Srinagar, Aug. 3 -- A small class of mechanical engineering students, huddled in a forgotten corner of campus life. But in that tight-knit circle of twelve, brilliance sparkled quietly. Each one of us carried a unique shade of passion and perseverance-twelve distinct stories, but one unforgettable journey.

Asif Ali was the brightest star-razor-sharp mind, solutions always at his fingertips. Mounis Mallik had an uncanny pull towards merit, as if academic excellence naturally gravitated toward him. Then there was Akhtar Rasool-perhaps the most hard-working among us-who would juggle Mechanics of Solids and Engineering Drawing simultaneously, often with eyes barely blinking from focus. Matching his zeal was Sameer Kaul, who mirrored Akhtar's...