Indian educator and artist Rouble Nagi has been named the winner of the $1 million Global Teacher Prize 2026, announced at the World Governments Summit in Dubai.

The award was presented by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.

Nagi was recognised for empowering more than one million children from marginalised communities in India through low-cost, art-based education initiatives delivered under her flagship “Misaal India” programme.

Transforming education in marginalised communities

Through the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation (RNAF), Nagi has expanded the Misaal India programme across over 100 slums and villages, using creative learning to overcome barriers such as poverty, irregular school attendance, child labour and early marriage.

Her education model integrates literacy, numeracy, life skills and vocational training, delivered through hands-on artistic projects that actively involve children and local communities.

Misaal Mumbai slum transformation project

One of Nagi’s most recognised initiatives is “Misaal Mumbai”, India’s first large-scale slum transformation project.

The project involved painting more than 155,000 houses, while also improving sanitation infrastructure, waterproofing homes, and conducting hygiene and health workshops. The initiative combined urban renewal with education, using art as a catalyst for social change.

Living Walls of Learning

A key element of Nagi’s approach is her “Living Walls of Learning” concept, which transforms neighbourhood walls into interactive murals teaching subjects such as history, science and social responsibility.

These murals serve as open-air classrooms, encouraging community participation while fostering pride and ownership within neighbourhoods.

Measurable impact

According to programme data, Nagi’s initiatives have:

• Reduced school dropout rates by more than 50 per cent
• Improved literacy and numeracy outcomes
• Shifted community attitudes towards education, particularly for girls

By offering flexible learning schedules, vocational skills training, and creative education using recycled materials, the programmes help children build confidence, critical thinking skills and long-term academic success.

The GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize is a Varkey Foundation initiative, organised in collaboration with UNESCO. The award recognises one exceptional teacher each year who has made an outstanding contribution to the teaching profession and highlights the critical role educators play in shaping societies worldwide.