My Extraordinary Journey: A Dive into India’s Halls' of Influence

                 Supreme Court of India

Going Down the Memory Lane

As I stand on the precipice of this one-year milestone,  I am not merely a spectator of my journey;  I am the author, the protagonist and the narrator.  As I embark on this voyage,  I feel elated and thank God for having completed this one year certificate course on 'Promoting Inclusive Democracy for Young Leaders', sponsored by the US Consulate General Chennai and Justice Shivraj V Patel Academy for Democratic Values ( A unit of SOCO Trust).

 Let me give a quick overview of this course. During this journey more than 130 students got selected from the famed institutions in which four students got selected for the Delhi Fellowship Programme on the basis of merits and achievements.  During this one year journey, each step I took was a deliberate choice and I feel humbled to bring to limelight that, I was honoured by Shri Nakkeeran Gopal for the proposal of my app. Besides that, I completed my summer internship  under the Stewart guidance of hon'ble member of the Lok Sabha Shri S Venkatesan, Madurai Constituency.

 Embarking on my one-year journey was like setting sail on a vast ocean of opportunities and as I look back now, I see a constellation of accomplishments that light up the path I've traversed. Each day was a brushstroke on the canvas of my life, painting a portrait of growth and fulfillment.

 Exploring the Supreme Court of India: A Glimpse into Justice

It is with profound humility that, I recount my recent visit to the renowned Supreme Court of India. A proud participant of the Delhi Fellowship program ,I found myself standing as a special guest of Chief Justice Shri Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, the 50th Chief Justice of India. With bated breath, I witnessed a live session at the apex court, where justice unfolded before my eyes. In this esteemed gathering, I had the privilege of mingling with legal luminaries, such as the indomitable Shri Prashant Bhushan and the erudite Shri Kapil Sibal, both illustrious members of the Rajya Sabha. The experience was nothing short of awe-inspiring, underscoring the significance of our legal framework in shaping our nation’s destiny.

One of the highlights of my visit was stepping into the ‘Dancing Library,’ a treasure trove of knowledge that is exclusive to the esteemed judges of the Supreme Court. As I gazed upon its shelves laden with wisdom, I was reminded of the immense responsibility that our judiciary carries. This rare opportunity ignited within me a renewed sense of reverence for the pillars of our democracy.

Advocacy and Dialogue at ST Commission

           National Commission for Schedule Tribes

Day two of my transformative journey led me to the heart of advocacy and dialogue at the ST Commission. The Conference hall became the stage for discussions that traversed the length and breadth of our nation’s challenges. Our deliberations, punctuated by the pressing Manipur issue, symbolized the significance of inclusive dialogue in driving change.

During this encounter, I had the honour of representing not just myself, but also the youth, as I spoke about our shared aspirations for a more equitable India. 

A Vibrant Interlude at JNU Campus

                    President of JNU,  Aishe Gosh

The vibrant energy of JNU’s campus was like a breath of fresh air, infusing me with a renewed spirit of purpose. Engaging with the high-spirited students, including the President of JNU’s SFI unit, Aishe Gosh, was a testament to the indomitable youth that is driving change in our society. Exploring the School of Language Literature and Culture Studies was a humbling reminder of the intellectual wealth that thrives within our academic institutions.

                            Meeting at JNU's Dhaba

Interacting with JNU’s esteemed professors was an experience that left an indelible mark on my heart. Their humility and dedication to nurturing future leaders served as a powerful reminder of the role educators play in shaping the nation’s destiny.

NALSA: Nurturing Extraordinary Aspirations

The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) welcomed me with unparalleled hospitality, creating an environment where my aspirations felt both valid and attainable. Engaging with the Secretary of NALSA, I had the privilege of addressing critical issues plaguing our nation. The exchange of ideas, punctuated by their interest in my App proposal, solidified my belief in the power of collaboration to drive real change.

                   Meeting with the Secretary 

What struck me most was the affirmation that my ideas were not just welcomed, but were to be nurtured and brought to life. Their commitment to working alongside me left me with a profound sense of responsibility and determination to make a meaningful impact.

A Dinner with Wisdom: Conversations with a Senior Advocate

An unexpected highlight of my journey was the invitation extended by senior advocate Raju Ramachandran, a revered figure in the realm of law. Our tête-à-tête at his abode was a lesson in brevity’s power to convey profound wisdom. His anecdotes, coupled with his insights into cases of national importance, left me with a deeper understanding of the intricacies of legal practice.

  Senior Advocate Of Supreme Court, Adv Raju Ramachandran

What resonated most was his keen interest in my journey. His questions laden with genuine curiosity helped me reflect on my path and aspirations. It was through these exchanges that I realized the true essence of mentorship — the ability to uplift, inspire, and mould through the alchemy of words.

The Grandeur of Democracy: Parliament’s Revered Halls

No account of my journey would be complete without the grandeur of the Indian Parliament. Stepping into its hallowed halls during a live Lok Sabha session was an experience that transcended privilege. As the echoes of parliamentary debate reverberated, I felt an immense sense of responsibility as a witness to the democratic process.

                             Parliament of India

      Conversations with MPs, including Mr Vijay Vasanth, Mrs Jothimani, Mr. S. Venkatesan, and Mrs. Kanimozhi, provided an intimate glimpse into the nuanced world of governance. Their humility and genuine engagement were a testament to the role of public representatives in safeguarding the interests of their constituents.

Embracing the Essence of Human Rights: NHRC Interaction

                 National Human Rights Comission

My journey culminated at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), a bastion of advocacy for the rights and dignity of every individual. Engaging with the Secretary and DSP of NHRC was an affirmation of my commitment to upholding human rights in all their dimensions.

                                     NHRC

This encounter underscored the power of dialogue in addressing systemic challenges and fostering change. As we explored the contours of our nation’s human rights landscape, I felt a renewed sense of purpose to contribute to a more just and equitable society. 

Weaving Experiences into Advocacy: Sharing the Essence

Each step of this journey has woven a rich tapestry of experiences that have both broadened my perspective and deepened my commitment to advocacy. From the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court to the spirited exchanges at JNU, and from NALSA’s nurturing embrace to the reverberating debates of Parliament, each experience has left an indelible mark.

As I embark on the journey of sharing these experiences, I am reminded of the profound power of storytelling. Through this platform, I hope to disseminate the essence of my journey, encapsulating not only the facts but the emotions, inspirations, and aspirations that have fueled my dedication to promote inclusive democracy, justice, and human rights. 

Expressing My Sense of Gratitude 

                A proud moment at Principal's Cabin

  Through the seasons of this journey,  I witnessed the transformation of my own self. I scaled those heights,  planting my flag of determination with every victorious ascent.  In the end,  this year has been a treasure chest of memories,  each one more precious than the last.  I am not the same person who embarked on this journey a year ago;  I have evolved,  grown and transformed into someone stronger,  wiser and have become  a better version of myself. And so,  as I pause to reflect on this one-year odyssey,  I do so with a heart brimming with gratitude to Dr. D. Paul Dhayabaran, Principal of Bishop Heber College; Dr. S. Sobana, Dean of Academics(Arts) & Head, Dept of English; Dr.K. Rajkumar, Dean of International Relations and Mr P. David Sam Paul, Student Counsellor. I am grateful for this journey,  for the challenges that tested my mettle and I once again thank my college for igniting and guiding me throughout this journey with a ray of  hope and possibility.