Rajesh Bordoloi, a geography teacher at Adarsha Tribal Higher Secondary School in Kalbari, Jorhat district, Assam, has been honored with the National Teachers Award 2026 for his groundbreaking initiative, “Each One Teach One.” This program uniquely transforms Class 10 students into educators for their mothers, focusing on essential literacy and digital skills.
The initiative was launched two years ago after Bordoloi observed a significant digital and educational disparity between his tech-savvy students and their mothers, many of whom lacked formal schooling. Under “Each One Teach One,” students return home after school to instruct their mothers in reading, writing, operating mobile phones, making UPI payments, accessing online banking, and utilizing other vital digital services.
Empowering Tribal Communities Through Education
The program has expanded beyond Kalbari to neighboring villages including Banhphala, Bhekelichapori, Dhankhuli, Laliti Chapori Gaon, and Sarigharia. A substantial portion of the school's students are first-generation learners, with approximately 99% belonging to the Mising tribal community. Many families in these areas rely on agriculture, making digital literacy increasingly crucial for economic transactions, online applications, and market access.
Bordoloi emphasized the broader impact of his work, stating, “Education becomes meaningful when it reaches families and communities. I wanted students to see how their knowledge could empower their mothers. When a child becomes a teacher at home, education becomes a shared journey.” He highlighted the inspiring sight of students patiently guiding their mothers through new digital tools.
Beyond the Classroom: Holistic Community Impact
The school actively supports the initiative by using government-provided smart boards during parent-teacher meetings to demonstrate digital tools, helping mothers overcome technological hesitation. Beyond literacy, Bordoloi has also championed efforts against child marriage and encouraged families to ensure their children remain in school.
Bordoloi, one of 48 educators to receive the National Teachers Award this year, views the recognition as a collective achievement. “I do not see this award as a personal achievement. I see it as recognition of the collective effort of my school, my colleagues, students, parents and the community,” he remarked. Jorhat Inspector of Schools, Buli Gogoi Bhuyan, lauded the program as a model of community-centered education, noting its success in transforming students into “agents of change.”