Two years at the Department of English, Jadavpur University(JUDE), were not the most productive days of my life, and I am quite sure it would have been worse had I been a hostelite. Ironically, I always aspired to be a part of this institution. I came across similar stories from one of my classmates who used to recount his daily struggle to "fit in" as an outsider, coping with roommates, 'begging' for scholarships and enduring, at times, disgraceful treatment from authorities.
We grew up together in different circumstances. Paradoxically, while he is now often wistful about his days at JUDE (well, he spent a few more years on campus than I did), missing the campus almost every single day, and yearning to return, I look back at my days at JU with a restrained disdain. I always used to hear an intensifying voice inside, telling me: you don't belong to this place!
Later in my life, when I embarked on my professional journey, I realized that much like other reputable B-schools or universities worldwide, JU also fosters a false sense of accomplishment during your post-teenage years. JUDE is renowned for its academic excellence across Asia, and getting a chance to be there feels akin to being nominated for the Booker Prize at this age. That's precisely how our brain perceives this experience. Unless you pursue academics, a lot of concepts you learn in the class are not pertinent or empirically the same when you apply those. Pseudo-self-esteem is perilous and often leads us to view others as inferior. On the contrary, the truth strikes and strips away your rebellions, radicalism, and uncensored philosophies once you step outside its threshold and enter the professional world. "Bonjour Tristesse" - Hello to your regrets!
And that's the reality. It has always been this way, but was never openly discussed. Across various departments, while creating this illusion of false achievements, J.U inadvertently cultivated a refined snob culture among its first benchers. Now, with the unfortunate and extreme case of Swapnadip, the façade has been unveiled. I swear, it's still happening to a lesser extent and will continue to happen daily with many other incongruous individuals striving to fit in.
Diversity and differences in any form are met with scepticism and seen as a challenge to the dominant power in every sphere of life. Think of your family, your friends, your social circle, or even your professional group. Differences of opinion are inevitably seen as differences in minds, and if they persist, they lead to otherization. J.U is seemingly known for its inclusiveness and acceptance, but the truth is that it's not isolated from the world. It's not the zone in Tarkovsky's film "Stalker" where earthly rules don't apply. It's very much like what happens around you: conform to the dominant belief, and you're welcomed. Dare to think differently, and you're shunned. J.U strives to be distinct from the rest, and if you don't conform to this 'new distinction,' you don't belong there. Do you believe that Hok Kalorab is unjustified? Well, move along - J.U-ians won't embrace you. You'll lose your friends.
It's the same story - as it has always been. However, the façade is crafted by certain scholars of international repute.
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