The Pearson Teaching Awards is a step towards recognising among teachers those who have made a real difference in the world of education in India. Shashi Tharoor, the minister of state for human resource development and also an author, and Shabana Azmi, eminent actor and social activist, were among the guests of honour of the evening. G B Padamavathi of Government Higher Primary School, Mysore, was awarded the title of the best pre-primary teacher of a government school.