Principal Neelam Yadav from Tapukara to Receive President’s Award, Inspiring Change in Girls’ Education in Mewat

Education@ncrkhabar.com@New Delhi/Bhiwadi. In the small town of Tapukara in Rajasthan’s Alwar district, a government school principal has become a beacon of hope for thousands of young girls. Neelam Yadav, Principal of the Government Girls’ Senior Secondary School, Tapukara, will be honoured with the prestigious President’s Award on September 5, Teachers’ Day. She is being recognized for her innovative initiatives, dedication to girls’ education, and outstanding contributions to the field of teaching.

 From Teacher to Trailblazing Principal

Neelam Yadav began her teaching career in 1993 as a senior teacher. From 2004 to 2015, she worked as a lecturer before being appointed as the principal in 2015. Beyond academics, she has excelled in sports too, representing at the national level in discus throw.

Over the years, she has received multiple honours, including the Bhamashah Samman and Prerak Award, but the President’s Award marks a defining moment in her 30-year-long career.

 Innovation That Transformed Schools

In 2019, while serving at Ishroda village in Tijara, Yadav came up with an unusual idea. To attract children to school, she personally funded a makeover of the building, painting its walls like train coaches. The creative move sparked curiosity and joy among students, and enrolment shot up.

At Tapukara, she introduced digital labs and smart classrooms.
📈 The results were remarkable — enrolment grew from 622 to 1,300, and the school has consistently achieved 100% board exam results.

 Breaking Barriers in a Muslim-Dominated Region

Tapukara and its neighbouring Mewat region have historically struggled with low awareness about girls’ education. Under Yadav’s leadership, the change is visible. Today, over 80% of the school’s students are girls from Mewat.

• Mohsina travels 8 km daily to study science.
• Fiza secured 95.80% in Science this year.
• Simran, Arts topper, is now pursuing BA-B.Ed. at a Delhi college.
• Tanisha’s painting was exhibited at an art gallery in Canada.
• In the last three years, 21 girls from the school have received the Bulbul Golden National Award.

  Highlights of Neelam Yadav’s Journey

• 1993 – Began career as a senior teacher
• 2004–2015 – Lecturer
• Since 2015 – Principal, Tapukara Girls’ School
• National-level discus throw participant
• Recipient of Bhamashah and Prerak Awards
• 2019 – Train-themed school innovation

. Boosted enrolment from 622 to 1,300

Achievements of Her Students

• Fiza (Science topper) – 95.80%
• Simran (Arts topper) – Studying in Delhi
• Tanisha – Artwork displayed in Canada
• 21 girls won Bulbul Golden National Award

 “This Award Belongs to My Students and Teachers”

Reacting to the honour, Neelam Yadav said:

“This award is not mine alone, but a recognition of every teacher and student working hard for quality education. With this recognition, my responsibility grows even more. My goal is to ensure every girl becomes independent and confident.”

 Preparing Girls for the Future: AI & Digital Skills

With computer science introduced two years ago, Yadav now aims to take her students a step further.
“This is the age of Artificial Intelligence. With support from Honda CSR, I want to empower girls in AI and digital skills. Education in Mewat has always been a challenge, but change has begun,” she said.