Dr. Akshita Bahuguna

When I First Heard It, I Thought of Illich. When the news broke that Saudi Arabia is building 166 “schools without walls”, I paused. As an educator who has spent years questioning the limits of traditional schooling, my mind immediately went to Ivan Illich’s provocative book, Deschooling Society. Could this be the moment Illich envisioned?

“Everyone wanted to teach me.Only a few dared to bet on me.” That line has lived in my heart for years. I once believed I was surrounded by everything I needed to succeed—smart people, wise advice, overflowing support. I had mentors who shared feedback, sent articles, offered coaching, and told me how to improve. They

“No” is a small word. But when whispered with love, it echoes for a lifetime. A young child walks out of a store between two parents. One parent holds a chocolate bar. The other, something invisible but far more powerful—a moment. Both love their child fiercely. Both want the best.But their choices, though equally well-intentioned,