Life at Delhi University

Ginmoun Chongloi *

Cleanliness drive programme by North East Students in and around Delhi University Main Campus on 15 June 2014 :: Pix - Lalremlien Neitham

It's been 4 years since I landed in the summer of '11 at Delhi University. Enrolled into a prestigious colleges among 70+ recognised colleges is one's aspiration. However, some students settled for colleges they doesn't wish to and would wait till last cut-off list is notified. I was fortunate to see my name pasted in the 1st cut-off list at Ram Lal Anand College, South Campus, considering the current trends of high cut-off marks in majority of the colleges . 3-year undergraduate course seems reasonable compared to the FYUP aborted by DU few years back. Neverthless,a report released by India Today-Nielsen survey revealed Delhi University as the No.1 university in india for four consecutive years.

College days portrayed a momentous role in our life. In 1st year, we get explored to various activities such as the Dramatics society, Music society, Dance group, other social events and not to forget the rip-roaring DUSU elections. Fresher's meet are being conducted in the beginning of the session. This event is organized to look for the best faces commonly titled 'Mr' &' Miss' Freshers. We're told by seniors and teachers to focused on internal assessment, thus give advantage in the final exam.

Attendance is one thing we never intend to get solid marks. It is very rare to see a student getting full marks in internal exams , thereby making him/her a standout performance in each semester.We're are suggested by teachers to buy multiple books but would later run after seniors notes.Moreover,It is very particular to mention of the Xerox bhaiyas who had more knowledge of the syllabus and subjects than the aspiring students.

College session begins with summer,followed by monsoon ,then winter and ends with humid weather.The irony of semester exams is that basic amenities are provided by the authorities; drinking waters are supplied every minutes, meaning students should devote to writing their papers and would need not ask to fill their thirst. Class lectures after all give us depth knowledge about the subjects, which make one stick till to the end.

Group discussions provide platform for the students to share their ideas and later ends up with friendly discussion among the teachers and students. College Cafeteria suffice us in times of our needs.One significant beauty of a college is its spectacular lawns. It actually becomes a place of hangout for the love-birds. College fests are one colourful extravaganza held annually. It's a bond of interaction and sharing of ideas between different collges; be it literary,cultural or professional events. Later it becomes an unfading and timeless commemorations exceptionally to graduating students.

Administration in some colleges possessed a dynamic role in every fields. Sometimes in haste of enquiring documents or related stuffs at the office, we often get a warm reply: "Paanch minute ke bad ana", which would go on for a day, a week and a month. These are the hardships faced by some Non-Hindi speaking students, whose conversation with the office staffs prove to be a failure. However, out of sympathy, a self-volunteer would resolve the issue and makes it normal. Due to the hectic works and schedule, officials may show arrogance towards students but things has to be wind-up to meets the demands of the people. Moreover the environment of colleges administration has to be looked up in the process of giving free-interactions among the students,teachers and the non-teaching staffs.

Farewell progamme is one such social event where people gets emotive in the end. These are meant for graduating students who have spent 3 glorious years in colleges are rewarded with farewell gifts from juniors. What excites me more was the photography session.I couldn't just get away from the snap of DSLR or smartphones along with my companions. People dressed in their best outfit, be it traditional or western suits to make their most of it. In some sense, photography session brings out unforgettable moments to all. Pictures are flooded in facebook, instagram or twitter to get attention of the the followers. Finally, we end up getting sentimental; poised with tears,everlasting hugs,immortal smiles and the dazzling group photos.

My association with Delhi University has been fruitful till now. The moment I glimpse at the architecture of colleges,would give me an assumption: "if this is not in DU, what else could it be ??"… Sometimes, a popular song "Happy" sung by Pharrell Williams would echoes in my ear and lost in the world of his soulful and cheerful music. It takes me back to the time I've had in my graduation days with my lovely colleagues. College days are the golden years of one's youthful life and one should make use of it wisely and not missed that as it's one in a lifetime opportunity.

Lastly, this beautiful lyrics of 'Vitamin C' comes to my mind and I'd like it to dedicate to all my batchmates- "class of 2014":

As we go on, we remember
All the times we had together
And as our lives change, come whatever
We will still be, friends forever…