23 April 2025 – The International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge) today announced Global Perspectives teacher, Sakina Bharmal, as the regional winner of the 2025 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards in South Asia. Sakina was selected by the judges for inspiring her students to take real action on global issues.
Sakina is one of nine regional winners of the global Cambridge competition that celebrates the achievements of teachers around the world. As a regional winner, she will win £500 worth of books for her class, a trophy, take part in a regional awards ceremony and receive publicity for herself and her school during the coming year. She will also appear on a ‘Thank you’ page at the front of a range of new Cambridge textbooks, available to the public from November 2025.
Sakina has been teaching for 25 years and currently teaches Cambridge IGCSE and AS Level Global Perspectives, fostering research, analysis and reflective thinking in students. Sakina was nominated for encouraging her students to engage with global issues in meaningful ways. One notable example was a project where students researched HIV and AIDS, connecting with individuals affected by the condition. They compiled their findings into a book, and the proceeds were used to support students living with HIV or with HIV-affected parents.
Sakina said, ‘This recognition is not mine alone, it belongs to every student who chose to question, care deeply, and act purposefully. Global Perspectives is more than a subject; it is a journey that helps young minds realize that global issues are not just distant headlines. They are right here, calling us to respond with empathy and courage. I am deeply proud of my students, whose compassion and creativity have transformed learning into meaningful change. When education ignites purpose, we do not just hope for a better world, we start building it, one thoughtful action at a time.’
Global winner voting
The Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards highlights the important role that teachers play in shaping the lives of their learners and preparing them for the world beyond school. It gives students, parents and peers the chance to nominate a current primary or secondary teacher for outstanding commitment to their students’ education. By going to dedicatedteacher.cambridge.
The 2025 competition received over 5000 nominations for teachers in 101 different countries around the world. Nominations not only thanked teachers for the hard work they put into teaching, but also for all the extra things they do to ensure their students are happy and healthy.
Rod Smith, Managing Director of International Education said, ‘At Cambridge, we are constantly inspired by the stories of teachers who go above and beyond, not for recognition but because they believe in the power of education to change lives. In an industry where AI is making all the headlines, it’s uplifting to see the warmth and humanity that this year’s winners have brought to their classrooms.
‘These awards are a yearly reminder that teachers remain the most vital part of delivering a rounded education. Technology, no matter how sophisticated, cannot replicate the empathy, creativity, social guidance and the sheer inspiration that a great teacher like Sakina can provide. I congratulate Sakina on her immense accomplishments, which I’m sure will inspire teachers and learners across India.’
