What started off as an attempt to bring students from different colleges together turned into a nightmare for some from outstation colleges at ‘Kaleidoscope’.
Outstation participants cry foul over ‘step-motherly treatment’
What started off as an attempt to bring students from different colleges together turned into a nightmare for some participants from outstation colleges at ‘Kaleidoscope’, the much-hyped intercollegiate festival organised by Sophia College for Women, Mumbai.
The festival started with a bang on September 5 this year. However, the gala was marred by minor skirmishes between students from outstation colleges and the students of Sophia College. Furious at the treatment meted out to them, participants from other cities accused the organising committee of mismanaging events and ignoring outstation colleges.
Some participants also complained of instances of ill-treatment and manhandling by committee members. “The committee appeared partial towards some colleges, especially those from Mumbai. Outstation colleges were given step-motherly treatment during the festival. The committee also lacked transparency and accountability in its operations,” alleged a student from an outstation college.
Students also complained that they were not informed about schedule changes beforehand. This prevented them from participating in some of the events. “The organising committee was insensitive towards participants from outstation colleges. They did not inform us about revised timings of certain events,” said Chaiti Narula, a student of Symbiosis Institute of Media and Mass Communication, Pune.
“The festival was marked by a lack of vigilance by college authorities. The committee for the festival did not include a single faculty member, but comprised under-graduate students who were managing the entire show,” said Narula.
“We have received positive feedback from students belonging to various participating colleges, including those from outside the city. The festival has generated a favourable response. The management of events has been appreciated,” said Anila Varghese, principal of Sophia College for Women.
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