IN FOCUS
Migration Through a Personal Lens
Nengneithem Hengna, a GP Birla Fellow, represented Ananta Aspen Centre at the Aspen Global Change Maker 2025 in Colombia. The theme this year was Migration – Price of Passage. In this article Hengna, who belongs to a community that has faced displacement, writes about about how the programme made her evaluate her understanding of migration, and why we need to have more of these conversations back home.
When I was nominated for the Aspen Global Change Maker 2025 in Colombia, I wanted to attend for a deeply personal reason. Coming from a tribe that has faced atrocities for as long as I can remember, I grew up with a constant sense of turmoil never fully belonging, always questioning. From childhood, one word stayed with me “why?” Why do people suffer? Why do we become outsiders on our own land? Why do identities, borders, and movements shape our lives so painfully? I never found a clear answer.
With that curiosity and heaviness, I applied for the programme, hoping to understand migration from a personal lens. But when I actually participated, I realised the theme carried far deeper implications. Migration is not just about movement; it is about politics, economics, identity, and the fundamental story of humanity. I came back with a renewed understanding and a stronger question not “why do people migrate?” but “why do we treat migration so negatively?” Humans have always migrated. Movement is how civilisations grew, how cultures evolved, and how histories were shaped.
My experience at Aspen made me see how much work remains in this sector. Migration continues to create tension in societies, mostly because fear thrives where understanding is absent. The moment the word “migrant” is mentioned, the instinctive reaction is insecurity followed by exclusion or hostility.
Back home, I see even more clearly the gaps in our systems. We are not discussing migration enough, nor are we creating awareness about its complexities. The only time this conversation gained attention was during the drive to deport Bangladeshi immigrants an exercise that, without proper measures or sensitisation, also fuelled unnecessary hatred towards our fellow Muslim community. Many still believe that “immigrants” only refers to one group. And because of that narrow understanding, the response often becomes anger, suspicion, or simply “chase them out.”
But migration is far bigger than that. We have internal migrants people moving from one city to another for economic survival. They are workers, contributors, dreamers, and part of our shared growth. Our policies must protect them, welcome them, and acknowledge that we need people to strengthen our economy and society.
My time in Colombia helped me see this issue with more clarity and compassion. Migration is a human story one of hope, struggle, resilience, and the search for dignity. The rights of migrants are as important as the rights of locals. What we need is a more humane approach, rooted in understanding rather than fear.
I return home committed to continuing this conversation because if we want a peaceful, progressive society, we must learn to see migration not as a threat, but as an integral part of who we are and who we will become.
FELLOW SPEAK
“Collaborative thinking can spark meaningful change!”
Nageshwaran, on how the Emerging Leaders Fellowship has helped hone his pursuit of a career in diplomacy
During the Emerging Leaders Fellowship, the coming together with individuals from across India – each bringing unique ideas and perspectives – led to dynamic solutions that I could never have envisioned alone. It reaffirmed my belief that collaborative thinking can spark meaningful change.
The fellowship has added depth to how I envision achieving my core goals. It reinforced the importance of unity, collaboration, and dialogue—especially in diplomacy and leadership. I now see my future path not just as a personal pursuit, but as a shared journey where collective voices and diverse perspectives truly matter.
In a profession like the Indian Foreign Service, where one represents a nation's identity, aspirations, and principles, values-based learning is not just relevant— it's essential. It shapes ethical decision-making, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to engage in meaningful dialogue with integrity. Hailing from Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu, Nageshwaran's keen interest in nation-building and geopolitics is steering him towards the Civil Services, seeking a career in the Indian Foreign Service.
HAPPENINGS
Ananta Aspen Emerging Leaders Fellowship Alumni Meet
Emerging Leaders Fellowship Alumni came together on 2nd November 2025 in Pune for a warm and engaging reading session. The gathering, held from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, provided a space for reflection, conversation, and connection among alumni across various cohorts.
The session was moderated by Reshma Sagari, a GP Birla Fellow, Class 1, who led the group through an insightful discussion of the poem “Love After Love” by Derek Walcott. The reading sparked thoughtful exchanges on themes of self-rediscovery, compassion, and personal journeys.
Beyond the literary discussion, alumni enjoyed reconnecting, sharing updates, and exploring ideas around leadership, community, and their ongoing engagements. The meeting served as a meaningful reminder of the strength and continuity of the ELF network.
GP Birla Fellowship for Women Leaders – Class 5 Graduation
The GP Birla Fellowship Class 5, Bebaak Voices, convened in Gurugram from 15–20 November 2025 for their second and final seminar. This closing chapter of the programme created a powerful space for reflection, honest dialogue, and renewed purpose. Fellows revisited their leadership journeys, explored their values, and strengthened the bonds that have shaped their year-long experience together.
This year's cohort brought together 21 exceptional young women from across India — Nagaland, Pune, Chennai, Churu, Lucknow, Patna, Indore, Kolkata, Manipur, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Ranchi, Dimapur, Satara, Khairthal/Alwar and Kutch. Each Fellow contributed unique insights and lived experiences, creating a vibrant, diverse mosaic of leadership voices.
The class graduated on 19 November 2025 at the Taj City Centre, Gurugram. The ceremony was marked by warmth, pride and inspiration, with the Chief Guest sharing her personal journey of courage and leadership. Her stories offered a meaningful send-off as these young women step forward to lead with clarity, confidence and purpose.
With this graduation, Class 5 joins the growing network of GP Birla Fellows — women committed to shaping communities, organisations and society through thoughtful, values-based leadership.
