Swaroop Sampat-Rawal, the celebrated Bollywood actress and a former Miss India, who is also a passionate educator, has been awarded a prestigious Fellowship by the University of Worcester in the UK. This recognition honors her transformative contributions to the field of education and her efforts in promoting inclusive learning and social change. Swaroop, married to actor & MP Paresh Rawal, has earned a PhD in Education at the University of Worcester in 2006, with a doctoral thesis which explored using drama to enhance life skills in children with learning disabilities.
In 2018, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Worcester, further acknowledging her dedication to education. Swaroop was also named a recipient of the Education World Educational Researcher TREE Award for 2025-2026 and recognized as one of the top 10 teachers globally by the Varkey Foundation in 2019.
Known for her role in popular TV soap Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi and as Miss India in 1979, Swaroop transitioned from Bollywood to become a globally recognized educator. Reflecting on the Fellowship, Swaroop shared, “It feels incredible to be recognized by the University of Worcester. My time there gave me the confidence to excel in education. Now, being part of the College of Fellows feels like the culmination of my journey.”
Swaroop continued, “Worcester taught me the importance of research and creativity, and that both are essential for making a real difference. I’m proud of my academic accomplishments, and none of this would have been possible without the solid foundation Worcester gave me.”
Her leadership extends beyond academia. Swaroop was involved in rewriting India’s national school curriculum, contributing to meaningful reforms aimed at improving the educational system for millions of students. Swaroop’s work continues to champion inclusive education and creative learning, advocating for a holistic approach to teaching that nurtures both academic and personal growth. Alongside her husband, actor Paresh Rawal, Swaroop remains committed to creating positive social impact.
