An Indian teacher and social activist has been recognised on the global stage for her decades-long commitment to making education accessible to children from marginalized communities. Rouble Nagi was named the winner of the US$ 1 Million Global Teacher Prize at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, an annual international gathering that brings together leaders, policymakers and innovators from around the world.
Over the past two decades, Nagi has built an alternative education movement that focuses on children who have never attended school, as well as those who need additional academic support. Through the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, she has established more than 800 learning centres across India, many of them located in underprivileged neighbourhood.
Beyond classrooms, her work extends to the streets. Nagi is widely known for transforming the walls of slums into educational murals, using art to teach literacy, science, mathematics, and history. The colourful public artworks are designed to spark curiosity and make learning visible and accessible in everyday spaces, especially for children who may not have regular access to formal schooling.
What began 24 years ago with just 30 children in a small workshop has since grown into an initiative that has reached over one million children. Her approach combines creativity, community engagement and structured learning, helping bridge gaps in access to education while encouraging children to stay in schools.
The Global Teacher Prize, awarded by the Varkey Foundation, recognises exceptional teachers who have made an outstanding contribution to the profession. Nagi is the 10th recipient since the prize was launch in 2015. Previous winners have included educators working in remote villages, conflict zones and underserved communities around the world.
The prize money will be used to further expand her impact. Nagi plans to establish an institute offering free vocational training, providing young people with practical skills that can support long-term employment and independence.
The award also highlights the growing global recognition of teachers who work beyond traditional classrooms to address systematic barriers to education. By blending art, learning and social outreach, Nagi’s work demonstrates how education can be reimagined to meet children where they are, and how grassroots efforts can create change at scale.
As one of the world’s most prestigious honours for educators, the Global Teacher Prize continues to spotlight the role of teachers in shaping societies. Nagi’s win adds to that legacy, placing a strong focus on inclusion, creativity and the transformative power of education.
Sources: abc news
