Indian Educator Wins Prestigious Global Teacher Prize in Recognition of Transformative Impact Across Underserved Communities
In a remarkable and deeply inspiring development that has captured global attention, Indian educator Rouble Nagi has been named the recipient of the 2026 Global Teacher Prize. The announcement was made at the World Government Summit in Dubai, an international forum where leaders from government, academia, and civil society gather to explore solutions to critical global challenges. This year, the education category was especially competitive, with nominations from more than a hundred countries and thousands of applicants representing frontline teachers whose contributions to student learning and community engagement have been outstanding.
Rouble Nagi was honored for her exceptional commitment to expanding access to education in areas that have been historically underserved, particularly urban slums and remote rural settlements. Her work began more than two decades ago when she founded the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, an organization that has developed creative learning solutions that go beyond conventional classroom settings. One of the most distinctive features of her approach is the creation of what she calls “Living Walls of Learning.” These are large, colorful murals painted on the walls of public spaces that serve as interactive tools for literacy and numeracy. The murals are not simply artistic decorations. They incorporate educational content designed to help children learn basic reading, writing, mathematics, environmental awareness, and life skills by engaging with the visuals.
The impact of these Living Walls has been profound. Children who had little or no access to formal schooling began to attend informal sessions around these walls, transforming what would otherwise be neglected public spaces into vibrant community learning hubs. Over the past twenty years, Rouble Nagi’s programs have established more than eight hundred such learning centers, recruiting and training hundreds of volunteers and community educators, and reaching more than a million students. Her model has attracted attention not only for its educational results but also for how it strengthens social cohesion, empowering families to value learning and support their children’s education.
When presenting the award at the World Government Summit, a high level representative highlighted that Nagi’s work exemplifies the essential role that innovative educators play in shaping societies. The award ceremony, attended by leaders from across the world, emphasized that quality education must be inclusive and accessible if global development goals are to be met. Alongside the recognition, she received a one million dollar award, intended to support her continued efforts to improve education outcomes through creativity and community engagement.
In her acceptance speech, Rouble Nagi acknowledged the contributions of the many teachers and volunteers who have worked with her over the years. She credited their dedication and belief in the power of education with enabling the foundation to grow and adapt to new challenges. She expressed her deep gratitude and spoke about expanding her work to include additional programs aimed at supporting not only academic learning but also life skills, vocational training, and pathways to employment. The prize money will be used to launch a free vocational training institute designed to equip young adults with professional and digital skills that enhance their opportunities for stable employment and economic participation.
Across the global education community, experts have praised Nagi’s achievement as a powerful example of how localized, context sensitive efforts can yield scalable impact. Scholars and policymakers have pointed to her model as a case study in community driven education reform that strengthens participation, enhances learning outcomes, and addresses the persistent challenge of educational exclusion. Education advocates also note that her recognition brings renewed attention to the importance of supporting teachers not only with professional development but also with the resources and autonomy to innovate.
In addition to national pride in her accomplishment, many international organizations have emphasized that Rouble Nagi’s work aligns with broader global priorities around equitable access to education for all children. Her focus on reaching children outside traditional school systems and her success in activating communities to value education have been cited as critical elements in efforts to achieve universal participation in foundational learning. As her work continues to expand under the new funding and global spotlight, there is hope that it will inspire similar models of creative education in other parts of the world where conventional schooling systems struggle to serve all learners.
The global teacher prize awarded to Rouble Nagi thus symbolizes both the personal achievement of an extraordinary teacher and the collective promise of innovative education strategies to transform lives. As international audiences reflect on her story, educators and policymakers are renewing their commitment to supporting teacher leadership, community engagement, and equitable opportunities for learning across contexts where educational barriers remain high.
