Top 50 Finalists for Global Teacher Prize 2025 Announced!

Two Indian teachers shortlisted in the Top 50 Finalists!

by Anwesha Pattanaik

The Global Teacher Prize, established by the Varkey Foundation in 2014, has become the most prestigious accolade in education. This annual $1 million award celebrates educators who inspire innovation, champion inclusivity, and make exceptional contributions to the field. 

In 2025, the top 50 finalists come from all corners of the globe, bringing diverse stories and approaches to education. From teaching in remote villages to introducing cutting-edge technology in urban schools, they are united by a shared mission: to make learning accessible, inclusive, and inspiring. These 50 educators are shaping the future by empowering their students as well as the communities.

Among the 50 remarkable finalists, two inspiring educators from India have made their mark: Mohammad Imran Khan Mewati from Rajasthan and Dr. Gayatri Narasimhan from Tamil Nadu. Their dedication and innovation in addressing real-world challenges in education have earned them a well-deserved place in this prestigious list.

Mohammad Imran Khan Mewati who hails from Alwar, Rajasthan, has spent over two decades revolutionising education in rural India. His passion for teaching started early—while still in ninth grade, he began tutoring children to support his family. This humble beginning planted the seeds of a lifelong commitment to addressing the lack of resources in under-served schools. 

What makes Imran stand out is his incredible use of technology to make learning accessible. Teaching himself web development in 2008, he began creating free educational apps in Hindi. Today, he has developed over 100 apps that cover a wide range of subjects, including math, science, and competitive exam preparation, as well as resources for rural health and community welfare. These apps, downloaded millions of times across 50 countries, have changed the way students and teachers access quality learning materials.

Beyond technology, Imran addresses systemic challenges in rural schools, such as absenteeism and gender disparities. His peer-teaching methods, group-based projects, and environmental initiatives like creating Miyawaki gardens have transformed education in his community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his “Devvani” app for Sanskrit education supported thousands of teachers and students. His work has been widely recognised, including by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised him for donating his apps to the Ministry of Education. Imran’s work exemplifies how technology and dedication can bridge educational gaps and empower future generations.

Dr. Gayatri Narasimhan, based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, has taken a completely different yet equally transformative path in education. Starting her career in software engineering, she shifted gears after a life-changing encounter with a child with autism. She decided to dedicate her life to empowering neurodivergent individuals and advocating for inclusive education.

In 2021, Dr. Narasimhan founded the Prakramika Vocational Institute (PVI) which offers over 22 free skill-based training modules in areas like graphic design, hospitality, and communication. Her “Unifying Pathways” project integrates mainstream and special education, fostering collaboration and acceptance among students.

Her innovative teaching methods, rooted in the VAKT (Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, Tactile) approach and Multiple Intelligences theory, ensure that every student can learn in a way that suits their abilities. Her curriculum, detailed in her book INVAS: An Integrated Curriculum for Vocational & Skill-Based Training, equips students with real-world skills, helping them achieve independence and find meaningful employment.

Dr. Narasimhan’s efforts go beyond her school. She has trained parents, caregivers, and teachers to support neurodivergent individuals and has collaborated with organizations worldwide to expand her reach. Recognized globally, including by the United Nations, her work has enabled neurodivergent individuals to achieve academic success, start businesses, and thrive in professional environments.

The Global Teacher Prize is more than an award; it’s a platform to honour teachers’ tireless efforts in building a better future. This year’s finalists showcase the incredible diversity and resilience of educators around the world.

From leveraging technology to fostering inclusion, this year’s finalists embody the values of innovation, resilience, and compassion. Their achievements remind us that education is the foundation for a better world, and their stories inspire communities to value and support educators as agents of change.

As the journey to crown the winner of the Global Teacher Prize 2025 continues, the accomplishments of these remarkable individuals serve as a testament to the boundless potential of education.

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