New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday interacted with National Awardee Teachers, describing educators as the true architects of India’s future and key contributors to the nation’s progress. Emphasising the revered Guru–Shishya tradition, the Prime Minister said teachers not only impart knowledge but also inspire students to live for the nation.
“Receiving the national award is not the end, but the beginning of a wider responsibility. Your influence has grown, and now your knowledge and experiences must reach a larger section of society,” he told the awardees. Calling teaching a form of nation service, PM Modi underlined that teachers lay the foundation of an empowered society, shape generations, and nurture values of patriotism and self-reliance.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to continuous reforms, the Prime Minister said, “Without timely reforms, Bharat cannot claim its rightful place in the global scenario.” He pointed out that educational reforms must adapt to present needs while preparing for the future.
During the address, PM Modi also announced a landmark next-generation reform in the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Effective from 22 September, coinciding with the first day of Navratri, GST will be simplified into two principal rates—5% and 18%. Calling it GST 2.0, he said the reform is a “double dose” for the nation: reducing household expenses and strengthening the economy.
“From paneer to shampoo, everyday essentials will become cheaper. Even scooters and cars will be more affordable, benefiting students, youth, and middle-class families,” he noted. The reform, he said, will particularly ease costs for farmers, small businesses, MSMEs, and sectors such as textiles, handicrafts, and leather, boosting employment and consumption.
The Prime Minister contrasted the current tax regime with the pre-2014 period, when household and agricultural goods attracted heavy levies ranging from 17% to 31%. He said his government has consistently worked to reduce taxes and ease family budgets.
PM Modi also called upon teachers to spread awareness about Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Vocal for Local. He suggested innovative classroom activities, such as encouraging children to identify Make in India products at home and celebrating “Swadeshi Days” in schools, to instil pride in indigenous goods.
On innovation, he highlighted the success of Chandrayaan in inspiring children and announced the rapid expansion of Atal Tinkering Labs from 10,000 to 50,000 across the country. At the same time, he cautioned against the dangers of online gaming turning into gambling, urging teachers to sensitise students on the issue following the recent law regulating the sector.
Summarising the reforms, PM Modi said GST simplification will:
1.Make the tax system simpler.
2.Improve quality of life.
3.Boost consumption and growth.
4.Enhance ease of doing business and job creation.
5.Strengthen cooperative federalism between Centre and States.
He reminded the audience that with income up to ₹12 lakh now tax-free and inflation under control, India is among the fastest-growing economies in the world, recording around 8% growth. “This is the strength of 140 crore Indians,” he declared, urging teachers to instil the spirit of self-reliance, innovation, and national pride in the next generation.
The Prime Minister concluded by congratulating the awardees once again and, in lighter vein, assigned them “homework”—to continue inspiring students and contributing to the nation’s mission of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.