A mark of respect: Karnataka allows teachers to use 'Tr' prefix

Karnataka has allowed teachers to use the prefix 'Tr' before their names from Teachers' Day. The move seeks to give educators formal professional respect and underline their role in shaping society.The decision was taken after discussions in the cabinet meeting. (Image: pexels.com)Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday said teachers in the state can use the prefix 'Tr' before their names as a mark of respect for their contribution to society. The announcement was made on Teachers' Day, with Shivakumar saying the prefix would serve as professional recognition for teachers, similar to 'Dr' for doctors, 'Er' for engineers and 'Prof' for professors.He said the decision was taken after discussions in the cabinet meeting and described the new prefix as a recognition of teachers' role in shaping society. Shivakumar said 'Tr' was not just a title but a symbol of a lifetime of service by those who had dedicated themselves to shaping others.In a post on X, Shivakumar said, "A teacher builds every person who goes on to build the nation. 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." He said every doctor, engineer, farmer, officer, entrepreneur and leader had a teacher behind them who first recognised their potential and showed them what was possible."On this Teachers' Day, the Government of Karnataka has decided to honour this invaluable contribution with a distinct mark of respect. From today, teachers of Karnataka can proudly use the prefix 'Tr' before their names," he said. Calling it a symbol of a lifetime of service, he said, "A society that honours its teachers honours its own future," while thanking teachers for guiding, correcting and encouraging students to believe in themselves. He added that the 'Tr' prefix was a recognition teachers had truly earned.Speaking after launching the Praja Seva Abhiyan in Kudligi in Vijayanagara district, Shivakumar said Teachers' Day was being celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. "Professionals in other fields receive recognition based on their profession. Similarly, the government has decided to accord professional recognition to teachers," he said. He added, "Society recognises two sets of people as God-like--parents who give birth to us and teachers who guide us through life. Serving through education is serving the Almighty. Therefore, we have decided to give teachers this title," as he called himself an "education enthusiast".Shivakumar said teaching was a profession that shaped and guided society without any selfish motive, and described soldiers, workers, teachers and farmers as the pillars of the nation. "We must respect them. It is the responsibility of our government," he said, as the state announced the 'Tr' prefix for teachers on Teachers' Day.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Sep 5, 2026 18:23 IST