Close X
Friday, November 29, 2024
ADVT 
India

Former Miss India Swaroop Rawal Selected Among Top 10 Finalists For Global Teacher Prize 2019

Darpan News Desk IANS, 22 Feb, 2019 10:58 PM

    Indian actor and life skills teacher Swaroop Rawal was on Thursday named among the top 10 finalists of the USD one million Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize for her use of unique teaching methods to reach out to children across different segments of society in India.


    Swaroop Rawal, who teaches at Lavad Primary School in Gujarat, was shortlisted from around 10,000 nominations and applications across 179 countries for the annual prize, to be announced at the Global Education and Skills Forum (GESF) in Dubai next month.


    "This solidifies that some very special people are noticing and celebrating the work done by teachers," she said, in response to the announcement. "Given the scale of the education challenge world over, I strongly believe every effort made in education should be celebrated and thus I congratulate my fellow teachers; those have made to the list and also those who haven't," she said.


    Swaroop Rawal, a former Miss India and the wife of actor Paresh Rawal, says she went into teaching to accomplish two goals - to help make children more resilient through life skills education and to bring new methods to teaching.


    "I want my children to be equipped with life skills that not only make them resilient but emotionally empowered. I want life skills education in all schools, for all children, from all age groups," she said.



    According to the Global Teacher Prize, her teaching has reached children on the streets, in rural communities, economically and socially disadvantaged children, as well as elite schoolchildren. In order to reach out to them, she uses drama in education - an active, learner-centred method which includes group discussion, brainstorming, debate, games, song, and drawing.


    Her approach has had an impact on the lives of those she has taught, preventing child marriage in Bhadbhediya and child labour in Sodvadra's diamond polishing industry by facilitating children's return to school. She has also contributed to the understanding of teaching in India, becoming a teacher-trainer and training over 10,000 teachers.


    "I hope her story will inspire those looking to enter the teaching profession and also shine a powerful spotlight on the incredible work teachers do all over India and throughout the world every day," said Sunny Varkey, the Indian-origin entrepreneur founder of the UK-based Varkey Foundation.


    "The thousands of nominations and applications we received from every corner of the planet is testimony to the achievements of teachers and the enormous impact they have on all of our lives," he said.


    Swaroop Rawal will compete with teachers from the Netherlands, UK, US, Georgia, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Japan and Kenya, shortlisted by the Global Teacher Prize Committee from a worldwide top 50.


    The unveiling of the final 10 was accompanied by a special message from Hollywood star Hugh Jackman, who described teachers as "superheroes".


    "When I was a kid there were lots of superheroes that I wanted to be. But I can tell you right now, from where I stand, with all my experience, the real superheroes are teachers - they're the ones that change the world," said the Australian actor-singer-producer known for roles in the 'X-Men' film franchise.


    The winner of this year's prize will be chosen from the final 10 by the Global Teacher Prize Academy and formally announced at a gala award ceremony at the end of the Global Education & Skills Forum in Dubai on March 24

    MORE India ARTICLES

    Punjab Extends Time Period Of Granting Plot Reservation To 1984 Victims

    The time limit of the policy that expired on December 31, 2016, has been extended till the end of December 2021, an official release said.  

    Punjab Extends Time Period Of Granting Plot Reservation To 1984 Victims

    Senior Punjab Cop Paramraj Singh Umrananga Arrested Over Behbal Kalan Firing On Anti-Sacrilege Agitators

    Two people were killed in police firing in Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura areas in Faridkot district in October 2015.

    Senior Punjab Cop Paramraj Singh Umrananga Arrested Over Behbal Kalan Firing On Anti-Sacrilege Agitators

    Navjot Sidhu Tries To Give Chase To Bikram Majithia As War Of Words Turns Ugly

    There was high drama in the Punjab Assembly on Monday as Local Bodies Minister Navjot Sidhu tried to give chase to Akali MLA Bikram Majithia after the war of words between the two turned ugly.

    Navjot Sidhu Tries To Give Chase To Bikram Majithia As War Of Words Turns Ugly

    Time For Dialogue With Islamabad Over: Modi

    Time For Dialogue With Islamabad Over: Modi
    I and President Macri agree with the view that terrorism is a serious danger to world’s peace and stability

    Time For Dialogue With Islamabad Over: Modi

    I'm Sure PM Modi Will Take Firm Decision: Hema Malini On Pulwama Attack

    I'm Sure PM Modi Will Take Firm Decision: Hema Malini On Pulwama Attack
    Hema spoke on the sidelines of a screening of her daughter Esha's short film "Cakewalk" here.    

    I'm Sure PM Modi Will Take Firm Decision: Hema Malini On Pulwama Attack

    Ex-Wrestler, Arjuna Awardee, Former Punjab DSP Convicted In Rs. 700 Crore Drug Racket

    Jagdish Bhola had served as Punjab's Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) but was dismissed from service in 2012 after his links with the drugs racket were revealed.

    Ex-Wrestler, Arjuna Awardee, Former Punjab DSP Convicted In Rs. 700 Crore Drug Racket