Indian Teacher Rouble Nagi Wins $1 Million Global Teacher Prize in Dubai

Dubai: Indian educator and social reformer Rouble Nagi has been awarded the prestigious $1 million GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2026 at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, marking a major global recognition of her transformative work in education.

Chosen from thousands of nominees across more than 130 countries, Nagi was honoured for taking education beyond traditional classrooms and reaching children from some of India’s most marginalised communities. She becomes the tenth recipient worldwide of the coveted award, which celebrates exceptional contributions to teaching and learning.

Through the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, she has established over 800 learning centres across underserved areas, bringing basic education to children who have never attended school. A key feature of her approach is the use of educational murals—large, interactive artworks painted on slum walls and public spaces that teach literacy, mathematics, science, history and hygiene, effectively turning neighbourhoods into open-air classrooms.

According to the Global Teacher Prize committee, Nagi’s initiatives have impacted over a million children and empowered communities by training hundreds of educators and volunteers. Her work blends creativity with grassroots engagement, making education accessible, relatable and inclusive.

Speaking after receiving the award, Nagi said she plans to utilise the prize money to set up a free vocational training institute, aimed at equipping marginalised children and youth with practical and digital skills to improve their livelihood opportunities.

The honour underscores the growing global recognition of teachers as agents of social change and highlights how innovative, community-driven education models can bridge deep-rooted learning gaps.