Testimonial 1
Metamorphosis - The Becoming
When I first stepped into the Writers’ Association, I came in as someone who wrote to understand herself… quiet, observant, and unsure of where I truly fit in. I didn’t know then that this space would go on to shape not just my words, but the way I think, lead, and belong.
Somewhere along the way, Writers’ became more than just an association; it became a home.
Of course, like every family, it wasn’t always perfect.
There were moments I stood among everyone and still felt like I didn’t belong, like a misplaced word in a perfect sentence. But there were also moments…soft, certain, and unforgettable, that reminded me that this was exactly where I was meant to be.
In the midst of all of this, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our faculty coordinators and co-writers whose constant guidance, patience, and belief in us gave direction to everything we built. Their presence was a quiet strength behind every step I took.
Taking up the role of Student Secretary changed everything for me. The responsibility became real as time went on.
I came in as a perfectionist. I wanted everything to be flawless… every event, every detail, every outcome. I questioned a lot, I pushed a lot, and at times, that led to moments of doubt and conflict. But over time, I began to understand that leadership is not about perfection; it is about people.
More and more, I learned it is about listening, adapting, trusting, and growing together.
This year, we didn’t just maintain the legacy; we expanded it. We organised twice as many programmes as before. But beyond numbers, what mattered was the teamwork, shared effort, and determination to create something meaningful.
The journey was defined by moments I’ll always remember: the dedication, the long rehearsals for Tales and Verses Episode 1 & 2, and the energy of our inter-university fest, Telastra.
Each of these experiences was more than an event. They were moments of learning, bonding, and becoming.
Somewhere along this journey, people started calling me the strict mother of the family—something I didn’t anticipate.
And in many ways, it was true.
Because I cared. I wanted things to be right—not just for myself, but for all of us. Learning to balance strictness with understanding taught me what it means to work as a group: to accept differences, guide without controlling, and stand together in uncertainty.
Writers gave me more than a platform; they gave me people, memories, and lessons I will carry far beyond this campus.
From laughter while shooting the silliest reels, to meaningful conversations in Santhosh sir’s cabin, to the comfort of a chocolate jar on difficult days—it was never just about what we did, but how we felt doing it.
We weren’t just organising events. We were building a shared identity, pride, and home.
Perhaps that is what this journey truly was all about.
A metamorphosis.
Not loud. Not sudden. But slow, quiet, and certain—something within me was learning how to stay, even when it once wanted to leave.
So as I step away now,
I do not feel the weight of an ending.
I feel the echo of everything that remains.
In the voices continuing from where we paused, the spaces that still hold our laughter, and the words to be written long after we're gone.
The idea that 'Ohana means family,' emphasizing that family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten, has resonated deeply with me.
No matter how far we go or how much we grow beyond this place, there will always be a version of me in the cabin of unfinished thoughts, finding herself among people who taught her to belong.
And maybe that is how some journeys choose to stay.
Not in photographs, not in farewells, not even in memory alone… but in the quiet way they reshape who you become, long after you’ve walked away.
And that’s the essence of a complete Metamorphosis: not the changes themselves, but the lasting transformation within—how I have become, and how we have become, through belonging and growth.
Anjumol Aby
Student Secretary, Writers’ Association
23DTSA11, BSc Data Science
Testimonial 2
The Writers’ Association became a pivotal part of my college life, allowing me to discover and refine my literary voice despite my shyness. Collaborating with inspiring seniors and encouraging juniors, I experienced the profound impact of language through thought-provoking, insightful discussions. Being immersed in a community where teachers and students exchange and develop ideas has been transformative. I wish all future writers enduring creativity and achievement.
Vishnudev S - 23PSYA55
STUDENT SECRETARY, THE WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION
Testimonial 3
When I look back at my two years in the Writers’ Association, it doesn’t feel like I’m thinking about a club I joined—it feels like I’m remembering a home I lived in. A place where I grew quietly, steadily, and more honestly than I ever expected college would allow.
I’ve always been someone who speaks better in text than in person. I don’t always find words easily when I’m face-to-face, but give me a pen or a blank document and suddenly I can breathe. And for two whole years, this association gave that part of me a safe, steady space to exist.
Getting my pieces published in KJ Wordsmith, in both volumes, was one of the biggest highlights of these years. Holding those books, flipping to my pages, and realising—this is mine—was surreal. For someone who often doubts her own voice, seeing it printed and shared felt like quiet but powerful validation.
But the magic of Writers’ was never just the writing. It was the people.
The teachers who were always warm, welcoming, and encouraging—no matter how tired we looked after full day classes. The seniors who inspired without intimidating. The fellow writers who made every meeting feel like a soft landing.
In a world where you often feel the pressure to be loud to be noticed, this space taught me that being genuine was enough.
After long days of classes, practicals, and the usual chaos of college life, walking into the Writers’ Association felt like unclenching a fist you didn’t realize you’d been holding tight. Here, I could slow down. Think. Feel. Express. These two years became the place where I could be free with my thoughts and emotions without being judged or misunderstood.
Every Writers’ Café, every brainstorming session, every article discussion, every spontaneous laugh—over two years, these moments stitched themselves into something bigger: a sense of belonging. A family formed not by blood, but by shared words, shared ideas, and shared understanding.
This association didn’t just shape my writing; it shaped me. It taught me patience with myself, belief in my voice, and confidence in my thoughts. It showed me that even when you speak softly, the right people will still hear you.
To the Writers’ Association: thank you for two years of feeling seen, valued, and included. Thank you for giving me a space where I never once felt left out, even when I sat quietly in the corner. Thank you for being my creative haven, my comfort zone, and my unexpected family.
These two years were beautiful. And the stories I go on to write—wherever life takes me—will always carry traces of this place, these people, and the version of me that grew here.
Sriparna Bag - 23BTBO15
Testimonial 4
For me, the writers’ association has been a place that held up a mirror to me. It showed me I can write too. I learned to write in ways that could touch a human being and give life to the wandering thoughts in my head. There was a time I got stuck in my writing. That was when one of my mentors in the writers’ association explained the wall I had built. They showed me how I could bridge the gap between my thoughts and the paper. Now, one of my writings being in the KJ Wordsmiths II is something I never dared to dream of. I shall remain forever grateful for this.
The writers’ association hosted several workshops and an International Lecture Series. Here, I learned how truly interdisciplinary writing is. My two years as a member have imbued me with values that inspired not only my writing but also how empathetic a human being I am. This truly is a place where one would never feel left out, whether they actively participate or quietly stand along. That is the warmth Santhosh sir and his team bring to this place. The writers’ association is a home for words that bring people together.
Priyanka Kannoly - 23STEC14
Testimonial 5
I think there exists an endless fountain of love: always flowing, impossible to ever run dry. This little fountain—a source within us all—overflows with affection and warmth, unreserved and open. I envy its ability to give so much, and I envy those who can immerse themselves in it so freely. Therefore, hopelessly, I write. I write about this ever-present fountain that I am constantly searching for. This fountain represents love that exists without reasons or limits.
By the time I raised my poor hands from the pool of ink, it was dark. Yet in this darkness, a sliver of silver seeps through the spotless glass, attempting to paint my face with a mimicry of what I ardently desire.
What do I ardently desire so much?
Trying not to grow more dissatisfied, I remind myself that perhaps this endless fountain hides within the hollows of our hearts, souls, necks, and collarbones.
Writers’ Association is less of a formal association and more like a river—constantly moving, connecting us all. I realized this only later. In my determination to find the ideal fountain of love, I overlooked the flowing river that was already available to me. Even though the time was brief, it was powerful and moving. The joy I felt as part of this group is immeasurable, and given the warmth and camaraderie, this is no surprise to me. Whether it was on long, tiring car rides for events, or during the celebrations of literature in our little garden, I was surrounded by genuine affection and carried by this ongoing river of love. Yet, the most meaningful moments did not come from grand events or literary festivities, but from the small, shared experiences: our laughter, playful arguments, and inside jokes that brought us together.
Without realizing it, as I have been immersed in the collective affection of the Writers’, I have become part of this river too—just as all of you have. Because of this, I believe we share an unending bond. And until this sense of infinity ends, I will treasure and remember this place and these moments with all the love my heart can offer.
Stepping back, I wonder if confirmation bias is the worst thing to occur to humans. Perhaps, in searching so dearly for this endless fountain, I failed to see it was before me all along.
I found it in you.
&
I found it in me.
The fountain will always be endless. But now there is a small void I cannot quite fill.
That space is for you, and all of you, to live in.
Always.
- Max Kshetrimayum
23PSYB29
Testimonial 1
As I sit down to pen my thoughts for the Writers' Association one last time, my heart is full of gratitude, memories, and bittersweetness as all this is ending. I still remember the surreal moment I was selected into the Writer's Association. Out of many wonderful and talented applicants, someone saw potential in me. As an introvert, I had never thought my voice would be loud enough to be heard—but in that moment, it was, and it changed everything. The pride that gushed down my veins when I saw my first article published on the college blog is, to date, absolutely indescribable. I reread it repeatedly, not out of vanity but disbelief that this was by me. I had always written for myself, often in notebooks and 3 am scribbles on my phone and a small quantity of poetry that I never dared to publish in the past few years. However, suddenly it felt like I had an audience. I felt seen.
However, if there was one moment that made it all real, it was the day I was handed my Writers' Association varsity jacket and badge. To me, it was not just cloth. It was a symbol. A symbol that said, You belong here. All those hours spent writing, second-guessing, and editing had led to something. Recognition! As someone who has always kept herself in the shadows, being truly seen for something I loved was overwhelming. The jacket and the badge told the world, "I am a writer," but most importantly, it reminded me. Santhosh, sir, our mentor, guide, and anchor, calling us "fellow writers" for the first time, will always be imprinted in me. At that moment, I realised that this word held so much value, and I started believing it was my identity. His faith made us brave enough to do so.
And then there was the Writers' Cafe. A space that to me felt like the heart and soul of the Writer's Association. It was not just an event; it felt like so much more. A circle of trust where creativity was its core and courage was its common language. I still remember the silence falling over each time someone stepped forward, often nervously, to share a piece of themselves. That hush would later become a large round of applause and appreciative nods. Listening to other writers was one of the most beautiful parts of this journey. There was something incredibly moving about witnessing so many forms of expression—from powerful monologues and evocative prose to even original songs that had us swaying or would sometimes even lead to a tear or two. Writer's Cafe gave me and many others the permission to be vulnerable, the freedom to experiment, and the joy of being part of something that was so much more than a gathering. It was a celebration of who we were in all our uniqueness. It was about realising we are all more connected than we think.
One of the most enriching aspects of being part of the Writer's Association was the International Lecture Series. It was not just about listening to renowned authors and poets worldwide—it was expanding our horizons as thinkers. The most unforgettable session for me was the Craft Talk on Tsgin by Cecilia Woloch. She did not just speak; she invited us into a world I knew so little about. The history and spirit of the Romani people. Through her words, I saw not just the beauty and resilience of Gypsy culture but also the heartbreak, the complexity, and their beautiful tradition of storytelling that was suppressed for centuries. What struck me the most was her ability to blend poetic form with cultural truth. It made me reflect on our stories, rooted in our land, language, and people, and how we could draw inspiration from our heritage and infuse it in our works.
Among the many events held by the Writers' Association, the one that left the deepest mark on me was "Pen to Paper—The Author's Odyssey" by our fellow writer M. Nandha Kumar. To say it was just an event would be a lie. It was one of those rare afternoons where time seemed to have paused, and every word spoken seemed to land straight to the heart. It was so powerful that Mr. Nandha Kumar was not just a speaker. He was one of us. A fellow student and writer. However, he stood out there and unravelled his journey with such honesty and rawness that he felt like someone who lived through his stories. He spoke of struggles, moments of self-doubt, and rejection. However, what made it unforgettable was how he never framed these struggles as endings, only as beginnings. That afternoon, something shifted in all of us. We did not just leave feeling inspired. We left feeling changed and empowered. "Pen to Paper" reminded me that writing is not reserved for the already accomplished. It belongs to the passionate and persistent dreamers. As young writers, we needed to hear that. I know I did.
And then came our biggest triumph—Talestra, the intercollegiate fest celebrating everything we had grown as a team. There were moments of absolute madness, sleepless nights, and last-minute changes, yet it was a beautiful chaos to be involved in. Simeon and Taochi, our rockstar secretaries, gave their all for this fest. Their leadership, patience, and belief in the team carried us forward, even when it got too challenging sometimes. However, what made Talestra so special was not just its scale or success. It was the spirit of collaboration that sparked among us. We all came in with different strengths. Some of us were organisers, emcees, and logistics and hospitality. Moreover, somehow, all those roles fell right into place. Our place. Everyone contributed what they were best at, and we created something bigger than ourselves. Being on the registration team pushed me out of my shell in ways I did not expect. I met incredible people—both from within our association and other colleges. We spoke, shared many moments of laughter, and worked equally hard, and somewhere along the way, I stopped being afraid of putting myself out there.
As I prepare to graduate and close this chapter of my life, I find myself holding on tightly to every memory, every conversation, every event, and every behind-the-scenes moment that has taken place. This association was not just a college club. It was and will always be my comfort space, where I was not expected to be loud to be heard. I could be my quiet, slightly awkward, overly poetic self and still feel like I mattered. The people here certainly made all the difference. The ones who clapped when I read something out loud for the first time, the ones who gently laid down constructive criticism when needed, and the ones who reminded me of my voice. I walk away now with more than just memories. I walk away with lifelong friendships, a new sense of confidence, and a heart overflowing with gratitude.
To the Writers' Association, thank you for not just giving me a platform but for giving me a place. You have been my greatest learning curve, launchpad, and comfort zone. So, if someday, you find my name on the cover of a book or tucked away in some literary piece, know that it all started here with a quiet, unsure girl who walked into a room full of strangers and found a family. With trembling hands and a varsity jacket that fit overly big, but finally made her feel like she belonged. Every story I go on to tell will carry traces of this place, these people, and this version of me that dared once again to believe she was a writer simply because the Writer's Association made her truly believe it first.
Caren Mascarenhas - 22PYEN12
Testimonial 2
In a world full of assignments and deadlines, the bustling campus of KJC held a special place for me; the Writers' Association was my haven, my home.
The Writers' Association was constantly buzzing with activity. The Writers' Café gave us an opportunity to present and have meaningful discussions about our writing. Orientations from various resourceful writers, including international writers, through the International Lecture Series helped us gain advanced knowledge on how to improve and establish our writing.
However, the most memorable events were our intra and intercollegiate fests- Meliora and Talestra. The growth opportunities exceeded participating in events and challenging ourselves; here we also learned how to organise events, host writers from various colleges and ensure a smooth and memorable fest for everyone. The Writers' Association also allowed us to publish our work in newspapers. To top it all off, we created and published a book, which included all of our writings, called KJC Wordsmiths. Such exposure and nourishment have been instrumental in my writing growth.
The true treasure I found, however, was in the people. The banter-loving, warm, and judgment-free environment we built together gave me some of the most beautiful memories of my college life. Our meetings always felt like a warm hug on a rainy day.
Looking back, two years since my first meeting with the Writers' Association, I can confidently say I have been changed for the better. I have found myself as a writer, my people, and where I truly belong.
I am forever grateful to the Writer's Association for painting my memories a shade of pink that I won’t ever forget.
Anitta Boban Thomas - 22IBP794
Testimonial 3
I was often left feeling trifling in the constant need to belong somewhere. However, that could not stop me from subduing my mind and redirecting it towards the only thing that kept me alive: pouring my heart into paper!
Even in my nadir, I ensconced in the warmth of my most favourite, safe spot in our college- Writers' Association …. It all began when, in my second year, I received an email for the enrolment into the Writers' Association, a budding club. I never knew this journey could let me feel or be evocative. At the cusp of one year, the club emerged among the best by constantly engaging the young writers through various activities. The alacrity of every club member is what makes it dear to my heart. I cannot stop thinking about two of the major events of the club- Meliora and Talestra, which made me feel morale.
Writers' Association will always be those pages of my life marked with love and highlighted in glitter.
Ananya Subramanian - 22FRSB07
Testimonial 4
My experience at the KJC Writers' Association was phenomenal. The various activities conducted by the association have polished my skills as a writer and refined my thoughts as a reader. The KJC Writers' Association has given literary exposure a whole new meaning. Throughout my two years at this association, I have witnessed traditional activities giving way to more creative and revolutionised methods of building a writers' community, with the limelight not only at writing poetry and stories, but at a broader range of innovation, with the "Writers' Café", a communication enhancing event for writers, playwriting workshops, an intracollegiate and intercollegiate fest – Meliora, Talestra and a distinguished publication of the writers’ works in newspapers and blogs. A proud collaboration of the writers' works is in the association's newsletter and book – KJC Wordsmiths Vol 1.
KJC Writers' Association has given me opportunities to express myself through words and phrases, reminding me that as a writer, I can change the world with my ideas.
Hajira Bee - 22CDSA21