Growing Up Together With the Academy

On an unforgettable day in August 12 years ago, the Aga Khan Academy (AKA) Hyderabad opened its doors to a class of curious pre-schoolers with the hope to change their lives. Little did the tots know they would grow up to be smart and confident agents of change and able representatives of the Academy. Among those young ones was Kriva Manjiyani, who is now a graduating Diploma Programme (DP) 2 student. On asking her about her experience at the Academy, Kriva recounts her 12 years of wonderful memories.

Recalling her memory of her first day in school in 2011, Kriva said, “I  woke up early, feeling excited about my first day of school. As I got onto the bus, Mrs Archana welcomed me with a warm hug. The bus was filled with strangers who I knew wouldn’t remain so for long.” Kriva recalls her growing up with the Academy. She joined the school when the campus was still under construction. Now, only a week away from getting graduated, Kriva realises that she walked hand-in-hand with the Academy through a journey of a lifetime. “I vividly remember, in 2011, the  Academy had only two buildings – the Academy Building and the Junior School building – with about 100 students,” Kriva explained. “It was a new school with a unique and focused vision and a burning passion for bringing a positive change to the world.”

Kriva has carved out her place in the AKA Hyderabad campus – whether because of her friendly and cheerful personality or her passionate dance performances – that will stay on forever. When asked about the one thing she would advise younger generations at the Academy, Kriva said, “I want to remind you that you are the choreographers of your life. You have the power to decide what steps to take, what moves to make, and what stories to tell.” She encouraged her juniors in school to dance like nobody's watching, embrace and learn from mistakes, and never be afraid to take risks because, when in the end one looks back at one's life, one should be able to say, “I am glad I tried” instead of “I wish I had tried.”

Interviewed by Amulya Madasu, Diploma Programme One