The Hindu : New Delhi News : Campus Jotting

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Oct 28, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

Campus Jotting

Issues galore for JNU polls

It is a question that has often baffled those not associated with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). But you clearly don't ask anyone on the campus, or better still a candidate, why Israel or Manipur should be an issue in the JNU students' union elections instead of the university mess problems. Not only is it seen as absurd but also at times as a sign of ignorance about what rules the campus. And, perhaps, not without reason.

For a campus that prides itself on its intellectual atmosphere, a debate on issues that affect the country and the world is but natural. "These are things that affect all of us. How can we keep quiet about what is happening in the North-East or in some other part of the world? As students, we have our responsibilities, and taking a stand and expressing our opinion on issues is just one of the ways to go about it'' is how one of the candidates put it.

The idea of a similar election in Delhi University may be unimaginable, but for those at JNU, students' union elections are almost incomplete without the presidential debate, an aspect that Delhi University has been wanting to replicate but without success.

So from war and peace to saffronisation of education, the elections here will see a lot of important issues being raised. Strange, though, that even the intellectually stimulated and well read candidates of JNU missed out on an issue waiting for attention right outside the JNUSU office: child labour. But then maybe their busy academic schedule does not allow them the time to notice the little children who are missing school to help build their campus.

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Heavy political talk and heated debates and discussions over steaming cups of chai are an integral part of the JNU culture, but what seems to be causing a stir here right now is coffee -- or rather a coffee outlet that is proving to be a hot issue in this election.

The controversy in question is over a Nestle outlet that was opened on the campus earlier this year. Less than 10 days after its opening, JNUSU was seen speaking in different voices about the issue, with even a joint statement issued later doing little to cover the differences.

Now no one on this campus may have ever protested against multinational noodles because they were one of the few available things to eat at midnight, or even noticed that soft drinks that are not quite desi have always been around for students to be able to choose, but the Nestle outlet is now an issue that goes beyond the choice of common students to eat and drink what they like. Now if only the student leaders of JNU could keep food for thought away from the dining table!

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To help students choose the right kind of course, an international education fair, "Education Worldwide India", is being organised in various parts of the country. Featuring leading national and international educational institutions, the show takes off in Mumbai on October 26 and 27 and will proceed to New Delhi on October 29, 30 and 31. To be held at Pragati Maidan, the event will have over 100 participants, with the focus being on free career counselling sessions and various seminars which would benefit the students' community at large.

Students will also be able to get more information on various education loans and counselling sessions to facilitate easy understanding and awareness about the various options available to students. There will also be on-the-spot sanction of loans to deserving candidates.

For those interested in studying abroad, several foreign institutions from Canada, the United States, England, Italy, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, Cyprus, Russia, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the Netherlands, Hungary, Romania, Czechoslovakia and Switzerland will participate in the event.

Lakshmi B. Ghosh

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