SGT’s mini lessons make students’ lives easier

Visakhapatnam: Appreciation continues to pour in for Secondary Grade Teacher (SGT) Kouluri Rajesh, who has been selected for the National Teachers’ Award 2026. As the efforts of the SGT of Chinnamallupeta Mandal Parishad Primary School (MPPS), Nellimarla in Vizianagaram district eventually yielded improved learning outcomes among students, Rajesh mentioned that it was all he aspired for.

By incorporating fun-based learning exercises, Rajesh converted the curriculum syllabus into 80 mini units for Classes I, II and III. “When the lessons are split into smaller versions, they become much easier for students, especially slow learners, to absorb. I am glad that the app helps bring them into the mainstream,” he conveyed.

His web-based interactive AI-embedded learning management system (LMS) has so far benefited 15,600 students in Andhra Pradesh, and the count is still rising. The LMS, designed for Classes I to III in Telugu, English, and Mathematics, was later converted into the mobile application ‘Hello Dhriti’, a cost-effective educational platform aligned with the NEP-2020 and NIPUN Bharat Mission. “It serves as an after-school learning companion, transforming passive screen time into a fun-based, textbook-oriented learning experience. In just three months, the app reached 250 schools across Andhra Pradesh,” the SGT shared with The Hans India.

When the Department of School Education in AP introduced the 75-day action plan for the Guaranteed Foundational Literacy and Numeracy programme, Rajesh decided to equip as many students as possible through his mini lessons. “I tried to incorporate SCERT tools in the smaller units to make the learning outcomes more effective,” explained the SGT, who has been working at Nellimarla MPPS for the past two years.

Back in 2015, Rajesh’s action-based research garnered attention from the British Council and Central Square Foundation for his picture-based teaching with technology case studies from India. Also, Rajesh’s auto responder AI module under the banner ‘smarter support with AI’ helps students of Classes IV and V prepare for entrance exams for model schools and Centre of Excellence. “There is so much that can be done at zero cost for students. My agenda is to make learning way simpler and smarter for as many children as possible,” emphasised Rajesh. When the SGT met HRD and IT Minister Nara Lokesh, the minister asked how such innovative concepts could be strengthened further to reach more schools. “The HRD Minister also enquired what support the state government could extend to make the AI-based concepts reach a greater number of students,” recalls Rajesh.

Governor of Andhra Pradesh S. Abdul Nazeer took to ‘X’ congratulating Rajesh for being selected for the prestigious National Teachers’ Award 2026. Also, Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha appreciated the SGT’s significant contribution to the education field.

Rajesh will receive the National Teachers’ Award 2026 from President Droupadi Murmu on September 5th marking the Teachers’ Day. The SGT is one among the 48 selected school teachers, representing 27 states, seven Union Territories and six organisations of the Central government. “I am delighted to represent Andhra Pradesh,” he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rani Devalla

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Rani Devalla is an experienced journalist specialised in a range of beats. From crime to politics, health to human interest, education to defence along with entertainment and feature stories, Rani Devalla, an accomplished writer with a passion for exploring diverse genres, has been reporting for the past 14 years. Serving as Bureau Chief of The Hans India in Visakhapatnam, Rani Devalla contributes to the organisation's editorial department through daily reporting, special stories and feature stories. After completing B.Com, Rani Devalla pursued Masters in Human Resource Management. Prior to joining The Hans India, Rani Devalla worked as a Principal Correspondent with The Hindu Group for six-and-a-half years. With rich expertise, she brings diverse perspectives to her reporting that makes her narratives stand out. When not immersed in writing, the journalist spends time reading, travelling and journaling.

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