Writers’ Orientation 2025: A Fresh Chapter

Aparupa Bhattacharjee, 25BAVB10, Member of Writers' Association Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University)

'People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.' –Maya Angelou.

I came across this quote for the very first time in the Orientation of the Writers' Association. However, I generally lose track of all such beautiful quotes, but this specific quote remained in my subconscious mind. Well, that was probably because it is true that 'people never forget how you made them feel'. The immense warmth and encouragement we, the new members of the Writers' Association, received is unexplainable. It did not feel like we did not know each other. The Orientation was formal yet easy-going, and I am sure everyone would agree with me when I say that Kristu Jayanti has the best group of seniors. Our seniors in the Writers' Association had the most outgoing, friendly, and approachable faces, despite having known them for only an hour or two.

The event began with the General guidelines, and our host introduced herself to us. There was a small prayer session to invoke the blessings of the Almighty. One of our seniors delivered the welcome address. It has always been a dream to sit among those with enormous knowledge in literature, writing and imagination. At that moment, it dawned on me that I was one of the selected students who had made it to the Association. I was proud and impressed with myself. We were welcomed with words of hospitality, warmth and motivation.

As a member of the Association, you must know the highlights and milestones already achieved, so you understand the high standard set and work harder to elevate it. I was stunned to hear the amount that the Writers accomplished in winning last year. It had many workshops and events and won some main prizes. Then we were shown a documentary video "Glimpses of the Association", where we were introduced to some existing members of the Association, the inter-collegiate fest, the international lecture series, the intracollegiate Fest, Meliora, an intercollegiate fest, Talestra, Writers' cafe, the blog page, the book publications and an introduction from our teachers of the Association.

The student secretary briefed us on the upcoming plans for the 2025-26 session. She had one of the most energetic voices I had known so far, and then it was time for the logo revelation. It was a symbol that marked the Association's identity and presence. The unveiling felt surreal and inspiring.

That was all I could expect from an orientation event, but to my surprise, that was not the end. We were introduced to the Badge and the Varsity jacket. For a moment, it gave me goosebumps. It gave me shivers down my spine when the Varsity jacket was disclosed. It gave a sense of belonging and recognition. Our secretary spoke of it with such splendour. She referred to the jacket as a significant symbol. A symbol that would make the whole campus aware that it is the writers walking. It left me in awe and pride simultaneously.

Dr. Santhosh was invited to the stage, where he welcomed us and shared a few insights into the Writers' Association. Slowly, the event drew to a close. The vote of thanks was delivered, and we rose for the Jayantian anthem. Our host signed off, giving a very impactful quote that said-

If there is a book that has not been written yet and we want to read it, then the only way is to write it ourselves.

As a member of the Writers' Association, I look forward to participating in the upcoming events, representing the University's capacities, such as maintaining the high standard intact. I would wind up by saying if the beginning was an act of such grandeur, I am sure the academic year is going to be filled with so many events, chances, conquests and winning and most importantly, a lot of lessons and knowledge for us to become a better version of ourselves and maybe a new batch of blooming writers for the following publications!

Because you never know when it is your chance to shine. Unless YOU CHOOSE TO GIVE IT A SHOT.