Ms Nilofer Islam Shaikh, born on 20 January 1976, has a Bachelor’s degree in Science and a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She has been teaching Maths and Science for four years in Nelson’s Primary School, Shahpur, Ahmedabad.

She is described by her Principal as “a tolerant, loving and patient teacher, who gave up the opportunity to work in industry for a teaching job and has not looked back ever since. For her teaching is a love which she will not give up for anything, because of the freedom of expression that it gives her. She constantly seeks newer and innovative methods to teach, demonstrate and explore concepts of science with real life examples. Children naturally look forward to her classes.” On 5 September 1999, in recognition of her meritorious service to education, she was awarded the Eklavya Excellent Young Educator Award by the Eklavya Education Foundation.