India’s ‘Streets Teacher�

Education

India’s ‘Streets Teacher’ Honoured at Malaysia’s for Educational Innovation

Bringing pride to India’s grassroots education movement, Deep Narayan Nayak, affectionately known as the “Teacher of the Streets” and “Human Blackboard”, has been honoured with the Global Educator Award 2025 (Avant-Garde Teacher Award) at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Malaysia, for his groundbreaking Raster Master Three-Generational Learning Model (3GLM) — an innovation transforming community-based learning across generations.

Malaysia Honours Global Education Leadership

The prestigious Global Educator Summit 2025 was held on October 4, 2025, at Dewan Tuanku Canselor, UPSI — Malaysia’s oldest and most esteemed teacher education university. The grand ceremony was attended by eminent global educators, policymakers, and innovators from 57 countries.

On behalf of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Minister of Higher Education presented the award to Mr. Nayak, applauding his lifelong dedication to inclusive learning and intergenerational education.

“Mr. Deep Narayan Nayak’s innovative approach reflects the true spirit of transformative education,” said the Minister of Higher Education. “His commitment to empowering communities through learning is a shining example for the world. We are proud to celebrate his contribution to global education.”

UPSI and Malaysia: Leading Global Education Transformation

The Vice-Chancellor of UPSI, Professor Dato’ Dr. Md Amin Bin Md Taff, personally congratulated Nayak, describing him as “a true global educator who blends innovation with compassion.” He praised the Raster Master Model for “bridging generations, promoting inclusivity, and redefining the role of education in sustainable development.”

Mr. Nayak expressed deep gratitude to the Malaysian Government, the Ministry of Higher Education, UPSI leadership, and the people of Malaysia for their warmth, hospitality, and visionary collaboration.

“I am profoundly grateful to UPSI’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Dr. Md Amin Bin Md Taff, and his entire faculty team,” Nayak said. “Their generosity, intellectual openness, and spirit of collaboration made me feel at home in Malaysia. The Government’s commitment to education, guided by the MADANI vision, truly inspired me to adapt these principles to India’s grassroots learning systems.”

He also thanked the Government of Malaysia, the Higher Education Minister, and all professors, researchers, and students who participated in interactive dialogues and school visits, describing the experience as “a bridge between nations built through education and empathy.”

Historic Recognition for India

Among 244 nominations from 57 nations and 81 global finalists, India emerged in the top position in the Avant-Garde Teacher Award category — a historic milestone for the country.

The award, signed by Professor Dato’ Dr. Md Amin Bin Md Taff, recognizes Nayak’s “innovative pedagogy and commitment to pushing the boundaries of education.” Along with the Ombak Laut Trophy and an official certificate, he received a USD 5000 research grant to further his work in community-based innovation and educational sustainability.

This recognition also laid the foundation for academic collaboration between Raster Master International Foundation (India) and UPSI (Malaysia) through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focusing on inclusive education, sustainability, and global peace through learning.

Three-Generational Learning: A Model Rooted in Humanity

Nayak’s Raster Master 3GLM is a visionary model where children, parents, and grandparents learn together — a living embodiment of intergenerational learning and social inclusion.

By transforming village walls into blackboards and streets into classrooms, he redefined education as a movement of dignity, compassion, and collective progress.

“Education must unite generations, nations, and hearts,” Nayak emphasized. “Through innovation, research, and cultural exchange, we can move toward a world where learning builds compassion, not competition — a world of peace through education.”

Cultural Exchange and Learning in Malaysia

During his educational tour, Mr. Nayak visited five Malaysian public and private schools and UPSI’s research departments, exploring curriculum innovation, teacher training, and value-based education under Malaysia’s MADANI principles — a framework emphasizing compassion, balance, and respect.

“The MADANI philosophy deeply moved me,” he said. “Malaysia has shown how education can integrate moral values with modern research. I wish to bring that harmony to India’s grassroots systems through research and innovation.”

Recognition from the Indian High Commission

At the summit, Ms. J. Rocheus Sukanya, Counsellor of Education at the High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur, met Mr. Nayak and congratulated him on behalf of India.

She praised his achievement as “a reflection of India’s innovative and inclusive spirit in global education”, noting that his work embodies “India’s compassion, culture, and commitment to education for all.”

A Shared Vision for Global Education

Mr. Nayak — Founder and Chief Researcher of Raster Master International Foundation (India) and Head Teacher of Jamuria Namopara Free Primary School (West Bengal) — has dedicated over 15 years to advancing community-based educational innovation across 100+ rural villages in India and Bangladesh, reaching over 20,000 learners.

His ongoing collaboration with UPSI marks a new chapter in India–Malaysia educational cooperation, emphasizing mutual learning, intercultural dialogue, and sustainable development.

“Malaysia has given me not just an award, but a lifelong partnership,” Nayak concluded. “Together, we will work to create a world where education unites humanity — and learning becomes the language of peace.”

About UPSI (Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris)

Established in 1922, UPSI is Malaysia’s premier teacher education university, renowned globally for its excellence in pedagogy, innovation, and educational research. The institution continues to lead regional and global collaborations in inclusive and sustainable education.