Quantum of Distress from our Academic Atmosphere

 Quantum of Distress from our Academic Atmosphere

(Dr. Rafi Ramzan Dar)

Man is a social animal. If he lives out of society, he is either a beast or an angel (Aristotle).

Out of 4.9 million animal species present on the surface of earth, homo sapiens are the only creatures who are superior to all not because of any specific trait or characteristic but only because of their ability to think, communicate, decide and behave in a superior manner. In fact, it is the amalgam of these traits which makes this social animal unique and different from others in crystal clear manner and provides meaning and value to its being. When we lose the ability to maintain a balance between these traits and the associated roles, we fail to consider ourselves as human beings. Alas! We become more dreadful than wild beasts.

A recent scuffling episode from Kashmir University that has become talk of the town from a couple of days and is discussed on every common table in the seats of learning as well as on social media is one such shocking example.

Being associated with the teaching fraternity, It is indeed very unfortunate to come to know about a serious fight between two senior professors on a petty issue that landed the duo in nearby police station after lodging FIR’S against each other. Such incidents are not only shocking and worth criticism but also discouraging. These reflect a dismal state of affairs and cut a sorry figure which invites nothing but disgrace to the institution and distress among the fraternity.

There is not an iota of doubt in the fact that the academics all over the nation and more particularly in our union territory is saturated with loopholes and bottlenecks. We see research scholars most often getting scolded and tortured by their supervisors, junior faculty members looked down by the senior ones in an inferior way and contractual staff sailing in the same boat with innumerable grievances which makes this oppressed and subordinate lot to dance at the whims of their permanent and senior bosses. Besides, we are also witness to the lobby system in different colleges and universities like JNU, DU, JMI, AMU, BHU and KU etc. as well as to the common scuffles between the faculty members and the head of departments (HOD’s) which not only gives birth to the notions of “departments within departments” but also breeds occasional antagonistic tendencies and fatal outcomes as well.

All this is prevalent and has been in vogue since time immemorial. The irony is that its roots are encroaching deeper into our academic seats of learning and becoming more widespread day in and day out. The question that strikes one’s mind is that being teachers what are we providing and promulgating in our students and our junior fellows? Is this what we are being appointed for? Where are we leading our youngsters and in which direction? Do we deserve to call ourselves as true mentors or in that case who is responsible to spoil our future generations and our academic atmosphere?

All these are the questions that need to be looked into so keenly with much seriousness and broader perspectives by each one of us. Above all, these are the reflections of narrow approach, myopic vision and blurred outlook. When we intend to harm or even think or speak untoward about any fellow being, we are in turn harming none but ourselves only. Such ideas and incidents of scuffling, backbiting or indecent showoff last for few moments only but the after shocks that these waves develop attain permanent and disastrous nature and become eternal narratives for future. 

Thereafter, we are always looked upon in the context of these distasteful and bitter episodes only. Rather we become their brand ambassadors and epitaphs, wherever required, for the times to come. It leaves a bad impression on others and that too at the cost of our character and reputation as well as passes on detrimental under-currents into the coming generations which breeds further antagonism, indiscipline and disorder into the system.

All this must be stopped and penalized. An appropriate policy to deal with such episodes at respective levels of hierarchy is the need of the hour. A healthy academic atmosphere free from bias, prejudice, ego or any other superiority- inferiority complex should be given chance to flourish. We must not involve ourselves in maintaining any false narratives or status quo of impatience and uncompromise as it hampers not only our progress but also halts the process of our individual as well as collective development. All this is possible only once we prioritize the etiquettes of cooperation, mutual respect, coordination and compromise over all the other vociferous tendencies. Let’s give patience, positive attitude, broader outlook, and hope a chance to act and try to become role models and lighting lamps for others. It is high time to wake up and keep aside all our grudges and indifferences for the sake our institutions which are the greatest resource as well as glory of our own nation and generation.

Dr Rafi Ramzan Dar

Author teaches Geography at Sri Pratap College, Srinagar. He can be reached at rafiramzandar@gmail.com