When the hostel goes missing from the imagination of education

Recently, a building in south Delhi collapsed, which previously functioned as a hostel for students attending nearby colleges. This hostel, known as Satya Niketan, is located in a neighborhood that is adjacent to two high-end hotels, Maurya and Taj. The seven colleges situated within a short distance of the colony are among the most esteemed institutions associated with Delhi University.

The stark contrast between the poor, unstable structure of the hostel and the luxurious seven-star hotels that stand tall nearby is quite striking.

Hostel life is a customary part of the academic experience in contemporary India, yet it is rarely acknowledged or discussed. The same university or college can hold different meanings for different students, depending on whether they reside in a hostel or in a rented room. This issue warrants a unique investigation, rather than simply reminiscing about the memories that hostels often evoke. It also sheds light on matters such as exclusion and discrimination, which are unfortunately prevalent in higher education in India.

Among the seven colleges in the vicinity of Satya Niketan, only three offer hostels, providing accommodation for only a portion of the total student population. Educators are not held accountable for distinguishing hostellers from day scholars, a term that does not differentiate between commuters and individuals residing in precarious buildings. The college administration shows little concern for the daily life experiences of students outside of the classroom.

In contrast to universities and colleges in other countries where first-year admission necessitates living in a hostel, Indian institutions seem to lack a comprehensive plan to promote geographical mobility. This absence may be attributed to financial constraints or a lack of imaginative foresight. Satya Niketan has vividly illustrated a truth about Indian higher education that continues to linger.

A poignant example of this truth occurred when I met a mother in the corridor, heartbroken because her daughter's English spelling of her name did not match her original Hindi-certified name. The discrepancy arose due to the digital application form requiring English spellings, and this led to a potential loss of her voting rights.

Although this story may seem outdated, given the current digital age, it highlights the challenges that students face in navigating the admission process and living arrangements in Indian higher education.