From Bastar to Oxford: Vinayak Kohli Wins India’s Best Teacher Award 2026

Chhattisgarh has achieved a notable distinction in the field of education as Vinayak Kohli, a Social Science teacher at PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kondagaon, has won the national award in the Geography category at the India’s Best Teachers Awards 2026.

The award was organised by Oxford Saïd Business School and Shiv Nadar Foundation. Kohli was honoured for his innovative teaching methods and his efforts to connect classroom education with local culture, art and experiential learning.

Why in News?

• Vinayak Kohli received the national award in the Geography category at India’s Best Teachers Awards 2026.
• He teaches Social Science at PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kondagaon.
• More than 9,500 teachers from across India applied for the award.
• His teaching innovations include a Social Science Laboratory, Bastar Art Museum Corner, mapping activities and role-play.
• His work connects Bastar’s culture and local knowledge with classroom learning.

Also Read: President honours three honours from chhattisgarh

Selection from More Than 9,500 Teachers

More than 9,500 teachers from across India applied for the India’s Best Teachers Awards 2026.

The selection process was conducted in three stages. Kohli was invited to Delhi for the final stage, where he presented his teaching practices before professors from the University of Oxford and other distinguished experts.

His presentation ultimately earned him the national award in the Geography category.

Chhattisgarh’s First Social Science Laboratory

One of Vinayak Kohli’s major innovations is a Social Science Laboratory, described as the first of its kind in Chhattisgarh.

The laboratory aims to make Social Science and Geography more practical and engaging by moving beyond textbook-based learning.

Major Teaching Innovations

• Social Science Laboratory
• Bastar Art Museum Corner
• Role-play based activities
• Mapping activities
• Soil sample collection
• Youth Parliament
• Meditation sessions
• Art-integrated learning
• Use of Bharatanatyam in teaching

Connecting Bastar Culture with Education

Kohli has incorporated Bastar’s rich cultural heritage, traditional art and local crafts into his teaching methods.

He credited the artisans, artists and students of Kondagaon for helping him present the region’s cultural identity on a national and international platform.

This approach demonstrates how local knowledge and culture can be integrated into modern education.

Bharatanatyam as an Educational Tool

Vinayak Kohli has been training in Bharatanatyam for seven years.

He began his presentation with the traditional Bharatanatyam Namaskaram. Through this, he highlighted how teachers can use their individual talents, skills and interests to make classroom teaching more creative and effective.

This is an example of art-integrated learning, an approach encouraged under the National Education Policy 2020.

Concern Over Increasing Mobile Dependence

Kohli also expressed concern about the increasing dependence of children on mobile phones and other digital devices from an early age.

He suggested greater use of:

• Hands-on activities
• Experiential learning
• Toy-based learning
• Activity-based classroom methods

He also highlighted the relevance of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the constructivist approach associated with psychologist Jean Piaget in making learning more learner-centred and engaging.

Focus on Teachers’ Welfare and Dignity

While discussing NEP 2020, Kohli emphasised the importance of student-centred education as well as teacher welfare.

He highlighted that teachers need social respect and professional dignity to perform their best in the classroom.

According to him, teaching should be viewed as a form of national service, while teachers themselves also have a responsibility to maintain the dignity of the profession.

Collector Directs Schools to Establish Geography Laboratories

During the felicitation ceremony, Kondagaon Collector Nupur Rashi Panna appreciated Kohli’s contribution to education.

She directed principals across the district to begin working towards establishing Geography Laboratories in their respective schools.

A workshop will also be organised for teachers of Social Science, Geography, History and Art, where Kohli will share his teaching methods and experiences.

Chhattisgarh Perspective

The achievement is significant for Chhattisgarh because it highlights the potential of local culture, experiential learning and innovative classroom practices.

Kondagaon and the wider Bastar region are known for their rich tribal culture, traditional crafts and artistic heritage. Integrating these elements into education can help students understand their local environment while developing creativity and practical knowledge.

Important Facts for Exams

• Teacher: Vinayak Kohli
• School: PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kondagaon
• District: Kondagaon
• State: Chhattisgarh
• Subject: Social Science
• Award: India’s Best Teachers Awards 2026
• Award Category: Geography
• Organisers: Oxford Saïd Business School and Shiv Nadar Foundation
• Applications: More than 9,500 teachers
• Selection Process: Three stages
• Major Innovation: Social Science Laboratory
• Special Focus: Bastar culture and local knowledge
• Related Policy: National Education Policy 2020
• Teaching Approach: Experiential and art-integrated learning

CGPSC Prelims Practice MCQs

Q1. Vinayak Kohli, who recently received national recognition in education, is associated with which district of Chhattisgarh?

1. Bastar
   B. Kondagaon
   C. Kanker
   D. Narayanpur

Answer: B. Kondagaon

Q2. Vinayak Kohli received the national award at India’s Best Teachers Awards 2026 in which category?

1. History
   B. Social Science
   C. Geography
   D. Art Education

Answer: C. Geography

CGPSC Mains Perspective

Q. Discuss the importance of experiential and local-resource-based learning under the National Education Policy 2020. Illustrate with examples from Chhattisgarh.