FALL FROM GRACE

This is the eighth post of the series 'Happy Days Gone by'. It talks about what went wrong with the Allahabad University.

Senate Hall, University of Allahabad

Happy Days Gone By

Introduction।। Students' Enthusiasm At Allahabad - Unparalleled।। God Does Not Exist।। The Unforgettable Teacher - Prof. RD Pathak।। Don't Worry, It Will Cool Down।। Can Parliament Abolish Constitution।। Fall from Grace।। We Shall Overcome।।

It is said that the first generation realises the opportunity. The second generation toils to rise. The third generation takes it to the top. The fourth generation enjoys the top place. This was the time when I was there or was coming to an end.

The teachers participated in the students' activities. We had  associations in the departments, for different activities – mentored by the teachers. They organised different events. 

We had teacher presidents for each sports activity. They appointed captains, who under the guidance of their presidents organised tournaments, inter-unit matches, took teams to inter-university competitions. 

The fifth generation thrives on the reputation but if it does not make efforts then  downfall begins. If the sixth is like the fifth – one reaches the bottom. The fifth generation started soon after I left or had already begun. 

Teachers’ participation in student activity declined. Many important officers of the University spent their tenure in seeking appointments for their wards.  Instead of brilliant teachers, University preferred mediocre; they in turn continued the process. 

Apathy took over the teachers. They could be found in the Coffee House rather than in the University; some also in coaching centres. Department activities came to a halt. The games' president did not appoint captains, with the result, there were no sports tournament, no team could participate in Inter varsity championship. 

Iconic Coffee House Allahabad - An old photo sent by a friend

This is unacceptable for any institution. No wonder, the University reached its nadir. 

Point-7: If Teachers do not mentor student activity and the mediocre teachers are appointed then downfall is inevitable.

#AllahabadUniversity #GoodTeacher