The phone buzzed, and Archana Mam’s excited voice sealed it: “You’re in for Malwa Media Fest in Ratlam!” My heart pounded-I was over the moon. This was my first media fest, a whirlwind intro to gripping histories and today’s headlines. From that call to travel day, pure adrenaline kept me counting hours, dreaming of the magic ahead.

Saksham Sanchar Foundation and EBNW Story turned Malwa Media Fest 3.0 into a powerhouse event, igniting media passion in underserved spots like Ratlam and rural Malwa. The air hummed with creativity, from workshops buzzing with ideas to stages alive with stories.

The real thrill? Rubbing shoulders with legends. A retired NSG soldier shared raw bravery tales that gave me goosebumps; spy Lucky Bisht whispered intel intrigue; Major Namrata Dhamsana, fresh from Indian Army valor, embodied unbreakable spirit. Mam Soumya Panday dazzled with model poise, Mam Bharti Dixit enchanted as a musical storyteller, while cabinet minister Sir Chetanya Kashyap Ji, Sir Swapnil Vairagi (journalist), Mam Ruchi Shrimali (social worker), and others dropped game-changing insights. Every handshake felt like destiny.

Best part: linking up with the EBNW Story crew, forging bonds over late-night chats and shared dreams. Laughter echoed, ideas flew-this was where my journalism fire roared to life.

Day 1: “Bhavra’s Revolutionary Spark & Kabir Night Bliss”

On the 8th, I departed Jaipur with Ravindra Sir, a true gem packed with wisdom and encouragement. Traveling mostly solo for the first time, nerves tangled with thrill in my stomach. As the journey unfolded, I breathed deep, calming the jitters. Chatting with co-passengers broke the ice. I shared my articles, and jaws dropped when they learned I was just in Class 9. “No way, you write like a pro!” We rolled into Ratlam around 9 PM, greeted by our awesome college-student team at the hotel. Quick intros, room prep, and we crashed, buzzing for the next day.

On the 9th, the first full day of Malwa Media Fest, we headed out at 8 AM to Bhavra. This gem of an authentic village in Madhya Pradesh’s Alirajpur district is the birthplace of revolutionary icon Chandrashekhar Azad (born Chandrashekhar Tiwari on July 23, 1906). Despite his towering legacy as India’s “fearless tiger,” who evaded British clutches for years and famously declared, “They may cut my body into pieces, but they can’t make me surrender,” Bhavra clings to its timeless village charm. Mud huts, lush fields, and the gentle Narmada River nearby evoke a pure, unspoiled India. Far from glory’s glare, yet pulsing with quiet pride.

Team intros en route had everyone stunned again: “Class 9? With that height and hustle?” At Azad’s modest ancestral home, now a memorial with faded family photos, childhood relics, and plaques tracing his fiery path, history came alive. We dove into reel-making for the competition, snapping videos of that place. Check out this cool reel made by Mr. Devansh Gohare, a final-year homeopathy student I met there—he’s gearing up to rock the white coat soon.

Wandering those grounds, Azad’s story gripped me: A teen revolutionary by 15, he masterminded the Kakori Train Robbery, bombed British targets with HSRA comrades like Bhagat Singh, and chose death over capture in Allahabad’s Alfred Park in 1931 at age 24. Gazing at his family’s sepia portraits and simple cradle, I felt his childhood spark, the defiance that fueled India’s freedom fight. No grand statues here, just raw inspiration: a reminder that heroes rise from humble soil.

On the drive back, I opened up, laughing and bonding with the team. We became instant family. Bhavra wasn’t just a visit. It ignited my soul. Inspired, I penned a full article on Azad, channeling that revolutionary fire into words.

We also scored a bonus: a quick visit to the SP office in Jhabua to meet the Superintendent of Police. Chatting with him in his crisp office, files stacked high, maps on walls-was pure motivation for UPSC dreamers like me. His calm authority and stories of grit lit a fire.

Just before the kabir night, Saloni Didi, another fest connection, and I grabbed a cup of tea beforehand, plus tried the local legend Giradu, a fluffy, savory delight you can only find around there. Simple flavors, big smiles. She is also a good character and an inspiring one.

After a quick rest, we geared up for the evening’s highlight: Kabir Night with Padma Shri awardee Shri Prahlad Tipaniya, the folk legend whose voice bridges ancient wisdom and modern hearts. We even podcasted him, capturing gems as his melodies swept us away. What a magnetic soul-humble yet commanding, every line a profound lesson in life, love, and letting go. His bhajans, drawn from Sant Kabir’s dohas, unfolded a spiritual odyssey: piercing illusions of ego, urging unity beyond caste, and echoing eternal truths like “Bura jo dekhan main chala, bura na miliya koye / Jo mann khoja apna, to mujhse bura na koye” (I searched for the bad in others, found none; when I checked my own heart, none was worse than me).

Tipaniya Ji’s charm mesmerized us-raw, rhythmic folk beats blending with Kabir’s razor-sharp poetry, healing and awakening in one breath. A true maestro, he turned the night into timeless reverence.

Day 1 wrapped perfectly: a small cup of steaming tea with the team and my new friends, sharing laughs under the stars. Pure bliss.

Day 2: “My Stage Moment Army Legends Epic Games Night”

I woke sharply at 6 AM and slipped downstairs for some fresh air. Ratlam’s icy breeze hit hard, so I headed right back to bed. Boredom started to creep in until Ravindra Sir woke up. We then ventured out for a lively market tour. We landed at the iconic shop famous for its kadak chai and fluffy poha – pure perfection. I grabbed a pack of crunchy Ratlami sev for the Jaipur return trip. Dressed in formals with sunglasses shielding against the scorching sun, I made a confident stride to the main stage.

The day kicked off with EBNW team introductions that energized the lively crowd of school students and NCC units. Then came my moment: sharing my ground reporting journey in Ladakh. On stage, I dove deep into all the adventures and screened my raw videos along with the photos I had clicked there. The crowd was completely captivated. As I stepped off stage, I made the big reveal that I’m in Class 9. Shockwaves rippled through – everyone thought I was a teacher, college student, or professional journalist. Their amazement supercharged my energy.

At the hotel reception, I met Major Namrata Dhasmana and Bharti Dixit Mam as they prepared for their sessions. I was tasked to assist with rooms and logistics, and during that time, I absorbed valuable insights from these accomplished women. Major Namrata, retired from the Indian Army, now excels in corporate writing and has authored a powerful book exposing smuggling and human trafficking networks.

Major Namrata mam’s session was electrifying. She shared gripping experiences from her Army service, stories of resilience under pressure, timeless leadership lessons, and also a lot about geopolitics. As her session wrapped up, I coordinated preparations for Lucky Bisht Sir’s espionage talk. Our brief chat highlighted his razor-sharp wit, and his session delivered thrilling real-life spy operations, evasion techniques, and national security insights that left the crowd spellbound.

The highlight arrived: I secured a podcast interview with Major Namrata! We first finalized all the details together. Then, filled with excitement, we stepped out to explore Ratlam’s bustling streets. We grabbed steaming poha from a street vendor, enjoyed tangy golgappas bursting with flavor, and I enthusiastically suggested the local specialty Giradu. She loved every bite – it was a total hit!

After Lucky Sir’s session, where we snapped photos and had inspiring chats, I recorded the podcast with Major Namrata. It was high-energy content creation right in the middle of the fest buzz.

Next came Bharti Dixit Mam’s storytelling session on Adi Shankaracharya. Pure enchantment unfolded. Her soft, melodic voice brought legends to life with masterful artistry – haunting folk melodies intertwined with rhythmic poetry and profound emotional depth. It was a captivating symphony of sound and soul. Timeless and transformative. Goosebumps hit from start to finish.

The amazing dinner that evening satisfied everyone perfectly. Once fueled up, our group set off on a memorable walk to the famous local sweet shop. The streets glowed under the night lights as we raced each other while laughing wildly. Conversations flowed nonstop, sharing fest highlights, personal dreams, and hilarious anecdotes. The shop’s ras malai was the absolute star: creamy, melt-in-mouth perfection with signature sweetness that had us all hooked. We devoured it while talking until we were breathless with joy.

When we reached the hotel, we discovered the sitting area buzzing with seniors like Ravindra Sir sharing wisdom, Ruchi Shrimali Mam (who teaches Hindi in the UK and USA), Swapnil Vairagi Sir with his family, and many more. We joined them seamlessly, and conversations sparked instantly, stories of journeys, inspirations, and light-hearted laughs blending beautifully. Ruchi Mam suddenly lit up and said, “You remind me exactly of my student Nachiketa!” Just like that, my nickname became Nachiketa. It felt like a true family instantly.

The energy led to games! We played Radha-Krishna to test concentration and Dumb Charades for pure chaotic fun. My highlight was Dumb Charades. I was given the recent hit movie Saiyaaraa and nailed it in just 5 seconds flat with quick gestures. My team guessed it instantly. The room erupted in roaring cheers and high-fives; victory felt electric!

Pranjal Mam’s laugh rang out the loudest and most infectious, sparking joy in everyone around her constantly. Hugs and cheers sealed the bonds. Day 2 wrapped perfectly as “Nachiketa,” leaving me with that profound sense of belonging to something truly special.

Day 3: “Temple Magic Minister Honor Heartfelt Farewell”

The previous night, we planned a special morning temple visit with whoever could join. After finalizing details, Umair Bhaiya, Nirjala Didi, Anjali Didi, Sonali Didi, and I decided to visit the beautiful Mangalya Temple early the next morning. I felt tremendous excitement about this plan. Around 6 AM, I woke up early and quickly freshened up to get ready for the temple trip. All of us gathered and were set to depart soon. In Ratlam’s thick fog and bone-chilling morning cold, we finally left the hotel. I rode on the back of Umair Bhaiya’s bike while the Didis rode on a scooty. The temple was only about 2 kilometers away from our hotel. When we arrived, the temple looked breathtakingly beautiful. The heavy fog actually enhanced its mystical beauty, and almost no one else was there except our small team. We clicked some memorable photos together and then headed back to the hotel. This quick trip to Mangalya Temple became one of our most cherished, peaceful memories.

After returning to the hotel and getting ready for the main events of the day, I learned that Ratlam’s Cabinet Minister, Shri Chetanya Kashyap Ji, had arrived as the chief guest. It became my immense personal honor when Shri Chetanya Kashyap Ji felicitated me right on stage in front of everyone. This dynamic leader inspires through dedicated public service, youth empowerment initiatives, and transformative development work across MP. During the ceremony, he personally handed me the recognition and shared warm words of encouragement: “Continue telling the real stories of people—your voice matters.” His gracious presence and motivational visit to all the stalls uplifted every participant. He took time to interact, offer guidance, and genuinely encourage young creators. This moment felt like a career milestone.

The next session featured Gajendra Singh Rathore, an international educationist and speaker who serves as a key figure at the World Schools Summit. His talk delivered powerful insights on global education trends and innovative learning strategies.

National Book Trust senior project officer Neeti Verma’s session followed and proved equally amazing. As a dedicated researcher and program officer with National Book Trust India (NBT), she drives nationwide literacy campaigns and champions quality children’s literature. NBT publishes affordable books in 23+ languages, promotes reading culture through fairs/workshops. Mam Neeti’s inspiring session unpacked strategies for book promotion, igniting passion for literature among youth. Truly motivating.

I had wonderful conversations with my senior Simran Didi during breaks. She gave me valuable advice to stay focused on studies alongside my passions, guidance I’ll cherish and follow lifelong. We also discussed NDA and defense careers, since I’m a defense aspirant. Simran Didi truly represents excellence and serves as a shining beacon for students and budding journalists everywhere.

After a short break, excitement built for the fashion show. Everything was perfectly set for models to command the stage. The show delivered spectacularly—every participant looked stunning, confident, and gorgeous. Runway fire!

Met Soumya Pandey Mam there too. What a kind-hearted luminary and inspirational runway queen! Her graceful poise, empowering presence, and genuine warmth make her the ultimate role model for all models. Mentor with a golden heart—our conversation inspired me deeply.

As Malwa Media Fest 3.0 reached its magnificent peak, we ignited the crowd’s excitement for the upcoming Malwa Fest 4.0. The conclusion ceremony unfolded beautifully as organizers presented certificates, shared highlights, and celebrated every participant’s contributions. The atmosphere buzzed with universal happiness and pride-everyone agreed it was an overwhelming success that exceeded all expectations.

That evening, our group enjoyed a memorable dinner together that strengthened all our bonds even further. Over delicious food, we reflected on the incredible journey, laughed about memorable moments, and exchanged contact details for future collaborations. We then planned our early departures for the next morning. My train was scheduled for 7:05 AM, so I needed to be at the station early.

I slept lightly that night, woke up well before dawn, and prepared myself fully with all my luggage organized. The final goodbyes proved emotional. Simran Didi and I shared a memorable selfie at the station. As my train pulled away from Ratlam station, I watched the platform fade while carrying a treasure trove of unforgettable memories. Honestly, I wish the event could have extended a few more days because I enjoyed every moment with the team and everyone I met. The camaraderie felt like family, and the connections we built were truly magical. But we all promised sincerely to meet again in the near future.

My profound thanks to Archana Mam for giving me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in Malwa Fest 3.0. This experience delivered unparalleled exposure to journalism’s highest levels, countless wisdom-packed lessons from legends, elite professional networks that will shape my career, and transformative personal growth that I’ll carry forever. Saksham Sanchar Foundation creates pure magic.

Heartfelt gratitude to the entire team-every single interaction taught me something profound and valuable. Every new place offers opportunities to learn something fresh and significant; this fest sparked a complete revolution within me.

\