Defying the Conventions- Medhavi's Journey

Contributor: YA Team

Courage Medhavi Thakur says, is one thing which she learnt from ONUS. When Medhavi joined Jesus and Mary College as a student of Sociology in 2014, she was a girl trapped between the conventional paths of right and wrong. An obedient and relenting child, Medhavi diligently followed the path shown by her parents and teachers. She was an introvert, keeping her thoughts to herself and maintaining a good distance from awkward conversations. When the opportunity for joining ONUS came across, she grasped it as a platform to go beyond academic learning.

Owing to family constraints and academic pressure, Medhavi couldn’t be a part of various ONUS activities throughout the year. But Medhavi found herself drawn to the program like a moth to a flame. She was enchanted by its spirit and on countless occasions, Medhavi made efforts to be present to the happenings in ONUS and living it in her being. Medhavi says, “I knew this was the place for me because I felt more comfortable here than any other place. It (Youth Alliance) is a family where I can be myself without the fear of judgments. It is the perfect place to be me.”  Medhavi found herself coming out of the shell of fear and inhibitions. At ONUS, she learnt to empathize with people; she understood their pain as her own and learned the art to reason. One thing that Medhavi fondly recalls from ONUS is the circle of sharing. In those moments, the introvert inside her came out in its brightest form to sing the songs of her heart. Here, she felt worthy and her thoughts which uptil now were boggling inside her, found valuable attention.

When Medhavi who is now to start her second year in College, looks back, she finds herself a changed person. She is more confident, self-assured, sensitive and brave. Medhavi has learnt to confront and take on a fight for now; she has the courage to stand up to the world and even her family. She is learning to take control over her own life, and when that day of complete independence finally knocks at her door, Medhavi would want to go back to Youth Alliance and join them in their incredible journey as a token of her gratitude and appreciation. ONUS has been Medhavi’s support in her lifelong mission of spreading happiness. About ONUS, Medhavi writes; “If I wouldn't have had all this, how could I have smiled at the hardest pain of my life; How could I have spent my time not thinking of those lovely people who taught me how to be me; 

How could I have spent hours talking to people who were strangers yet so close..” A girl, who followed the conventional paths of right and wrong, has found the courage to take the road less traveled by. And ONUS has made all the difference.

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Here is a reflection she spontaneously wrote one fine evening, Thank you- ONUS. This story was compiled by Prachi Lohia who herself was part of ONUS 2014-15 cohort and has decided to contribute back. Learn more about ONUS here.