Princeton Foundation for Peace & Learning

In Part Six of Princeton Foundation's mid-year self journaling activity, we bring highlights from another two diligent Princeton Foundation fellows - P***e Swathi Goud (University of Hyderabad) and Shifla Ashraf (Bharti College, Delhi).

The first half of 2025 was a period of profound resilience and transformative healing for both Swathi and Shifla.

The year began with milestones for Swathi, but was quickly overshadowed by intense challenges, including toxic workplaces, professional rejections. Shifla also had to push through a difficult period of deep sorrow due to a tragic loss.

Despite these storms, both found their strength in quiet perseverance, unwavering kindness, and supporting their communities. For Shifla, grief became a catalyst for the meaningful personal achievement of expressing love to those who matter most, while for Swathi, it solidified a refusal to yield.

Both graciously credited the foundation for having been their anchor and guiding light through trying times, providing the necessary belief, inspiration, and motivation to rebuild and refuse to give up when facing adversity.

Part Five of Princeton Foundation's Mid-Year Self Journaling Activity brings responses from another two brilliant students; Preyosee Das (Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi), and Trandali Kashyap (Miranda House, Delhi).

Both Preyosee and Trandali, fellows of the Princeton Foundation for Peace and Learning - experienced a period of profound reflection and growth in the first half of 2025. Preyosee realized growth is about "understanding myself more deeply" and approaching life with "empathy and intention". While Trandali's self-assessment built resilience, teaching her to face challenges with a "positive mindset," evidenced by her presentation of a paper on a social issue and finding a high point in friendship.

Moving forward, both are committed to carrying this clarity, aiming to nurture their well-being and become more thoughtful, compassionate, and dependable versions of themselves. Which is exactly the direction Princeton Fundation wants its fellows and scholars to follow.

Part Six of Princeton Foundation's Mid-Year

Self-Assessment Journaling Activity:-

This July, the foundation's bright and capable fellows reflected on their growth, challenges, and dreams and today, we are proud to share the heartfelt stories of Adila Khanam (Jamia Islamia, Delhi) and Somya Ranakoti (Government Degree College for Women, Begumpet, Delhi).

Adila described the first half of 2025 as a period that tested her resilience through long nights, lab failures, and thesis writing. Being part of the foundation taught her that "hard work, kindness, and courage can coexist." The experience solidified her vision of becoming a scientist and fueled her fearless pursuit of a PhD and a dream to contribute something meaningful to the world.

Somya characterized her journey as a "rollercoaster" involving balancing academics, competitions, and personal challenges, teaching her the value of patience and self-belief. Winning a state-level competition and supporting her family taught her the power of resilience and kindness. The foundation served as a "source of light," inspiring her to pursue higher studies, promote eco-friendly solutions, and build a life based on confidence, compassion, and courage.

In summary, the fellowship acted as a crucial catalyst, taking both young women through difficult times and instilling the courage, resilience, and focused purpose necessary to pursue ambitious academic and professional futures.