Chona, who is also a recipient of the National Award for Education and Welfare of People, has been working in the field for the last 35 years. Besides being involved with the Tamanna School, a non-profit organisation for handicapped children, she also runs a school in the Ekta slum cluster which provides free education to children of the economically weaker sections of society.

``I was a bit shocked in the beginning, but then happiness took over,'' said a beaming Chona, adding that this award has pepped her up to do much more. ``I would have gone on of course. But this has come as a big encouragement.''

Discussing her plans for the future, Chona said that she is currently working on the Anubhav School, which will be operational at DPS (R K Puram) from April 5.

The school, which will be run from 1.30 to 4.30 p.m., is expected to cater to around 500 students from nursery to Class VIII.