Shiza Virani: From footsteps to footprints

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 Shiza Virani and her legacy during this past decade at the Academy.

Inside the corridors of the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad, Shiza Virani’s footsteps echoed a journey of empowerment, advocacy and profound self-discovery. Like a protagonist in the first chapter of her story, the six-year-old entered the Academy with wonder in her eyes. At the time, she did not realise these hallways would serve as a backdrop for her teenage years, hopes and ambitions.

Her narrative develops like timeless poetry, mirroring Rumi's words, as she prepares to bid goodbye to her second home for over a decade: "Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.”

When asked where she saw herself in the future, her response evoked a placid determination and nostalgia. "I envision myself enwrapped in a greater sense of maturity, guided by the lessons learnt within these very walls," she replied.

From her earliest days in the Junior School, Shiza found herself in the warm embrace of a community that nurtured her growth and encouraged her to aim high. The Academy became more than just a school – it became a sanctuary where she could explore, learn and evolve.

"The Academy is a world of our own, far removed from the chaos of the outside world,” she reflects. "Here, I find peace, a sense of belonging and the freedom to be myself."

As she transitioned into the Senior School, Shiza's journey took on new dimensions, shaped by the connections she forged with her peers and mentors. The teachers and seniors became her guides, offering wisdom, support and camaraderie in a community larger than herself.

"The kinship you build in the Senior School is profound," she notes. "It is where you truly feel like you are a part of something greater than yourself."

As Shiza retraces her steps through the hallways of recollection, she is certain several aspects of the Academy will retain a special meaning for her. The campus' stunning beauty, with its greenery and calm environs, provided her with a haven for meditation and introspection during the turbulent years of adolescence. The bustling Commons, where friendships were formed and ideas were shared, reflect the Academy's vibrant picture of community. Having spent over a decade at the Academy, the core of Shiza’s journey is her steadfast devotion to advocacy and social change.

Inspired by her experiences and driven by a desire to make a difference, she immersed herself in initiatives such as the Sexuality and Gender Expression Club, a platform dedicated to promoting inclusivity within the community. Through her leadership and passion, Shiza helped foster a culture of acceptance and understanding. In addition to her advocacy work, Shiza's internship with the school’s External Affairs Department allowed her to positively impact the lives of others. She was instrumental in fundraising activities, such as the Academy’s Talent Identification Programme, which provides full scholarships to high-potential students regardless of their socio-economic background. Through her participation, Shiza exemplified the values of service and compassion the Academy upholds, contributing to the community that raised her.

"In another 12 years, I hope to have made a meaningful impact in the lives of others, just as the Academy has made in mine," she says. "And wherever my journey may take me, I shall always carry with me the memories, the friendships and the lessons learnt within these walls."

Through her experiences, Shiza not only developed a voice of her own but also encouraged others to do the same. She contributed to establishing a legacy of empowerment, perseverance and activism that will live on at the Academy and beyond. Every farewell ushers in a new day, and as she walks down the path for the final time, Shiza carries with her the courage to confront the unknown and follow her future aspirations. The Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad will forever be the thread that connects her past, present and future in the storybook of her life.

Interviewed by Harshith Yella, Diploma Programme 1