India, Nov. 30 -- Founder and CEO of the Eklavya India Foundation, Raju Kendre's journey is truly inspirational. Rising from a tribal community, he has reached remarkable heights. In this conversation, he speaks to us about his life, education, and future plans. Coming from a nomadic tribal community in Maharashtra, where my parents never completed primary school, studying abroad once felt unimaginable. As a first-generation learner from a vernacular-medium background, I carried a deep fear of speaking English and often wondered whether I would "fit in." But the moment I arrived in London, those worries began to fade. What struck me most was the UK's empathy - people were open, patient, and genuinely supportive of newcomers. The environment felt not only safe but profoundly inclusive. Studying Development Studies at SOAS, University of London, reshaped my understanding of what education could be. Unlike the banking method that defines much of Indian pedagogy, SOAS offered a curriculum that was dynamic, contemporary, and socially rooted. Classrooms encouraged dialogue rather than memorisation. The British Council supported my journey from the initial stage, and has always been instrumental in strengthening my English language skills, from navigating applications to accessing quality learning. Their online English courses, digital resources, and library access helped deepen my exposure to UK education. International education can help shape more inclusive and equitable leadership in India by exposing learners to diverse perspectives, global networks, and multidisciplinary ways of solving problems. It nurtures confidence, empathy, and a collaborative mindset - qualities essential for leading a diverse country like ours. My own journey reflects this. The skills, exposure, and leadership training I received in the UK continue to guide my work as founder of the Eklavya India Foundation, where I focus on democratising access to higher education for marginalised learners. Recognitions such as the affiliate Ashoka Fellowship and Forbes 30 Under 30 further reinforce the possibilities that global education can unlock. HTC...