Indeed hostels serve as a place to live but this is not the only thing which hostel provides. Hostel allow us to create a bound between different students from diverse backgrounds and from different part of the world. It helps in socialisation of students, it help students to learn how to live with large number of people and teaches the concept of shared living. If one says that hostels serves merely as a place to live, one is just denying the difference between PGs and and other flats in which students live. The concept of hostel goes beyond this isolated accomodations. So I don't agree that hostels merely serve as a place to live.
Irfan Shabir Sultani
B.A. Political science
"Everybody carries their address in their pocket."
University Hostels remind me of Agha Shahid Ali's infamous lines. Greetings to all the delegates and everyone out there. The ongoing circumstances and recent past is a clear indicator that university hostels merely serve as a place to live. It was the even semester examination of the session that just concluded when students were served notice to vacate the hostel at the end of their examinations, but it was quite surpising and inhumane in a way that it instructed the students who'd continue to follow the same. Imagine the ordeal of carrying all your belongings miles back to your home via public transport, only to bring it back two months later. A situation like that of migrant labourers. A home becomes a monument but never leaves its residents deserted and helpless until it fonds a new occupant atleast. It is therefore quite evident from one particular incident besides others how hostels are merely a place to live and not an alternative to homes.
Sadaf Tasneem
M.A.
It is in the innate nature of human beings to form bonds and connections and work toward a collective growth, man being a social animal is not merely a quote.
If humans are put together in any place, they will instinctively start to develop into a collective entity and thus natural instict towards collective growth will form.
Thus, in that sense, calling hostels and halls a mere place to stay is condescending towards the collective consciousness that student share towards it. It is as condescending as calling you home and family as an entity to provide you shelter, which is nothing but inhumane.
Just as a university is not a degree granting factory, a hall is not a shelter either. It is no less than a second home.
Attempts are made to suppress the sense of belonging by creating a neo-capitalist environment where students are put under scrutinies.
Such attempts can be drawn form of the worldwide capitalistic work culture where literal attempts are made in corporate management to keep its employees divided. Such efforts are always made by those who are top at the hierarchy.
Izhan Ahmad
B.Sc. (H) Physics
Residential life in any university has a significant and, often, life-altering effect on the young student. However, residential life in a university such as AMU, with its clear ideological roots in the Aligarh Movement as well as the role it plays in the development of polity and society of Indian Muslims at large, underscores its importance further.
Students of the University come from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds. The University must, then, shape him into a well-rounded individual through both a meticulously formed educational and social milieu. This prospective student would spend a majority of his time in the company of his peers and in the grounds of the University. This multi-year exposure to an environment different from his place of origin must, therefore, be utilised for his emotional, social, cultural, and intellectual development. Ethics, morals, etiquette, situational awareness, and adaptation to social and personal challenges are qualities that are best taught practically. The guidance of wardens, seniors, and one’s peers are proven sources of learning and experience. The development and maturation of one’s personality in a religious, intellectual, competitive but friendly environment pays great dividends in future life. Once graduated, these students shall act as new seeds of the Movement.
Syed Muhammad Sarosh Ghalib
B.Sc. (Hons. with Research)
Ladies and gentleman today I stand before you to argue that University hostels serves merely as a place to live. hostels are designed to provide students with
accommodation close to their educational institutions. Hostels fullfill the basic need for shelter they provide students a place to sleep, study and maintain hygiene. Hostels provide the unique environment where students from diverse background come together, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. Beyond Academics hostels offer opportunities for personal growth through extra curricular activities, leadership roles and cultural exchanges. . Let's take an example of AMU. AMU hostels are located near the campus providing students with easy access to classrooms libraries and Laboratories. This proximity reduces community time and allow students to focus more on their studies. AMU hostels are equipped with essential amenities that supports academic pursuits.Security measures are in place to ensure safety, allowing to live without concern for well being. Structured environment helps student maintain a discipline Lifestyle. Rules and regulation regarding study hours, meal times contribute to an organised daily routine. ladies and gentleman, University hostels are much more than a place to live. They are dynamic communities that contribute significantly to the Holistic development of the students, preparing them for challenges of the future. Thank you.
Aafiya
B.Com. (Hons)
While university hostels do provide a place to live, they offer much more than just accommodation. Hostels serve as hubs for social interaction, fostering a sense of community among students. Living in hostels encourages cultural exchange, promotes friendships, and enhances personal development. Additionally, hostels often organize educational and recreational activities that supplement academic learning. They provide a supportive environment for students, offering resources like study spaces, counselling services, and peer support. In essence, university hostels are not just living spaces but integral components of the holistic university experience, shaping students' growth and enriching their college years.
Aneera Khan
B.A.(Hons) Economics
The topic is self-contradictory to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan's (RA) vision for the hostel. He made MAO college residential institution from the first batch and we all know why — the thought of developing socio-economic beliefs and strong Islamic principles among the students from day one.
Contemporarily, his idea does not appear to have nearly implemented for nearly a decade or so. Both the freshman and old-timers are somewhat egoistic in their respective approaches; no freshman wants to learn about 'TEHZEEB' and no old-timer is very much eager to teach any - as they should know first hand.
And since we are perhaps emphasising the hostels of Aligarh Muslim University, the recent events should not be ignored that some students are furious about the vacation of the hostels during summer vacations. It's the end of the academic year the students should take this vacation time to learn about their respective industries and join the internship program.
My thoughts on the topic are in favour to a certain degree as a consequence of the netagiri, lobbyism, etc.
Uves Khan
M.B.A.
