In a world where academic excellence is often measured by grades, New Delhi’s Adeetya Kakkarr has redefined what it truly means to be a scholar. A student of Bal Bharati Public School, Rohini, Adeetya has secured the ultra-prestigious Rs 2.5 crore Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, a distinction so rare that only 20-30 students Worldwide receive it each year.

This scholarship to cover his entire undergraduate studies at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, is one of the most competitive scholarly awards in the world. In perspective, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship has an acceptance rate of mere ~1.5%—even more elitist than that of the Ivy League.

From among tens of thousands of best aspirants globally, Adeetya was one among the extremely limited selected, in the league of just two or three Indians so far in 2025. This is no mean achievement given his outstanding vision, leadership qualities, and capabilities to compete with the best from around the globe.

But what makes him unique is not necessarily his academic excellence—it's his unyielding dedication to employing education as a means of bridging socio-economic divides and opening doors for those who need them most.

Redefining What It Means to Be a Scholar

Adeetya Kakkarr's tale is not one of privilege but one of grit, foresight, and an unbreakable faith in the potential of education.

"When we teach entrepreneurial thinking to students, we're not teaching business—we're giving them tools to transform their realities," he states.

His work has always been aimed at bridging real-world impact and education—a belief that he has incorporated through several efforts:

Designing Student Innovation in Schools

As a Delhi Government Youth Policy Lead, Adeetya was responsible for introducing innovation-based curriculums into the education system.

Assisted in crafting policies that prompt students to think entrepreneurially, developing problem-solving, creativity, and leadership capabilities.

Prioritized dismantling conventional, rigid learning systems and substituting them with hands-on, results-oriented methods.

His work embodies a greater purpose: establishing an education system where students are not mere passive recipients of information but active agents of change.

Global Leadership for Change

Adeetya's leadership transcends the classroom and reaches into the global arena.

Led an international animal rights petition, which collected a whopping 67,000+ signatures across more than 30 countries.

Championed policy-level reforms in animal welfare at the global level.

Empowering the Underprivileged Through Education

Recognizing that education is the most powerful weapon to end poverty cycles, Adeetya has committed himself to guiding and educating students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Taught low-income students public speaking and debating skills in six countries—for free.

Trained employability skills among Tibetan refugees in association with the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy and enabled them to gain career skills to build a brighter future.

Studying Circular Economy & Corporate Strategy

Alongside policy and social activities, Adeetya is also highly involved in research that can define the future of sustainable development.

In his research work on circular economy, he delves into how companies can embrace more sustainable and waste-minimizing models.

His corporate strategy experience has taught him about how firms can harmonize profitability and sustainability.

All these experiences have provided him with a special view of how education and entrepreneurship can transform the economy and society.

A Vision for the Future: Education as a Tool for Equity

Adeetya's appointment as a Lester B. Pearson Scholar is not merely a personal triumph—it is a much greater revolution. It's an indication that the world is starting to see the necessity of education as dynamic, inclusive, and goal-oriented.

At the University of Toronto, he hopes to create new methods of integrating entrepreneurship into education systems globally. His objective?

So that students are more equipped with real-world skills and not merely bookish knowledge.

So that learning models can shape avenues for economic independence.

To demonstrate that what you begin your life with ought not to equate to what you become in life.

Adeetya Kakkarr's story is not merely a scholarship victory—it is a demonstration of the strength of vision, determination, and the appropriate opportunity.

From fighting for education reform to guiding underprivileged students, from spearheading international petitions to transforming the way schools embrace innovation, he has shown time and again the difference one determined person can make.

His tale is testament that talent has no limits—only possibilities. And with the right attitude, those possibilities can be created, multiplied, and shared.

As he embarks on his journey at the University of Toronto, one thing is certain: Adeetya Kakkarr is not just a student—he is a force for change.

And the world is only beginning to see what he’s capable of.