Friday, July 19, 2019

I weep for you, University College!

History

I was a BSc student with Physics as the main elective and Chemistry and Maths as subsidiaries, at the University College, Thiruvananthapuram, from Jul to Dec '72. I was marking time to join the NDA then. Thus, I qualify to be an ex-student of that great institution! Consequently, all that I've been reading and hearing about the shenanigans that have come out into the open make me infinitely sad! The students have no right to tarnish the image of an institution!!

Synopsis.

Violence had erupted in the University College campus on 12 Jul, with Akhil, a third year Political Science student being stabbed on the chest. He is, now, stable and recovering. Three other students were also injured in the attack and the reason? Akhil was singing a song that a female SFI student thought was aimed at her, which irked the SFI students!

The incident was a sequel to a dispute between two groups of students belonging to the pro-CPI(M) students' wing. Akhil, also belongs to the SFI. The main accused viz. Sivaranjith, the SFI president of the University College unit and AN Nazeem, the unit's secretary have, now, been nabbed . Four accused viz. Aromal, Adwaith, Adhil and Ijab are in police custody since Monday.

Several bundles of University answer sheets and an office seal of the Director of Physical Education were recovered from the house of an SFI leader and some, even from the SFI office! Story has it that a few of these leaders are on the rank list of an important examination.

My take.

Politics has been encouraged in school/college campuses so that the youth understands the nuances of political activity, follow ethics and the right behaviour while choosing politics as a profession. The salient points that need to be nurtured are:-

       (a) Exemplary behaviour and qualities that endear an individual to the masses.
       (b) Ethical in dealings with zero tolerance to telling lies and adopting unfair practices.
       (c) Should be a beacon for fairness, taking everyone along.
       (d) Opponents are won over by articulating key issues and gaining support.
       (e) Violence of any kind is to be shunned always and every time.
       (f)  Greatest respect to the teaching fraternity.

The sad fact is that many, if not all the points elucidated above, were blatantly not followed resulting in the catastrophe! And to add insult to injury, there was no Principal; a new one has been appointed just a couple of days back!!

The University College must recover its sheen and the pride of place forthwith. To achieve this, the deadwood needs to be removed without fear or favour.

A good college is one in which the students must learn to respect the entire staff, be it teaching or non-teaching. Politics may be played but on issues, it cannot afford to be petty! Till such standards are reached, I shall weep for you my beloved Alma mater!


Tailpiece.

It was a rainy day all through but our two visits to the Rajah hospital for Lekha's injections went through without glitches. Hamid and his rick were of a great help! In the evening, stopped at the department store for sundry purchases.



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