New Delhi, Oct 25 (IANS): A teacher from West Bengal is among the top 10 finalists for the $1 million Global Teacher Prize 2023, which will be announced at the 42nd session of Unesco's General Conference in France next month.

Deep Narayan Nayak from Tilka Majhi Adibasi Free Primary School in Jamuria, Asansol has been recognised for bridging the learning gap for underprivileged children living below the poverty line and lacking access to education.

With schools shut during Covid-19 lockdown, Nayak turned mud walls outside properties into blackboards and converted the roads into classrooms to provide education to those who would otherwise be left behind due to the digital divide.

His work in providing education to underprivileged, remote communities that lack basic infrastructure, including electricity, schools, Internet, roads, and housing, all seeing him hailed as the 'Teacher of the Streets,' and 'Raster Master'.

In addition, Nayak has developed programmes that address malnutrition, child exploitation, and early marriages, while empowering women in backward districts. In recognition of his outstanding services, he was awarded the 'Shining World Education Award' by The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, 2021 and 'Best Teacher Award, 2020' by the Institute of Scholars. Introduced in 2014, the award is presented by UK-based Varkey Foundation and its strategic partner Dubai Cares in collaboration with UNESCO, to honour teachers who have made an outstanding contribution to their profession.