Life at Hansraj College, DU: Karishma Dagar

Being raised in a family from Haryana is not as difficult as it is shown. I am lucky to have open-minded parents who have helped and supported me at each and every step of my life. I have always been studious. I always used to top my class. I had all the qualities a student should have in his/her school life. Not only academics, I was also active in extra-curricular activities. I decided to be a doctor when I was in the third standard. To be a doctor was the only thing I wanted desperately. So I opted for the medical stream in class 11th.

It wasn’t hard for me to decide which stream to opt for, as my aim was clear. I did all I could do to crack NEET. I dropped a year after school and joined Allen Career Institute, Kota. But destiny had planned something else for me. I couldn’t make it to an MBBS college despite the fact that I gave my 100%. I was completely devastated. And then, Hansraj happened.

I took admission in Hansraj College on 10^th August, the date I was born on. I got admission as there were some vacant seats left. I never thought I would end up doing BSc. But this is what my destiny had planned for me. While my friends were happy for me because I had made it to one of the best colleges for science steam, I wasn’t feeling the same. But as days passed, I realized that Hansraj was one of the best things that could have happened to me. The crowd of this college is awesome. People are helpful and caring. Although the course I opted for is very time consuming as there is a lot of file work and we have to attend labs sessions of four hours (Being a science student is tough!), still, life at Hansraj is happening. They say “The air of Hansraj has romance in it”. From canteen to lovers’ point to C block area, everything is very lively. There is life in Hansraj! People I have met here are so inspiring. Teachers are more like friends. And it would be injustice if I don’t mention late Me Able Hunten. He taught me in my first semester. He was suffering from adrenal cancer, yet he was the most cheerful and happy person I have ever seen in my entire life. He passed away last month. The news of his demise was one the saddest news for me. May his soul rest in peace!

Biology has always been my favorite subject, so I opted for zoology for graduation. Various conferences, conclaves, and workshops are held in the college from time to time. This lets the students have a tight hold on the subject and build interest. Educational visits are organized by our department to learn the things practically rather than just cramming them theoretically. The department has made this subject so interesting that I want to pursue my masters in zoology itself.

Apart from attending labs and doing file work, I explored my talent of writing. I joined Kavyanjli, the poetry society of Hansraj College, in the first year and am still a part of it. The members of this society are really talented! Once you become a part of this society, your talent won’t go unnoticed.

I can’t forget to mention that Hansraj has given me bunch of crazy friends who are as talented as they are crazy. College life has taught me a lot of things. Pending assignments don’t panic me anymore. Exams are not as frightening as they used to be in school. And most importantly, marks don’t matter. What matters is that how you are enjoying this journey called ‘life’. I have learnt to enjoy the process instead of thinking and worrying about the outcome. What better could a college have given me!

Now, this is my last year in the college and I am sure I am going to miss this place a lot. I am going to miss the red walls. I feel very lucky to be a part of Hansraj family. These three years of my life will always be special to me. Thank you, Hansraj!

About the Author:

My name is Karishma Dagar. I am pursuing BSc Zoology Hons. from Hansraj College, Delhi University. I completed my schooling from my hometown, Kanina, Haryana. I am in the third year of my graduation. My hobbies include writing poems, reading books, and listening to old songs. I want to pursue my career in research. I am a karma believer and a peace lover!