An Ode to 2023, A Hug for 2024

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 into when I became the Sub-Editor for this year. Yes, I knew there was a long road ahead of me, which led to the publishing of Phoenix - but I had almost no clue as to the various things all of us would come across as we traversed down that path. It was certainly a first for all of us in the editorial team, especially for us four heads. Boy were we so naive! But through the entirety of this tumultuous journey, I’ve managed to get through because of my AICUF family, especially my precious Editorial team! They’ve been such an amazing bunch of people who have done spectacular work and have been overwhelmingly supportive and dedicated to AICUF. I not only gained some new friends this year - but I’ve gained a whole new family - a family which I love to shreds. I am immensely grateful for everything we’ve managed to accomplish - especially - publishing Phoenix, in all its grandiosity and splendour! What a journey it has been - one to never forget, one to cherish for all eternity.

Of course, I cannot forget to thank the rest of the AICUF family. Starting with the amazing Trinity, whose everlasting energy and encouragement has kept us driving through all the ups and downs. Their vivacious vitality, as they took on the role of the heads of AICUF for 2023-24 as it stood on the threshold of its centenary, has been the key to what has kept AICUF alive.

To all the other heads of the various departments - Cultural, Prayer, Social Outreach and the Women’s Commission - your talent and skill in orchestrating an assortment of events and workshops, all to promote the heart of AICUF and all it stands for. It is your generosity of heart and bravery of spirit that has given AICUF its name and meaning. And of course, the tireless, sleep-deprived teams working in the background - PR, Digital & Physical Creatives, and the newly created FnD team - it is all of you that ensure AICUF looks and functions the way it should. Your amazing efforts, and the tireless days and nights you’ve spent to make sure everything went the way it should have, are the reasons why AICUF still stands strong and alive! Oof, how can I forget - our beloved Fr. Vivian - we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for your support. You’ve been with us, helping us right from the start and guiding us wherever we needed.

Last but not least, to all of our patrons - from the faculty to the students. It is your constant love, care and support that keeps us going, and makes us feel proud for what we do at AICUF. From those who have participated in our events, who dressed up for all our dress-coded days, to those who performed for various events, to those who wrote and bought Phoenix, and to those reading this blog and all the ones that have come before - I take this moment to thank you from the bottom of my heart, on behalf of the entire AICUF team, for all your love and support you’ve showered upon us this whole year (and we hope for it for the rest too)

With that, I think it’s time I end this very long blog. This has been my very short (trust me this is short, I have a whole of a lot more to say and be thankful for) thank you note for making this year what it was. A delightful pot of chaos and beauty, the calm among the storm - the musings of the mundane - and hey, that’s what we started the year with - Meraki - finding the joy in little things and giving it your all. And I think we have successfully lived up to Meraki’s expectations. With that, I wish you all a very happy new year! May it be a better one for us all!

On Behalf of Team AICUF,

Happy New Year!

~ Jeremy Varghese

Sub-Editor, AICUF 23-24

P.S. As much as it sounds like one, this is not a signing off! It is only a closing for 2023. We still have a lot more in store for you in 2024. And we hope that all the love and joy we've experienced together in 2023 shall continue, and grow in bounds and leaps! See ya!

To, all the amazing people who make AICUF a dream to work with, Thank You! -