On a parting note.

We are all born with a purpose in Life. Ironically, finding that purpose is the biggest enigma. All our what-s, where-s, why-s and how-s have both an answer and a reason. Destiny or your own choices - whichever school of thought you abide by, every single day is taking us one step closer to finding that purpose.

When I wrote my first article for Srijan, I was a nobody - new, unknown, struggling to place my identity. Four years from then, even though I am still discovering myself everyday in bits and pieces, still trying to find my calling, still searching for my role in the world - I have come a long way. I know I have miles to go but I am so proud of this journey that I have made. I am proud that I did not give up.

There were as many accomplishments as there were setbacks. One taught me humbleness, the other taught me patience. I have overcome some fears and succumbed to others. One taught me courage, the other taught me that imperfection is individuality. I learnt that being a good person is always more important than being successful. I learnt that responsibilities cannot be imposed and respect cannot be demanded. I leant that some things in Life cannot be taught, you learn them yourself - en route.

I did not realize it happening but looking back at my eighteen year old self, I realize that I have transformed. Over the fat, unopened textbooks, over broken nips of pens, over lost erasers, midnight birthday parties, 3am conversations, meetings and debates - over all those things when my mind was elsewhere - subconsciously, I was changing. And this change has so much to do with all the amazing people I have met over the years - teachers, non-teaching staff, friends, classmates, colleagues, strangers. So many people have played their parts - given me little pieces of themselves. I have combined all of them and this is who I have become - an extension of you, a part of you - a better person - stronger, wiser and kinder.

It is a strange realization that this is my last year on the Editorial Board, that a few months from now I'll be just a fading memory. But before I am completely washed away from the sands of your mind, I want to Thank You. Thank You for being a part of these making years of my Life. Thank You for leaving a mark on my heart. Thank You for witnessing my transformation.

On a parting note, my wish for you is that you continue. Continue to find yourself in the crowd, continue to fight the odds, continue the fire burning inside of you, continue to kill the world with your kindness. Just continue. Do not give up because no matter how impossible, frustrating and cynical it seems, I promise you that in the end, it will all be worth it.