In his 25 years of government service as a Physics teacher, Dinesh Kumar had never thought that his simple way to teach students will earn him national recognition.Bringing laurels to Punjab, Dinesh Kumar, a teacher at Government Victoria Girls Senior Secondary School, Patiala, has won the prestigious National Teachers’ Award 2026 for his exemplary contribution to education. Notably, the award, one of the highest honours for educators in the country, is conferred by the President of India on Teachers’ Day, September 5, every year in recognition of exceptional excellence, innovation and dedication in the field of education.The graduate from Government Mohindra College who completed his masters from Punjabi University, Patiala before joining the Punjab education department has won the prestigious National Teachers’ Award 2026 for his exemplary contribution to education.Notably, the award, one of the highest honours for educators in the country, is conferred by the President of India on Teachers’ Day, September 5, every year in recognition of exceptional excellence, innovation and dedication in the field of education.“I have always tried to put in hard work for all my students and for me there is no backbencher. I try simpler means to ensure that all students in my class are interested in Physics and only then they will score well”, says Dinesh. “The award comes as a pleasant surprise as I never thought that my idea to simplify physics for every student will lead me to national reckoning”, he said.Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has also congratulated Dinesh Kumar and called him an inspiration for the state’s teaching community. “it is indeed a proud moment for Punjab teachers”, he said.The Education Minister stated, “Congratulations to Dr. Dinesh Kumar ji, Physics Lecturer at Govt. Victoria Girls Sr. Sec. School, Patiala, on being selected for the National Teacher Award — India’s highest teaching honour, to be conferred on Teachers’ Day. His innovative lab-based teaching has brought Physics alive for countless students. This recognition reflects not just his personal excellence, but the dedication of Punjab’s entire teaching community and the state’s growing leadership in education. Proud of You, Dr. Dinesh Kumar ji”!“Coming to his class and the physics lab is always a delight as sir is always supportive and willing to explain on repeat mode till the students continue to ask him questions”, say his students from the school. “Sir is always punctual and available for all students even if it is not his period in class”, they say.