JOIN USReady to lead by example
It couldn’t have been more democratic. The students of CMR National PU College recently elected the members of their student union through a secret ballot.
There were no thunderous campaigns. Instead, there were 25 aspirants who put forth their names for the post of head girl and head boy.
The teachers had to screen the list and bring it down to 10 girls and eight boys.
Each of the aspirants was expected to give a short speech, highlighting and explaining why they wanted the coveted post and how they would lead by example.
The students, most of them in the second-year pre-university, spent time preparing speeches which were not only insightful but offered a perspective about the personality of the candidate.
‘Metrolife’ interacted with the new student union of the college and asked them how they intended to bridge the gap between the students and the faculty.
Talking about the process, Nandini Nagraj, principal of the college, said, “It’s a very fair election. The students cast their vote and there are a group of teachers who immediately get down to counting the votes.
The results are announced within an hour. The head girl and boy are from the second year. There are no campaigns — students are elected based on their speeches, which the candidates take very seriously.”
Nirmala Satheesan, vice-principal of the college, pointed out that it was a tough contest.
“The candidates for the head girl certainly outnumbered those for head boy. They are all so good that it’s hard to pick and choose. We allot one day to the student elections. We started this last year and the students confess that they are happy with being given responsibilities at a young age.”
The newly-elected members of the student body couldn’t contain their excitement.
There were moments of celebration interspersed with moments of disappointment as well.
Ann Mary Johnson, the head girl, said she hopes to go about carrying out her duties in a fair and just manner. “I don’t want to show any partiality but encourage students to participate in as many events as possible. My seniors were my inspiration to contest elections. I wouldn’t have won but for the constant support of my teachers and friends,” she said.
Kaushik, the head boy, didn’t think he was so popular among his friends until he was elected.
“I want to introduce a small box where students can drop in their suggestions. This will make for better interaction with students and teachers,” shared Kaushik.
There were four other students who were elected as the head of each of the four houses of the college.
Evangeline, head of the Athena house, said, “It was a tough contest and I am glad that I won. It’s a huge responsibility and I wish to lead by example.” Nikita Sunil, another student, added, “I hope to provide equal opportunities to everyone to showcase their talent.”