Students led underground musicals in Iran and rural projects in India – now they’re at TMU

Every year, TMU’s President’s Entrance Scholarship recognizes incoming students who show exceptional academic excellence, leadership and community engagement. 

This year’s recipients include two international students whose journeys to TMU involved underground theatre in Iran and rural development projects in India.

From theatre stages to global impact

Raahi Shah, an Aerospace Engineering student, has spent years creating meaningful opportunities for others – and the scholarship validates that work.

“For years, I’ve poured effort into organizing events at the local level,” he says. “This scholarship has shown me that the goals I’ve set for myself are valued by others and that I’m on a path that is supported.”

Shah’s leadership resume is impressive. He represented his country at the International Public Speaking Competition in London and led a 350-student theatre production. 

But his biggest impact came as co-founder of an international youth club spanning 40 institutions. Through rural development and educational projects across Gujarat, he helped expand access for over a million people. 

At TMU, he’s ready to bring that same energy to the university’s innovation-driven learning environment.

“I’m excited to both learn from others and contribute meaningfully to the diverse and dynamic community at TMU.”

Finding her voice through forbidden art

For Anahita Bozorgmehri, studying Economics and Finance, the scholarship represents something fundamental: possibility.

“Honestly, I never thought I’d even get the chance to go to university,” she says. “This scholarship made it real for me. It reminded me that everything I’ve worked for: the late nights, the stress, the times I pushed myself when it felt pointless, was worth it.”

Growing up in Iran, Bozorgmehri faced restrictions that limited women’s voices. She found a creative way to challenge them: directing an underground musical featuring songs from Six, the musical about the wives of Henry VIII told from their own perspectives.

“It was like giving the younger version of myself what she always wanted: To be seen and heard as an individual,” she recalls. “Despite government raids that forced us to stop several times, we kept going. The light I saw in those girls is something I’ll carry with me forever.”

This experience taught her resilience and the power of expression – lessons she’s bringing to TMU. 

“I’m excited to build my independence and join organizations where I can continue to advocate for marginalized voices,” she says.

What the scholarship means

TMU’s President’s Entrance Scholarship is one of the university’s most prestigious awards.It’s more than recognition – it’s an investment in the next generation of global leaders. 

Students like Shah and Bozorgmehri embody TMU’s commitment to access, equity and innovation. They’re transforming opportunity into impact, bringing unique perspectives from their experiences around the world.

Their stories show what happens when talent meets opportunity: courage turns into leadership, creativity becomes change, and individual voices contribute to a stronger, more diverse community.

For more information on the President’s Entrance Scholarships, visit the website.