Indian educator Rouble Nagi has won the prestigious 2026 GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize, an initiative of the Varkey Foundation in partnership with UNESCO. The award, announced at the 2026 World Governments Summit in Dubai, recognises Rouble’s groundbreaking work in bringing education to India’s most marginalised communities.
Revolutionising Education with Art
Over the past two decades, Rouble has transformed abandoned walls into interactive murals that teach literacy, numeracy, hygiene, and environmental awareness. Through her foundation, the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation (RNAF), she has established over 800 learning centres in underserved areas, helping more than one million children access education. These centres support children who have never attended school and provide remedial education for those already enrolled, fostering both academic and creative growth.
Her Living Walls of Learning initiative turns neglected spaces into open-air classrooms, creating an engaging learning environment for children and empowering entire communities to take part in education. This innovative method has successfully reduced dropout rates by over 50%, making a significant impact on long-term school retention.
Global Recognition for Transformative Work
Rouble’s win was celebrated by Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Global Teacher Prize, who commended her courage, creativity, and unwavering belief in every child’s potential. “Rouble has not only changed individual lives but strengthened families and communities,” he said. UNESCO’s Stefania Giannini also praised her, stating, “Teachers like Rouble help children into school – an act that can change the course of a life.”
Plans for the Future
Rouble plans to use her $1 million prize to create a Skilling Institute, providing free vocational and digital literacy training to further uplift marginalised youth.
In addition to her education work, Rouble is a renowned artist, with over 850 murals and sculptures displayed worldwide. She was the first artist invited to exhibit at Rashtrapati Bhavan, India’s presidential museum, and her work has been recognised with numerous awards, including the Jijamata Award and the GR8 Award.
Rouble Nagi’s victory at the 2026 Global Teacher Prize is a testament to her innovative approach to education and her commitment to empowering the most disadvantaged communities. Through creativity and compassion, she is helping shape a better future for children in India and beyond.
