Indian teacher and educator Rouble Nagi won the Global Teacher Prize 2026, a prestigious global teaching award worth $1 million.
She received the award at the World Government Summit 2026 held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The award was presented by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
Why She Was Honoured
Rouble Nagi was recognised for using creative art and education to teach children.
She transformed neglected walls into educational murals that teach reading, writing, arithmetic, public health, and environmental awareness.
Her work focuses on reaching disadvantaged and out-of-school children.
Impact of Her Work
Through her Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, she set up over 800 educational centres across India.
These centres provide safe and inspiring spaces for learning in more than 100 low-income communities and villages.
Her initiatives helped over one million children get access to structured education.
Innovation in Teaching
Rouble Nagi’s centres help children who never attended school to begin formal learning and support enrolled students with remedial help and creative activities.
She also trains teachers and volunteers to spread her educational model.
Her approach has reduced dropout rates and improved long-term school attendance.
Plans for Prize Money
Rouble Nagi plans to use the $1 million prize to build an institute offering free vocational training and digital literacy, aimed at helping underprivileged youth.
About the Global Teacher Prize
The Global Teacher Prize is presented by GEMS Education, organised with the Varkey Foundation and UNESCO.
It recognises exceptional educators worldwide for outstanding contributions to teaching and learning.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
