The Rise of Influencers at Parul University: Students Who Went Viral
On certain days at Parul University, the university campus resembles a live movie set.
In a corner, you may catch a glimpse of a student in a long dress, utilising a beam of sunlight as the ideal fashion backdrop. A few blocks from there, someone else is snapping the mist curling off a plate of momos before the first munch.
They're not random frames; they're two portraits, Nakshatra and Harshit Mehta. Nakshatra, a design student who transforms clothes into narratives through her creative lens. Harshit, a BTech student, makes food visually appealing so that it can be relished even before one finds the restaurant itself.
They began right here, after lectures and assignments, but their impact now goes far beyond the campus to brands, cities, and audiences all across India. And their experiences weave a larger narrative: that at Parul University, imagination does not remain confined to classroom walls. It journeys.
Nakshatra, When Fashion Speaks Without Words
Step into our Design Faculty on a typical day, and you will be greeted by the gentle thrum of sewing machines, the rumble of rolls of fabric, and giggles over sketchbooks. Nakshatra is in there somewhere, serene and alert, camera in one hand, swatches of fabric in the other.
Her style articles do not cry out for notice; instead, they attract you, like a masterfully tailored outfit that has a story to every seam. A sunlit spot on campus is her catwalk, and a relaxed cup of coffee on the quad turns into a chic experience. You see beyond her costume; you see the intention in the fabric, the play of colour, and the understated confidence with which she carries them.
It began as little posts to expose her style to friends. But when her work started becoming popular, her influence went far beyond Vadodara. Now, Nakshatra collaborates with brands from all over, transforming their designs into her own unique style. Her portfolio ranges from shoots for local designers in Ahmedabad, accessory brands in Mumbai, and even sustainable labels in Delhi, proving that her influence isn't just campus-based but goes beyond into the broader fashion scene.
Even with the expanding list of partnerships, she remains awed by the tiny things in life at the university, including the autumnal colour palette of the leaves alongside the library, the feel of handmade paper in the studio class, and the energetic mix of cultures and fashion that rushes by her in the hallway.
Harshit Mehta, The Taste of a Story
While Nakshatra's world is about visual beauty, Harshit's is about taste and feeling. He can often be found moving around, either leaning over a steaming mess of momos from a campus stand or taking pictures of the way light interacts with a perfectly frosted cake in a coffee shop.
Harshit is not just critiquing the food. He's inviting you along. You can almost hear the crackle, smell the spices, and sense the hot cup in your hands. Roadside tea is not just a beverage to him; it's recollections served in a paper cup. The signature dish of a restaurant is not just about taste; it's about the story behind it, the chef who created it, and the tradition it symbolises.
And, as with Nakshatra, his influence has spilt over far beyond the confines of academia. Harshit has been asked to explore and showcase dining experiences in venues all over the country, ranging from street food festivals in Indore, artisanal dessert tastings in Pune, and even high-end restaurant openings in Jaipur. Every trip brings another layer of depth to his writing, since he comes back with not just reviews, but memories and cultural sensitivities to share with his readers.
Balancing this with a BTech calendar is no mean feat. But he excels in this dual capacity, frequently attributing his engineering mind to the rational mindset he employs to make his art, whether it's plotting shoots, studying audience reaction, or experimenting with forms such as cracking a technical problem.
A Campus That Nurtures More Than Degrees
Parul University have developed the campus, where students mostly get indulgence with the environment and classroom; it's a canvas. It's a shooting location one day, a brainstorming spot the next. It's where Nakshatra finds the perfect setting under a jacaranda tree, and Harshit finds a hidden snack point between classes.
The university always believed that education is not just getting you ready for a job; it's also about giving you your voice. And sometimes that speech is embroidered into fabric, and sometimes it is captured in the image of a frying pan.
Teachers at PU encourage students to mesh their passions with their studies. A project can become content. A hobby can become a brand. That is the beauty of being here: you do not have to choose between your degree and your dreams.
More Than Followers, Building Connections
In the outside world, success is frequently defined in terms of views, likes, and shares. However, a closer examination of Nakshatra and Harshit's work reveals something more. They've developed communities.
Followers of Nakshatra not only emulate her appearance, but they also get confidence in their own expression. Harshit's audience comes to notice the tales behind their own meals, rather than simply visiting the locations he recommends. Each is creating waves that extend beyond the topic in their own unique way.
They don't follow trends; instead, they create moments. This is undoubtedly the purest kind of influence.
An Invitation to Dream
If a student walks these same streets today, with a guitar slung over the shoulder, sketching in a notebook, or sharing street food with a friend, recall that your interest has a home here. Nakshatra and Harshit started with simple posts. It wasn't just talent that held them back, but a school atmosphere that supported experimentation, learning, and exchange.
Parul University not only supports academics but also encourages students' creativity and inspiration. Here, influence doesn't mean being centre stage. It means the stories we share and how they reach far beyond campus, to new places, new individuals, and new horizons.
Note: The views expressed in this article are of Parul University and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha.