World We Dare to Imagine 3

 

Wheels of Wisdom (WoW)

What if the school bell rang not from a distant building, but from a bright yellow bus rolling down a dusty village road? For millions of children in rural India, the classroom is still out of reach-not because they lack ambition, but because geography, poverty, and poor infrastructure keep the doors shut. Wheels of Wisdom (WoW) is my answer to that silence: a mobile classroom bringing learning, technology, and hope right to their doorstep.

Mission

Our mission is to close the education gap in underserved communities by bringing fully equipped, tech-enabled mobile classrooms directly to children who need them most. We believe that every child deserves a quality education, not just those born in the right place.

Why I’m Passionate

I’ve seen the numbers, but more importantly, I’ve seen the faces. During my internship at a Samsung-backed edtech startup, I listened to students in rural India describe their daily struggles: walking miles to a crumbling school, sharing tattered textbooks, or simply staying home because the nearest classroom was too far. My work on an AI-powered chatbot now helps over half a million students-but I realized technology alone isn’t enough. Many kids don’t have reliable internet, or even a school building nearby. The barriers are real, and they’re physical. 

What Makes WoW Unique?

I didn't want this to be a one-off project or a simple tech drop. WoW is a living, breathing solution that adapts to the unique needs of each community:

• Network of Mobile Classrooms: Think of retrofitted trailers or buses, refurbished into colorful, tech-equipped learning spaces that can travel to where the need is greatest. Solar-powered, climate-controlled, and stocked with books, tablets, and learning kits.
• Rooted in Community: Before we roll in, we listen-talking to students, parents, teachers, and local leaders to understand what’s missing and what works. Alongside our staff, we also have opportunities for local women to volunteer and reward them for their support
• More than Just an Educational Program: We offer after-school meals to incentivize attendance, creative workshops, and safe spaces for kids to play and dream. Because education is about the whole child, not just test scores.

Why India

There are multiple reasons why I want to establish WoW in India: 

• The problem of social inequity in education is pervasive in India and the opportunity is huge because a tangible solution is needed urgently 
• The dollar goes far in India. What funds one classroom elsewhere can support several mobile units, staff, and meals here-making every foreign investment have a deeper impact. 
• I’ve never lived in India, and this is my chance to connect with my people, listen, and build something meaningful together.

Why Anima Mundi Development Partners Should Join Us

WoW offers a fresh, scalable approach that meets kids where they are-literally.

Plus, your dollar will travel farther in India. For the cost of a single classroom in the West, your support can help us launch our first 5 mobile classrooms, reaching over 500 children in the first year alone. You’ll be investing in a model that’s flexible, community-driven, and built to grow. 

World We Dare to Imagine Post 1

As I read the words of Jacqueline Novogratz in The Blue Sweater, I was inspired by her vision of “redefining the geography of community," and her encouragement to share accountability to create a world of equals. Her sharing that "each of us in his or her own way can contribute something by thinking—and acting—like a true global citizen" felt both empowering, yet producing a sense of apprehension. Realizing that the future is ours to create, that we must have the courage to imagine it together is empowering. Novogratz's experiences as she witnesses the stories of the widows in Rwanda, to being an advocate for global empathy inspired me to remember that creating change begins with recognizing our common humanity and taking action in any way possible, no matter how small the change that results. 

Personally, I have always believed that educating everyone should be the first step in making the world a better place, and truly society's next step in progress. I have faith that education will provide opportunities, and ensure progress toward breaking the vicious cycle of poverty. The ethically challenging dilemma of social inequity in education is something that I feel passionately about, like so many others; too many individuals, particularly in developing nations, are not provided opportunities simply because of where they were born. This lack of access locks whole communities in poverty, caps their potential, and entrenches inequality. Education is not only a path to employment; it is a basis for dignity, agency, and the ability to engage in society fully. I see education as the great equalizer, and I want my actions to properly reflect that belief.

During my internship at a Samsung-funded edtech start-up I was able to confront this issue head on, while also feeding into my company, community and society through education technology. I spoke to disadvantaged students in India and worked with my colleagues to understand UI/UX and create AI algorithms. I was excited and spent my personal energy designing this AI-powered chatbot, which is now a tutor for more than 500,000 students who do not have immediate support in academic learning. I learned that, as part of the solution, the larger and more intentional the action many can take (even if small, tech-aided) can have a larger impact than one would think; and that my commitment will remain connected to my passion of eduction with technology, empathy, and global work following graduation. If we all were to take ownership of the futures we image in the words of Novogratz, then my first step will be working toward education equity with all we can, one student and one innovation at a time.

 

An Interesting Discovery

35 days, 840 hours, 50,400 minutes, or 3,024,000 seconds. That’s all the time I have left at USC.

Sorry for the dramatic intro, but I need to emphasize how little time I have left at this awesome institution. My year flew by, and I’m incredibly grateful for the people I met and the memories I created here.But I have one regret: not exploring campus enough. I had no idea USC had so many hidden spots—one of which has recently become my go-to study place. Throughout all of first semester and most of second, I studied either in my dorm room or under the harsh, hospital-like lights of Leavey Library. But just two weeks ago, I made an unexpected discovery: the bookstacks at Doheny Library.

Now, don’t confuse this with the main hall you've probably seen in photos and reels. I'm talking about a secret area five floors underground, where you're unlikely to bump into another soul. It’s a wild maze with low ceilings, warm lighting, cool air conditioning, and thousands (maybe millions?) of books. I stumbled across it while looking for The Blue Sweater for a class. When I approached the librarian's desk, I assumed she would fetch the book for me. Instead, she scribbled a few letters and numbers on an index card and told me to go find it myself. As I entered the bookstacks, I was shocked by how vast the collection was—and even more surprised to learn there are elevators that go five floors underground. I made my way down, and to my delight, I discovered a quiet little area with empty desks and chairs.“WHAT? I can study here?” I thought. All this time, I had been crammed into Leavey’s musty corners, completely unaware of this hidden gem just across McCarthy Quad.

Since then, I’ve ditched my old spots and now regularly come to this low-key, peaceful bunker. I love how secluded it is, and being surrounded by books makes me feel focused and inspired. The place gives serious bunker vibes, but in the best possible way. And at a big, social school like USC, it’s nice to have a quiet pocket of solitude. During my study sessions, I take mini-breaks to wander the stacks, browsing random books. I even made a friend there: Valencia, the security guard who checks in on me. He’s super friendly—but nearly gave me a heart attack when he suddenly started speaking fluent Hindi. I had never met a white guy who spoke my language so well! 

As much as I love this place, I know my time here is limited. That’s why I wanted to share it with a few others before I leave. Hence, this post. When I showed this spot to my friends, their reviews ranged from “It’s a dungeon of knowledge” to “It’s depressing.” To me, it’s both—but in the best way. This little hideout will forever be one of my favorite memories from USC. I highly recommend you check it out at least once and decide for yourself.

The Maze Like Corridors

The Book stacks

The Elevators

The Study Spot

Book 2 Post 1

  

Book 2 Post 1

During my trip to Mexico City over Spring break, I read a book called "Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know" by Adam Grant. I chose this book for a couple of reasons. First, I had bought it back in London as part of a collection of books I was supposed to read in college, but it just ended up collecting dust on my dorm desk. Second, I was intrigued by the fact that the author, Adam Grant, has been rated the top professor at Wharton for seven years in a row. I was curious to see what he had to offer.

Almost every night, when I settled in my comfy hotel bed in Mexico (my feet sore from all the exploring I had done), I found pleasure reading this book. It felt satisfying to me because the author's concepts were presented in an understandable manner, accompanied by real world examples and diagrams. I had many "Ohhhh" moments while reading this book which made the read even more intriguing. Grant's writing style is super approachable, and he ensures that his points sticks. One of the key concepts he introduces is "cognitive entrenchment," which he illustrates with the example of Blackberry being so stuck on their physical button keyboards that they missed the boat on touchscreens. It's got me thinking about all the ways I might be trapped in my own thinking. Additionally, his examples cover a wide range of fields, from business, to medicine, and even sports. The book's big on this idea of "thinking like a scientist," which basically means being open to changing your mind when new evidence comes along. Grant argues that intelligence is about thinking and learning, while wisdom is about rethinking and unlearning. This perspective has been particularly eye-opening for me.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. This book has the potential to dramatically improve your cognitive abilities. I think it really helps you unlearn old beliefs that you may have thought were completely accurate at the time and now turn out to be dead wrong. Grant's got this great section on the "joy of being wrong" that's surprisingly motivating, and the 30 practical tips at the end for improving your rethinking skills are super helpful. One of my favorite parts is where he reframes impostor syndrome as a positive, arguing that if someone feels like an impostor, they work harder to get to the right answer. Fair warning though – it can get a bit repetitive at times. But overall, if you're looking to shake up your thinking and maybe get a little more comfortable with uncertainty, "Think Again" is definitely worth a read. Just be prepared to have some of your own beliefs challenged. 

Investment Memo (Draft)

 MEMORANDUM 

To:         Clark Hansen, CEO, AMDP

From: Anish Srivastava, R&D, AMDP

Date: March 12, 2025

Re:         Steer Clear of Boom Supersonic Investment

Over the past week, I’ve concentrated my efforts in reviewing Boom Supersonic, a venture that plans to revive supersonic passenger flight. While their mission is compelling, significant concerns regarding the company’s financial viability, environmental impact, and technological readiness have surfaced. Thus, I recommend AMDP does not pursue investment in Boom Supersonic as it would be a poor fit for our investing priorities. For your convenience, I have organized this memo into four sections: 

• AMDP Investment Standards 

• Boom Supersonic

• Critical Analysis 

• Recommendation 

AMDP Investment Standards 

Triple Bottom Line 

This concept encourages businesses to balance their social and environmental impact with their existing focus of creating economic gains. The three P’s of the bottom line are: 

• People: Firms should be mindful of their impact on both internal and external stakeholders,         such as employees, customers, and suppliers, while ensuring well-being for all.

• Planet: Conducting business in an environmentally conscious manner, like limiting carbon  footprint or reversing any natural harm caused, in order to care for our one and only home.

• Profit: A measure of financial performance and economic value created (Kraaijenbrink)

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

CSR is a practice that integrates social and environmental concerns into a company's business model and stakeholder interactions. By promoting companies to engage in ethical behavior and societal improvement, CSR reflects commitment that goes beyond regulatory compliance. (Watts and Holme)

Social Enterprise 

A social enterprise is a business driven by a desire to address a particular societal issue while simultaneously aiming to create profit. Their values regarding their cause are naturally embedded in their operations and practices. (Abel et al.)

Carbon Footprint 

In the context of business, carbon footprint is a measurement of “the total amount of [greenhouse gas] emissions that are directly or indirectly caused by a company’s activities” (OneTrust). It accounts for emissions released into the environment across a company’s value chain and is expressed in tons of CO₂ per annum. By tracking it, organizations can identify areas to mitigate or possibly neutralize their harm to the environment (OneTrust).

Boom Supersonic

Organization Bio 

Financials (go to Pitchbook)

It won’t Boom, It will Bust

Failed Business Model

Technological Buffers

Environmental Impact

Expert Opinions

Recommendation 

Works Cited 

Abel, Bas van, et al. “Social Enterprises Can Have a Big Impact. This Is How.” World Economic Forum, 11 Jan. 2021, www.weforum.org/stories/2021/01/social-enterprises-can-have-a-big-impact/.

Kraaijenbrink, Jeroen. “What the 3Ps of the Triple Bottom Line Really Mean.” Forbes, 10 Dec. 2019,www.forbes.com/sites/jeroenkraaijenbrink/2019/12/10/what-the-3ps-of-the-triple-bottom-line-really-mean/.

OneTrust. “The Corporate Carbon Footprint: A Quick Guide.” OneTrust, www.onetrust.com/blog/corporate-carbon-footprint-guide/.

Watts, Phil, and Lord Holme. World Business Council for Sustainable Development -Corporate Social Responsibility Catalyst towards for Change Sustainable Development. 2000.

   

Holi - The Festival of Colors, Spring, & Love

Holi celebrations in India 

Have you ever seen a herd of people throwing powdered color at each other? Give it a few days and you'll witness this spectacle on our campus. Holi, in my opinion, is the most fun Indian festival and is approaching fast! Celebrated in the month of March, this joyous occasion marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Growing up in a Hindu household, I've embraced the vibrant chaos of Holi countless times. Armed with bags of gulal (colored powder) and water guns, I enjoy dousing my friends, family, and even strangers in a rainbow of hues. No one can escape me. In the festival, the air fills with laughter and shouts of "Holi hai!" as everyone becomes both artist and artwork. If getting drenched in colored powder is not your thing, then avoid. Seriously, it takes 1 hour long showers to get all the color out of my hair and skin. Regardless, I continue to participate every year because the joy of being amidst this dreamlike environment is well worth the extra effort and my increased water bill.

I've talked quite a bit about throwing colors, and you must be curious about why we do it? The reason is deeply rooted in its cultural significance. Throwing colors in the air and on people symbolizes the arrival of spring and celebrates love—especially the playful spirit of Lord Krishna, who is known for his mischievous antics with Radha (his crush). The act of throwing gulal represents joy and unity, breaking down social barriers as people from all walks of life come together to celebrate. 

Apart from the colorful madness, my next favorite part of Holi is making and eating Gujiyas (flakey pastries filled with dry fruits) with my mom (who also forced me to write this blog post on this topic). Every year until I moved out, my mom made everyone in the family sit around our square dinning table to help her make batches of these delicious pastries. Under her direction, we formed an assembly line where one person had to round up the dough, the second would have to form shell-shapes out of each dough ball, another person would add the filling between 2 shells, and my mom always ended with sealing the 2 shells shut and adding twisted knots on the pastry for shape. Then, we would take turns frying them and eat them hot! I have fond memories of this annual family tradition because it served as a great whole family bonding activity. Now that I'm away from home, I will truly miss this tradition and the festival. 

Gujiyas

Book 1 Post 2

  

Book 1 Post 2

I am nearing the end of the book "American Like Me", edited by America Ferrera, and I don't want it to end. This has only happened for a handful of books in my life. My read so far was an incredibly insightful experience where I made many heartfelt connections with the stories of contributors. This was pretty much what I was hoping to get out of the book before I began reading. So, I'm happy. There were multiple reasons why I chose this book. The primary reason was that I grew up in five different countries, and the book's theme of navigating life between cultures felt deeply personal to me. I wanted to see how my own story of growing up in a web of cultures compared to that of others. Other reasons include the book was written by one of the professor's former students and the book was available to borrow at Doheny Library. 

What I really appreciated about the book was its format. It is composed of 31 short essays, each providing a window into the cultural experiences of a different person. From America Ferrera’s own reflections on her Honduran roots to Jeremy Lin’s experiences as an Asian American athlete navigating the pressures of identity in sports, each essay added a unique flavor to the collection. I was also able to relate with many of the tales such as Padma Laxmi's exploration of her Hindu identity to Reshma Saujani getting her name mispronounced at Starbucks. Some made me laugh out loud as my clueless roommate gave me weird looks. While others, left me reflecting on the complexities of identity and belonging in this big melting pot we call America.

The book was a delightful and easy read. I also got exposed to a variety of different writing styles because of the high number of contributors. I approached the book by reading only a few essays at a time. Each night, before sleeping, I tried to read 2-3 essays which took about 20 mins. I started enjoying this routine because I got to learn about the lives of 2-3 new people each night! I highly recommend you to read this book because not only does it provide a glimpse into other people's stories but it also fosters cultural empathy which I believe is an imperative skill in our interconnected world. Enjoy your new book!