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On 24 May 2025, the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad celebrated the graduation of 77 exceptional students from the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The graduating class was recognised not only for their academic accomplishments, but also for their contributions to school life, commitment to community service and the ethical leadership they have consistently demonstrated throughout their years at the Academy. Among the Class of 2025 were five students who had been with the Academy since Grade 1 – a testament to the Academy’s long-term commitment to holistic education. The ceremony was attended by families, students, alumni, staff and distinguished guests, and it was held at the Academy. Over 4,000 viewers from across the globe also joined the ceremony virtually as it was live-streamed, bringing together extended family members, friends and staff and alumni of the Aga Khan Schools.

Niranjan Seena Suresh, a Diploma Programme 2 student at the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad, has spent the past 12 years growing, learning and evolving within the walls of the Academy that he calls home. His journey is one marked by transformation, leadership and an enduring sense of gratitude. Responding to the question of what he would miss the most about the Academy, Niranjan said, “I will miss the natural beauty of the campus – the vibrant yet pristine environment I call my home.” Graduating after over a decade at the Academy feels surreal for him. He describes it as “hard to believe,” reflecting on how he has witnessed and contributed to the school’s evolution from a single-building space into the bustling and vibrant community it is today. His earliest memory treads back to a junior school musical, where he found himself singing and dancing on stage in front of a large audience of parents and staff. Though it was a nerve-wracking experience for young Niranjan, it also sparked a lifelong appreciation and gratitude for the opportunities the school provided him, helping him to step outside his comfort zone. Over the years, Niranjan not only gained knowledge but also developed a strong sense of self-awareness. “The school helped me discover who I am. It helped me understand and embrace the world around me,” Niranjan said. “One of the most valuable lessons I learnt from my time at the Academy is open-mindedness. You never know who would become a friend for a lifetime.” Among all subjects, physics stood out as his favourite—not just because of personal interest, but because of the passion his teachers brought to every class. Their enthusiasm and clarity turned complex concepts into engaging lessons that left a lasting impact on Niranjan. One of his proudest achievements at the Academy was his contribution to the inception and growth of the Astronomy Club, alongside other astronomy enthusiasts. Their joint efforts led to the addition of a high-end telescope to the club, a milestone that reflected both initiative and dedication. Niranjan recalls the Diploma Programme 1 grade trip to Tarkarli, Maharashtra, as one of the most unforgettable experiences of his school life. It not only helped him connect with his peers and strengthen ties but also fostered confidence and leadership through life skills training. Another key turning point in his journey toward personal development was his role as the coordinator of photojournalism for the Academy’s Model United Nations conference. The leadership role challenged him to step into an unfamiliar territory, which helped him find his passion while nurturing growth. Niranjan expressed deep gratitude for His Late Highness the Aga Khan IV, whose vision of pluralism and world education made the Academy a reality. “Without him, I would not have had the chance to meet my wonderful friends, peers and teachers, who, though from diverse backgrounds, work toward a shared goal of global excellence,” Niranjan reflected. To him, being a student at the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad means being an agent of positive change. The Academy’s culture of inclusivity and values around ethical leadership made him a strong advocate of social change, willing to serve the community and contribute meaningfully to the world. Among his most cherished school traditions, the annual Summer Productions will remain closest to his heart as an event that brought the entire residential community of the Academy together, sharing joy and building bonds. As he prepares for the university, Niranjan plans to spend some quality time with friends before stepping into the next chapter of his life. As Niranjan prepares to graduate, he describes his feelings through the profound words of A.A. Milne: “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” Niranjan believes he will not only carry with him indelible memories but also a strong sense of identity, responsibility and gratitude. As someone who appreciates the contributions of the Academy in fostering his overall growth, Niranjan’s advice to his juniors is: “be grateful for where you are and for everything you receive.”

Curious, wide eyes, a bundle of nerves and weighed down by a backpack too big for her shoulders, such was Afshine Keshwani’s first step in the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad—a little girl, placed on a large campus that she believed was a realm of its own. “I saw so many unfamiliar faces,” Afshine said. “Even on my first day in the school, I was curious to explore every corner of the place and to find my people.” As her graduation approaches and she steps into her final chapter at the Academy, Afshine is prepared to leave as a confident, passionate and well-grounded young woman. If the walls of the Academy could talk, they would tell the story of how a quiet, shy and sensitive girl turned into a confident and expressive leader. She became someone who didn’t always need to be loud to be heard but who grew steadily, cared deeply, worked hard and always tried to lift others along the way. Afshine’s journey through the Academy has been marked not by a single breakthrough, but by a series of small, significant moments of ‘becoming’ that revealed her evolving self. Afshine recalls one such moment in Grade 5, when she was cast in a leading role in the school musical. The bright stage lights, the sea of audiences and the nerve-wracking vulnerability were the first of their kind for her. In the terrifying spotlight, it dawned on her that her lessons at the Academy go beyond academics. “That experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me I could lead, perform and grow through creative expressions,” she said. Throughout her school life, the Academy's libraries became her sanctuaries. Not merely spaces for study, they were places where friendships blossomed and laughter echoed softly between bookshelves. Afshine reflected, “More than just spaces with books, they became places where I grew, found my focus and built some of my closest friendships.” Guided by compassionate mentors, who taught her how to reclaim her sense of self, Afshine learnt that strength can be soft, leadership can be quiet and kindness is a form of courage. She emerged not only academically accomplished but ethically rooted and emotionally aware. Her transformation is a true reflection of the Academy’s values and principles to nurture young people who are intellectually curious, socially conscious and prepared to lead with empathy and purpose. Over the years, the values imbued themselves in her while she emerged as a reflective, compassionate and courageous individual. Now, as she stands at the threshold of graduation, it isn’t just the achievements she carries with her—it’s the rhythm of belonging, the resilience honed through challenges and the belief that even quiet voices can leave lasting echoes. And though the campus will miss her familiar presence, it sends her forward to the wide, open world, not as the shy girl who once arrived at the Academy when she was little, but as the woman she has chosen to become.

In the final days leading up to graduation, Aarek Hirani walks the corridors of the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad with the quiet assurance of someone who has grown up within its walls. The buildings may have remained unchanged, but he isn’t the same boy who first ran across the Junior School playground, snatching lunchboxes and swinging on the monkey bars. What was once just a school is now a living, breathing part of his identity. A place that has cradled his growth from an enthusiastic first grader to a grounded young man, ready to explore the world beyond its gates. “When I joined in Grade 1, I already had the sense that this place would become home,” Aarek said with a tone that carries both nostalgia and pride. Whether spending recess in the sun-soaked playground or finding joy in small acts of mischief, his early memories are laced with comfort and happiness. “The environment made learning fun, not just through academics, but through the countless extracurricular activities that brought us all together.” Over 12 years, the boy who loved the monkey bars evolved — not by abandoning his past self, but by continuously reimagining himself. Being part of a diverse community, filled with people from different backgrounds and cultures, not only widened his worldview but also sharpened his intellect and compassion. “The Academy taught me to think outside the box, embrace differences, be internationally minded while remaining grounded,” Aarek said, crediting both the rigorous IB curriculum and exposure to experiential learning for shaping his values, beliefs and a sense of service. Indeed, one of his proudest contributions at the Academy was in Diploma Programme 1 (DP 1) when he initiated the Interact Club, tied to Rotary International — a platform he created to give back to the community while inspiring his peers and juniors to do the same. Through projects ranging from providing supplies to government schools to promoting climate action alongside the UK High Commission, he didn’t just participate — he led. This sense of initiative, he explains, wasn’t inherited but cultivated over time by an environment that encouraged him to question, reflect and act. Academically, his path was one of both passion and perseverance. From an entrepreneurial spark in Grade 3, where a homemade popcorn stall on Entrepreneurship Day gave him his first taste of business, to investing in the stock market at age 11, his interests found fertile ground at the Academy. “Economics and Global Politics have always intrigued me — that’s why I took them at Higher Level in the DP,” he said. His passion for global affairs extended into his participation in the Model United Nations (MUN) conferences, eventually leading to his appointment as Secretary-General of the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad MUN — a role in which his leadership shone brightly. Music, too, found its way into his heart during a spontaneous visit to the music room in Junior School. Guided by the Academy’s music teacher, Mr Subhodip, he learned to play the keyboard — eventually performing the national anthem in a school concert. Later, he learned the Tabla, an Indian musical instrument resembling a pair of hand drums, and even appeared for the Trinity theory exam, showing that his talents were as diverse as his ambitions. Despite all the achievements, challenges were never far behind. “Managing academics and submissions was tough, especially during Grade 10,” he admits. Balancing his e-portfolio deadlines with academic pressure taught him the value of time, structure and discipline. His turning point came when he realised that to excel in any subject, one must first find joy in it. That mindset, he believes, has made all the difference. His contributions as Pandya House Captain, leading the House to consecutive victories, as well as his time in the Admissions and Communications Internship, stand as a testament to his versatile impact. His peers will remember him for more than just his titles — they’ll remember him as someone who stood with them, inspired them and celebrated the house spirit that pulsed through their shared experience. What drives all this? For him, it’s simple: “Never compare your first chapter with someone else’s tenth. The journey is yours — you must own it.” It’s a sentiment that reflects his humility and belief in slow, meaningful progress. As he often reminds himself, “Small, insignificant steps, when done consistently, lead to stunning results.” Now, with the Academy behind him and the world ahead, he sets his sights on Babson College in Boston, where he will study Entrepreneurship. “I’m most excited to start something of my own — fail, learn and grow,” he says, his voice tinged with both courage and curiosity. More than anything, he looks forward to meeting people around the globe, listening to their stories and broadening his lens even further — a lens sharpened by years of learning, reflection and service. As he prepares to step beyond the boundaries of the only school he’s ever known, he leaves behind more than just memories — he leaves a legacy.

Kareena Thakkar’s 12-year journey at the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad has been nothing short of transformative, revealing her true interests, shaping her ambitions and grounding her in values that extend far beyond the classroom. As she prepares to embark on her next academic chapter at Huron University in London, Ontario, to pursue a Bachelor of Management and Organisational Studies in Finance and Administration, Kareena carries with her not just a passion for finance but a deep commitment to creating meaningful social change. Her time at the Academy has played a pivotal role in nurturing this vision. Rooted in the principles of pluralism, inclusivity and equal opportunity for all, the Academy’s values inspired Kareena to see finance not merely as a system of numbers and transactions, but as a powerful tool for human development. These values encouraged her to explore how financial literacy, access and innovation can empower underserved communities and promote sustainable progress. It was during her early years in the Primary Years Programme that Kareena first encountered the concept of compound interest—an introduction that quietly planted the seeds of curiosity in her. Later, in her economics classes, this interest blossomed into a passion, particularly when she explored microfinance and its potential to uplift communities through small, purposeful investments. “That was when I truly saw finance as a tool for development,” Kareena said, drawing inspiration from the works of institutions like the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance. “It’s the stewardship and philanthropic approach that drew me in. Finance can spread literacy, empower lives and improve standards of living.” Through her future endeavours, Kareena aspires to bring the Academy’s values into the global arena, using her education as a medium to address socio-economic challenges and drive inclusive growth around the world. Among her proudest achievements are winning a Bronze Medal in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2022, selected from over 26,000 entries, and the English category prize in the Education Perfect Global Learning Festival 2021, where she answered nearly 9,000 questions and won USD 100. “These milestones were possible thanks to the Academy’s culture of encouragement and the incredible mentors,” she said. Kareena credits Ms Meena, her Economics teacher at the Academy, as a key influence. “She helped me see how Economics shapes our everyday lives and global systems,” Kareena said. “Her passion and insight motivated me to keep exploring.” Reflecting on her journey, Kareena shares, “The Academy taught me to apply my learning for real-world change and to use my privileges with responsibility.” As Kareena prepares to graduate, she wishes to leave behind a piece of advice for the younger students: “Go to places where there is an abundance of oxygen to brighten your candle. Where the light of your candle is the zeal and knowledge and the places are like the Academy, carrying an abundance of oxygen to nurture and fuel your thirst for excellence.”