My tryst with Samvada began in January 2020 when a meeting was initiated by the enterprising Antariksh Aggarwal. He visited AoH with a one-of-a-kind concept of writing for a community magazine.
Five of us residents volunteered as this seemed like the perfect opportunity for us with the writer’s itch!
Samvada is a monthly magazine which started as a community initiative in 1996. Steered by the vision of the Editor-in-Chief Vinod Aggarwal and Antariksh, it has grown into a platform across several communities, for writers to articulate their thoughts about their society.
In these four years, I have witnessed how Samvada has served as a medium to not just share interesting societal happenings but also empowered individuals to voice their concerns. The voluntary editors, entrenched in their respective societies, bring forth a diverse range of narratives that reflect the heartbeat of Delhi-NCR.
On Saturday, 13 April, the Silver Oak Hall at India Habitat Centre was abuzz with excitement as editors from across Delhi-NCR congregated for the Annual Editors’ Meet of Samvada! The first one since COVID, this gathering marked not only a celebration of the magazine’s success but also a reunion of individuals dedicated to societal expression.
Resident editor and MC Ashok Srivastava set the mood in his inimitable style. The meet was characterized by a plethora of experiences shared by the editors. Each individual brought a unique perspective, enriching the meet with their stories.
Writers expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to Samvada, acknowledging the magazine’s role in providing a platform for their voices to be heard.
A highlight of the gathering was the strong association of the editors with their society RWAs. This bond underscores the magazine’s commitment to grassroots engagement. Editors shared anecdotes of collaboration with residents, further cementing the magazine’s role as a catalyst for social change.
Our relatively new AoH team was awe-struck and humbled to be amidst such passionate company.
By the end of the session, the atmosphere was filled with warmth. We were then treated to a delicious spread, while we continued to share with other editors. The meet was not merely a gathering; it was a testament to the power of community and expression.
As Samvada continues to evolve, its editors remain committed to upholding its ethos of inclusivity, integrity, and social responsibility. Our association with Samvada has not just honed our writing skills but also granted us a recognition within our society.
Through our articles, we have become voices of our communities, articulating their joys and aspirations with sincerity.
Through our words, let us continue to impact minds and make a positive difference in our community, for a brighter, more inclusive future.
