I come from haunts of coot and hern,
I make a sudden sally,
And sparkle out among the fern,
To bicker down a valley. (Tennyson lines 1-4)
Haunts of Coot and Hern
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir, where conservative societal norms painted a canvas of limited roles for women, my journey of career aspirations began. In the tapestry of my life, each thread reflects a stage of growth, learning, and evolving dreams. As a wide-eyed child in the corridors of my early education, the allure of teaching captivated my imagination. Born and raised in a society where women often navigated confined roles, the exception lay in the realm of education. Here, against the backdrop of the Himalayas, female teachers emerged as beacons of empowerment. Unhindered by societal constraints, they seemed to take charge of the classrooms and the narrative of their lives. Their authority and influence sparked a desire within me – a longing for the kind of power that transcends limitations. “I want to be a teacher,” I declared with unwavering conviction.
Fast forward to the pivotal juncture of adolescence, and the contours of my aspirations took a different shape. In 2012, a transformative chapter unfolded when I was selected for a full-time academic scholarship with The Foundation, founded by Rahul Bose. This remarkable opportunity became a beacon of possibility, leading me to Sahyadri School, a boarding school nestled on the outskirts of Pune. It was an experience that transcended mere education; it was a transformative journey that broadened my horizons, fostering a profound sense of independence and resilience. Subtly woven into the fabric of this narrative was my first major achievement in life, a milestone that would set the stage for the evolution of my dreams.
A new dream unfurled — that of becoming a cardiologist. In the societal symphony, the reverence accorded to the medical profession resonated as a powerful melody. The white coat and the stethoscope became symbols of respect, and I found myself drawn to the idea of contributing to society through the realm of healing.
With many a curve my banks I fret
by many a field and fallow,
And many a fairy foreland set
With willow-weed and mallow. (Tennyson lines 17-20)
Fairy Foreland
The journey continued, and as the ink dried on my high school diploma, another significant chapter unfolded. It was time to embrace change, and I chose to leave the hills behind once again, bidding adieu to Pune and stepping into the vibrant garden city of Bangalore for higher secondary education. Here I embarked on a path to become a psychologist. To delve into the intricacies of the human mind, I chose Psychology in higher secondary, a decision that echoed my commitment to understanding and addressing the challenges of mental health.
As the green valley of Bangalore became my new backdrop, my aspirations crystallized into a desire to make a difference in the lives of those grappling with mental health issues. The bustling streets and the verdant landscapes mirrored the varied facets of the human psyche I aimed to explore and comprehend. The desire to become a psychologist deepened, fueled not just by societal expectations but by a genuine yearning to make a difference in the lives of those battling the demons within.
Yet, the journey of self-discovery had only just begun. The inkling of a new passion, a call for a different vocation, whispered in the recesses of my mind. Journalism beckoned, offering a platform to amplify voices, challenge norms, and be an agent of change. The pursuit of truth, the power of words, and the ability to spark dialogue became the lodestar guiding my ambitions.
Choosing to study International Relations became the next pivotal moment in my narrative. This decision stemmed from a profound passion for journalism—a realization that to truly understand and impact the world, I needed a global perspective. Shifting from the picturesque greens of Bangalore to the historical tapestry of Delhi, the ancient city known for its storied history, marked a transition not just in geography but in the essence of my academic pursuit.
As I comprehended the world of journalism, the contours of my aspirations once again shifted. The desire for a singular, well-defined path gave way to a more nebulous yearning — a yearning to transcend the boundaries of a single career, to be a catalyst for change across various domains. The metamorphosis from aspiring teacher to would-be cardiologist to aspiring psychologist to budding journalist to an International Relations scholar had left an indelible mark, creating a mosaic of dreams that defied conventional categorization.
And out again I curve and flow
To join the brimming river,
For men may come and men may go,
But I go on forever. (Tennyson lines 49-52)
Brimming River
Embarking on the next chapter of my journey, I find myself at a crossroads, not tethered to the anchor of a singular career goal. The path ahead, much like the continuous flow of “The Brook” by Lord Alfred Tennyson—a poem that deeply resonates with my own narrative—offers a metaphor for the ongoing journey of my life. Today, having chosen to participate in the Banyan Impact Fellowship, the resonance of the word “impact” echoes in my decision. This fellowship, much like my evolving aspirations, seeks to create meaningful change.
Had I confined myself to a predefined path, I might have missed the opportunity to leap into the unknown, to embrace the uncertainty of a fellowship that promises to be a catalyst for transformation. I am excited to see where this journey takes me, unafraid of the absence of a single, defined path. It is in the diversity of experiences and the willingness to explore the uncharted that I discover the true essence of impact and the potential for positive change. The journey from the classroom to the operating theatre, to the therapist’s couch, to the bustling newsroom, has cultivated a deep-rooted belief in the power of versatility. My current aspiration is not confined to a job title; it’s a commitment to impact. In the upcoming months, this commitment will come to life during my fellowship tenure at AAS, Indore, where I actively contribute to empower adolescent girls with knowledge, skills, and self-confidence to champion for their rights and make informed decisions about their education and future.
As I reflect on the odyssey of my aspirations, I realize that the beauty lies not in the destination but in the kaleidoscopic journey, where each twist and turn has shaped the person I am today — a mosaic of dreams, aspirations, and an unwavering resolve to make a meaningful impact. In the words of Lord Alfred Tennyson, “Men may come and men may go, but I go on forever.” Like the enduring flow of the brook, my journey persists, ever-evolving, ever-creating, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of my life.
References:
- “The Brook – The Brook Poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson.” Poem Hunter, 20 June 1306, https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-brook-2/
- “The Foundation AV 2016.” HEAL-Help Eradicate Abuse Through Learning. 23 February, 2016. https://youtu.be/H418HJdIviA?si=eT-TEKC4mQwF2l-Q//mFG
