25/09/2021
Deepti Arya
Convenor-2013
1. What is your best memory at Athena?
There are several, but the practice sessions for plays/drama will always be my fondest memories of Athena. You get to see a different side of a person when they do something like this. We weren't 'seasoned' actors, there wasn't a regular dramatics club etc., so most of the times, people were 'handpicked' to play a character. At the end of the day, you had a bunch of people across batches who knew very little of each other. It was a very different experience, and will always be very close to my heart.
2. There's a myth that it's difficult to manage academics and committee work together. Till what extent is it true?
Frankly, at least in my time, the responsibilities of Athena were not too many and were mostly confined to specific events, such as Palchinn and Rangmanch. It was very different from say, the MCA, whose work and responsibilities were much more gruelling and demanded a lot of discipline. Most of Athena's responsibilities cropped up when an event was to be organized - it would get hectic in those times, especially Palchinn, as the same was organized a week or so before the mid-terms. It would become hectic then, but the key I guess is to delegate responsibility, have a strong and willing team. Academics and committee work can easily go hand-in-hand if one is able to delegate and balance work.
3. How did Athena contribute in shaping your personality?
I was always fond of plays, acting, writing etc. Athena gave me a much needed break from a serious law school life. As the Convenor, my job varied from coming up with events, speaking and coordinating with various people involved in the lighting arrangements, audio systems, stage setups, and running to New Market at odd times to buy things - all of this gave me a sense of belonging. Things trivial as these would become an immense source of joy when, after an event, people came up and congratulated, thanked, looked happy. Athena made me understand the importance of not overlooking even little things, of taking initiative, of making sure that not even one person felt dissociated with what was going onstage - I was very aware that unlike other events, Rangmanch and Palchinn were meant for "everyone". Till date, I find myself working with ease in a team, fully aware that every little job is as important as the seemingly bigger ones. An important aspect of Athena was working with enthusiastic juniors, mostly 1st and 2nd years, who willingly came forward and put their heart into whatever they did. Now, as a litigation counsel, with more than six years in the profession, I find myself much more understanding and appreciative of my juniors in the profession. I attribute this only to Athena, which made me understand that work is work, no matter who does it; and age is no reason why someone cannot be relied on with a responsibility.
4. How do you think has Athena progressed since you left?
Athena has grown by leaps and bounds since I left. I see it much more active than in my time.
5. One thing that you would like to tell the current as well as future members of Athena.
I will always regret of not being more organized in the manner that Athena was operated. I always thought of having multiple 'sub-bodies' - such as a dramatics club, writing club, reading club etc. I feel these activities along with academics, keep a campus lively, allow students to indulge in constructive hobbies. However, since their was no prior structure, I guess I was too scared to start it from square one. The task seemed onerous, even when I formulated a plan, I had to eventually drop it due to the many roadblocks. I hope the present and future students are able to run Athena in a much more organized and structured manner. It should not be confined to two-three events - as I have previously stated here, the inclusivity which Athena's events have is much more than any other - every student looks forward to it. A committee like this, should actively work towards expanding its horizons. I am sure the present and future members would do it, and I will be happy to support in any manner.