This article was updated on 15.06.2024
“1979: My Pivotal Year at GGM Science College, Jammu”
Reflecting on my past, today I share a significant chapter from my life: my 12th-grade year at GGM Science College in Jammu. This year, 1979, was crucial for me, especially concerning my admission to medical school. This period was also known as the first year of the Three-Year Degree Course (TDC). My focus on medical subjects meant that my performance this year would determine my entry into Jammu Medical College. Having been a distinguished student with excellent grades in board exams and the Pre-University Course (PUC), I faced immense pressure to maintain my academic excellence.
Navigating Academics and Group Tuitions
For the first time, I attended group tuitions for Physics and Chemistry. Renowned professors in Jammu conducted these sessions in their homes, usually in the afternoons. I recall traveling to the “Phattu-Choukan” area for my Physics tuition and then heading to Residency Road for Chemistry. My evenings were dedicated to these sessions, which played a significant role in my preparation.
Unexpected Disruptions: Strikes and Agitations
Up until September 1979, my academic journey was progressing smoothly. However, a sudden disruption occurred due to student strikes and agitations demanding the reopening of the Ayurvedic Medical College in Jammu. These protests lasted for nearly two and a half months, significantly impacting our classes.
The Daily Struggle: Students vs. Police
Every morning around 10:00 AM, the students would boycott classes and gather at the main gate facing Canal Road. They frequently clashed with the police, who were stationed outside the gate. This daily confrontation often involved stone-throwing from the students and tear gas retaliation from the police. The students believed that the police would not enter the college premises, which led to intensified attacks.
The Escalation: Police Entering the Campus
In October, the situation escalated. During one of the confrontations, the police broke the unwritten rule and entered the college campus, chasing and beating students. I remember being near the boy’s hostel when the police charged. We ran towards the Tawi River, crossing it to reach the Satwari side, avoiding capture.
Aftermath of the Agitation
The evening news reported the police attack, leading to an indefinite closure of the colleges. Several students and even some professors were injured and hospitalized. The prolonged closure of classes meant that we had to rely heavily on private tuitions to complete our syllabus and prepare for the final exams.
Academic Consequences
Despite the disruptions, exams were held on schedule with no concessions for the affected students. Many of us who expected to achieve high distinctions managed only fair results due to the interrupted academic year. This significantly impacted our chances of getting into medical school. For Kashmiri Pandit students like myself, securing a place in the merit list required top scores, which became an uphill battle under the circumstances.
Reflecting on a Pivotal Year
The year 1979 remains etched in my memory as a pivotal yet challenging year. It highlighted how both controllable and uncontrollable factors can drastically influence one’s career path. Despite the setbacks, this experience taught me resilience and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Conclusion: Lessons from 1979
In retrospect, my time at GGM Science College in 1979 was not just about academic struggles but also about personal growth and learning to navigate unforeseen challenges. It was a year that tested my limits and shaped my future in profound ways.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
##############
$$$$$$$$$$$