Prof. Dr. A.S. Smiline Girija, Head of the Department of Microbiology received National Teachers Award by Honourable President of India

Prof. Dr. A.S. Smiline Girija, Head of the Department of Microbiology at Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, was honored with the Rashtriya Shiksha Puraskar/National Teachers Award for 2024. The award was presented by the Honourable President of India, Dr. Droupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhawan, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to teaching.

The National Teachers Award, conferred annually by the Union Ministry of Education, celebrates outstanding educators who have significantly enhanced the quality of education and enriched the lives of their students. This year, Prof. Dr. A.S. Smiline Girija was selected for this prestigious award in the category of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Her selection process involved a rigorous evaluation, including two rounds of document scrutiny and an online interaction with an esteemed jury committee. She was also felicitated by the Union Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan. She participated in an interactive session with the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri.Narendra Modi.

Prof. Dr. A.S. Smiline Girija received this award for her innovative approach to teaching, which incorporates methods such as self-experiential learning, participatory learning, peer-led discussions, problem-based assessments, and special sessions designed to foster creative thinking among young minds. She has also leveraged online platform- based technologies to enhance her students’ learning experiences. Her efforts focus on patient-centric and evidence-based learning tools, aiming to deepen students’ knowledge and understanding.

The curriculum designed by Prof. Dr. Smiline Girija integrates self-directed learning with the use of educational tools that highlight the importance of humanities while aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her innovative pedagogy and commitment to excellence in education have made her a deserving recipient of this national honor.