Chandigarh (India). On 21 November 2025, Sister Seena Joseph, Principal of Auxilium Navajyoti School in Kunnamangalam, Kerala, of Sacred Heart of Jesus Province (INK), received the 2025 Derozio Award for outstanding service to Education and Human Enrichment in the Heads of Institute category.
Institute organized by the Association of Schools for the Indian School Certificate (CICSE) in Chandigarh. Former Supreme Court Justice and former Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, Vikramjit Sen, presented the awards.
“I am delighted and honored to receive such a prestigious award and also the recognition of our service to young people and children in need. I represent all religious people who contribute to the education of today’s children and young people,” commented the Dean for Matters India.
Sister Seena is appreciated for her commitment to a holistic and values-based education, in the spirit of St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello. Her initiatives at the Auxilium Nava Jyoti School and several youth development centers have focused on creativity, skills development, moral formation, and academic excellence, uplifting thousands of young people from rural and semi-urban communities.
The award is a confirmation of her tireless commitment to education, innovation, and student well-being, which have made the Auxilium Navajyoti School in Kunnamangalam a benchmark for excellence. Her vision, hard work, and caring heart have inspired teachers, students, and parents, making her a beloved leader in the educating community.
In addition to Sister Seena, this year’s Derozio Awards were also presented to Shinoj Kizhakkemuriyil, Principal of St. Antony School, Ghaziabad; Priti Sinha, Principal of Gulmohar High School, Jamshedpur; and Kusum Uniyal, TGT Science Teacher at Jyoti Vidyalaya, Joshimath, Uttarakhand.
The CISCE described all four winners as educators who embody “extraordinary dedication, bold innovation, and great human impact.”
The Derozio Award, established by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) in 1999, honors individuals whose leadership and contributions have enriched the nation through education. The awards are presented annually to recognize educators who have had a transformative impact in their respective fields: primary, middle, secondary, and upper secondary education, and educational leadership. Each award includes a gold medal, a silver commemorative plaque, a parchment, and a financial contribution.
Source: keralacatholiconline
