Rouble Nagi, an Indian educator known for transforming neglected walls into interactive, educational murals, has been awarded the prestigious $1 million GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2026. Announced during a ceremony at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Rouble’s win comes as part of a global celebration of exceptional educators from around the world.
Rouble Nagi’s Groundbreaking Educational Art
For the past two decades, Rouble has dedicated herself to creating accessible education for marginalised communities in India. Through her organisation, the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation (RNAF), she has established over 800 learning centres across more than 100 underserved areas, helping over one million children enter the formal education system.
Her innovative Living Walls of Learning initiative turns neglected and broken walls into open-air classrooms, teaching a range of subjects including literacy, numeracy, science, hygiene, environmental awareness, and social responsibility. These murals go beyond art, actively engaging communities in the learning process and promoting education in areas often lacking basic infrastructure.
Transforming Education in Challenging Conditions
Rouble’s work is especially impactful in areas affected by poverty, child labour, and irregular school attendance. She has created flexible educational models that cater to the specific needs of these communities, such as offering alternative schedules for working children and using recycled materials for hands-on learning. Her programmes have significantly reduced dropout rates by over 50% and improved long-term school retention, empowering children and families with skills for a better future.
The $1 Million Prize: A Plan for the Future
Rouble intends to use the $1 million prize money to establish a Skilling Institute, which will offer free vocational and digital literacy training to marginalised youth. This new initiative will aim to enhance job prospects and provide critical skills to young people, further building on her existing impact.
A Renowned Artist and Urban Renewal Pioneer
In addition to her work in education, Rouble is a celebrated artist with more than 850 murals and sculptures exhibited worldwide. As a member of the India Design Council, her art has been showcased at prestigious venues such as Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum, and her work is part of the President of India’s permanent collection.
Celebrating Global Teaching Excellence: The Top 10 Finalists
While Rouble Nagi emerged as the winner of the 2026 Global Teacher Prize, her achievement is shared with nine other exceptional educators from across the globe. The finalists, who were selected from over 5,000 nominations and applications from 139 countries, represent the best in teaching and commitment to social change.
The Top 10 Finalists for the 2026 Global Teacher Prize include:
1. Adeola Olufunke Akinsulure – Nigeria
2. Alfonso Filippone – Italy
3. Ana Hernández Revuelta – Spain
4. Colleen O’Rourke – Australia
5. Ewa Stefania Drobek – Poland
6. Gloria Argentina Cisneros – Argentina
7. Jasmyn Nicole Wright – United States of America
8. Joshue Castellanos Paternina – Colombia
9. Rouble Nagi – India (Winner)
10. Timothy James Stiven – United States of America
These ten finalists were selected based on their exceptional contributions to the field of education, demonstrating creativity, dedication, and a profound impact on the communities they serve. The Global Teacher Prize aims to shine a spotlight on the important role teachers play in shaping the future of young people and the world.
Why the Global Teacher Prize Matters
The Global Teacher Prize, now in its tenth year, continues to be the largest prize of its kind, celebrating teachers who have made significant contributions to their profession. The prize highlights the transformative power of teachers in addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and social unrest, and encourages the recognition of educators whose efforts help build a brighter future for children everywhere.
Looking Ahead: Teacher Status and Recognition
Since its inception, the Global Teacher Prize has received over 100,000 applications and nominations from across the globe. The Varkey Foundation, which runs the award, believes that elevating the status of teachers is key to improving education worldwide. The foundation’s efforts to recognise outstanding educators serve to inspire and uplift teachers everywhere, helping to make the profession more respected and impactful.
