Anindya Kundu

Dr. Anindya Kundu is a sociologist, educator, and public speaker who focuses on issues of education, social mobility, and equity. He is best known for his work on the concept of 'agency', which refers to an individual’s ability to navigate barriers and overcome adversity to achieve success. Dr. Kundu holds a Ph.D. in Sociology of Education from New York University, where his research concentrated on the role of resilience and agency in promoting success for students from underserved communities.

Dr. Kundu has written extensively about how societal structures impact individual agency, and his TED talk on the subject has garnered millions of views, making him a prominent voice in discussions around education reform. He is also the author of the book "The Power of Student Agency: Looking Beyond Grit to Close the Opportunity Gap," where he critiques popular education theories that emphasize grit, instead advocating for policies and educational practices that address systemic inequalities.

In addition to his academic and written contributions, Dr. Kundu is a frequent speaker at conferences and events, where he addresses how educators, policymakers, and communities can work together to foster student success. He has consulted with schools, districts, and organizations nationwide, helping them design more inclusive and equitable educational environments. Dr. Kundu’s work is recognized for providing a critical lens on how societal barriers intersect with personal effort, aiming to create more opportunities for marginalized students to thrive.