In a heartwarming tale of dedication and resilience, Archana Nooguri, the headmistress of a government primary school in Mancherial, Telangana, has been recognized for her unwavering commitment to education. On September 5, 2023, Archana received the prestigious National Teachers Award from President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi, a testament to her outstanding contributions to the field of education.
Archana’s journey as an educator began more than two decades ago when she joined the Mandal Parishad primary school in Rebbenapally, Mancherial. With a deep-rooted passion for teaching, she forwent her own graduation to start molding young minds. Her mission was clear from the start: to make quality education accessible to all, regardless of the challenges they faced.
Upon her arrival in 2000, the school had a mere 34 students. Many of the local tribal hamlets were unaware of the school’s existence, and their children were not enrolled. Archana took it upon herself to bridge this gap. She tirelessly visited these remote hamlets, engaging with parents and emphasizing the transformative power of education. Her efforts bore fruit, as children from these hamlets soon began attending school regularly.
However, a new challenge emerged: transportation. The school was over 5 kilometers away from these hamlets, accessible only through a rough road. Undeterred, Archana arranged for an auto to pick up and drop off the students daily, using her own funds. Through her unwavering commitment, the school’s enrollment grew to 275 students, with 103 of them being girls.
Archana’s determination didn’t stop there. She worked tirelessly to improve the school’s infrastructure with the help of former students, NGOs, and local politicians. A borewell, purified water plant, furniture, and a library with 1000 books were among the additions.
Furthermore, Archana embraced technology by procuring computers and projectors through the government’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) initiative. She ensured her students became proficient in using computers, preparing them for the demands of the digital age.
Recognizing the importance of holistic development, Archana introduced karate and dance classes for her students. Under her guidance, students excelled in karate competitions at state and national levels.
In 2016, responding to parents’ requests, Archana made her school the first English medium government primary school in the district. She understood the importance of English proficiency for future opportunities and wanted to ensure her students didn’t miss out.
Despite financial challenges, Archana enlisted private teachers, personally covering their salaries, as well as expenses for transportation and extra classes, spending over Rs 20,000 from her own pocket. Her dedication has paid off, with many of her students becoming engineers, working in the private sector, and even serving in the army.
Archana’s commitment to education extends beyond her students. She mentors teachers, publishes research papers, and is currently pursuing a PhD to further her knowledge.
Looking to the future, Archana aspires to open a school for orphans after her retirement, continuing her mission to provide education as a means to a better tomorrow.
Archana Nooguri’s story is a shining example of how one person’s unwavering dedication can transform lives and communities. Her passion for education has earned her national recognition and serves as an inspiration to all.
Archana received the National Award for Teachers 2023
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