Kareena Thakkar: Charting a purpose-driven path

In the lead-up to the Class of 2025’s graduation from the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad, we are featuring six of our graduates who have been at the Academy since Grade 1, while sharing their experiences over the past 12 years.

Below, we learn more about the transformative journey of Kareena Thakkar, who is a current Diploma Programme 2 student and part of this year’s graduating class.

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.”

Interviewed by Simran, Diploma Programme 1