Lucknow: Teachers, schools, gram panchayats and Block Resource Centres (BRCs) that have made notable contributions to strengthening public education in Uttar Pradesh will be honoured under the Seekho Sikhao Awards 2026, with applications invited from eligible participants across the state.The initiative was launched on Thursday by the Seekho Sikhao Foundation, supported by the Dalmia Bharat Foundation, to recognise efforts that improve learning and help build stronger govt education systems.Awards will be presented in five categories. These include teachers showing excellence in classroom innovation and student development, schools delivering quality education while maintaining strong infrastructure, and gram panchayats and BRCs that have contributed to system strengthening. A special award will also be given to a female teacher for work promoting girls’ education.Online registrations will open on Friday and remain available until Sept 20 through the Seekho Sikhao website. Entries are invited from across Uttar Pradesh. Winners and runners-up will be honoured at a ceremony in Lucknow on Nov 26, 2026.The selection process will begin with online registration, followed by presentations from shortlisted nominees before an expert panel. Applications will be assessed on learning outcomes, innovative teaching practices, engagement with parents and communities, and additional efforts taken to bring positive change to the education sector. Field visits will be conducted to verify claims before the jury makes final selections based on ground realities.Cash prizes will be awarded across 17 winner categories and 16 runner-up categories, with recipients permitted to use the funds to support future educational initiatives.“The education system has immense potential, and those driving change in challenging conditions deserve recognition and support,” said Anupama Dalmia, founder, Seekho Sikhao Foundation.
