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Kamala Kkanta Tripathy started his professional career as a teacher at the age of 21.

Considering the problems faced by teachers in his province – Odisha, he decided to join the teachers’ union to improve the service conditions, pay scales, and rights of teachers. He became the General Secretary of the All Utkal Primary Teachers’ Federation (AUPTF), Odisha - an affiliate of the All India Primary Teachers’ Federation - and served as AUPTF General Secretary for 17 years elected unopposed.

He held the position of Treasurer of the All India Primary Teachers’ Federation until 2012. He became Secretary General of the All India Primary Teachers’ Federation in 2014 and continues to hold the same position for three consecutive terms. The All India Primary Teachers' Federation is the largest and oldest national federation representing almost 2.3 million primary and elementary school teachers in 24 states of India.

With decades of experience in the education and teachers' union movement, Shri Tripathy is a strong advocate for quality public education, teachers' dignity, and policy reforms to strengthen foundational learning across the nation.

Major contributions and initiatives

Spearheading national campaigns: Under his leadership, AIPTF has led multiple nationwide campaigns including the Bharat Yatra, demanding the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, implementation of Seventh Pay Commission benefits, uniform retirement age, and dignified service conditions for teachers.

Policy advocacy: A vocal critic of anti-teacher provisions in the National Education Policy 2020, he continues to push for policy changes that are equitable and inclusive. His efforts have helped bring critical attention to issues such as contractual employment, lack of social security, and the digital divide in education.

Teacher development: He is actively engaged in capacity-building programs, teacher leadership workshops, and partnerships with state and central institutions to promote professional growth and continuous learning for educators.

Research and thought leadership

Shri Tripathy has made significant contributions to research and policy dialogue. Notably, he co-authored a paper titled “Mainstreaming Out-of-School Children through Community Participation in Odisha”, published in the Journal of Indian Education. His work emphasizes the role of grassroots engagement and local governance in improving access to quality primary education.

Vision

• Every teacher is treated with dignity and respect.
• Public education remains free, inclusive, and of high quality.
• Teachers have a strong voice in policy-making and implementation at every level.

He believes that “a nation can rise only when its teachers are empowered, and its schools are strengthened.”

National and international engagement

Shri Tripathy was elected to the Education International Executive Board in 2024, at the 10th World Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He serves as a Board Member for the Asia-Pacific Region of Education International.

Since 2023, he is also General Secretary of the South Asian Teachers’ Federation.