‘Greater opportunities necessitate a deeper sense of ownership over one’s actions,’ says Head Boy

Akshat Sharma, a final-year BA student at Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar, has emerged as a dynamic student leader, talented singer, guitarist, sportsperson, YouTuber, and the Head Boy of the college. From being aNSS (National Service Scheme), SCA (Student Central Association), NCC (National Cadet Corps), and Youth festival reserved student during his school years to actively participating in NSS, NCC, SCA, Youth Festival, and cultural activities, his journey reflects remarkable personal growth, leadership, and creativity nurtured through the vibrant environment of the institution. Read edited excerpts:

As the Head Boy of Apeejay College of Fine Arts, how would you describe your overall journey and experience at the college?

My college journey was all-encompassing covering both academic and personal growth. Initially, I used to be quite diffident but the college gave me that environment in which I could overcome my fears. I grabbed all the opportunities that came my way whether it was to get myself enrolled in various student bodies or to speak in front of the public on stage, I did everything that looked helpful in making me the better version of myself. I am a good student and apart from my studies, I also enjoyed the college life which we all dream of. I got the opportunity to make new friends and to show my talent of singing and playing guitar which also made me quite famous in college. I believe great leadership starts with connection. I loved being part of the student heartbeat in the canteen just as much as I loved the challenge of leading our event organization meetings. I am deeply grateful for a journey that allowed me to find my voice, celebrate my talents, and evolve into a leader who values both results and relationships.

What were some of the biggest responsibilities and challenges you faced while serving as Head Boy, and how did they help you grow personally and professionally?

My time as Head Boy has given me a true understanding of what it means when they say, ‘with great power comes great responsibility. Greater opportunities necessitate a deeper sense of ownership over one’s actions. As I am the Head Boy, I have to deal with every kind of student. We cannot treat everybody equally and the same was the belief of our constitution makers that treating everyone equally is an inequality in itself. For instance; there was a time when we had function in the college auditorium and I was supposed to take care of the discipline and decorum of the place for which I assigned the duties to different members of my team and some students were being disruptive and it was becoming uncontrollable for my team than I settled the situation but I had to adopt a different approach there. I talked to them in a way in which they can feel relatable like some of their own friends rather than an authoritative person. I witnessed many situations like this and many others and these experiences taught me the importance of balanced leadership, learning how to hold my position firmly while ensuring my decisions were met with the least resistance and the most cooperation.

In terms of the responsibilities, there were many, because every institution works in a pyramid structure, even though I held the top leadership position among my peers, I remained deeply accountable to the faculty and the Principal for my team’s conduct and the success of our events.

Can you share a memorable moment, event, or achievement during your time at the college that will always stay close to your heart?

Although my whole journey at Apeejay College has been memorable for me, there are some moments that I cannot forget for my whole life. I often tell my friends that the musical performances I gave here will stay with me forever. I know that whenever I pick up my guitar in the future, it will evoke a deep sense of nostalgia for this chapter of my life. I would like to share one such moment and that was of the time when I passed the 2^nd year of my graduation and one day I was sitting at my home and my teacher called me and asked me to prepare a song for the Municipal Corporation Jalandhar (MCJ) on the cleanliness campaign under swatchha bharat mission. I was given a very short time to make the song not even a full day but by the grace of god I managed to do that. The MCJ received the song from various colleges and institutes but I was fortunate enough that mine was selected amongst them all. As a result, my song was played all around the city at different spots on the public announcement speakers. It was a momentous experience for me and my family and I got appreciation from a lot of people for my work.

How did participation in academic, cultural, or extracurricular activities at the college shape your confidence and leadership skills?

My participation in college life was the catalyst for a complete metamorphosis. I entered these halls as a diffident student, but by intentionally immersing myself in academic and cultural activities, I forced myself out of my comfort zone and into the leader I am today. I remember my first participation in this college at a Talent Hunt competition. At that time I struggled a lot to go on stage and sing the song but after that event, with each participation, my stage fear vanished and today it is the time when I can speak on any stage without even thinking of the stage fear which I used to have. My involvement in the student bodies helped me inculcate leadership skills. I learnt to make new connections, how to talk to people, how to take decisions, initiatives, etc. In my final year, I became the President of the NSS wing as well as the Head Boy of the college and all these achievements were the result of the hard work and efforts I put in consistently for years along with the unwavering support from the institution, its teachers and Madam Principle.

In what ways did the teachers and mentors at the college support and guide you throughout your journey?

In the very beginning of my college I observed one thing and that was the teachers of this institution were best in their fields as well as very supportive towards the students. I was an obedient student and was in the good books of every teacher. I would say that there is a great role played by my teachers in making me better. Every time I used to have doubts over something my teachers helped me with that. The constant encouragement and validation from my teachers were instrumental. Their belief in my potential motivated me to continually raise the bar for myself.

As you graduate and move forward, what message or advice would you like to give to juniors who aspire to become student leaders in the future?

My advice to aspiring leaders is to embrace the full spectrum of college life. Don’t just stay in the boardroom, stay connected to the overall college atmosphere. Real leadership isn’t about the title, it’s about the connections you build and the integrity you show when no one is watching.

I started this journey as a reticent student, but I learned that growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone. So, my message to you is; Grab every opportunity that comes your way, whether it’s speaking on stage or leading a small team. Don’t be afraid to show your talents, whether that’s playing the guitar or solving a conflict. Lastly, remember that true power comes with great accountability. Be a leader who is approachable yet firm, and always strive to leave a legacy of harmony behind you. If you focus on becoming the best version of yourself, the leadership positions will naturally follow.