On Teachers’ Day, Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced a new way of recognizing teachers across the state. In order to give a tangible recognition of the work of teachers in Karnataka, they will be allowed to use the prefix ‘Tr.’ next to their names in order to be known for their contributions to the education of a class and society.
Shivakumar stressed the importance of the teaching profession in his speech, saying that it is not only about classrooms and textbooks, but teachers have a role to play far beyond that. The prefix may be only two letters but it is worth many years of effort, service and responsibility, he said. ‘Tr.’ is not only a title.
The announcement was made on Teachers’ Day, a day which honours teachers for their contribution to society. Shivakumar used his social media account to announce the decision and why the Karnataka government wanted to give teachers a professional mark of respect. “A society that honors its teachers is ultimately honouring its own future and there is a relationship between education and progress for society.”
The proposed prefix also parallels the professional names of people in other fields. ‘Dr.’ and ‘Er.’ are names of medical professionals, and ‘Prof.’ are those of engineers. By allowing teachers to use ‘Tr.’ as a designation, the Karnataka government aims to give teachers a similar designation that reflects the importance of their profession.
Shivakumar pointed to the many teachers involved in educating children in India. The country has more than one crore teachers and there are at least 4.5 lakh teachers in Karnataka, he said. These educators are responsible for shaping the minds, character and aspirations of children every day.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the role of a teacher in almost every profession as well. Doctors who treat patients and engineers who build infrastructure, farmers who contribute to food production, government officers who care for citizens, entrepreneurs who start new businesses, and leaders who guide institutions have one thing in common: they were once students guided by teachers.
Shivakumar said, “the most common teacher that has a great role to play is one that is behind every successful professional is someone who discovered their potential at an early age and encouraged them to live out their potential and pursue their dreams.” He wanted to stress teaching is not just about teaching but about helping young people learn confidence, discipline, character and ambition.
The Chief Minister also expressed his thanks to teachers who guide students, correct their mistakes, encourage their dreams and believe in their potential and the fact that they have helped to make their students better. He said Karnataka is proud to honor every educator who has contributed to the development of children, the state and the nation by building children, to build the nation.
A teacher builds every person who goes on to build the nation.
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) September 5, 2026
India’s more than one crore teachers, including nearly 4.5 lakh teachers in Karnataka, are shaping the minds, character and future of our children every single day.
Every doctor who heals, engineer who builds,… pic.twitter.com/ngXar4Hmq7
At a time when the role of teachers is evolving with changes in education, technology and learning methods, while classrooms and teaching tools have changed considerably, the central responsibility of educators, to guide students and prepare them for the future- remains.
With the introduction of the ‘Tr.’ prefix, Karnataka has sought to make that responsibility visible as a symbol of recognition. The designation was intended to celebrate teachers for their contribution and to showcase the profession in society.
Shivakumar ended his Teachers’ Day message by calling ‘Tr.’ an honour teachers have indeed earned. That’s why the announcement is not simply about the introduction of a new prefix, but also a signal of gratitude to the people who work for generations and contribute to the development of Karnataka and India.
