LONDON (Diya TV) — Three educators from India have earned a place on the prestigious top 50 shortlist for the $1 million Global Teacher Prize 2026, bringing global attention to innovative teaching efforts that are changing lives across classrooms, conflict zones, and underserved communities.
The shortlist was announced by the Varkey Foundation, a UK-based organization that runs the annual Global Teacher Prize in partnership with UNESCO and GEMS Education. The award recognizes teachers who make an extraordinary impact on their students and society.
More than 5,000 nominations from 139 countries were submitted for the 10th edition of the prize, making the competition one of the most respected honors in global education. The three shortlisted educators from India are Sudhanshu Shekhar Panda of Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, Mehraj Khourshid Malik from Jammu and Kashmir, and Rouble Nagi, who works with children in slums and rural areas across India.
Each finalist represents a different approach to education. Together, they highlight the power of teaching to drive social change, peace, and inclusion. The winner of the Global Teacher Prize will receive USD 1 million, aimed at expanding their educational work and influence.
Sudhanshu Shekhar Panda has devoted more than 30 years to education. He has helped transform the lives of thousands of students through innovative classroom practices and mentorship. Panda has also trained more than 6,000 teachers, strengthening the quality of education far beyond his own school. His work focuses on student-centered learning, leadership development, and teacher empowerment.
If Panda wins the Global Teacher Prize, he plans to establish a Centre for Educational Excellence. The center would expand teacher training programs across India, grow community-based education efforts, and build international partnerships to improve learning outcomes nationwide. Mehraj Khourshid Malik chose teaching as a response to conflict and extremism in Kashmir. He left behind a career at Microsoft to serve his community through education.
Malik now leads a network of more than 1,000 volunteers who promote peace, dignity, and civic responsibility in schools and institutions. His work encourages young people to reject violence and embrace dialogue, service, and critical thinking. If awarded the Global Teacher Prize, Malik aims to create a Centre for Transformative Education. The center would expand its peace-building initiatives and support youth leadership in conflict-affected regions.
Rouble Nagi is an Indian artist and educator who uses art as a powerful tool for learning and social change. She works with marginalized children in urban slums and rural communities. Through her Misaal India program, Nagi has reached more than one million students, helping children build confidence, creativity, and practical skills. Her approach blends education with art, culture, and community engagement.
If she wins the Global Teacher Prize, Nagi plans to expand education centers and vocational training programs for underserved youth, opening new pathways to employment and self-reliance. Sunny Varkey, founder of the Varkey Foundation and GEMS Education, congratulated the finalists and emphasized the purpose of the prize.
“The Global Teacher Prize was created to shine a light on teachers whose dedication, creativity, and compassion deserve global recognition,” Varkey said.
UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education Stefania Giannini also praised the shortlisted educators. She stressed that the world faces serious challenges, including teacher shortages, rapid technological change, and climate pressures.
“We cannot build a just, inclusive, and sustainable future unless we invest in teachers,” Giannini said.
