Friday, 13 November 2015

Shaheen Mistry- A Personality Truly #madeofgreat

When I joined Teach For India (TFI) in 2011 because of my personal inspiration to serve the nation and do something about one of the most pressing challenges that we are faced with, I didn't know about the leader behind this movement. It was only during our training when I not only got to meet her and learn about her remarkable story, but felt truly passionate about starting this life-long journey as an educational equity spokesperson. Shaheen Mistri, the Founder and CEO of TFI, is truly #madeofgreat and her story is even greater.

Settled abroad, Shaheen came to Mumbai with her family when she was 18 years old and it was then that she decided to stay back in India and lead her life serving a cause that was bigger than herself. She had the courage to give up a life of luxury and comfort, all to see a million Indian children transform their lives by experiencing excellence in education. She founded Akanksha Foundation, an NGO that provided after-school educational support to slum children, which later became a chain of schools for the underprivileged, without any compromise on the quality of education provided. In 2007, Shaheen founded Teach For India, a movement of young leaders working day in and day out towards a common vision- One day, all children in India will receive an excellent education. 

What I admire the most about Shaheen is her enormous sense of possibility. Despite all the challenges she has faced, and continues to face, in her professional and personal life, she has never lost hope and the belief in the work that she does. She has a sparkling smile and she smiles very often. Her positive aura is so palpable; you notice her presence the moment she walks into a room. She is also very reflective and has internalized the habit of looking back on one’s own actions and constantly working towards improving oneself. An amazing writer, her words can inspire anyone. As a TFI alumni, I still have access to my TFI mailbox and I sometimes go back to some of her mails whenever I feel bogged down or uninspired. I distinctly remember a note she had once shared with us all fellows, which really made a difference to me and would like to feature an excerpt from her note in this post: 

"Remember you always have the choice :

· To plan or not to plan
· To develop those incredibly strong bonds with your kids. Or to be just another teacher
· To treat your children with respect, and care. Or to do something that humiliates them
· To transform you classroom into a beautiful, magical place. Or to have it continue to be the unclean, uninspiring place that won't inspire change
· To rise above mediocrity and strive for excellence. Or to be a little better than the alternative
· To solve the problems that you have. Or to complain about them
· To focus on the good. Or to get bogged down by what isn't working"

It's been two years since my journey with TFI ended but the bond that I built with my kids and their parents, my co-workers at school and colleagues at TFI are still extremely special to me. More importantly, the lessons I learned during the fellowship will always stay with me. Whenever I look back at my TFI days, I silently thank Shaheen and salute her for her courage, grit, determination and faith.

Check out this website for knowing about many other #madeofgreat personalities: http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com/

8 comments:

  1. Great post.

    Legends always meet legends and so TATA Motors came in association with Lionel Messi. Both deliver their best in the best of their potential and manner and are always keen on working hard and improve with each performance. Both have proved their mettle in their own fields and are known for the best in their performance grounds. Splendid and amazing, both them of them and even a great pleasure to see their association!

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  2. A great post, indeed.

    Well, coming to answer for the association of TATA Motors with Lionel Messi is not a surprise since both have been amazing field players in their own grounds of roads and football field respectively. All the hard work of the years and the continuous efforts towards improvisation with each passing day by the two has been amazing and this is what brings the two legends together in association of each other. This shall be inspiring others to come forward and compete in healthy manner, which would aid in good quality deliverance.

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  3. Hi Pranav,
    Indeed a nicely written post. I wish you good luck for the contest
    Here is my answer
    The association of Tata Motors with Lionel Messi is that of two greats. Lionel Messi has been exceptionally talented who with his hard work, determination and sacrifices has got better and tougher in his chosen sport so is the Image, reputation and quality of TATA Motors that have transformed brilliant ideas into masterpieces of engineering and created a brand and products that we are so proud of as Indians. Lionel Messi has transformed his body and the mind body co-ordination into a masterpiece of precision and excellence it would not be wrong to say that Lionel Messi is the TATA Motors of sports where as TATA Motors is the Lionel Messi of vehicles both giants in their own spheres driven by the drive to excel and lead by example. So Lionel Messi is the best choice for becoming the brand Ambassador for TATA Motors
    aaloke19@gmail.com

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  4. Your post describes #madeofgreat so well that it has winner written all over it. Good luck for your entry.
    Here is my answer.
    Like minds think and act alike looking at the track record of TATA Motors it has stood the test of time and built a business that was built using bricks of hard work on a foundation of trust. Authenticity, reliability, simplicity, as well as its commitment to innovation are the trademarks of brand TATA Motors. These same qualities are present in Lionel Messi who with his immense talent has made a mark for himself on the international football field .Facing all hardships he has worked hard toiling on the fields and in training sessions facing injuries and pressure to come out trumps and be a winner. Thus these two greats Lionel Messi and TATA Motors are made for each other .There association is a bond of two legends
    In case you pick me a winner my email id is : princess09hema@gmail.com
    Fingers crossed :)

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  5. Your post defines #madeofgreat to the hilt. Goodluck for the contest
    My answer is:
    Authenticity, reliability, simplicity, as well as its commitment to innovation are the pillars of strength on which TATA have built a brand that has put India on the global map. It is a brand that has stood the test of time just like Lionel Messi who tackles opposition on the field with his skill,agility,strategy,brilliance and raw power to reach and score a goal so has been the track record of TATA motors who has become a brand leader and a global giant. These qualities make TATA Motors and Lionel Messi perfect partners who stand for the same set of values thus Lionel Messi is the perfect brand ambassador to represent TATA Motors.
    Hope my best to be a winner here; do contact me for the prize at mahima2014j@gmail.com
    fingers crossed

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  6. Yours is a very well written post your .Its is a very nice description of #madeofgreat
    TATA Motors is a brand associated with performance, endurance and excellence. These words are also synonymous with Lionel Messi who plays as a forward and weaves his magic on the football field.Just as Lionel Messi is considered the best footballer in the world ,TATA motors which is Indias premier automotive manufacturer gives wheels to the people of India with its wide range of vehicles. Both believe in excelling in whatever they do and set examples for others to follow. They compliment each other as both are reliable trustworthy and leaders thus Lionel Messi is the natural choice as the brand ambassador of TATA Motors
    Please consider me as a winner
    Email: yagneshbjoshi10099@gmail.com

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  7. Lovely post on TFI Founder! Never knew so many facts about her! Truly #made of great!

    My answer: Lionel Messi is one who has risen from his roots to the
    great, commanding position in soccer he holds today. He has made
    excellence his habit, and brilliance his being. He just does what he’s
    good at to the best of his ability, with humility and precision. His
    every kick, every move is a master-stroke, making millions sit up and
    take notice. Being great is not his goal or destination, but just the
    way he naturally is. The best part is that he’s constantly evolving to
    be better at his game through dedication and practice, how much ever
    great he may already be! All these characteristics also personify Tata
    Motors, which is constantly working to produce ever more sophisticated
    cars for the modern global denizen. Rising from being a small motors
    company, Tata Motors is today a huge global brand commanding respect
    and awe in every country. Its acquisition moves make the world sit up,
    while its humility and all-encompassing nature in assimilating
    different cultures and people is the ability even legendary brands are
    unable to master. Tata Motors and Lionel Messi undoubtedly are two
    greats, where one plus one do not make two but their energies combine
    to give a far superior synergy and result…like…a perfect 100! Great
    that this brand association has happened!

    Email: amrita.sabat@gmail.com

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  8. Amazing blog and very interesting stuff you got here! I definitely learned a lot from reading through some of your earlier posts as well and decided to drop a comment on this one!

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