You would think that effort, talent, perseverance are the kind of things that would get you into the college of your dreams, or at least into a college. But from my recent experiences, I can assure you; they might not be enough. A few days ago, I was informed that I had been shortlisted for the Cinematography course at FTII, which is probably (I say probably because I’m not so sure now) the best film institute in India. Unfortunately, the dates for their second qualifying round are scheduled right in the middle of my semester exams.
I was shortlisted for the 3-year PG Diploma course in Cinematography and the 1-year course in electronic Cinematography. It was communicated to me that the orientation/interview for these courses would be held from May 11 to 15 (registration on May 10) for the film course, and May 15 to May 18 (registration on May 14), for the TV course. Unfortunately, my semester exams for Delhi University are also during that time frame, ie, on May 9, 11, 15 and 17.
I am a student of Delhi University, which has centralised semester exams and thus cannot change the dates for a few students. I was quite convinced that other students would also face the same problem, and they did, so we got together and spoke about it. We talked to the academic office, to the director, and collectively wrote quite a few emails, explaining how we had no control over the situation, since all of us are from Delhi University, and we shouldn’t have to choose between graduating and going to FTII.
But the only reply we have to date is that FTII cannot change the dates or accommodate us in any way, and that “no further correspondence in this matter will be entertained”.
Now, I am not sure of what the administrative processes are because nobody in their office ever explained to us why is it not possible for them to shift the dates for three (maybe more students are out there, whom I don’t know about) students out of the 35 selected students.
All our calls either end with them asking us for a mail, or telling us that nothing can be done, without reasons or suggestions as to what can be done further.
We are students who studied and prepared for months and dreamt for years to get into this college; we are tired and disheartened. It is unfair, and it is sad that while education enlightens and empowers us, educational institutions are unable to provide students with free and fair opportunities.We are not asking for a lot, all we are asking for is a fair chance to fight for that dream of ours, which was almost a reality.