Moksha Dhian Kochhar, Modern School, Barakhamba Road, India – Kurt Hahn Prize 2026, Highly Commended

For Moksha Dhian Kochhar, Leadership is not something that can be defined by a single activity or achievement. Highly Commended in the 2026 Kurt Hahn Prize, she has pursued opportunities in public speaking, service, dance, research and student leadership, while looking for ways to use those interests to make a positive impact on others.

“One of the most exciting opportunities I have had was being part of the student organising committee for the first Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind. Our school was the official venue sponsor and we hosted not only the opening ceremony, but also the closing ceremony, as well as several matches. The World Cup was divided between India and Sri Lanka, so key segments were hosted there as well.For the opening ceremony, I had the honour of compèring a segment in front of members of parliament, high commissioners and several dignitaries. I not only compèred part of the show, but also introduced the event on behalf of the school. That was truly an honour, not only because of the speaking aspect of it, but also because of my work with the visually impaired community.”

“The event came with challenges because it was the first time something of that sort had ever been done. Women’s cricket is such an up-and-coming field, not only for disabled athletes but for women in general. There were questions about interest and sponsorship, but when we actually took the initiative and implemented our plans, the response was quite the opposite. We had major sponsors involved and, on the day of the opening ceremony, it was beautiful to see the athletes, their families and all the students from Modern School, Barakhamba sitting together and cheering on athletes from all over the world.”

“People often ask whether I was nervous standing in front of such a large audience, but honestly, I wasn’t. I have always been a speaker, ever since I was a very young child. Whether that was through elocutions, drama or being on stage, I think I was born to be on the stage. When I got that opportunity, I didn’t really see it as something to be nervous about. It was simply another opportunity to represent my school in the best light possible.”

“My interest in supporting people with visual impairments actually began when I was much younger. In junior school, there used to be book fairs during our parent-teacher meetings. At one of those fairs, I picked up a small children’s biography of Helen Keller. I read it in one sitting and afterwards I was genuinely in awe of what people can achieve if they put their minds to it. I watched documentaries, read her memoir and learned more about her life. It stayed with me, and that interest has remained ever since.”

“Through my dance training, I was also able to support that cause in another way. I had recently taken part in a performance with my guru, Padma Shri Ranjana Gauhar, and earned some money from that work. I raised funds and contributed them to the Delhi Blind Relief Association. Being able to connect something I love with a cause I care about was very meaningful to me.”

“When I think about why my school nominated me for the Kurt Hahn Prize, I think it comes down to the fact that I have always been interested in leadership, but not from a single angle. I’ve always tried to be involved in as many things that are of interest to me. The submission for this prize was where it all culminated, where all of my interests collided, whether that be through dance, through research or through dialogue. That is why this recognition is such an honour.”

“When people ask what I am most proud of, I would say it is the fact that I get to do what I love. Steve Jobs said that if you do what you love every day, you don’t work a day in your life. That is a motto I try to carry with me. The intersection of all the things I enjoy, whether that be through dance, research or speaking, and being able to use those things to help other people, is what I am actually most proud of, regardless of any achievement.”

“Leadership has taught me that it is not easy. Managing people is not easy at all. People are diverse and everybody has a different opinion. One of my favourite quotes is by Eleanor Roosevelt, who said that a good leader isn’t one who makes you feel that she is a good leader. It’s the leader who makes you feel good about yourself. If I have the ability to make an impact and make the people in the room feel confident in themselves and in the knowledge they have, then that is what leadership means to me.”

“One example of that comes from my role as a Round Square Ambassador. Every Thursday, I embody the character of Compassionate Carlos. Through that role, I work with students in Grades 7 and 8 and we conduct debates, competitions and storytelling activities. Helping younger students build their confidence and practise before they go out into the world of competition is one way that leadership can truly light up the world.”

“For me, Round Square is the ideal platform to connect with people from different cultures, different races and different backgrounds from around the world. Every student involved in Round Square is taking initiative, is a leader in their own right and is pursuing something that matters to them. The fact that all those leaders can come together, communicate and share ideas is something that can benefit not only education but also the wider world. It is such a wonderful thing for the world to have.”

Moksha’s Advice to other Student Leaders:

• Be your most authentic self. Don’t try to become somebody you’re not simply because you think that’s what a leader should look like.
• Focus on your strengths. If you’re passionate about speaking, speak. If you’re interested in planning, strategy or organisation, pursue that instead.
• Remember that there is no hierarchy of talents. Every role, whether it’s leading from the front or working behind the scenes, has equal value.
• Do what you genuinely love. When you build on your interests and strengths, you’ll make a greater impact and become a better leader.”