Meet M Thangaraj, Tenkasi teacher who turned classroom into mini government

A lesson about the stars can become much more than a science class when a teacher knows how to bring learning to life. At Panchayat Union Primary School in Puliyampatti, M Thangaraj uses a projector to take children beyond their textbooks, introducing them to distant constellations and the Milky Way. For his students, the experience offers a glimpse of a world far bigger than the one they see around them every day.But the space lesson is only one part of Thangaraj’s approach to education. With more than two decades of teaching experience, he has worked to make his school a place where children participate actively, take responsibility and feel encouraged to pursue their ambitions. His efforts earned him the National Teachers’ Award in September 2026. From creating student leadership roles to mobilising community support for school facilities, Thangaraj’s work extends beyond teaching lessons.