Ruqaiya Bhanji: A journey of passion, growth and leadership

In the lead-up to the Class of 2024’s graduation from the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad, we will feature 12 of our graduates who have been at the Academy since Grade 1.

Below, we learn about Ruqaiya Bhanji and her experiences.

In her 12-year journey at the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad, Ruqaiya Bhanji has seen the campus grow alongside her. When she first stepped foot in the Academy, the campus was a single building amidst a barren land. As she grew, she saw new buildings rise gradually, turning the surroundings into a lush green picturesque landscape. From the installation of the first sandpit, play area and swimming pool to the building of new classrooms and study spaces, and from making new friends in every grade to bidding farewell to beloved teachers and mentors, she witnessed the Academy transform on the inside and outside.

When asked about her favourite moments at the Academy, Ruqaiya mentions music, an integral part of her growth.

“Everything in my life at the Academy has been about music,” she said.

She credits her music teachers, Mr Shubodeep and Mr Altamash, for nurturing her passion for the subject. From teaching the basics to handholding through her violin lessons, they have been instrumental in developing her prowess in music. Today, she is an avid singer and violinist, often found taking part in the Academy’s concerts. Ruqaiya believes it is through participation in such events that she can express her gratitude to the Academy and contribute to its cultural growth.

Implementing the values of pluralism, ethics and leadership learnt in the Academy, Ruqaiya thrived in the role of a coordinator when interning with the Resource Mobilisation Department at the Academy. Utilising her networking and communication skills, she and her team led campaigns to generate scholarship funds to support the Academy’s Talent Identification Programme, which provides full scholarships to high-potential students regardless of their socio-economic background.

Ruqaiya is a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) enthusiast with a special interest in physics that developed from her interactions with Mr Sudipta, the Diploma Programme coordinator and an adept physics teacher. These interactions nurtured her interest in astronomy. Eventually, she joined the school’s astronomy club and became a club leader, aiming to delve deeper into the intricacies of the universe. From late-night star gazing to passionate conversations about the James Webb Space Telescope, she inspired the members to engage in these quests and continue learning more about the galaxy. After college, Ruqaiya aims to pursue a career in coding and eventually work in the aerospace field at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

After her 12 years of protected, yet enriching, school life, the soon-to-be-graduate is both excited and nervous to explore the world beyond. Despite the thrill, she is also reluctant to let go of the place she calls home. As she prepares to leave the Academy, Ruqaiya is proud to leave a mark as a laudable leader, dependable senior and compassionate friend – qualities she believes she received as invaluable gifts from the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad.

Interviewed by Vaishali Akula, Diploma Programme 1