Meet Radha Rajesh, teacher using Messi and real-life stories to explain biology

How Radha Rajesh makes Biology come alive with Parkinson’s, Messi and Schumacher. (Photo: nhps.in)What if a Biology lesson on the nervous system began with Parkinson’s disease, a discussion on growth hormones turned to Lionel Messi’s childhood, and a chapter on traumatic brain injuries explored the skiing accident involving Michael Schumacher? For Radha Rajesh, these real-life connections are not distractions from the syllabus. They are a way of making Biology easier to understand, remember and relate to.The Biology teacher and Head of Department at New Horizon Public School, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, has now been selected for the National Teachers’ Award 2026, representing CISCE. President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to confer the award on 48 selected school teachers at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on September 5, Teachers’ Day.For Rajesh, the recognition follows years of working to make students curious about science while encouraging critical thinking, independent research and confidence beyond examination marks.When Biology lessons leave the textbookRajesh believes scientific concepts become more meaningful when students can connect them with real people and situations.While teaching the nervous system and synaptic connections, she has used her father’s experience with Parkinson’s disease as a real-world context. During lessons on traumatic brain injuries, the skiing accident involving Schumacher becomes a way to explore the consequences of brain trauma. Similarly, Messi’s childhood experience with growth hormone deficiency provides a relatable context while teaching the pituitary gland and growth hormones.The objective is to move students beyond simply memorising definitions.For Rajesh, a successful Biology lesson is one that makes students wonder about the human body, encourages them to ask questions and motivates them to investigate a subject beyond what is required for an examination.A family of teachers inspired herTeaching was familiar territory for Rajesh while growing up. Her grandfather, mother, aunt and uncle were all teachers.She later began voluntarily teaching underprivileged children through her community. Those experiences helped her discover the satisfaction that comes when a child finally understands a difficult concept.She joined New Horizon Public School in May 2014 and gradually took on wider responsibilities, eventually becoming Head of the Biology Department.Her teaching philosophy developed around understanding individual learners and creating opportunities for them to participate, question and experiment.Using AI and technology without losing human thinkingRajesh uses animations, simulations, virtual laboratories, interactive quizzes, smart boards and AI-enabled resources to make difficult Biology concepts more accessible.Her classroom also includes project-based activities, hands-on learning, field trips and problem-solving exercises.However, she sees technology as a support system rather than a replacement for independent thinking.With students now able to access information almost instantly, she places increasing importance on teaching them how to question information, analyse evidence and determine whether a source is reliable.For her, the value of technology lies in whether it helps students think more deeply.Recognition beyond the National Teachers’ AwardThe National Teachers’ Award is the latest recognition for Rajesh's contribution to science education.She has received the Teachers’ Insight Award from the U.R. Rao Satellite Centre, ISRO, in 2022, 2024, 2025 and 2026, securing first place each time. She also received the Educator of Excellence Award in 2023.Earlier, she received a Biotechnology Scholarship from the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, in 1996-97 for academic merit and interest in biotechnology.She also runs a YouTube channel, Radha Rajesh - Biology Beyond the Classroom, where she shares Biology-related videos and shorts.Her biggest reward comes from former studentsFor Rajesh, some of the most meaningful recognition has come from students who return years after leaving school.Former students have told her that her teaching influenced their relationship with Biology and, in some cases, their career choices. Some have gone on to become doctors, researchers and other professionals.Her approach is built around the belief that the impact of teaching may not be visible immediately. A concept discussed in a classroom can influence a student's thinking or career years later.As she prepares to receive the National Teachers’ Award, her focus remains on the same objective — helping children feel seen, become curious and recognise their own potential.And perhaps that explains why Parkinson’s, Messi and Schumacher have a place in her Biology classroom: because for her, the best science lessons do not end when the textbook closes.Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and inputs provided by the source. TOI Education has not independently verified all claims mentioned above.