MUMBAI: Indian teacher and activist Rouble Nagi on Thurdsay has been awarded the Global Teacher Prize 2026, the largest prize in the world for educators. The award, worth $1 million, was presented at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, recognising her decade-long efforts to provide quality education to children in underprivileged communities.Who is Rouble Nagi?Rouble Nagi is both a teacher and an artist who has dedicated her career to educating children who rarely attend formal schools. She is the founder of the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, which uses art, murals, and creative methods to make learning engaging and accessible. Starting her work about ten years ago in the slums of Mumbai, Nagi transforms walls and neglected spaces into open-air classrooms where children learn literacy, numeracy, science, history, and other subjects through colourful and interactive murals.Over the years, Nagi’s foundation has established more than 800 learning centres across India, helping children who have never been to school, as well as those already enrolled but struggling to keep up. She also trains and mentors over 600 volunteer and paid educators to deliver lessons tailored to the academic level and social circumstances of each child.Nagi’s programmes are designed to tackle challenges such as poverty, child labour, early marriage, irregular attendance, and lack of basic facilities. She has introduced flexible schedules, practical lessons using recycled materials, and skill-based teaching that benefits both children and their families.In addition to her work with children, Nagi runs the Misaal India initiative, which provides skill training for women, helping them gain financial independence and start their own businesses.Accepting the award, Nagi said that recognition of work built on education, compassion, consistency, and service motivates her to continue supporting children at the margins of society. She also plans to use the prize money to establish an institute providing free vocational training for students.Sunny Varkey, founder of the Global Teacher Prize and GEMS Education, praised Nagi, saying she represents “the very best of what teaching can be — courage, creativity and compassion”. Francis Joseph, CEO of GEMS Education, said Nagi’s influence extended beyond conventional classrooms. Stefania Giannini, Unesco’s assistant director-general for education, said the award reaffirmed a “simple truth: teachers matter”.Rouble Nagi is the 10th recipient of the Global Teacher Prize, launched in 2015. Past winners include educators from Kenya, Palestine, Canada, and Saudi Arabia, recognised for their innovative and impactful work with disadvantaged students.
