Afrin Dhalani

Afrin Dhalani is Decoded's Head of Outreach, based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

She is drawn to a single question: why do people make decisions that harm themselves, and what can philosophy, economics, and data tell us about interrupting those patterns?

She runs Ditch the Algorithm, an independent platform that decodes digital systems and behavioral economics through long-form essays on Substack and educational content on Instagram. She has also hosted for the National Cadet Corps, chosen as the only junior cadet to host an official event during the Director General's visit to Kutch.

Her writing and speaking have been recognized widely. She was shortlisted for the John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize 2026, placing in the top 17.5% of more than 100,000 entrants from over 190 countries, and she won an interschool extempore competition against speakers from more than 30 schools. She has trained in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. At Decoded she leads outreach, and she is always glad to connect.