The Government of Goa’s Directorate of Education has officially announced the recipients of the CM-Vashistha Guru Puraskar 2025–26, honoring nine outstanding educators for their exemplary contributions to the state’s academic landscape.
Contents
The state level award ceremony will take place on Teachers’ Day, September 5, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Institute Menezes Braganza Hall in Panjim. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant will felicitate the awardees for their dedication, innovative teaching methodologies, and transformative leadership.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The awardees represent primary, secondary, and higher secondary institutions across North and South Goa:
Primary Teacher Category
- Shri Eshwar Raghuvir Parab (Government Primary School, Surla, Bicholim – North Goa): Served as acting headmaster since 2011, driving active, experiential learning under NEP 2020, establishing kitchen gardens, and earning the Swachh Vidyalaya Award twice.
- Mrs. Arati Ashok Kolambkar (Government Primary School, Chaudi, Canacona – South Goa): Pioneered the first Balvatika under NEP 2020 in Canacona, presented research on computational thinking at IISER Pune, and received the National Teacher Innovation Award.
Secondary Teacher Category
- Shri Nitin D. Naik (Physical Education Teacher, Shivajiraje High School, Sal, Bicholim – North Goa): Bringing 25 years of service, he has mentored student-athletes to national-level success in Kho-Kho, Kabaddi, and Karate while active in community outreach.
- Shri Devendra B. Sathe (Assistant Teacher, Dattaram Mantrawadi Memorial High School, Mapusa – North Goa): A 24-year teaching veteran who composed Marathi poems into studio-recorded songs for students, authored textbook lessons, and raised ₹18 Lakhs through CSR for smart boards and lab equipment.
- Shri Prashant V. Tari (Special Educator, Gujarati Samaj Educational Trust Special School, Margao – South Goa): Bringing 26 years of special education expertise, he served as a Special Olympics and UCI Level 1 Cycling Coach, supporting athletes to state, national, and international honors.
- Shri Gourish R. Vernekar (Drawing Teacher, Shree Katyayani Baneshwar High School, Canacona – South Goa): Award-winning art teacher and theater mentor whose students have excelled at national-level painting and drama competitions.
High School Headmaster Category
- Shri Narendra M. Naik (Headmaster, Government High School, Hankhane, Pernem – North Goa): Led the school to 100% SSC results for 11 consecutive years, authored 18 plays and 10 books, and integrated NSQF agricultural training and smart classrooms into rural education.
- Mrs. Mable Maria Perpetua Vaz e Da Costa (Headmistress, Mae Dos Pobres High School, Nuvem, Salcete – South Goa): Honored for four decades of educational leadership, integrating environmental stewardship (National 2nd Best Eco Club), CWSN inclusion, and consistent 100% SSC results.
Higher Secondary Principal Category
- Shri Umesh P. Naik (Principal, Shree Shantadurga Higher Secondary School, Pirna, Bardez): Recognized for policy contributions to the Goa Education Act, driving 100% HSSC Arts pass rates consecutively through digital classrooms, CSR asset restoration, and inclusive open admissions.
