Summary
Shaheen Mistri’s autobiographical piece recounts her journey of self-discovery and commitment to addressing social inequality, especially in the field of education for underprivileged children. As a child, she was exposed to different cultures, living in various countries due to her father's career. Despite a privileged upbringing, a visit to an orphanage in Jakarta left a lasting impact on her, sparking her awareness of social inequities.
Her summer experiences in India, working at a school for the blind, further shaped her perspective. She observed stark contrasts between the lives of the wealthy and the poor, which deepened her sense of injustice. A pivotal moment occurred in 1989 when she encountered children begging on the streets of Mumbai. This experience made her realize that her true purpose lay in India, where she could make a meaningful difference.
Determined to stay, Shaheen convinced her parents to allow her to remain in Mumbai, provided she got admission to a good college. Through persistence, she secured a place at St. Xavier’s College. While studying, she immersed herself in the city’s slums, forming deep connections with the local children. She started teaching them, marking the beginnings of her lifelong commitment to education.
This passion led to the founding of Akanksha in 1991, an organization aimed at providing education to underprivileged children. Despite initial challenges in securing space for classes, her perseverance paid off, and Akanksha grew into a transformative initiative. From a small class of 15 children, it expanded to 58 centers and 6 schools, reaching over 3,500 children. Her journey exemplifies the power of determination and the belief in education as a means of social change.
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