melody@thetimesfoundation.org

In a modest classroom in Shahdara, a young girl raised her hand and asked,


“Why do we always learn English from books written somewhere else and not from our own stories?”


The teacher paused. The room fell silent. Slowly, other hands went up. What followed wasn’t a grammar lesson, but a shared moment of reflection and curiosity.

Across many classrooms in Shahdara, children are taught to memorise, not to question. They learn to follow rules, but not to think for themselves. Often, they struggle to tell the difference between fact and opinion, between knowing and understanding.

That moment wasn’t in the textbook. But it was where real learning began.

Six years ago, I arrived in Delhi for the first time. It felt less like a first trip and more like a return. I was moved by the country’s energy, its rich culture, and above all, the kindness, depth, and resilience of its people. One morning, I visited a small temple near my office—the sound of the bell, the scent of incense, and the rhythm of the mantra quickly became part of my daily rhythm. Outside, a group of children were playing. When they spotted me, they called out, “Didi! Didi!” From then on, I began bringing books, puzzles, and notebooks. We would sit together in those early morning hours, unknowingly laying the foundation for what would soon become the heart of my dreams.
That early connection still fuels me today. My journey has always been guided by a deep calling to serve—especially at the intersection of potential and equity. India holds a unique place in my heart: it’s a country of contrasts and possibilities, of ancient wisdom and youthful ambition. I chose India because I believe its future is not only vital for its own people, but also for the world. And when the opportunity to lead the Times Foundation emerged, it felt like the perfect alignment of purpose, skills, and vision.
To be able to channel those early sparks of inspiration into systemic, scalable change—through programs that empower young people to communicate, think critically, and thrive—is both a privilege and a responsibility I carry with deep humility.

We believe in the extraordinary potential within every individual—and in what becomes possible when that potential is seen, nurtured, and unleashed. When young people are empowered to think critically, speak with confidence, and act with purpose, they don’t just change their own lives—they ignite transformation across communities and generations.

At The Times Foundation, we exist to spark that transformation. Our mission is to equip young minds with the mindsets, skills, and opportunities they need to lead, create, and thrive in a rapidly changing world. We see them not just as beneficiaries, but as changemakers – carriers of progress who will shape a more just, inclusive, and vibrant future for us all.

This belief fuels everything we do. And we know we can’t do it alone. We invite changemakers, dreamers, builders, and believers to walk alongside us – to turn this vision into reality, and to co-create systems that empower, include, and evolve.

Because real change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes root in trust. It grows through action. And it endures when we build it – together.