In an interview with Hi Time Express, Atul Kumar Anjaan, former president of the Lucknow University and now a senior leader said: “In a democracy everybody must be given rights. Student unions are a nursery of democratic process. Let’s not depoliticize them! But at the same time, democratic process must also give responsibility to behave in a democratic and responsible manner. Hooliganism, goondaism and rowdiness are not desired in a democratic society and especially among the student community. Bombs and pistols have no place in the university. Instead of bombs and revolvers, student leaders should go with ideas to their colleagues. That would take the political process further.”
He further said, “In a democracy we may not agree with our superiors, our teachers. But paying respect to teachers is akin to paying respect to parents.”
If there is one student leader who stands up to the ideals described by Atul Kumar Anjaan, he is Shantanu Sharma. In a university where corruption, rowdiness and criminal cases appear to be prerequisite to qualify you as a student leader, Shantanu Sharma appears to be a genuine leader who is serving politics for the welfare of the society. Naturally, he has ideas and he differs with his seniors, including the VC, on some issues, but he has always voiced his views in a peaceful manner.
Shantanu Sharma, a candidate for President’s post, is a Science Graduate and has done his PG in Geology. He jumped into politics after completion of law degree and fought the election for the first time in 2003. Despite facing a negative atmosphere and abysmal scenario in student politics he is doing his job of public service and student welfare.
To a question that he may have opted other platform for public service and channelise his energy, he answered that, “Politics also need some genuine workers who can work without selfishness. I hope that my honesty will bring remarkable changes in society.” Sharma said that he is a follower of Gandhian principles and want to bring changes in the society. He joined politics accidentally, but is now taking it seriously.
That teachers as well as local police station and certain journalists covering education beat too have only good words to describe him is our justification for coming up in his defense. Says Dr. VD Mishra, Head of Sociology Department, LU, under whose guidance Shantanu Sharma is doing his research in Sociology: “Despite all illicit activities that student politicians resort to, this student has kept himself away from all the bad activities. I appreciate his honest efforts in active politics. When asked why instead of his honesty, he does not get that kind of support, Dr. Mishra said that every effort is not noticed by the public; it takes long time to get noticed and make significant changes. He expressed his optimistic view that his student will be successful in his venture.
Dr. Anshumali Sharma, Reader of Geology, K.K.C. too spoke in favour of Shantanu Sharma. He said, “He is doing endeavor for the welfare of masses. His efforts will evoke a decision-making and thinking process in public.” He revealed that Shantanu was also involved in social welfare activities like organising Medical Camps, Polio camps and is a member of Human Unity Welfare Society. When questioned about the allegation he is facing Dr. Sharma said that charges which he is facing are not serious allegations; administration found student leaders involved in creating ruckus and booked him also. So, his personal view is that these allegations could not lower down his potential.
Several other sources that we spoke to too acclaimed in chorus that he is an honest leader who has not involved himself in the awful politics of campus.
In this contest, the views of VC Prof R.P. Singh, who has expelled Sharma alongwith 82 other student leaders, is that he too is involved in politics. However, the V-C agreed that he was not aggressively involved in negative political activities until now though he has been booked for creating ruckus in the campus after the Lyngdoh proposals. Singh said if he is guilty, he should be punished.
However, if we go by Atul Anjaan’s view, as per which student union is a nursery of democratic process, it means that depoliticizing the campus can never be a solution. Students cannot be separated from issues around them. Their voices cannot be forced into silence. They have right to express their views in public. Only thing is that they should do so peacefully. And Shantanu Sharma is one who adheres to this principal.
As Atul Anjaan said, “Certain students may have had a negative track record. That does not mean that all student politicians are criminals. Some teachers have committed wrongs in the past. In Meerut University, teachers asked primary students to evaluate the copies. That does not mean all teachers should be thrown out.”
He further said, “In a democracy we may not agree with our superiors, our teachers. But paying respect to teachers is akin to paying respect to parents.”
If there is one student leader who stands up to the ideals described by Atul Kumar Anjaan, he is Shantanu Sharma. In a university where corruption, rowdiness and criminal cases appear to be prerequisite to qualify you as a student leader, Shantanu Sharma appears to be a genuine leader who is serving politics for the welfare of the society. Naturally, he has ideas and he differs with his seniors, including the VC, on some issues, but he has always voiced his views in a peaceful manner.
Shantanu Sharma, a candidate for President’s post, is a Science Graduate and has done his PG in Geology. He jumped into politics after completion of law degree and fought the election for the first time in 2003. Despite facing a negative atmosphere and abysmal scenario in student politics he is doing his job of public service and student welfare.
To a question that he may have opted other platform for public service and channelise his energy, he answered that, “Politics also need some genuine workers who can work without selfishness. I hope that my honesty will bring remarkable changes in society.” Sharma said that he is a follower of Gandhian principles and want to bring changes in the society. He joined politics accidentally, but is now taking it seriously.
That teachers as well as local police station and certain journalists covering education beat too have only good words to describe him is our justification for coming up in his defense. Says Dr. VD Mishra, Head of Sociology Department, LU, under whose guidance Shantanu Sharma is doing his research in Sociology: “Despite all illicit activities that student politicians resort to, this student has kept himself away from all the bad activities. I appreciate his honest efforts in active politics. When asked why instead of his honesty, he does not get that kind of support, Dr. Mishra said that every effort is not noticed by the public; it takes long time to get noticed and make significant changes. He expressed his optimistic view that his student will be successful in his venture.
Dr. Anshumali Sharma, Reader of Geology, K.K.C. too spoke in favour of Shantanu Sharma. He said, “He is doing endeavor for the welfare of masses. His efforts will evoke a decision-making and thinking process in public.” He revealed that Shantanu was also involved in social welfare activities like organising Medical Camps, Polio camps and is a member of Human Unity Welfare Society. When questioned about the allegation he is facing Dr. Sharma said that charges which he is facing are not serious allegations; administration found student leaders involved in creating ruckus and booked him also. So, his personal view is that these allegations could not lower down his potential.
Several other sources that we spoke to too acclaimed in chorus that he is an honest leader who has not involved himself in the awful politics of campus.
In this contest, the views of VC Prof R.P. Singh, who has expelled Sharma alongwith 82 other student leaders, is that he too is involved in politics. However, the V-C agreed that he was not aggressively involved in negative political activities until now though he has been booked for creating ruckus in the campus after the Lyngdoh proposals. Singh said if he is guilty, he should be punished.
However, if we go by Atul Anjaan’s view, as per which student union is a nursery of democratic process, it means that depoliticizing the campus can never be a solution. Students cannot be separated from issues around them. Their voices cannot be forced into silence. They have right to express their views in public. Only thing is that they should do so peacefully. And Shantanu Sharma is one who adheres to this principal.
As Atul Anjaan said, “Certain students may have had a negative track record. That does not mean that all student politicians are criminals. Some teachers have committed wrongs in the past. In Meerut University, teachers asked primary students to evaluate the copies. That does not mean all teachers should be thrown out.”
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