Given the opportunity to reflect on my time at Anant, I was met with the difficulty of  summarizing six months of experiences in a concise manner. It is often said that change is an inevitable facet of life, and this sentiment certainly resonated deeply with me during my time here at Anant.

The precise moment I set foot in Ahmedabad, the balmy embrace of the September breeze served as a poignant reminder that I had bid adieu to the familiarity of Dibrugarh. This vibrant metropolis loomed before me like a blank canvas, sharply contrasting my previous experiences in different urban settings, lacking any familiar faces for comfort. Accompanied by my parents, the next day witnessed me wandering through the campus premises, a whirlwind of feelings engulfing me in a heady mixture of nervousness and eagerness.

I met 13 individuals on that particular day – individuals whose importance in my life I had never predicted. If you were to inquire of me at that time, “Do you believe you will establish friendships with such a diverse group of individuals?”. I would not lie but my answer would be very hesitant. But looking back now, these 13 people or my dearest fellows and friends became a very major part of my experience here at Anant.

I’ve never been on a committee, but because I adore taking pictures and love creating stories with said pictures, I joined the fellowship’s Media and Outreach team. And I haven’t looked back since then. Together, we embarked on a quest to encapsulate the essence of campus life through a lens of creativity, armed solely with our trusty smartphones.It is a beautiful journey of discovery that demonstrated the limitlessness of passion and imagination as well as the fact that sometimes all it takes to make a difference is a shared vision and a click of the shutter.

Moving forward, the fellowship itself offers an exhilarating and enchanting journey. Each day unveils a new lesson to embrace- whether delving into the core modules or exploring the electives. The diverse array of subjects ensures that monotony never creeps in. Certain modules even include immersive field trips, adding an extra layer of excitement. One recent module that captivated my interest was the exploration of “Netflix and Design” led by the insightful Aparna Piramal. Delving into Design Writing posed an initial query in my mind: “Am I prepared to articulate on a topic unfamiliar to me?”. This uncertainty lingered, especially as a novice in the realm of Design Writing. However, the collaborative learning environment observed throughout this module allowed me to scrutinize my writing objectively and enhance its depth. The experience of vocalizing our essays and engaging with my peers’ work provided invaluable insights for refining my writing skills. This particular module instilled in me a renewed sense of optimism towards design and design writing, a significant shift considering my occasional tendency to become entrenched in my thoughts. By coming together in a shared effort, reflecting inwardly, and showing understanding towards others, we uncover not just the beauty but also the core of our humanity, crafting stories filled with endless possibilities in each phrase.

To conclude, I feel a plethora of feelings as I take a moment to consider my experience at Anant; every memory is like a brushstroke on the canvas of my spirit. Every experience here, from the first anxiety of venturing into the unknown to the deep bonds made with classmates to celebrating my first Navratri to visiting Bhopal for our on-site module has permanently shaped who I am currently. Thus, with immense excitement, I look forward to the adventure that lies ahead, savoring each second as an Anant Fellow.

Emerging from Assam in Northeastern India, Juhi Konch possesses a diverse academic background with a focus on interdisciplinary exploration. She is currently enrolled in the Anant Fellowship for Sustainability and Built Environment at Anant National University, having previously completed a double major in Psychology and English Literature at Sophia College for Women, Mumbai. Her postgraduate studies at Azim Premji University, Bangalore, specialized in Development Studies, covering Public Health, Mental Health, Diversity, and Law in the Indian context. Her research focuses on reproductive and sexual health, with a keen interest in the intersections of public policy, public health, and mental health within the development sector.

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