Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad celebrates the graduating Class of 2026

On 23 May 2026, the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad celebrated the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2026. Held at the Academy, this special occasion marked the completion of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme by 74 students from around the world, including the US, Afghanistan and Africa.  

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 graduates were also four students who have been with the Academy since 2013, having joined in Grade 1 – a true testament to the Academy’s long-term commitment to holistic education.  

Families, fellow students, alumni, faculty, staff and honoured guests gathered to congratulate the students and witness one of the most significant milestones in their lives. The ceremony was also live-streamed to extended family members, friends, the wider school community and alumni of AKS, reaching over 2,500 viewers across the country and internationally. 

Before the formal proceedings began, the students assembled on the steps of the Academic Building for one final class photograph. This was followed by a special pinning ceremony, during which advisors presented the graduates with a pin signifying the completion of their time at the Academy, as they join a growing legacy of alumni across AKS around the world. 

Following this, the graduation ceremony opened with welcome remarks by Head of Academy Dr Jonathan Long, who reflected on the Class of 2026’s resilience, intellectual curiosity and enduring sense of community.  

“You’ve been given wings at the Academy,” he said. “No matter how you arrived here, no matter who you thought you were, you have not grown up amongst chickens. You have been raised among eagles and eagles are meant to soar. There is far more in you than you realise and I hope you’ve come to realise that in your time here.” 

This year’s keynote address was delivered by Dr Juan González, Vice Provost for Global Engagement at The University of Texas at Dallas. He encouraged the graduates to feel ready to carry the values of the Academy into universities, workplaces, communities and countries around the world. 

“Today, you leave this Academy with many gifts – knowledge, confidence, friendships, values and a powerful sense of possibilities,” he said. “But I hope you also leave with a simple phrase that has shaped my own life and that I see reflected so clearly in you. Aim higher. Aim higher in what you learn. Aim higher in how you serve.” 

Dr Rahim Somani, General Manager of AKS, delivered a virtual address for the ceremony. He reflected on the significance of celebrating the IB Diploma Programme graduations across the AKS network this year.   

“When I look at our graduates, one word comes to mind: hope,” he said. “These young people leave our schools not only with knowledge and skills, but with resilience, compassion and strength of character. They represent a generation that will help build more pluralistic, just, and sustainable societies while improving the quality of life of the communities they will go on to serve.” 

A dance performance by MYP 5 students marked another memorable moment in the ceremony. The students presented a graceful Indian classical dance performance that reflected the themes of discipline, expression and cultural heritage, adding vibrancy and elegance to the celebration of the Class of 2026’s journey. 

This year’s graduates received several offers from prestigious universities worldwide. This includes Imperial College London, FLAME University, the University College London, Boston University, Purdue University, Manipal University, the University of British Columbia, BITS Pilani, New York University, King’s College London and Mahindra University, among others. Additionally, the Class of 2026 was awarded over $5.9 million in scholarships. 

As part of the ceremony, Student Presidents Sumedha Bandaru and Farzam Fazelyar addressed their fellow graduates. Both graduates spoke of the values instilled in them by the Academy, the kinship they have built with their peers and mentors, and the confident leaders they have grown up to become. 

“I can tell you the best part of the Academy is the community – our teachers, friends, seniors and juniors – the home we have built away from home,” said Sumedha, emphasising the power of community. “This community taught me the power of something as simple as an affirming nod, a reassuring smile or a hand on the shoulder, are the small moments that quietly shape a person’s journey.” 

As the ceremony drew to a close, the mood was one of pride and gratitude. The Class of 2026 now looks ahead to new opportunities and challenges across the globe. They carry forward the Academy’s mission to cultivate homegrown, ethical leaders – individuals who will not only succeed in the world but will also strive to make it a better place. 

The Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad wishes the graduating Class of 2026 every success in their future endeavours. The ceremony is available to view online via YouTube.