Dosti ka daakghar

From ancient Roman emperors and classic literary icons to pop stars and Naruto warriors, Amitians proved that imagination truly has no bounds when it comes to friendships in the creative realm.

 

Dear 30-year-old me,

This is 10-year-old Nityagata writing to you. I hope this letter reaches the right person at the right time. Life feels confusing these days. Everywhere I look, people are protesting for different reasons, and it makes me wonder if life will ever become easier to understand. Do grown-ups finally find all the answers, or do they still have questions too? Did you choose a career connected to social science, my favourite subject? Do you still perform Kathak? Is K-pop still popular? Do you still enjoy K-dramas? Most importantly, have you learned to trust yourself when making difficult decisions? I hope you haven’t stopped being curious, noticing little things, or believing that kindness matters. I will be waiting for your reply.

With lots of love and hope,

Nityagata Bhattacharya

AIS Saket, VI D

Dear Aladdin,

I heard that you become the Prince of Agrabah! I’m slightly offended, you never mentioned this to me. I only came to know about it after a merchant informed me that Princess Jasmine had chosen a fiancé some months ago! Imagine my surprise when I found out that the former Royal Vizier had attempted to murder you! How did you get out of this one? Oh, that’s right! You had the help of a genie! Can you please lend the magical lamp to me? I too would like to make three wishes… Mind you, not for myself but the betterment of the world. I am sure you would like that. Write to me soon!

Your friend (who you seem to be keeping secrets from),

Anwita Sinha, AGS Gurgaon, VIII

 

Dear Augustus,

It would be really unique to have you as my pen friend. You became the ruler of Rome at a very young age after the assassination of your great-uncle and adoptive father Julius Caesar. When you came to power, the country was in absolute chaos. Were you ever scared? I wonder what you would think of today’s world. Now, people vote for their leaders, and political battles are often fought through speeches, debates, and media instead of swords. One question I really want to ask you is this: Was becoming emperor worth it? Did power ever make you feel lonely and afraid?

A citizen of the democratic world,

Vansh Pandey, AIS Noida, VII C

Dear Jane Austen,

Although more than two centuries separate us, I hope we can become pen pals. Your novels, especially Pride and Prejudice, continue to touch millions of readers. If our letters could travel through time, I would ask you so many questions. How did you find the courage to write in a male-dominated society? How do you stay motivated when someone discouraged you from writing? What was life really like during your time, and who inspired you to create stories? I have many more questions, but I’ll save them for my next letter. Until then, thank you for stories that inspire readers across generations.

Elizabeth Bennet in the head,

Kaakul Vashishtha, AIS Vas 1, VIII B

 

Dear Leonardo da Vinci,

I am very excited to exchange letters with one of the greatest geniuses of all time! I am eager to ask about the smile of the Mona Lisa and the hidden geometry behind The Last Supper. You are the mastermind whose genius anticipated our modern world - from flying machines that cross the skies to anatomical insights that map the human body, and even early concepts of artificial intelligence. I would love to know what inspired you to observe every detail and bring it to life. Your curiosity and creativity continue to inspire the world.

Your 21st century fan,

Sofiya Abbas, AIS Gwalior, VIII B

 

Dear Katy Perry,

If I could choose a pen friend from anywhere and anytime, it would definitely be you. Your energy, positivity, and passion have always inspired me. I want to thank you for creating songs that remind teenagers like me to find our own voice and believe in ourselves. Songs like Roar and Firework encourage us to be unique, and never give up on our dreams. I wish to ask you, how do you stay so strong despite the criticism? Do you feel nervous before going onstage? And what would you like to tell young people around the world? Thank you for inspiring me to step out of the shadows, dream big, and shine with confidence.

With admiration and love,

Ayana Katoch, AIS VKC Lucknow, VIII B

Dear Anne Frank,

Despite living through one of history’s darkest periods, you never lost hope. Your diary continues to inspire people with its honesty, courage, and warmth. Although we have never met, your words make me feel as though I know you. You remind me that even a young voice can echo across generations. I wish you could experience the joys children get to have in today’s world - school, birthdays, friendships, and dreams for the future. I want to know what gave you the strength to believe in goodness despite so much cruelty. Your courage inspires me to face life’s challenges with hope.

Your friend from the future,

Venisha K M, AIS Gur 43, VIII A

Dear Paedyn Gray,

I adore your character from the Powerless trilogy. You are brave, kind, and strong, even when the world tries to break you. You remind me that being ‘powerless’ doesn’t mean being weak. True strength lives in courage and compassion. I want to ask: When everything is against you and the road is hard, how do you still choose to be kind? How do you keep your belief in justice and kindness strong despite the challenges you face? How do you keep going and refuse to let the world decide your worth? Thank you for showing me how to stand up for what is right and believe in myself, and never let the world decide my worth.

Your admirer,

Valentina Mukherjee

AIS Navi Mumbai, VI A

Dear King Tutankhamun,

I have often wondered about the mysteries surrounding your civilisation in the Ancient Egypt. I have so many questions to ask. How were the magnificent pyramids built? Why did the Egyptians begin the tradition of mummification? I would love to uncover these missing pieces of history. Some even believe that aliens helped build the pyramids. I want to know the truth and separate fact from fiction. The answers could help historians and scientists better understand ancient life and perhaps even inspire discoveries that benefit humanity today. Writing to you, King Tutankhamun, would be an unforgettable experience, satisfying my endless curiosity about one of the world’s greatest civilisations.

Aspiring historian,

Anika Panwar, AIS Mayur Vihar, VII D

Dear Itachi,

Today, passing by the confectionary store I saw a box of dango and couldn’t help but think of you. I hope you have been able to find the time to rest, though knowing you, you’re probably vigorously training with a smile. The world of Naruto manga isn’t exactly a walk in the park. We’ve been friends for longer than I can remember, yet, your complex nature never fails to amaze me. I wonder how you make impossible decisions without letting doubt consume you. Maybe one day you’ll finally tell me the secret to staying so calm, or at least admit that you weren’t as composed as you looked. And please, for once, don’t disappear after reading this. Now, before I forget between my rambling, please remember to join me at our favourite dango shop next Friday.

With love,

Gazal Nidhi, AIS Raipur, XII A