Mumbai ; Ikshu Shinde, a Class 12 student at Dhirubhai Ambani International School (DAIS), has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian student selected as a Global Future Scholar and Diplomat by The Garibay Institute for Soft Power and Public Diplomacy, USA.
This prestigious international honour recognizes young leaders who exhibit intellectual promise, leadership ability, and a deep commitment to democratic values. Ikshu now joins an elite global cohort trained to navigate diplomacy, negotiate complex challenges, and shape conversations on public policy and cultural exchange.
As part of the program, Ikshu will undergo intensive training in international diplomacy, negotiation, policy analysis, and cross-cultural leadership, guided by global experts. She will participate in simulated diplomatic forums, leadership studios, and policy labs, preparing for future roles in international governance.
The Garibay Institute is a pioneering U.S.based think tank dedicated to advancing soft power diplomacy, the ability of nations and individuals to influence global outcomes through culture, values, and dialogue rather than coercion. Its mission is to nurture human-centered leadership and creative diplomacy.
Ikshu’s journey reflects a rare blend of policy expertise and cultural artistry. She has worked at the grassroots level during the state and general elections leading voter-awareness campaigns that reached over 8,000 citizens across Mumbai. She has also undertaken several initiatives focused on senior citizens and cultivating strong intergenerational relationships.
Beyond policy, Ikshu is an accomplished dancer with over a decade of training. She holds a Professional Dance Diploma from The Danceworx Performing Arts Academy under renowned choreographer Ashley Lobo and a Classical Dance Diploma (Kathak) from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal. As President of the DAIS Dance Club, she leads dance productions at school. She is also a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO).
In its selection letter, The Garibay Institute praised Ikshu for “strengthening democratic participation at the grassroots” and for balancing academic excellence with cultural expression, qualities that align with its mission of creative diplomacy and human-centered leadership.
While accepting the honour, Ikshu, who hails from the maternal lineage of Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar and carries forward a strong family tradition of social service, expressed gratitude to the Garibay Institute and affirmed her commitment to living up to the trust placed in her.
Ikshu’s achievement is a proud moment for Mumbai and India, signaling the rise of young leaders ready to engage thoughtfully in global conversations on policy, governance, and culture.
