Indian teacher Rouble Nagi wins $1 million Global Teacher Prize 2026

Indian educator and artist Rouble Nagi has won the $1 million GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2026, becoming one of the most prominent Indian recipients of the award for her grassroots work that combines education, art, and community empowerment.

Now in its tenth year, the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize, an initiative of the Varkey Foundation supported by UNESCO, is the world’s largest award dedicated to teaching.

Nagi was recognized for transforming neglected public spaces into large-scale, interactive murals that teach literacy, numeracy, hygiene, and environmental awareness, particularly in underserved communities.

At the award ceremony, Nagi expressed gratitude to the organizers and the jury, saying, “This honor strengthens my resolve to continue working towards quality education for children.”

She thanked His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sunny Varkey, GEMS Education, the Varkey Foundation, UNESCO, and the jury for recognizing what she described as grassroots work rooted in education, compassion, consistency, and service.

The prize was presented by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, in the presence of Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Varkey Foundation.

Supported by UNESCO, the Global Teacher Prize is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious honors in global education.

Nagi’s work began more than a decade ago in Mumbai’s slum communities, where she worked closely with families living in vulnerable conditions.

Over time, her efforts expanded beyond the city into villages and urban settlements across India, evolving into a nationwide initiative focused on bridging social and educational gaps.

Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Global Teacher Prize, GEMS Education, and the Varkey Foundation, said, “Rouble Nagi represents the very best of what teaching can be – courage, creativity, compassion, and an unwavering belief in every child’s potential. By bringing education to the most marginalized communities, she has not only changed individual lives but also strengthened families and communities. Her work reminds us that teachers are the most powerful force for progress in our world.”

Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, also praised Nagi’s contribution, saying, “Congratulations, Rouble. This moment reminds us of a simple truth: teachers matter. UNESCO is honored to join the Global Teacher Prize in celebrating teachers like you, who, through patience, determination, and belief in every learner, help children into school – an act that can change the course of a life. It affirms the right to learn, to dream, and to build a future with possibility.”

Through her initiative, Misaal India, Nagi has set up education centers that bring learning directly into underserved neighborhoods.

The program also runs skill centers that support women in gaining financial independence and becoming local entrepreneurs. Each center focuses on dignity, confidence, and access to opportunity.

A central feature of her approach is the use of art as an educational tool. By turning classrooms and public walls into spaces for expression and learning, she helps children understand concepts more clearly while building confidence, creativity, and self-worth.

Nagi has often cited Savitribai Phule as a major influence on her work, drawing inspiration from Phule’s pioneering efforts to expand education among marginalized communities. She has maintained the same guiding principle for more than two decades: education as a means of empowerment without discrimination.

Her experiences and learnings are documented in her book, which traces how a single initiative can address multiple issues, including education, women’s empowerment, livelihoods, sanitation, dignity, and social inclusion. These efforts align with national development priorities and the broader vision of Viksit Bharat.

After receiving the award, Nagi dedicated the honor to children, saying it belongs to every child whose dreams deserve opportunity and care. She also dedicated the recognition to the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat, emphasizing her belief that education-driven empowerment is essential for building a developed and inclusive India.

She has said her work is inspired by the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly the focus on grassroots empowerment and inclusive growth, as well as by Nelson Mandela, whose life she credits for demonstrating courage, resilience, and compassion.

Nagi described the award as a reminder that when passion and purpose come together, they can create lasting change, marking a milestone not just for her work but for education-led social transformation in India.