Renu Dasgupta Memorial Prize 2026 - Awardees
Honouring Those Who Make a Difference in Education
Winner, 2026
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Dr Ashis Kumar Ghosh
Headmaster
Sonarpur Vidyapith (HS),
Sonarpur, Kolkata,
West Bengal, India
Recognised for transforming school infrastructure, strengthening academic outcomes, and creating an environment where students can learn, grow, and aspire to greater possibilities.
Dr Ashis Kumar Ghosh became Headmaster of Sonarpur Vidyapith in July 2019, when the school faced challenges including inadequate infrastructure, unreliable water and electricity supplies, and insufficient sanitation facilities. He prioritised improving the school environment while strengthening academic standards and enriching students’ educational experiences.
Under his leadership, the school has grown into a thriving institution serving approximately 2,500 students, with opportunities for value-based education, cultural activities, and co-curricular learning alongside academics. As a Mathematics teacher who also teaches other science subjects when needed, Dr Ghosh remains closely connected to classroom learning. His work reflects a commitment to creating a safe, supportive environment where students can learn with confidence and aspire to a brighter future.
Celebrating our Runners-up for their dedication to creating meaningful learning opportunities, nurturing every learner’s potential, and making a lasting difference in their communities.
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Purvi Raj
Education and Inclusion Advocate; formerly Senior Cluster Officer and Cluster Head, Project Utthan,
Adani Foundation, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Recognised for advancing inclusive education through individualised learning support, educator mentorship, and advocacy for neurodivergent learners. Her work has helped students overcome learning barriers, build confidence, and progress academically.
Through Project Utthan, she supported foundational literacy and numeracy across municipal primary schools in Mumbai, working with educators to adapt teaching methods and create more accessible learning experiences. Her approach combined specialist knowledge with practical classroom strategies to address the diverse needs of learners.
She has also provided individualised remedial support to students with learning disabilities and autism, helping them work towards academic milestones and board examinations. Her continued advocacy reflects her commitment to ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to access education and realise their potential.
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Sajal Kanti Kayal
Founder & CEO,
Kankura Masat Social Welfare Society (KMSWS), West Bengal, India
Recognised for building inclusive, child-centred learning environments in rural communities. Through creative teaching methods, individual support, and collaboration with families and fellow educators, he helps children of diverse abilities participate, learn, and thrive.
At Tiyas School, Sajal works with children from pre-primary to upper-primary levels, many of whom face educational and socioeconomic barriers. He adapts lessons to different learning needs through play-based activities, multisensory approaches, flexible assessments, and peer collaboration, helping students participate meaningfully and learn with confidence.
Beyond his own classroom, he mentors fellow educators and supports remedial learning centres run by KMSWS. He is also Founder & CEO of Kankura Masat Social Welfare Society (KMSWS). By creating low-cost teaching materials from locally available resources and engaging with families, he strengthens inclusive practices in a resource-constrained setting. His work reflects a sustained belief that every child deserves to feel valued, supported, and able to flourish.
Vivek Kumar
Programme Lead, Aasraa Trust, Dehradun, India
Recognised for reconnecting children facing social and economic barriers with meaningful learning opportunities. Through personalised support, community outreach, and flexible learning pathways, he helps children return to education and work towards a brighter future.
Through Aasraa Trust’s Street Smart Programme and open-learning initiatives, Vivek works with children whose education has been disrupted by circumstances such as poverty, migration, homelessness, and child labour. He helps create supportive learning environments where children can rebuild their confidence, develop foundational skills, and engage with education at their own pace.
His work extends beyond the classroom, involving outreach to families and efforts to understand the barriers that keep children from attending school. By helping learners access further education and new opportunities, he demonstrates how consistent encouragement and individual attention can open pathways to a more secure future.
Celebrating the Dedication and Impact of Our Highly Commended Educators
Recognised for her dedication to supporting first-generation learners from Indigenous communities through compassionate teaching and mentorship.
Beyond classroom teaching, she encourages students to build confidence, navigate challenges, and pursue their educational aspirations, helping create a supportive environment where they feel valued and encouraged.
Champa Mandal Ray
Assistant Teacher in English, Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira (EMRS), Jhargram, West Bengal, India
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Recognised for making learning engaging and inclusive through creative teaching and strong relationships with students.
Using storytelling, games, visual aids, and group activities, he helps children participate actively and develop confidence. His efforts to support students and stay connected with families also help encourage regular attendance and continued engagement with education.
Ishrat Hashim
Fellow Teacher, Grades 4 and 5, Chinar International Fellowship;
Government Girls Middle School, Surasyar, Budgam,
Jammu and Kashmir, India
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Recognised for creating meaningful learning opportunities through child-centred teaching and a commitment to inclusive education.
Since establishing the institution in 2012, she has worked to make learning accessible and engaging through storytelling, role-play, group discussions, and project-based activities. Her approach encourages participation, confidence, and a sense of belonging among learners.
Satarupa Majumder
Founder and Secretary;
English and Social Sciences Educator, Swapnopuron Shiksha Niketan, Hingalganj, West Bengal, India
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Recognised for advancing foundational learning and inclusive education for children from underserved communities.
With extensive experience in education, she supports foundational literacy and numeracy while working to reduce barriers to school participation. Her efforts have included helping children with disabilities access the support they need to engage in learning and progress in school.
Nazneen Bano Kalimuddin Shaikh
Founder and Secretary;
English and Social Sciences Educator, Swapnopuron Shiksha Niketan, Hingalganj, West Bengal, India