#MyAshokaStory: A Reflection on Growth, Community, and Camaraderie

“My first day at Ashoka University was a blend of jitters and excitement, tinged with the emotions of bidding farewell to my hometown. The prospect of stepping into a new environment stirred a whirlwind of feelings within me. Yet, the hospitality extended by my Resident Assistants (RAs) eased this transition. Their well-orchestrated icebreakers and engaging games helped forge new connections and ease into the campus culture.

The warmth and camaraderie exhibited by my peers rendered Ashoka not just a place of learning, but a home away from home. Reflecting upon the past two years, I have undergone a transformative process of growth and self-discovery. The structured discourse prevalent in our discussion-based classes has honed my capacity for critical analysis. Consequently, I find myself delving beyond surface-level assessments to unearth the underlying causes of issues—a transformation encapsulated in a classroom dialogue on the conceptualization of ‘gifts,’ wherein the notion of voting as a cornerstone of democratic privilege was discussed.

My active participation in diverse campus initiatives, including Pawsitive (dedicated to animal welfare), Neev (an initiative focused on educating underprivileged children from Asawarpur), and Lang-up (a platform fostering language-learning), has afforded me avenues to pursue my passions and contribute meaningfully to the community. The ethos of Ashoka lies in the abundant array of opportunities, catering to the diverse interests of the student body. For me, this encompassed nurturing a fondness for animal welfare, imparting knowledge to eager young minds, and fostering linguistic diversity among fellow polyglots.

As Ashoka embarks upon its milestone of a decade, I find myself marvelling at the swift passage of time, having been a part of this institution for nearly two years. The reminiscence of forging friendships over steaming bowls of Maggi in the pantry, and the anticipation of witnessing the campus culture boom fills me with a sense of gratitude and anticipation. Here’s to Ashoka’s continued journey of growth and enrichment, with each passing year heralding new milestones and the perpetuation of its vibrant ethos.

The anticipation of welcoming fresh faces, as they immerse themselves in the camaraderie of the dhaba, revel in the winter sun in the mess lawns, and persevere through finals week in the library, instils me with a sense of optimism and nostalgia.”

(Priyanshi Bansal is a rising third-year student at Ashoka University, pursuing Sociology and Anthropology as her major and Political Science as her minor)