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Karnataka Gives Teachers Their Own Title: ‘Tr.’ Prefix Now Allowed
Karnataka has issued an order allowing teachers to use the honorary prefix ‘Tr.’ before their names from Teachers’ Day 2026.
Karnataka Gives Teachers Their Own Title: ‘Tr.’ Prefix Now Allowed
Doctors are often addressed as ‘Dr.’, engineers may use ‘Er.’ and professors are addressed as ‘Prof.’ Now, teachers in Karnataka have been given a title of their own. The Karnataka government has allowed teachers across the state to use the prefix ‘Tr.’ before their names as a mark of respect for their contribution to society.
The government issued the order on 5 September 2026, on the occasion of Teachers’ Day.
Why has Karnataka introduced the ‘Tr.’ prefix?
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced the decision on Teachers’ Day.
In a post on X, Shivakumar said that teachers shape the minds, character and future of children. He also pointed out that every doctor, engineer, farmer, officer, entrepreneur and leader has a teacher who helped guide them. He said the new prefix was a way to recognise the contribution of teachers and the role they play in building society.
Shivakumar also thanked teachers for guiding, correcting and encouraging students to believe in themselves.
What does ‘Tr.’ mean?
‘Tr.’ stands for teacher. It is an honorary prefix that teachers in Karnataka can place before their names. The decision recognises teaching as a profession that plays an important role in education and society. However, the prefix is a mark of respect. It does not give teachers an additional academic qualification or change their professional status.
A wider call for recognition
The idea of giving teachers a separate prefix has been discussed and supported by some people in India for several years. Supporters believe that a title like ‘Tr.’ can give teachers greater public recognition for their contribution.
Karnataka’s decision has brought this demand into wider public discussion. Whether other states will introduce a similar title remains to be seen.