Gargi Samman. These recognitions have contributed to the growing recognition of her work in innovative and child-centred education. Her selection for the Bihar State Teacher Award was particularly significant because she was among only 38 teachers selected across the state. At a state-level ceremony in Patna, she was presented with a medal, citation, prize money and an angavastram in recognition of her contribution to education.
For Shama, creativity is not separate from education. She is also involved in literary and artistic activities. Her poems have been published in poetry collections, while she has worked as an illustrator for child-centred poetry and story books. Reports also state that she is contributing illustrations for children’s books being prepared in regional languages of Bihar. Her illustrations are intended to make reading and learning more accessible and engaging for young learners. This combination of teaching, writing, research and visual creativity presents an important model of the modern educator—one who is not restricted to the traditional boundaries of a classroom.
Shama Parveen’s journey carries a larger message for India. The strength of a nation is built not only in laboratories, offices and industries, but also in classrooms where young minds develop their dreams. Teachers working in government schools often work with limited resources, yet their influence can reach generations. When a teacher chooses innovation over routine, creativity over repetition and commitment over convenience, the impact can extend far beyond one classroom. Shama Parveen’s story is therefore more than a story about an award. It is a reminder that nation-building begins with education. Every child who learns to think critically, ask questions, respect others and contribute positively to society becomes part of India’s future.
Her journey is a message of hope: when education is driven by dedication, innovation and a commitment to children, even an ordinary classroom can become a foundation for an extraordinary India.