By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
Dubai/Delhi: Indian teacher and social activist Rubal Nagi has received global recognition for her grassroots work in education after winning the $1 million Global Teacher Prize at the World Governments Summit in Dubai. The award, worth approximately ₹8.3 crore, honours her efforts to bring education to marginalized communities across India.
Born in Jammu and Kashmir, Nagi began her journey 24 years ago in a small workshop with just 30 children. Her work has since expanded to reach over one million children. Through her organisation, the Rubal Nagi Art Foundation, she has established more than 800 learning centres across India, using educational murals painted on slum walls to teach children and encourage school enrolment.
In 2022, her book The Slum Queen documented her journey and grassroots approach to education. What began as a modest initiative has grown into a nationwide movement impacting over 10 lakh children.
Accepting the award, Nagi said the honour belonged not only to her but also to India. She said every step of her journey had strengthened her resolve to ensure that every child in the country receives an education. She also announced plans to use the prize money to build an institute that will provide free vocational training.
The Global Teacher Prize was presented at the World Governments Summit, an annual gathering of global leaders. The prize is awarded by the Varkey Foundation, founded by Sunny Varkey, the creator of GEMS Education. Established in 2015, the award recognises exceptional teachers from around the world, and Nagi is the 10th recipient.
In a statement on the Varkey Foundation’s official website, founder Sunny Varkey said Rubal Nagi represents “the very best of what teaching can be – courage, creativity, compassion, and an unwavering belief in every child’s potential.” He added that by bringing education to the most marginalized communities, she has transformed individual lives while strengthening families and communities.
The Global Teacher Prize was launched in 2015 by the Varkey Foundation. Nagi received the award in Dubai, UAE, during the World Governments Summit, marking a major international milestone for Indian education and grassroots social work.
