Parenting – The Most Beautiful Journey (18 yrs–till date)Part 10: Young Adulthood
Young adulthood, spanning the ages of 18 to 40, marks the psychosocial stage of Intimacy vs. Isolation. This phase is defined by the capacity to form deep, meaningful connections—whether romantic or platonic. The virtue of love emerges here, manifesting as the ability to commit, to share oneself with another, and to find resonance in companionship. A failure to establish such bonds can lead to emotional isolation and a sense of emptiness. Success in this stage is deeply rooted in the resolution of earlier ones, particularly the Identity vs. Role Confusion stage of adolescence. A strong, secure sense of self becomes the foundation for forming authentic, lasting relationships. This is a phase marked by the quest for belonging, purpose, and shared emotional experience.
While Dehradun offered the finest school education, for college, Pune stood as the natural choice—India’s thriving hub for higher education. After an exhaustive survey of premier liberal arts institutions like Ashoka in the North and Krea in the South, I chose to place them in FLAME University—India’s first liberal arts university, a non-profit institution nestled in Pune.
Spread across 70 verdant acres, FLAME is not just a university—it’s an ecosystem of exploration and expression. The campus boasts a cricket ground, football field, athletics track, Olympic-sized swimming pool, gymnasium, squash and lawn tennis courts, golf facilities, basketball, billiards, chess, and countless indoor games. It hosts nearly 100 clubs—spanning photography, art, fashion, poetry, debate, craft, music, and more. With three amphitheaters, a state-of-the-art auditorium, an expansive library, cutting-edge classrooms, a sprawling sports complex, multiple cafés, two large dining halls, a convenience store, and comfortable accommodations for both students and faculty—including non-AC and AC rooms with en suite bathrooms and villas. The faculties are highly qualified from premium institutes of the world in multiple disciplines including scholars & researchers. The Vice Chancellor Dr. Dishan Kumar is adynamic leader, a pillar and epitome of motivation & support to the students—FLAME is a microcosm of holistic learning.
Students begin by choosing from hundreds of subjects in their first year, and later specialize in one major and one minor in subsequent years. As a fully residential institution, it fosters an inclusive, vibrant community. Life here is a celebration—of curiosity, culture, and camaraderie. Admission is highly competitive and merit-based, and both Ryllee and Pema were awarded scholarships.
They adapted swiftly, thanks to their earlier years in boarding school. From the very outset, they thrived—both academically and socially. Ryllee was elected President of the Art Club, led the Rugby Club, and organized TEDx events as Head of the Committee. Pema, elected President of the Music Club, curated and led along with others, a memorable tour to Maheshwar as part of the Discover India program for thirteen fellow students. From research to bookings and logistics, she single-handedly managed the journey through Indore, Maheshwar, and Omkareshwar, themed around the legacy of Ahilyabai Holkar. The group met local weavers, teachers, shopkeepers, priests, and members of the royal family—interviewing and documenting their insights, culminating in a compelling documentary film upon return.
Ryllee’s close friends visited us in Dehradun and Bombay during the vacations. They spent days exploring cafés, walking through forests to waterfalls, and driving to Mussoorie. The girls were elated. Similarly, Pema hosted eight friends in Dehradun, and together they enjoyed sightseeing and indoor games late into the night. I cooked for them, drove them around, took them to local cafés and even to an old age home where they distributed towels—an emotional moment where many were moved to tears. I supported them wholeheartedly in both their endeavours and entertainment.
Though they had entered adulthood, I deeply appreciated their innocence and simplicity. They were not in any malpractice (smoking, drinking or substance) but built meaningful, emotionally intelligent friendships—demonstrating the interpersonal skills and virtues cultivated through the years.
When their board exams concluded, the pandemic lockdown began. Living in a forested area, we remained largely untouched by the chaos. One quiet Friday afternoon, the results were declared—they had both scored above 96%. I said, “That calls for a celebration. Pack your bags—we’re heading out!” Within thirty minutes, we were on the road, driving six hours to Devprayag, where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers converge to form the sacred Ganga.
We checked into the PWD bungalow perched high above the confluence. The empty roads and lush greenery, untainted by pollution, made the journey magical. We cooked dinner using a travel induction stove. I took a dip in the icy, sacred waters—an act of purification and renewal.
The next day, we explored Pauri and Khirsu, home to some of Uttarakhand’s most breathtaking landscapes. At dusk, as we descended from the hills, our car was enveloped by a cloud of butterflies—a surreal, almost divine moment. The following morning, we headed to Tehri, stopping at Chandrabadani Mata Temple, a Shaktipeeth. After ascending 100 steep steps, we stood atop the mountain, awestruck by the panoramic 360-degree view. At Tehri Lake and Dam, we found serenity in the vast stillness of the waters. By evening, we returned to Dehradun via Chamba and Mussoorie—a three-day celebration etched into memory.
Due to the lockdown, all admission processes—from Ryllee’s college enrolment to Pema’s high school placement—were conducted online via audio and video calls. Classes began virtually. Five months later, it was time to transition again. As planned, we shifted from Dehradun to Mumbai—bags, memories, dreams, and all to begin a new life.
…to be continued
Author- Mondreeta Sengupta Das (Mondy) ([email protected])
Let your Light Shine so Brightly, that others can see their way, out of the Dark ~ Mondy
Mondreeta is a paragon of versatility—an award-winning author, national-level swimmer, world-record-holding mountaineer, and corporate leader turned spiritual healer. Felicitated by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and, in 2025, Nominated by the President of India under the “Woman – Lifetime Achievement” category, her journey defies convention.
A psychologist, healer, life coach, and storyteller, she has trained global airline crews, served the American Consulate, and led leadership development at Reliance Industries as GM–HR. Currently Vice President t (Toga), at Ministry of Tourism & Culture, she represents India to international delegations.
A featured writer in The Times of India and Shesight and photographer for Incredible India, she merges intellect with intuition. Her spiritual pursuits include Reiki, Pranic Healing, Angel Healing and Karma Healing. As a regular speaker at the International Yoga Festival, Mondreeta embodies the confluence of purpose, passion, perseverance & service rising from the ashes to the pinnacle of success.
If you want to give Light to others, you first must Glow Yourself ~ Mondy
