Abhijit Sinha is the founder of Project DEFY (Design Education for Yourself), a revolutionary initiative based in Bangalore that challenges the traditional education system. By creating "Nooks," community-driven learning spaces, Abhijit empowers learners of all ages to take control of their education, dismantling the conventional teacher-student hierarchy. His work advocates for radical, systemic shifts in education rather than incremental changes, aiming to redefine how and why we learn.

In this episode, we explore the transformative philosophy behind Project DEFY, where trust, curiosity, and autonomy are the core tenets of education. Abhijit shares insights into how Nooks operate as decentralized spaces where individuals choose their learning paths, free from traditional curricula and exams. We discuss the fears surrounding a lack of structure in education, the colonial roots of conventional schooling, and how these systems often hinder creativity and autonomy. Abhijit also emphasizes the importance of creating alternative educational ecosystems where learners become the drivers of their own growth. This conversation is a powerful reminder that true education is not about control but about enabling people to thrive through trust and freedom.