From Slum Walls to Global Recognition: Teacher Rouble Negi Becomes Millionaire Overnight

New Delhi: Rouble Negi, a teacher and activist, has risen to global fame almost overnight, earning millions and making a lasting impact through her innovative educational murals. Recently, she was honored with the Global Teacher Prize, receiving a reward of $1 million (approximately ₹9 crore) for her outstanding contribution to education.

Negi is renowned for painting educational murals on the walls and ceilings of slum areas, transforming ordinary surfaces into vibrant learning spaces. Her work has earned her international recognition, giving her a unique identity in the world of education. Through the Rouble Negi Art Foundation, she has established over 800 learning centers across India, aimed at providing structured learning for children who have never attended school, as well as supplementing the education of children already enrolled in schools.

The Global Teacher Prize, awarded by the Varkey Foundation, was presented to Negi at the World Government Summit in Dubai, an annual event attended by leaders from across the globe. She is now using the prize money to establish an institute that will offer free vocational training, furthering her mission to empower underprivileged children.

Negi’s murals are not just art—they are educational tools, teaching subjects like literacy, science, mathematics, and history directly on the walls of slums, making learning accessible and engaging.

A Legacy of Global Educators:
Negi joins a prestigious list of Global Teacher Prize winners, including a Kenyan teacher dedicated to educating children in remote villages, a Palestinian primary school teacher promoting non-violence, and a Canadian educator teaching in the Arctic. Last year’s winner, Mansour Al-Mansour from Saudi Arabia, was recognized for his work with underprivileged children.

The Varkey Foundation also runs Jamees Education, one of the largest private school operators in the world, with schools in Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE. The organization, valued in billions, has grown alongside Dubai’s thriving private education sector, offering quality education to children of expatriates contributing to the city’s economy.

Rouble Negi’s journey—from slum walls to global recognition—exemplifies how innovation, art, and education can transform lives and create a lasting impact worldwide.