“Student Council” is a platform given to the college and university students by which they can participate in the democratic process of the governance of the academic institution. The members of the student council function as an important link between students and the governing body of the institution. However, the question arises as to what extent students are serious about ‘campus elections’? Are students mature enough to understand the meaning of “One Man, One Vote, One Value?” Are students truly voting for the candidate that they wish to see as their representative in the Student Council without any external influence? Let us explore.

Student Body Elections: A Perspective

Elections to the Student Councils or Unions in various educational institutions is always an exciting part of student life. It’s hard to figure out what exactly we are looking for or what exactly we are trying to achieve/do something better through this election, by viewing the current status of election. ”A road without direction is an endless road”. Sadly, the current basis of voting among students probably is- on the basis of friendship, a particular community, a particular department, classmates and on other convincing powers. Are we in some ways echoing the Nagaland Legislative Assembly elections here, rather than on merit and ability?

This moderating system has been practiced within us for years and as a matter of fact most of the time we and the Students Council head members know who better deserves it but with adhering to the monotony rules and regulations, while on the other hand, it is the other person with more friends who takes the throne, irrespective of his/her potentiality. This is the very ground where most of the young brave hearts are buried.I’m afraid this platform might very soon become a place to practice corruption, corruption in the sense friendly, mentally, socially and unhealthily convincing for votes and exercising the aggressive strategies some of the corrupted politicians, have tried.

On the other hand, there are also candidates who are trying to achieve the power and work on the same level with the authorities, which in my opinion is impossible, unnecessary and with an unpredictable outcome. Connecting to this situation to a teacher and a student, a student can be friendly as a friend with any teacher but the student should never try to convert a teacher into a friend.

And when it comes to electing a GS (General Secretary) or President, this is where the voters have to be extremely conscious because right after we elect he is no longer representing himself but he will be carrying the face value of the institution. And so to choose a GS/President on whom we will be proud of is totally dependent on us.

I have come across and I strongly believe most of us are i.e the Students Council and the colleges/institutions authorities always have unresolved issues, where students will be asking and demanding for more permissions to exercise their own ideas for the betterment of the students, and whereas the higher-level members seemed to be there for the students trying their best, but the students never seem to be satisfied by the authority, as it might be because of the saying economically “Human wants are unlimited but the resources are limited”. Is this supposed to happen this way? Can it be better? But here I believe the Students Council and the higher-level members of every college/universities need research or build a better line of communication.

Till date, my experience of being a member of the student council and witnessing different college’s Student Council members, I sense an air of communalism, in the Student Council; I hear a particular language from students belonging to a particular community more than English. It’s funny and hard to differentiate the students who and what post they hold.
What is the main reason for this election? This is the question I suggest we should analyse for a moment before our thoughts turn into an act. For me, this election is a way not to follow the majority but the right way.

Bringing into topic Mr. Narendra Modi, he quietly in his cave over a night, stirred up the country and announced the demonetization in an unscheduled manner. It’s still scary to even think about, though viewers might have numerous viewpoints, but the fact is he might be unpredictable and what’s next is still unpredictable. When for a drastic storm, preparation can be done to some extent but here “Modically” we might be in a worse or better, in an unimaginable situation.

And what’s discouraging is that I see and know so many seniors and mates who are capable enough, but are not participating in elections. I have heard dozens of feedback saying this election are being participated by those candidates who talks about bringing change but only in talks and not in actions. Is this true? Viewers might have a different opinion about it, but if we are at the verse of it we might have to face poor political leaders in the future.
If we still vote on the basis of those stated above you/I are not less than corrupted politicians that we might be pointing every morning in the newspaper.

There is an important note to be considered. Be practical and politically mature so as not to keep any grudges for each other after the voting. , Understand and respect their opinions for whom they have voted, after all, leaders are elected for the voters and for betterment. Let not this election break friendships, togetherness, the line of communications, this is also where our maturity will be tested.

Towards the conclusion, I would love to give a message to all the upcoming leaders, that don’t try to change the things which is already changing, but make sure the “changes” doesn’t change you from who you are or from your duty or in course of trying to change don’t be changed and bring more destructive changes around you.

Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editors are Dr Hewasa Lorin, Dr. Aniruddha Babar, Noyingbeni T. Erui, Meren and Kvulo Lorin.
For feedback or comments please email:  dot@tetsocollege.org