India, Sept. 12 -- Education, considered one of society's greatest equalisers, became the focal point of a nationwide stir across India recently. Despite being inked into a fundamental right under Article 21A of the Constitution, the topic captured the imagination of the nation, became a common platform for people from diverse backgrounds to rally around, and forced the country to think about the opportunities available to one of its most significant assets - the young.

At a time when real change from the grassroots of India's education sector is demanding the spotlight, HT spoke to someone who came from foreign soil but chose to give her life, finances and time to educating, empowering and uplifting women and children living on a remote...