The second edition of the Tata Consultancy Services-EducationWorld Teachers Awards attracted an overwhelming response of 25,000 nominations from across the country including the Andaman and Nicobar islands. The Teachers award acknowledges excellence in teaching by recognizing teachers with exceptional attributes and teaching innovations.

The Teachers Award was instituted in 2005 by Tata Consultancy Services, India’s largest IT services and Consultancy Company and EducationWorld – The Human Development Magazine, India's sole education news and analysis magazine. This award is part of the series of TCS’ initiatives n the sphere of education that includes workshops, computer labs, and the immensely popular National level inter school IT Quiz that reaches out to tens of thousands of urban and rural students across the country.

The Award is open to all primary and secondary school and junior college teachers. Teachers who have exhibited innovative techniques, inspired students and aroused their curiosity were nominated by students, parents, principals,school boards or by fellow teachers. In a massive and challenging selection exercise, the entries were evaluated by an eminent jury consisting of academicians and experienced teachers, to zero in on the two winners.

"It is our privilege to honour great teachers, to stimulate discussion in the academic fraternity and highlight the value of innovation" said Mr S Ramadorai, CEO and MD of TCS. "The quality of teaching-learning in the classroom determines the creative and innovative thinkers of tomorrow. As an investment for the future, we wish to reward those who are making that happen. On this belief rests our outreach program with Teachers."

Mr. Raghavendra Rao of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Panchavati, Andaman & Nicobar and Mr Chittibabu of Sevalaya Mahakavi Bharatiyar Hr Sec School, Chennai were adjudged India's Best Secondary and Primary Teachers in the Tata Consultancy Services-Education World Teachers Awards 2006. Mrs. Mala Ramadorai, Educationist and Chief Mentor, Maitree, Associate Engagement Programme of TCS, presented the awards to the teachers here today. According to Mrs. Ramadorai, "The Teachers Award is TCS' way of recognising and promoting innovative teaching methods which in turn will nurture curiosity and creativity in young minds, preparing them for tomorrow's world."

The 2 National winners received a laptop each from TCS, while the 6 Regional finalists received cash award of Rs.10,000 each. All the 8 finalists also received cheques for 10000 each from the Manipal Education Group (MEG).

The winners of the award were selected through a stringent three-round selection process. The nominations were scrutinized by a panel of distinguished judges, supervised by IL&FS Education & Technology Services Ltd. (IETS). Outstanding nominees were invited to send a 300-500-word description of their teaching innovations and initiatives. After careful screening of the entries, eight finalists were short listed and interviewed by a panel comprising Mrs. Mala Ramadorai, Dilip Thakore, editor of EducationWorld and Neena Paul of IETS in Chennai.

The awards ceremony followed a three hour Mind Mapping Workshop conducted by B Shiva of TCS for teachers and educationists in Chennai.