A Tale of Two Sides of Delhi – One Raised Me, and the Other Reshaped Me

Picture this – a city with some of India’s finest architecture, Asia’s largest spice market filled with wedding essentials, a paradise for foodies, and a plethora of history – from the Mughals to the Brits. That’s my home, a place where my heart lives. A city rich in unexpected delights. The frenetic city of Old Delhi.

Old Delhi – or you could say the “Oldest area of Delhi” – is a yarn of winding ancient streets, vibrance, and chaos. Being born and brought up here is nothing less than a privilege for me.

Every year, a humongous number of students leave their homes and come to Delhi chasing their dream – the dream to study at Delhi University. Not just from different states but even from 70–80 different countries; around 1,500 foreign students enroll in this central prestigious university every year. Over 55% of the students are from outside Delhi. And that’s another reason I find myself lucky – not having to leave my home and family behind but being a Delhiite who chose to walk her way into this spectacular University.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d get admission into this dream University. This transition involved navigating the vibrant, bustling streets of my home, facing potential challenges, and eventually stepping into the top-notch academic environment of a prestigious university. Even though it's the same city, going to university – especially the elite North Campus – for the very first time felt like stepping into another world with new and unfamiliar places, people, and energy. Many people, even my own family, think it’s a complete package of benefits and has cost me nothing to get there. Little did they know – it demands openness, adaptability, and most importantly, a lot of courage and confidence from me. For me, getting into Delhi University made me feel like Dory – a small fish lost in a giant, ever-moving aquarium.

From my university, I only expected quality education, good mentorship, and a genuine opportunity to grow. Thankfully, I got more than what I sought. It began to transform me into a better person; every moment I spent here started contributing to my growth and slowly began shaping me into a holistic individual – not just academically inclined, but also emotionally stable and socially responsible.

Humanity to me means extending unconditional love to everyone – not just humans, but every single living being. It’s the compassion and love we show towards one another. Sympathy, empathy, love, and treating others with kindness and respect – that, to me, is the seed of humanity.

Obviously, the journey has never been smooth to reach where I am today. Coming from a reserved and non-lenient part of society to Delhi University, I carried a clenching sense of rootedness – something that felt like a mental burden in an environment that offered openness and rapid change in return. I often used to get the thought that I couldn’t fit in, and worst of all – the thought of not being “good enough.” I thought maybe I should just stay in my cocoon and never step out. That’s when introspection hit me hard – “How am I supposed to grow if I continue to do this?” That question made me start finding strength in those very struggles. I pushed myself to reach out, reflect, and slowly – rise.

There’s a fine line between who you really are and who you want to be. And that line is what you do. I’ve always believed that your actions shape your aspirations. With its chaos and charm, my esteemed university showed me who I am and is shaping me into who I want to become. The hesitant, unsure, and skeptical girl is now turning into a better person – a more confident, empathetic, and passionately driven one.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Humanity@2047. I must say, it's an incredible e-platform as it gave me the opportunity to pen down the baggage of my unsaid thoughts. Your initiative is truly worth appreciation. I hope my journey, in a big or small way, inspires someone and nudges them to take their own leap of faith.

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