Indian activist wins US $1 million Global Teacher Prize 2026 for transforming slum schools through art

Indian artist, activist, and educator Rouble Nagi has been awarded the prestigious $1 million Global Teacher Prize for her extraordinary work bringing education to underserved communities across India. She received the honor on Thursday at the World Governments Summit in Dubai , where global leaders gathered to celebrate innovation and social impact.

Born in Jammu and Kashmir , Nagi trained at the Slade School of Fine Art in London and studied European art at Sotheby’s. Over two decades, she has become a celebrated artist and social innovator , exhibiting her work internationally and transforming public spaces in India through art.

Through her Rouble Nagi Art Foundation (RNAF) and initiatives like Misaal India and Misaal Mumbai , she has established over 800 learning centers in slums and rural villages, reaching more than one million children . These programs combine literacy, numeracy, life skills, vocational training, and creative expression, giving children who never attended school a chance to learn while supporting those already enrolled.

One of her signature projects, the “Living Walls of Learning” , turns neighborhood walls into colorful, educational murals that teach literacy, math, science, history, and social awareness . Beyond education, Nagi has revitalized over 155,000 slum homes , improved sanitation, and run workshops on hygiene, community development, and women’s empowerment.

Her innovative teaching model includes flexible scheduling, hands-on learning using local materials, and life skills education , which has significantly improved literacy, school retention, and community participation in areas often neglected by formal education systems.

The Global Teacher Prize , awarded by the Varkey Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO, honors educators whose creativity and impact transform lives and communities. Nagi, the 10th recipient since the award’s launch in 2015 , was selected from thousands of nominations worldwide. UNESCO praised her work as a reminder of the essential role teachers play in shaping futures, while Sunny Varkey lauded her courage and compassion in making education accessible to marginalized children.

Nagi plans to use the $1 million prize money to build a free vocational training institute , further enhancing skills and livelihood opportunities for youth and adults, continuing her lifelong mission of education for all. Her work stands out for combining art, community transformation, and education , creating a scalable model that inspires teachers and students worldwide.