A Graduation Look That Became Newsworthy

My first (of many) headlines!

My paternal grandfather, as traditional as he was, always dreamt big for his kids and grandkids. My dad, a police officer, is living proof of that.

I remember every summer and Diwali like it was yesterday. Whenever my grandfather read the newspaper and came across news appreciating someone’s achievement, he used to say:
“Anje” (short for Anjali), “tuza pan asach eka divshi naav yeyla pahije.”
Translation: “Anje, one day even your name should be in the newspaper.”

Almost 15 years later, on the morning of 21st July, two days after my graduation, I woke up to see my name in bold print in Raigad Times:
“UK-til Padvila Marathmola Saaz”
Translation: “Maharashtrian grace at a UK graduation.”

Women in the Maratha Empire were trained in sword fighting, archery, and horse riding. Their Nauvari saree allowed them to participate in battles, breaking the stereotype of women being confined to household roles.
(I promise I didn’t research this while writing the blog.)

The attire symbolised femininity with power, making it an essential part of Maharashtra’s warrior culture.

I knew then, this is what I’ll wear at my graduation.

To honour not just my culture but all those women who said no to being a damsel in distress and chose to be their own protectors and the protectors of their people. I completed the look with Kolhapuri chappals, the OGs (the ones a big brand definitely stole from). It was important that every part of what I wore told a story. 

I stand for equality, and as the first woman in my entire extended family to attend an international university, I knew I wasn’t just empowering myself, I was inspiring many young women in my family and social circle.

And this outfit was my tribute to all those brave women, including my mother, a successful businesswoman and corporator, who refused to let others dictate their reality.

There was one more thing I needed to do to feel complete.

My name has always been Anjali Arjun Garad, and I love it. But something always felt missing. I carry my father’s name proudly, but I’ve always carried my mother’s too, even if not officially.

So, I made a special request to the Degree Ceremony Board.

My degree still says Anjali Arjun Garad, but when I walked the stage, I wanted to be introduced as:
Anjali Leena Arjun Garad.

After a long (but just one) request, they agreed. And when my name was called out, my mom was a little surprised, but she smiled and said,

"You've always called yourself that. I've always felt like I was part of your journey. This just made it official."

She felt seen. I felt proud. I felt whole.

I can’t express how grateful I am that someone saw this and decided it deserved to be in the newspaper!

I pledge to hold my culture and heritage close to my heart, and to honour the roots I come from, every step of the way in my journey through life.

I miss Nana (my paternal grandfather) dearly, and I wish he could have seen this moment. I share this achievement with him, and with Aba (my maternal grandfather), one of my biggest supporters.

And of course with:

My Mom and Dad, Yash (my brother), Mau (my maternal aunt and role model), Athya (my paternal aunt) who always encouraged me to embrace our culture, and both my Aais (maternal and paternal grandmothers), who have given me nothing but their love and unconditional nurturing affection.

And to all my friends who supported me through this challenging, beautiful year away from home,

Gaurav, Sakshi, Rachana, Khushi, Sameena, Manas, Arjun, Chahat, Madhura, Rahul, Varun, Ankita, Pranav, Siddhesh, Soumik, Raga, Kavya, Kamesha, Janhavi, Shantanu, Atharva, Shachhi, Rohan, Jay, Kim Juwon, Prakhar, Avi, Ishwar, Gaurav, Abhijeet, Elshada, Sarvesh, Ishu, Sayyam, Tushar, Sharan, Lakshna, Rucha, Dhanush, Sakshi, Vedangi, 

I’m sure I’m missing some names (please don’t hate me!) but this list is obviously not exhaustive.

Each and every one of you helped me stay grounded in a new country, far from everything familiar.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.