An Indian educator honoured for transforming lives through 800+ learning centres nationwide, the award highlights inclusive education goals aligned with the NEP 2020 vision
Dubai: Indian educator and social activist Rouble Nagi has been awarded the prestigious $1 million Global Teacher Prize, recognising her extraordinary efforts to bring education to children in some of the country’s most marginalised communities. The award was presented at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, which brings together global leaders and changemakers.
Through the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, she has established more than 800 learning centres across India, providing structured education to children who have never attended school while supporting those already enrolled. Her innovative approach also includes educational murals painted across slum communities, teaching literacy, mathematics, science and history in accessible, creative ways.
Beginning her journey 24 years ago with just 30 children in a small workshop, Nagi has since impacted over a million young learners. Accepting the award, she described the honour as a recognition not only of her work but of India’s commitment to education and equal opportunity.
Global Teacher Prize founder Sunny Varkey praised her “courage, creativity and compassion,” noting that her efforts have strengthened entire communities. UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education Stefania Giannini added that her achievement reinforces a simple truth: teachers remain central to social transformation.
Nagi plans to use the prize money to establish an institute offering free vocational training, further empowering disadvantaged youth with employable skills.
Her work reflects the spirit of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which prioritises inclusive learning and teacher-led empowerment, demonstrating how education can become a powerful tool for lasting social change.
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