Mrs. Radha Rajesh

Teaching, for me, has never been just a profession; it has been a passion, a purpose and a calling. My journey as an educator has been shaped by a belief that every child has the potential to learn, question, discover and make a difference.
I currently serve as the Head of the Biology Department at New Horizon Public School, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, teaching Biology and Chemistry at the middle and high school levels. My journey into education was unconventional. After working as a copy editor and in education, I pursued my B.Ed. in my early thirties, inspired by my son’s teacher. The classroom strengthened my conviction that education is about touching lives as much as teaching concepts.
I envision a classroom where curiosity sparks discovery, questions are encouraged and learning extends beyond the textbook. I believe science comes alive when students see its relevance. I connect concepts with real-world situations, contemporary issues and human stories, helping learners understand not just the “what” and “how”, but also the “why”.
I have independently developed innovative, human-centred pedagogical methods integrating AI, digital tools, experiential learning and real-life contexts. I see AI as a tool to enrich teaching without replacing human connection. Through personalised resources, simulations, virtual laboratories, digital microscopy, case studies, projects and research-based learning, I encourage students to think critically, investigate independently and become confident learners.
Nurturing a research mindset is central to my practice. I encourage students to ask meaningful questions, seek evidence and explore solutions. One meaningful example is Sindhoora Raja, whose curiosity about her father’s Parkinson’s disease led her to independently explore a vibrotactile solution, culminating in her receiving the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar.
I believe education must go beyond academic achievement. Empathy, kindness, respect, resilience and responsibility are equally important. My involvement in environmental initiatives, science competitions, experiential learning and community activities reflects my belief that knowledge becomes valuable when used for the greater good.
My work has been recognised through the ISRO/URSC Teachers’ Insight Award, received four times, along with other honours. Being selected for the National Teachers’ Award 2026 is a deeply humbling milestone and reinforces my responsibility to continue learning, innovating and contributing to the teaching fraternity.
My vision is to nurture future-ready young minds who are scientifically curious, digitally confident, compassionate and socially responsible. I want my students to question fearlessly, learn continuously, respect others and have the courage to use their knowledge to uplift others and give back to society and the nation with empathy, purpose and curiosity.