Tanu Kumari - Delhi

 

Before It All Began

I was a full dabang girl—fearless, mischievous, and loud. I had ego issues, never feared anyone, and was always up to some kand. The classroom knew me as the most notorious student —the one who was always up to something. I even abused without hesitation. But all my mischief stayed outside my home.

2013, the year that planted the first seed of change. My director, Mr. Sharad Chandran came and introduced us about Let's Make A Difference conference happening in our school premises in Jamshedpur. At first, my friends and I joined just out of curiosity. We didn’t think much of it—just another school event, we thought. We had no idea that we were stepping into something that would shake us to our core.

A Wake-Up Call

I walked into the conference with my usual attitude. During the inauguration, I got caught doing mischief and was asked to leave the conference by the course convener (Viral Sir). At first, I felt embarrassed, but a few hours later, he returned, looked at me, and said I could come back only on one condition: I don’t want to get disturbed again during the sessions. Surprisingly, I didn’t take it as an insult. I took it as a challenge. I’m so glad I did.

As the sessions went deeper and the silence deepened, so did my self-realization, something within me began to shift. The stories shared in the auditorium with honesty, in those moments—I found a mirror. For the first time, I truly looked at myself, what I saw within myself was not just the tough, loud, fearless girl which I had always projected, but what I felt within was someone who had buried her sensitivity, her truth, her pain, her dreams, beneath the layers of noise, ego, mischief and rebellion. I began reflecting on my behaviour and went back to apologize to those whom I had hurt. That was my first step toward transformation. That conference didn’t just teach me—it touched me. It awakened something real, something deep. I realized that being strong wasn’t about being loud or unbothered—it was about being true, real strength lies in being honest, in accepting one’s flaws and to grow. This realisation came to me for the first time, I began to understand, who I really was, beneath the surface.

It was overwhelming. I began reflecting on my behaviour, my choices, and the people I had hurt along the way. And then something new happened—I felt the urge to make things right. I went back and apologized to those whom I had wronged. That moment of humility, that act of taking responsibility, was my very first step toward transformation.

One of the most special moments for me was when my mother attended a session. After listening to Viral Sir speak, she looked at me and said, “He is guiding you all in the right direction.” In that moment, I felt within that sending my mother was the right decision. Her words filled me with gratitude and reassurance—this path of Let’s Make A Difference which I had stepped onto wasn’t just changing me, it was connecting me deeper to the people I loved.

I chose to change—Willingly This Time

In 2014, no one had to convince me. It was my inner voice—and my mom's encouragement—that made me return to the conference. Despite the crowd, Viral Sir recognized me. That year was crucial for my future. When I look back at both of my regional conferences' my main focus areas were cleaning up my jar and achieving my big and small goals.

During that conference I accepted viral sir as my mentor and gifted him my first canvas painting. It was a small token of appreciation for what I received from him during the conference and what I can give him in return.

What I had written in my quiet time diary during those two youth conferences of 2013 and 14. I achieved those short- and long-term goals and I can see those results in front of my own-self.

The Fellowship Chapter

Post 2015, I stayed in touch with Let’s Make A Difference but drifted as I moved cities for education. I was fortunate enough to stay for 4 long years in the mountains. After completion of my graduation, I shifted to Delhi in search of a job during the pandemic, I re-connected with Viral Sir, he invited me for tea, that is when I met Chirag and Neha ma’am for the first time. I have heard about Neha ma'am a lot during the conference but meeting her for the first time, felt really nice and Chirag was the first fellow of Let’s Make A Difference.

During the conversation Chirag and Viral sir were talking about the Aspirational district and the fellowship, it caught my attention. I asked them about it more. At that time Let’s Make A Difference was shortlisting their fellows for their first ever fellowship. I asked Chirag more about this. He shared with me the structure of fellowship and sent me a questionnaire of 3 pages, it took me 2 days to answer all the questions. I got shortlisted.

It was for the first time in the entire Let’s Make A Difference family who was the fellow and had never attended the National Youth Conference and only had the experience of 2 regional conferences. The feeling of entering the Fellow home for the first time was something unforgettable, I entered the home with a lot of inner baggage, self-doubts and less knowledge. I lost my confidence during covid. I started doubting myself.

The first conversation was with Bhisham Sir, he was staying with the fellows for seven days to educate and tell all of us about Let's Make a Difference module and Aspirational district.

There was always a question on my mind, will we be able to stay together in the fellow home, due to our diversity? But looking back now, it all went smoothly. We stayed like a family. Six young people from different parts of the country, each with unique cultures and communities, we all had so much to share. Living together in the Fellows’ home, I learned about various languages, cuisines, styles, cultures, traditions, perspectives, and living in a community.

Falling, Learning, and Growing

I still remember my first oratory. It was late in the evening after dinner when Viral Sir suddenly came in and told Yash to set up the camera and tripod. We all looked at each other, wondering what was about to happen. And then, the task began. Each fellow was put on the spot—facing the camera, imagining they were on stage in front of a full audience, and asked to speak on an assigned topic.

I started feeling anxious. What would happen when my turn comes? But there was no turning back; I had to look forward. After Sayok, it was me. I was told to be prepared. My topic was NIFT, and I had to speak for five minutes since I had graduated from there. Despite spending four long years at NIFT, I couldn’t speak for more than three minutes.

Since my school days, I was always a backstage person. I loved art and craft, so the only times I went on stage were to help with decorations, set up props, or collect certificates. Let me be clear—I was never a top student academically. I was always somewhere near the bottom, just managing to promote myself to the next class each year.

But when it came to my hobby subject, I truly excelled. It always captured my full attention.

Art is a form of expression, a way for people to show who they are. In a world focused on academics, I chose to follow my passion—because that's where I truly connect with myself.

I was the weakest one in the fellow home, maybe it was the oratory, or just expressing myself through words. I struggled with communication. I had never maintained a journal or taken proper notes, so my writing skills were also weak.

Day by day, things started getting harder. I wasn’t able to contribute much, and it began to affect me internally. One day, I told Viral Sir that if I couldn't deliver at the upcoming conference, I would step away from the fellowship.

But my fellow mates always helped me to overcome my fear. It was difficult for me to rebuild and learn new things. In the age where you have already skilled yourself with the specific subject. But that’s the uniqueness of Let’s Make A Difference, where people embrace your mistakes and allow you to learn new things.

I challenged myself to prove where I can truly excel. But in the back of my mind, countless thoughts were running through. One that stood out was my journey—the struggle, hardship and passion it took to study at the country’s best college, competing with lakhs of students to get selected, was my moment of triumph.

At the Fellow Home, we were just six people. It was a smaller, more manageable space. All I needed to do was find an area that truly resonated with me—something I loved and that could help the Let’s Make A Difference platform grow. After a lot of reflection, I found my space and began working.

The first task I took on, was designing the brochure. I didn’t do it alone—it was a team effort, and the outcome was appreciated by all. Gradually, I began building myself up, taking on responsibilities like creating hoardings, banners, name tags, invitation cards, sketches, podium banners and designing region-centric certificates.

I am not a graphic designer but the colour theory, aesthetic, conceptualization and a few software’s which I was well versed with helped me in building myself. I also helped Tanishk in introducing Adobe illustrator.

I learned dance from Tanishqa, song and grammar from Sayok. What I appreciated about Yash was his consistency and the clarity with which he explained things—his responses were always well thought out. I often observed him while he spoke, and from him, I learned the importance of timing and choosing the right words. Though I still fumble at times, I make a conscious effort, because in the corporate world, everything revolves around communication.

Chirag was someone who always brought fresh energy and new ideas. He introduced the concept of composting and even motivated us to learn driving. I also learned how took three hours where we all were sharing the to drive—even though I still don’t know how to ride a bicycle! It was the willpower and encouragement of the group that helped me overcome my fear and finally do something I’d always been afraid of.

At our National Youth Conference, all the fellows’ parents were invited to experience the journey we had been on for the past seven months. It was the first time my parents had travelled for something like this, and I had never seen them this happy, this proud. From the moment they arrived, their eyes sparkled with curiosity and warmth. All the parents were given seats in the front row, and I had the privilege of being the opening speaker for our Fellowship session.

I still remember how nervous we used to be—barely able to speak for five minutes without stumbling. But that day, we spoke from our hearts for three whole hours. And it wasn’t just about the duration—it was the depth, the vulnerability, and the growth that poured out of us. Standing there, seeing my parents watch me with teary eyes and beaming smiles, was a moment I’ll never forget.

My father, who is usually so quiet and reserved, sat there with a calm pride in his eyes. And my mother—always the cheerful one, with her ever-present smile—looked like her heart could burst with joy. But what truly overwhelmed me was what she told me afterward. She said that so many participants came up to them, touched their feet, and said, “Aap Tanu ke parents ho na? Usne bahut accha bola. You must be so proud of your daughter.”

Those words didn’t just touch my parents—they stayed with them. For the first time, I saw in their eyes not just love, but a deep, silent pride that said more than words ever could. And in that moment, I realized how powerful this journey had been—not just for me, but for the people who’ve loved and supported me all along.

Funny how life works—I was the first one who wanted to leave. And I ended up staying the longest.

The Return Home—Again

Returning to the Fellow Home felt like returning to a part of myself. The familiar rooms, the warm faces, the quiet moments of reflection—it was as if time had paused to welcome me back, the little rhythms of the house, from the silent mornings to the post-dinner conversations. It felt like home, and that comfort, that belonging, was all because of the warmth of Prathamesh and Ashwin bhaiya. They created an environment that allowed me to simply be—to grow, to stumble, to rise, and to learn. But this time, things were different. I wasn’t just a fellow—I had responsibilities. Balancing my job with the fellowship wasn’t easy, but every moment felt purposeful, every challenge deeply meaningful. Among all, I felt deeply privileged to be given another chance—to re-experience this transformation, to dive deeper into the journey of self.

What made it special was how naturally Let’s Make A Difference's teachings started flowing into my everyday life. At work, I began applying what I had learned—being honest in communication, unselfish in collaboration, grounded in chaos, and creative in solving problems. Slowly, people began to notice. My presence changed. I wasn’t just completing tasks; I was showing up with intention. My boss acknowledged it—he appreciated my focus, my humility, my ability to think calmly and clearly under pressure.

I began to notice a shift within: the way I thought, the calmness I held in tough situations, the way I could now engage in thoughtful, meaningful conversations. These weren’t just skills—they were reflections of inner change. It was Let’s Make A Difference. The values it had etched into my heart—purity, honesty, unselfishness and love—they were no longer just ideas. They had become a part of who I was. In the stillness of the Fellow Home, in the quiet hours of introspection, I had rediscovered my strength. And this time, I carried it with me into the world.

I walked into that house with empty hands. Today, I look at myself and realize—I have so much that I can’t even carry it all in two hands. Not just material things, but experiences, friendships, wisdom, courage, and a heart full of gratitude. Let’s Make A Difference gave me all that and more—it gave me myself.

After the Fellowship

Today, when I look back, I realize how far I’ve come—from a mischievous, fearless teenager to someone who chooses peace, purpose, and self-awareness. Every experience, every mistake, every lesson through Let’s Make A Difference has shaped the person I am becoming.

This journey wasn’t about perfection—it was about transformation. From being someone who never maintained a journal of quiet time thoughts to someone who now reflects deeply. From doubting myself to discovering where I truly shine. From seeking validation to becoming grounded in values.

What I carry with me today isn’t just memories—it's strength, clarity, and an unwavering faith in myself. Let’s Make A Difference didn’t just touch my life; it rewrote the way I live it.

The most beautiful part? My parents now look at me with pride.

That, for me, is everything.

The journey continues... but this built foundation and its reinforcement of universal moral values along with the discipline quiet time will always remain an integral part of my life.