India, Nov. 14 -- When Rashmi, a shy ninth-grader in Sambal, Uttar Pradesh, agreed to tutor four younger children in basic numeracy, she thought she was just helping them catch up. A year later, she was planning lessons, persuading parents to send their kids to school, and discussing student engagement strategies with her teacher. The experience sharpened her confidence and patience. So, when she failed her first medical entrance attempt, she didn't give up. Today, Rashmi is in her third year of MBBS.

Her story is not about an expensive coaching class or elite schooling. It's about being given agency - a responsibility to shape outcomes and discovering the power to lead.

India has the potential for thousands more Rashmis. With 248 milli...