College was a Big Change
New Delhi, June 9 - Nonita Lall Qureshi is an award-winning golfer and currently coaches young talent. She was awarded the Arjuna Award for sports excellence in 1989. She was presented the National Award in 1987 in recognition of outstanding contribution to sports.
She recounts her college years:
I had a fairly uneventful three years in college. It was a big change for me because I came from a convent background. College is less structured and one feels like one has been thrown into the deep end. I took some time to settle in such a setup. On the sports front, I was lucky because I had an activity in hand. I captained the Delhi University basketball team in 1979 and was part of the Delhi state team during 1978-79.
During those times, which is pre-Asian Games, sports facilities were scarce and team-sport opportunities reduced after college. As I always say, golf chose me instead me choosing golf. At that time, women playing golf were much older and I had advantage since I came from a very energetic sport. Though I was playing golf during college, it was without any seriousness.
I never faced any trouble in striking a balance between sports and studies. I used to go in quite early, and practise basketball from 6.30 am to 8.30 am. I would then have a bite at the canteen. And because I was studying psychology, there weren't so many afternoon classes. Apart from that I was very regular with college and never really bunked.
Psychology at LSR was quite a pampered course. There were seven to eight students to a tutorial group. We even had a separate library and an excellent faculty. I remember two lecturers with special fondness. Mrs Sehajpal, who taught me in my first two years, was very supportive. Then there was Mrs Patri who taught abnormal psychology. She was superb professor who taught a fantastic subject. In the very first class she told us, "If there was anyone who is here for attendance they could leave. I will give you full attendance but stay here only if you wish to learn from me." She used to get the maximum attendance in her class because she was such a superb teacher.
Author: Pankaj Mullick (HT Horizons)
Date: 11th June, 2010
For further details about related courses and colleges please click below:
