How do we confront deeply ingrained myths that hold society back? In this powerful talk, Ramon Magsaysay awardee Shantha Sinha draws on three decades of work with the MV Foundation, which has enabled over a million children across India to leave labour and reclaim their right to education. She challenges the belief that poverty alone drives child labour, showing instead how communities can dismantle systemic barriers. Aligned with the theme Fail Forward, her talk highlights how confronting misconceptions—and failing them—opens pathways to equality, justice, and lasting change. Shantha Sinha headed the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Govt of India, from 2007-2013. She was the Founder Secretary Trustee of M V Foundation from (1981 to 2007) removed over one million children from work and mainstreamed them into schools. She spearheaded the bridge course program in India for older children. She is the recipient of the Albert Shanker International Educational Award presented by Educational International in 1998, Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1998 Ramon Magsaysay Award, 2003 for community leadership in 2003. She also served as a Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Hyderabad. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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