The Universal Education Equity Foundation (UEEF) and SHE-Shagufta Hanaphie Events co-organized the 6th Teachers Excellence Awards 2026, which were successfully held at Rotary Sadan Auditorium in Kolkata. The event brought together educators, educationists, administrators, social leaders, and community members to celebrate the invaluable contribution of teachers.

The event was a moving homage to those who work outside of the classroom to mold children’s minds, foster self-assurance, and build a society that is more inclusive and powerful.

The Teachers Excellence Awards, which are organized by Shagufta Hanaphie, the founder of SHE and co-founder of Best Friendz Society, have developed into a platform that honors teachers for their commitment, creativity, leadership, compassion, and lifetime contributions to education in addition to their academic accomplishments.

Teachers and educators in a variety of fields were recognized in the 2026 edition.

Honorary Award

●Junaid Alam Mathematics Award – Mrs Nandita Sen

● Lifetime Achievement Awards – Mrs Yasmin Mansur & Mr Iqbal Mansur

● WAHEED HANAPHIE POSTHUMOUS SAMMAN – Late Mr. Christopher Rozario

Nomination-Based Award

● Best Principal Award – Ms Sonali Sarkar

● Language Advocacy Award- Debapriya Saha

●  Early Child Educator Award – Ms. Sagarika Sarkar Mitra

● Best Friendz Philanthropy Award- Arnab Jana

● Beyond Classrooms Award- Anindya Banerjee

● YOUTH & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD- Ms. Madhumita Seal

● VISIONARY EDUCATIONAL LEADER AWARD – Ms. Kasturi Kejriwal

A special amount of Rs 5000/ was handed over to Mr Arnab Jana, who won the Best Friendz Philanthropy Award. It was handed over by the Goodwill Ambassador to the NGO Best Friendz Society, Ms Heena Aftab.

This award platform is dedicated to the late Mr Junaid Alam, Mrs Rakshinda Jabeen, & Late Mr Waheed Hanaphie. 

The distinguished jury comprised Dr. Jonaki Mukherjee, Joyita Majumdar, Prof. Shuvendu Majumder, Rashmi Rozario, and Sonia Gidla.

With a focus on the educator’s contribution, impact, innovation, dedication, and influence on students and society, the jury considered 98 nominations before selecting 27.

Teachers Excellence Awards 2026 reaffirmed its dedication to honoring individuals who commit their lives to creating a better future, one student at a time.

Priyanka Dutta