Government Gandhi Memorial College(G G M Science College) Also known as Prince Of Wales College.
Ravi Speaks:
Brief:
The author of this article shares his experience of studying in GGM Science College Jammu in 1979. The college was hit by a two-and-a-half-month-long strike and agitation by the students demanding the reopening of the Ayurvedic Medical College in Jammu. The police and para forces were called in to control the situation, and violent clashes ensued. The strike led to a shutdown of all educational institutes, and when they finally reopened, the students intensified their agitation, leading to another police attack. Despite the difficulties, the author worked hard to prepare for his exams and completed his syllabus through private tuition.
In this article, I want to share a personal story of how my 12th standard year at GGM Science College in Jammu was a crucial year in my life. This year had a significant impact on my future as it was the determining factor for my admission to MBBS. In this article, I will share my experiences and insights that I gained during this period, the challenges I faced, and the lessons I learned.
The Importance of the 12th Standard Year
The 12th standard year is a critical year for any student. It is the year where students start preparing for their future careers and work hard to achieve their goals. For me, this year was even more critical as I had to secure admission to the Jammu Medical College, which required excellent academic performance in my 12th standard exams.
Preparation for Medical College
To ensure that I was well-prepared, I joined group tuitions for physics and chemistry separately. These tuitions were held in the evening at the residences of popular professors who taught in different colleges in Jammu. This allowed me to get a more in-depth understanding of the subjects and helped me put in the required effort to achieve my syllabus completion despite the odds.
The College Strike
However, my plans were interrupted when my college classes came to a sudden stop in September 1979. The college students had gone on strike to demand the reopening of the Ayurvedic Medical College in Jammu. The strike continued for two and a half months, and this made it impossible for me to attend classes and prepare for my exams. The situation worsened as the protests became violent, and the students clashed with the police.
Daily Confrontations
Every day, the students would gather outside the college gate to throw stones and attack the police. The police, in turn, would retaliate by using tear gas and beating up the students. Although the police did not enter the college premises, many students were injured, and the situation was chaotic. The colleges were eventually closed down, but this did not resolve the issue as the students continued to protest.
The Agitation continued and became complex issue
The agitation continued for months, and even after the state government reopened the colleges after a fortnight of closure, there were bigger calls for agitation. This time, students were even more dangerous, attacking police towards the canal roadside where many battalions stood, choking the entire traffic. The situation intensified in October when the students hurled stones from the “Tawi” banks at police, and the police entered the college campus. The police started beating students who were at the front attacking them, resulting in injuries and chaos. I remember running towards the “Tawi” river with my shoes in hand, crossing the river to reach the “Satwari” side. That day, I reached home very late in the evening, taking another road linking the residency road and the back of the city.
This police attack led to a shutdown of colleges again, and several students, including two junior professors, were badly injured and taken to the SMGS Hospital. Although these professors were not involved in the agitation, they were beaten by the police as they came in front of them.
The classes were shut down for almost two and a half months in total, affecting the studies and progress of students. It was a tough year for me, but I learned a lot and gained valuable experience.
Lessons Learned
The events of 1979 taught me several valuable lessons. I learned that sometimes, things do not go as planned, and unexpected events can disrupt our lives and permanently influence our future. However, it is essential to stay focused and find ways to overcome these challenges. I also learned the importance of education and how it can open doors to a better future. Finally, I learned the value of perseverance and how it could help us achieve our changed goals, even in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
My 12th standard year at GGM Science College in Jammu was a crucial year in my life. It taught me many valuable lessons that I still carry with me to this day. It showed me the importance of education and how it can shape our future. I hope my story inspires others to stay focused on their goals, even in the face of challenges and setbacks.
Rest leave onto Him who in real sense drives you through the roads which are unknown to us and we reach them and adapt ourselves accordingly. We must not lose heart and perseverance is the only word with which we can reach our goals with a focused approach.
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