Comme Ci, Comme Ca

The Supreme Court came out with its verdict a couple of weeks ago. The reservations will stay. Needless to say, I was disappointed. I read an entry about this issue on another blog and wondered why I had kept quiet for so long. My blog could do with a bit of socially charged writing.

I speak now not just for the millions of students who stand affected but more importantly I speak for selfish reasons. I speak for myself.

I too am a victim of reservations. Here is my story.

With a score of 82.50% in HSC Humanities, I could have got in wherever I wanted. At least that’s what they told me. They, in the midst of ooh’s, aah’s and wide eyed admiration, told me I could pursue a degree wherever I wished with that shiny, gilt- edged mark sheet.

“Of course!” said I and nodded in agreement, a smile spreading from ear to ear. I was proud of myself. I could finally be a Xavierite now!

Life had other plans though. In my glory I had forgotten that there were a dozen more obstacles in my way. An unbelievably good score and a creatively motivated mind were not enough to get me in. Students from outside the state board had glossier report cards, so they made it in easily. Others had a caste certificate that said sc, st, obc, nt or some such fancy backward category name. Still others got in through the remaining zillion reservation categories that I could never qualify for.

At the end of the day I had to face the truth. I was a bright, intelligent and meritorious student from a forward caste. I was if I may say the forbidden B-word: A brahmin.

“Could I possibly convert, Mom?” I had asked in a moment of senseless deliberation. “Because that would get me in…” Mom looked like she would have loved to slap me.

I got over that moment however and am now studying in a college that wasn’t my first choice. Ruia isn’t the best college there is. But you know what? I am having a damn good time here. I topped my class. And somehow it’s always nicer to be the big fish in a small college than the small fish in a big college. Plus mine is not a small college at all. I’m the big fish in a moderately big college! Wow, I must be good.

In conclusion, things might have worked out OK for me though the picture isn’t as rosy for everyone. What about my friends who are desperately trying to become doctors, engineers and management professionals? What will become of them in the light of the new Supreme Court decision? That time is not too far away when they will be wiped off the map of India . The American dream will steadily consume them. In spite of their love for their country. In spite of their wishes to study here. In spite of their desire to give back to their motherland. Because in America they give you an education without asking what caste you belong to.