Looking Back at 2016: The Year That Still Lives Within Me✨

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I recently came across a trend on Instagram about the evolution of individuals from 2016 to 2026, or posts highlighting moments from 2016 that made people proud. It truly is an excellent way to introspect and reflect on ourselves.

We get so busy with our lives and work that we hardly find time to pause and review our journey. We just keep moving forward. For me too, this trend made me look back at my memories from 2016 — and it felt surreal.

Let me share a piece of my story.

2016.
The first half of the year was all about my pre-board and board examinations for my 1st PU, along with intensive preparation for my +2 classes, which were supposed to begin in the second half. Luckily, I didn’t join any coaching institute; I prepared at home.

That phase was a banger for me!

It was also our last year in my second most favourite home on this planet — JNV Mysuru. A place where I lived life without worries or tension. I can talk endlessly about this heaven, but today, it’s all about 2016 — so I’ll keep it short.

One of the most cherished parts of this year was celebrating festivals and events with my friends. The way we celebrated the Gowri–Ganesha festival is still etched in my memory. Dancing till the very last moment of visarjan was absolutely crazy.

You might wonder, “What’s so special about dancing during Ganesh visarjan?” But let me remind you — we were in a residential school, bound by strict rules and discipline. Dancing at visarjan was completely out of our league!

That day, our feet moved to every beat, our bodies were perfectly in sync, and every one of my friends was in a different zone altogether. As elders say, sometimes breaking a rule creates the most beautiful memories — and this was one such moment.

That day is still fresh and alive in my heart.
Our body, feet, and soul were in perfect harmony — carefree, yet unknowingly creating lifelong memories for my little heart.

Another highlight of 2016 was Teachers’ Day, which we celebrated in the most unique way. Students would represent one of their teachers as a token of love and respect for them and their profession. What made it even more special was how supportive the teachers were — never once getting offended.

I had dreamt of that day for a really long time — ever since we got a lady principal in 2012 — of representing our beloved principal ma’am. I was scared, excited, and extremely happy when my long-time dream finally came true.

I had prepared for everything — my costume, hairstyle, spectacles, morning assembly speech, and so much more. I could barely feel my feet that day; it felt unreal, like a dream. That feeling is something I will cherish forever. It was truly a special day for me.

Another favourite memory from 2016 was the retention days during the Dasara festival. While most students were sent home for holidays, the senior-most batch was retained to complete the syllabus. Surprisingly, those days turned out to be another set of beautiful memories that I will always treasure.

Teenage life was at its peak in 2016, and I experienced it in the most beautiful way. Living in the hostel, surrounded by friends, I was genuinely happy and content. That kind of life is a luxury now — something I wouldn’t get back even if I paid for it.

The best part of 2016 is that everything changed — my ambitions, thoughts, feelings, understanding, and perspectives. But one thing remained constant: my friends.

Everything happened organically over the years, and I proudly say that these people are still there for me — whenever and however I need them. We may not talk every day, but the moment we share a roof, words never fall short. And those tiny drops from the corners of our eyes say everything about how much we miss and love each other.

I am truly grateful for this bond — the one we had then and the one we still have now.

The story could go on forever, but I’ll conclude by acknowledging every single person who was and continues to be a part of my journey. I am proud of where I stand today and deeply grateful for the people in my circle.

❤️



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