The grand years

College was OK but it's vision was constrained I think by it's inherently conservative Arya Samaji lineage.

My 12 grade results saw me into the programme. Frankly, with a missionary school background, I shooed myself off the 'St.' In St Stephens, and Hindu College did not sound right. So I chose Hanaraj, because folks said, of not those two, than this one for sure.

English honors was a challenging programme. Back in those days no body had a first class in English from Hansraj. I was the first, the pioneer, to get a first class in the subject. The course taught deep analytical skills and the faculty was sharp and exacting.

Our program did not require internship. The oberoi group, the Sriram group, and Barros LCV manufacturing companies came for those who needed to intern.

Placement was good and wrote independent of discipline. Back then hotel management was a big draw and the best hotels recruited people from my discipline.

There was the annual festival. Plus spic macay programs. Many classic singers performed on stage. The world meditation center was inaugurated, an interesting multi religious spiritual exploration center.

It was a government college funded by the UGC at the heart of the University of Delhi. Totally affordable. There was an annual fee commoner bit it was not much

Not college, but DU students were aware of scholarships going around, especially Inlakhs. I received a scholarship for book purchase on account of my academic performance.

Campus life was not bad. Theatre was a big thing. Shah Rukh Khan, the Bollywood superstar, was a year junior. He honed his acting skills while in Hansraj.

The hostel was basic. I stayed in it. Did was above average by hostel standards. But the hostel seats were woefully short of demand.

The sumo network exists, but is in and off. There needs to be a solid alumni platform cutting across colleges to put together meaningful networking opportunities.

Exam structure was stressful. The trick was to crack the roles of the game. Want good enough that you are bright and knew your stuff. Crushing the code was significantly important.

Apart from a few rather dull and old world teachers, most were up to scratch and challenging. Social sciences require deep theoretical rigour. The ability to year meaning out of abstract propositions is a difficult skill. Good teachers help you develop that skill. At Hansraj I was privileged to be taught by faculty that had such skills.