The Sanskrit word aksata translates directly to the English word “uninjured.” In Hindu and Buddhist cultures, a version of this word has become a popular name, a promise for the recipient to be indestructible, whole, complete. An indomitable presence that refuses to yield. Is there any better way to describe the larger-than-life force of nature that is Akshat Yadav? If there is, we have yet to uncover it.
The day I met Akshat Yadav, I had no idea of the relationship that we would grow to have years down the line. It was a 3rd grade game of kickball. Akshat missed the ball when it was his turn to kick. Even amid that comically embarrassing recess moment, Akshat lived up to his name: He ran the bases anyway. We yelled at him to stop, he was ruining the game, that was against the rules; And yet he ran with glee, unfettered by the voices of the detractors that surrounded him. Aksata.
In that moment I thought to myself, “There’s no way this kid is gonna become one of my closest friends in high school.” How wrong I was.
Indeed, if 9-year-old me could see now what Akshat had become, he would surely blow his top, for the boy who couldn’t dream of crushing a kickball had positively crushed high school. In his historic four-year run, Akshat “The GOAT” Yadav rose to greatness as the esteemed president of Enloe’s Model United Nations, leading the club to 7 conferences and totaling 8 awards throughout his career. Akshat’s presence elevated the club from a mere hobbyist’s hangout to a competitive giant, and with our very own Esha Patwardhan following in his footsteps, this legacy will surely continue. As if this wasn’t enough already, our Glorious King also served as the president of Enloe’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter.
And of course, it would be heresy if his contributions to the Enloe Eagle’s Eye went unmentioned. What a member he’s been! Joining in his Sophomore year, he’s gone on to distinguish himself by writing a whopping 52 articles for the Eagle’s Eye, across every section. Akshat even went so far as to be appointed EnloeNow editor for his senior year.
Now, pages upon pages could be filled with the accomplishments of Akshat Yadav. This is no secret and begins to get mundane after a while. More interesting — and more impressive — is the man that Akshat has managed to become. That is to say, darn if he doesn’t know how to liven up a room! Akshat is no nerdy shut-in, despite what his expansive resume might lead you to believe. Rather, an unbridled aura surrounds him at all times, lending him a larger-than-life quality that enables him to control any social situation he finds himself in. The news quizzes are a prime example of this. We know he cheats! We know what he’s doing with his constantly open laptop! And yet, his charisma is so overpowering that we can’t do anything about it! And his victory dance to DJ Khaled’s “All I Do Is Win” can’t help but bring a smile to our faces, regardless of how obnoxious it may be. Akshat carries this charm with him everywhere he goes. He’s built a rapport with innumerable people at Enloe and beyond, even being on nickname terms with the great Mrs. Lisa Covington! He also happens to be in direct contact with a number of congressmen and politicians, but that pales in comparison to being able to refer to Mrs. Covington exclusively as Big C. Akshat is greatness personified.
Speaking of greatness, it often seems as though people today have become so concerned with it that the value of goodness goes forgotten. For some people, accomplishments and social standing take precedence over being a decent human being. Akshat is not one of these people. For all the audacity, the ambition, and the occasional abrasiveness, Akshat, at his core, is a deeply considerate person. Not a day goes by when he doesn’t ponder the well-being of his peers. “I wonder how so-and-so is doing,” and “I haven’t spoken to so-and-so in a while,” are part of his daily lexicon. And who can forget when he jeopardized his perfect attendance record to provide delicious Bojangles pastries for the class? He may not be the mushiest guy in the world, but rest assured, Akshat possesses a huge heart.
At the time of this writing, the school year is coming to a bittersweet end. Akshat will spend his next four years at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he will major in Political Science. For those of us with a different path in life, his absence will surely be felt, and sorely. Regardless of where life takes us, we will always have our memories. The reckless swerving during impromptu trips to the mall, the constant food-related discourse, the impassioned ranting about highway development, the terrible music takes; these things will, hopefully, stay with us forever, reminding us of the marvelous man that we once knew.
To Akshat, we hope that your future is filled with all of the Lana Del Rey and Sexyy Red music that you could ever wish for. We hope that your 5-step plan to become President of the United States succeeds. We hope that you continue being the unstoppable shining light that you are. And most of all, we hope that your future proves to be as “lit” and “buss” as you are. Don’t forget us when you go big! Oh nah!
