After nearly 10 years, St Joseph's College of Arts and Science held its student body elections and the students were clearly excited about it. While all these years, the college selected the student body only through nominations, this year, the principal felt it was important for students to get a feel of electing representatives in a democratic way.
The campaigning went on for two full days. From making wacky posters, shouting slogans to even organising freeze mobs, the candidates pulled all stops to create a festive atmosphere. After the final speeches by the candidates, voting began.
Divya, a second-year CBZ student, who was contesting for the general secretary's post, got her friends to take part in a freeze mob. "These days, freeze mobs are very popular and I wanted to attract attention with that.
College elections are fun. This is the first time that Ihave stood for something like this. During my school and PUC days, I have headed clubs. So I know I have leadership qualities and can fulfill my duties here as well," she adds.
Krithika, a second-year HEPstudent, had always dreamt of contesting the college election. "But we never had anything like this in my previous college. Being a part of the student body brings in a lot of responsibility and I know I can balance that and my studies very well," she says.
The entire process was a great learning experience for Sandesh, another second-year student. Sandesh even had some of his friends go around the campus screaming out his name. "I feel this has been a great experience for me. Ihave learnt so much about team spirit. If I get elected, I would like to keep Josephites united and contribute my best to the college," he says.
At the same time, there were also a few students who were clueless about how to go about the entire process. According to Arjita, a student, this was because many of them had never experienced a college election before.
"Since our seniors never got to do something like this, most of us didn't know exactly what happens during elections. But now, it's great to see so much activity happening on the campus," she adds.