The Seen and the Unseen - hosted by Amit Varma

Ep 413: Shaheen Mistri Goes to School

19 snips

Mar 17, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Shaheen Mistri, the founder of the Akanksha Foundation and CEO of Teach for India, shares her inspiring journey to revolutionize education for underserved children in India. She explores the critical need for a compassionate approach to teaching, emphasizing lifelong learning and empathy. Mistri reflects on her personal experiences and highlights the transformative power of education, advocating for innovative, community-driven initiatives that prioritize curiosity and real-world relevance.

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ANECDOTE

Turning Point

Shaheen Mistri returned to India at 18, abandoning her US college life.
Seeing children at a traffic signal sparked her desire to make a difference.

ANECDOTE

Humble Beginnings

Shaheen, at 18, started teaching kids in a 10x10 ft room in a slum.
Her work organically grew, responding to community needs like education, initially for fun and safety.

ANECDOTE

Finding a Space

After facing rejection from 20 schools, Shaheen secured a classroom at Holy Name School.
She recruited Xavier's student volunteers, creating Akanksha centers with a low-cost model.

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CHARLOTTE'S WEB

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The City and the City

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China Miéville's "The City & The City" presents a unique dystopian world where two cities, Besźel and Ul Qoma, occupy the same physical space yet remain largely invisible to each other's inhabitants. The narrative follows a murder investigation that forces the protagonist to navigate the complex rules and social structures governing the interaction, or rather, the non-interaction, between the two cities. The novel explores themes of surveillance, identity, and the nature of reality itself, challenging readers to question their perceptions of the world around them. Miéville's intricate world-building and thought-provoking themes make it a compelling read for fans of science fiction and urban fantasy. The novel's unique premise and exploration of societal structures make it a standout in the genre.