Leadership and responsibility

Mohit Nagar

Several students aspire to be a part of the college’s student union. Becoming a union leader provides them with the opportunity to take up responsibility, which presents good opportunities in the future. It involves interacting with students, solving their problems, standing up for their rights, interacting with the management and acting as a bridge between teachers and students. However, all these are easier said than done. What are the problems faced by members during their tenure and how do they overcome them? Some students’ union members of different colleges express their views on how this student-driven machinery works.

Vijith Quadros, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Bangalore

I think, interpreting the problems and interacting with the students and putting them in front of the college and management, are the most challenging aspects. I feel that striking a balance between them leads to the best solution. Getting people to believe in our decisions is another daunting aspect. But once that is achieved, their trust gives us the strength to make anything possible.

Mohit Nagar, Delhi University students’ union president, Delhi

I joined the student’s union because I like taking initiatives. Having understood the problems students face while I was pursuing my undergraduation, I wanted to work towards improving things. Being a part of the union gives us the power to fight for our rights and get our problems heard by the management. I didn’t join the union for my personal benefit; it’s just that I wanted to give something back to students who have always been supportive.

Kezia Sasitharan, Women’s Christian College students’ union president, Chennai

I decided to join the students’ union only after I joined college. As the union, we try to get a solution to everyday problems faced by students, which may include improving college infrastructure, basic facilities and amenities.

We also work towards building better relations between students through various cultural activities, bridging the gap between juniors and seniors and between teachers and students.

And while we are at it, we make sure that our studies don’t suffer. It doesn’t feel like a burden because it is not forced on us.

Abhishek Singh, Loyola College students’ union internal liaison secretary, Chennai

One major challenge we face is that our every activity is brought under the scanner and scrutinised. The union is answerable to the students as well as the teachers. Sometimes, accusations are thrown at us, but it is a part of the learning process. The administration does play a supportive role, but it is we who answer the students. So, we try to brush aside any politics and do what’s best for everyone.