Mangaluru: Shobha ME and Rashika ME, sisters hailing from Kodagu, were among the teachers across India honoured with the National Awards to Teachers (NAT) recently. Shobha was one of the 21 awardees from higher education and polytechnic sector, while Rashika was recognised as one of the nation's top skill trainers.At the Teachers' Day Awards ceremony in Delhi, the duo stood out in their traditional Kodava saris. "After this, many people encouraged us to apply for the record books, and we will soon submit our entry to the Limca Book of Records," said Shobha, associate professor of mathematics and assistant director of student welfare at Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT).Shobha, who earned her PhD in Mathematics from NITK Surathkal, has also completed postdoctoral fellowships at the National Board of Higher Mathematics, department of atomic energy, and the University of Göttingen, Germany. She also received global honours. She has been active in social initiatives in Udupi, including coordinating the rural health app Janani, playing an important role in launching the 42 km Manipal Marathon, and helping it receive AIMS certification.She made history as the first Indian woman to win gold and silver at the International Orienteering Championship in Indonesia. In 2024, she ranked third in the ITRA national league women (Nov-Dec) and sixth overall. She has completed ultra-marathons, and achieved podium finishes in mountain trail races like the Coffee Trail 30K and BMF Ultra 30K, as well as Asia Qualifier Adventure Races covering 120-150 km within 24 hours.Rashika, a faculty at the Government Tool Room & Training Centre, Bengaluru, holds an MTech in digital electronics and communication systems. She specialises in electronics, electrical installation, and home/building automation. She has conducted international faculty workshops, including sessions for Nepalese faculty, and published research in reputed international journals.Rashika contributed to India-Skills and World-Skills competitions. In 2024, she mentored medal-winning candidates in electronics and electrical installation at the India-Skills National Competition and served as a jury member. Under her guidance, some trainees have now been nominated to represent India for the first time at the Asia Skill Competition 2025. She also leads the Internal Skill League across 33 centres in Karnataka, nurturing aspirants for the World-Skills 2026 in Shanghai.Recollecting the momentous day, Shobha said there was a mix of emotions. "Our pet dog, Karku, was attacked by a leopard the previous night, leaving us anxious about its survival. But, the award ceremony was overwhelming, receiving the award from the President of India, interacting with the Prime Minister and top officials, and being warmly welcomed. To make the occasion more meaningful, I was accompanied by my PhD supervisor, Santhosh George, and his wife Rose, from NITK. My students in Delhi also came to meet us," she said.