Disclaimer:- The views presented below are the author’s own and are not in any manner representative of the views of Vox Populi as a body or IIT Kanpur in general. This is an informal account of the author’s experiences at IIT-K.
As I leave, I for once want to deliver that note, that letter that I have been delivering to all the walls, all the chairs, and to all the closet doors I was surrounded by. At this moment, I’m taking a deep breath, having played ‘Mystery of Love’ in my earphones to calm my anxiety and penning down all my undelivered letters, which till now only existed in my heart.
“Requesting you to please play the song ‘Mystery of Love’ while reading it 🙂 .”
To all the Queer Folks, I feel you, and you have all my love. You should know that you deserve all the love that exists in this universe. I see and acknowledge all your struggles and hard work (even if it was required for existence) that may sometimes become invisible to others. Know that you are no Google to anyone. You owe no explanation to others. Love whoever you desire, wear whatever you want, and eat whatever you crave without shame and without compromise. Not a single soul has the authority to decide that for you. Know that it’s okay if you do not want any labels. It’s completely okay if you need to be in the closet, I wish you all the comfort and warmth. And if someday you decide to step out, I only wish you to fly as high as possible. Things can become overwhelming, but you are not alone on your journey; there are always people cheering ‘Yassss Queennnn’ behind you with all their hearts. Enjoy your queerness to the fullest, and I wish you good health, peace, and love. To all the allies, you people are amazing; thanks for being there for them. Things feel less clumsy with you. All the queer folks and allies, a piece of my heart will always beat for you.
“Requesting you to please play the song ‘Mystery of Love’ while reading it 🙂 .”
To all the Reservation Peeps, keep your heads high, ALWAYS. Warm and tight hugs to you all. You don’t need to prove your merit to anyone. People may talk bullshit, who cares! Know that it is never your duty to defend your validation. You were never an imposter, and you are as valid as everyone else. I’m always with you. You grow and live however you want to. You’ll always have my love, and a piece of my heart will always beat for you.
To all the people struggling with mental health, know that I know how it feels. I know how it feels when even a basic and minute thing feels like a mountain to climb. Those restless nights, those anxieties, those panic attacks, isolation, and loneliness are/were extremely terrible. I empathize with you, and at least through this note, I’m always there for you. I do not intend to burden you with fake positivity, but let's float through these feelings and emotions together. Healing may seem like a challenge; after all, finally, you decide to confront the issues, but ab itna jhel liya hai toh thoda aur sahi, let's heal together. Wishing you all the love, and always remember, a piece of my heart will always beat for you.
To all the people who made my college life bearable and eventually happy, thank you for being there for me. Aditya Bansal, I have no words to thank you, you are a god-level person. Harish, Vaibhav, and the Hall 9 D-mid peeps, thanks for all the bakchodi and for being there in the most challenging times. Big hugs to hall 2 Galaxy ’20 and ‘23 dance teams.
The Y18 peeps, whom for some reason I call Devanshu and peeps, you people are amazing, and Muskan, I know nail art only because of you. Shashi, thanks for the goodbye note, Dillii me milte hai ab kabhi, hopefully. To all my Y20 friends, wishing you all the very best. To my Bachas, Potas, and Par- potas, a big warm hug, take care! Aman, Gaurav, and Taniya, you people are my sweethearts. Lots of love for the Unmukt family.
Haven’t mentioned a lot of wonderful people here, but my love for them is no less. I once craved people, and suddenly there came so many of them who saw me for who I am and existed. Last but not least, big thanks to Suchitra Ma’am; she’s a goddess.
