The Karimganj Girl Who Created History by Becoming Secretary of JNUSU

Suvendu Roy Chowdhury

Like a true warrior, she never left the battlefield. Rather she faced every onslaught with courage and conviction. And finally defeating all adversity, she had emerged as winner. Since then, the Karimganj girl is grabbing all the attentions, hardly getting any time to sleep even. But Satarupa Chakraborty is not complaining. So, when Eastern Mirror requested her for an interview, the North-Eastern girl readily agreed. Excerpts of the interview: Eastern Mirror: Tell us about your journey from Karimganj to Delhi via Hyderabad. Satarupa Chakraborty: Not much to say about the journey. After finishing my graduation, I wanted to continue my studies. My parents and other family members agreed. Luckily I got a chance to do my Masters in Hyderabad Central University. I completed my MA from HCU. After completing masters, I enrolled myself for M. Phil. And now I am doing my research. E.M.: How difficult it was to commute from Karimganj to Hyderabad? S.C.: (Smiles) Yes, it was really difficult. For the geographical distance, I used to visit my parents once in a year, though rest of the students used to leave after every semester. E.M.: How long it takes to reach Hyderabad from Karimganj? S.C.: I used to take the direct flight from Hyderabad to Agartala as the fare was relatively less. It was a four-hour-long flight. And as you know there is a train service between Agartala to Karimganj, I used to take that train. E. M.: Are you aware that just because of geographical distance, many students from the North-Eastern region refrain themselves from coming out of the region? S.C.: Yes, I know there are lots of meritorious students in the North-Eastern region. But for reasons beyond their control they could not study in institutions like JNU or HCU or elsewhere. I think connectivity between the North-Eastern region and the mainland should be improved. This is necessary to prevent the talents from going waste and the nation is suffering for that. E.M.: What prompted you to join politics? S.C.: Before answering your question, I want to say something which I consider is very important. All the time students of this country are being told not to join politics by their parents. The parents fear that once in politics, their children will not take study seriously. But this is not correct. Problems we face during students’ life are something unique. Only students can understand and solve these problems. If the students don’t raise their voices, these problems will never be solved. So for their own benefit, the students should be in politics. So my humble appeal to every parents, please do not prevent or discourage your children from taking up issues related to students. I am lucky that my parents did not put any such conditions before sending me to Hyderabad. Both in HCU and JNU, I was vocal when some issues bothered the students. All I can say that I never neglected my studies as well as the issues related to students. E.M.: Share with us your feeling after being elected as the secretary of Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU). S.C: There is nothing to share. I am part and parcel of a students’ organization. The organization nominated me as a candidate for the post of secretary. All our comrades worked hard. Students of JNU also stood firmly behind us. So we emerged as winner. No magic, no tricks, nothing. Belief in ideology and hard work have made all these possible. More than the victory, I am worried about fulfilling the aspirations of our friends. It’s not an easy job. We, the students have to encounter many problems which are unique in nature. For an outsider, it is very difficult to understand the nuances of these problems. E.M.: This time was the fight really though? S.C.: Definitely. For months we are facing hardships. Since the much talked February 9 incident, JNU was virtually under siege. We virtually lived in an atmosphere fear, suspicion. Our hostels were searched without search warrants. Anti-national tags were being attached to everyone opposing the oppression. JNU is known for its openness. Here any one can come and share his/her thoughts. That legacy was spoiled. Now, it is time to restore the lost glory of JNU. The students want it. That is why they have voted us to power. This is the mandate that we got. Beyond doubt, it was a historic victory. E.M.: One last question. It is no secret that even people from outside your party wanted you as the candidate for the post of president. What is your take on that? S.C.: I have also heard it. But you know that we have fought this election in alliance with All India Students’ Association (AISA). For the sake of greater Left unity, my organization Students’ Federation of India (India) had agreed not to put any candidate for the post of president. E.M.: Any regret for this? S.C.: Not at all. Organisation is supreme. We are bound to abide by its decisions. E.M.: Any plan for North-East? S.C.: If my organisation’s local unit wants my service, I am always willing to stand beside them.