The AICUF Story!

  There’s no denying that 2023 has been a very rocky year, universally. We’ve gone through challenges and obstacles that we never expected or wished upon us or our fellow earthlings, be it known or unknown. We’ve had a lot of unprecedented moments of weakness, followed by the grievous process of trying to cope with everything - while still trying to put on a good show somehow and deal with life . But, through all the dark grey clouds that have been hovering around us for the past 12 months, I can say (and I hope we can all say too) that the sun did creep through to some extent - especially with my AICUF family! And it is for all these moments of comfort and happiness that I take this time to pen down a few words to express my gratitude for you all! I may come off as partial here, but I cannot begin without talking about my special team - the Editorial Committee. What started in June as a new face for AICUF, with more energy and excitement I never knew what I was getting myself int...

I’d be honest, Christmas brings this energy into me that I’ve not felt since I was a small kid waiting to pack his new box of Hot Wheels. The hype that surrounds it just seems to keep getting bigger. But yet there is this thing that warms me from within this year.   It must be the sweets or the carols. Even more so, just people living in the moment of  spending time with their loved ones. It’s a lot honestly, but to me, it’s just the smiles, the people who are there with me at this moment. Sitting at home and just taking time off to be with them has given me a sense of relief that I don’t know if I can ever describe. On the eve of Christmas as I’m choosing my finest selection of clothes, I only can feel the anticipation of meeting people I’ve not met in a while after mass and it’s just crazy to think that all of us share the air we live in. They say it’s the time of giving, I guess it’s about also giving kindness and giving back to people that mean a lot to us. We all hav...

  "Nandini, today is the thirteenth day of me telling you to clean out your room! Diwali is only two weeks away. You do know that the painters are coming tomorrow, don't you?"   "Mom, are you seriously counting the times you tell me to organise my room?"  "Yes, it is ammunition for our future arguments. Truly, Goddess Lakshmi will think twice before entering our house." Meanwhile, Mukti, my little sister, is running around the living room doing God knows what. She is all squeals and giggles; until she nearly trips over a stack of photo albums.  Seeing the labels - Diwali of 2006, 2008, 2011, and 2016, we call Mom over and sit on the bed excitedly. I open the 2006 album to a photo of me (aged 8), wearing a pink lehenga that I remember crying and begging for. Mom teases me, “Do you remember how you convinced us? You said that new clothes are a new beginning, that they bring good luck and joy, so if you don’t get this lehenga, you will be mise...

    The alarms ring. Everyone jolts into action. We never paused our work, but it is time to recommence our second job alongside the first one.   Mr. Subconscious Brain is all-powerful, but we have no qualms when he works us twenty-four by seven. Controls all our involuntary actions, and is like the archive mind everyone's so afraid of; while his brother, the younger Mr. Conscious sleeps before making us work at our second job.   I shrugged the clutches of sleep, and stuttered to work before the gossipping nerves get to me; everyone knows what I do for a living (pardon the pun), but I wonder if they truly know what my second job is.   Frankly, I run a hamster wheel. Carrots with the metaphorization of happiness have been cruelly dangled, and I've been ordered to run eternally after them, round the clock, whenever I'm awake - sometimes, if the mood strikes, even in the dreams.   The lungs greet me, and meticulously begin their day's work, coordinating with t...

  Halloween. When we usually think of it, it’s always dressing up as something or someone that is so well etched in our own memory. In India, especially in the more urban areas like Mumbai, it’s become more common to see Halloween themed parties, where people cosplay as different characters, whether fictional or non-fictional. Most of it can be down to the phenomenon of westernisation, or simply said, a fascination with the culture seen in the west.   As someone who himself celebrated Halloween parties with my friends, it is really fun, but I personally feel that there should be more acknowledging of the importance of Halloween as a whole. It is part of this run-up to All Saints Day on 1 st November and All Souls Day on 2 nd November, which both have major significance in Christian culture in general. On All Saints Day, we pray for the saints that have been ordained throughout the history of the church. It is this remembrance for what they have done for the betterment o...

  The YES (Youth Encounter Session) Camp is an annual endeavor by AICUF, providing an opportunity for students to engage in novel experiences and build new connections. Keeping this in mind, a group of students started their journey from college to St. Xaviers Villa, Khandala on the 23rd afternoon. It was a scenic journey with some funky music to keep us awake. Upon our arrival at the villa, we were welcomed with steaming hot tea and a stunning sunset. The whole group paused to appreciate the beauty of the sunset for a while. It was the perfect way to start our camp. We were soon allowed to occupy our rooms and freshen up. Once everyone was ready and settled, our first session began.  Fr. Vivian and Fr. Meszi conducted the sessions with the help of AICUF Trinity and the Steering Committee. As the majority of the group consisted of individuals who were unfamiliar with one another or were strangers, the introductory session turned out to be quite enjoyable. A few basic rules for...

     Photo by Charlotte May on Pexels College is many things- it’s scary, exciting, full of hope, ambitions, did I mention it’s scary? Anyway, it’s way beyond just the attendance rules and 8:00 A.M lectures. You’re on the cusp of adulthood and there’s a newfound freedom in your life. Your professional goal used to be unique but now suddenly there are 150 kids who want to do the same thing as you. It’s a transformative experience where you’re discovering not only your interests and things you’re good at, but also figuring out what your identity is- who you are. It’s changing what you believe in and believing that ‘change is good’. To summarize it for the people who can’t stand narrative sentences, college comes at a point in your life where what you need most is to feel safe amidst all the chaos around you. There are a hundred thousand kids with different backgrounds, lifestyles, experiences and everyone has something unique to offer. With such incredible diversit...