The latest uproar in the news is about the ‘infamous’ Sai Ram Engineering College and the numerous “rules” enforced by the college. For those who don’t know what I’m talking about, the following links should give you a pretty descriptive idea about the ‘horrors’ faced by the students of these Universities.
Rules in Chennai Engineering Colleges
NDTV News

Well, a few of you might have questions. Who would ever go to such a University? Are these rules unveiled only when the student enters the University? How do these Universities enforce these rules?? Is this the only University of its kind? Why did no one make a fuss about it before?

I’m an engineering graduate student from Chennai. None of these “horrors” were new to me and none of them are isolated only to Sai Ram. Thankfully, my college was not as archaic in its making of rules but nearly every other engineering student out there knew what was happening in these universities. There are always those stories about the boy who got suspended because he picked up a girl’s handkerchief and handed it to her (how ungentlemanly of him!! O_O) or that one story about the girl who got suspended because she ate a chocolate?! There are even rumors of “dark rooms” were boys are beaten up when they don’t follow the rules.

So, if these Universities were truly that bad, why would students opt to study there? Is it because many of these schools are highly ranked amongst the private colleges? Is the deciding factor to join these universities, the “placement opportunities” provided by these universities in an age of uncertain jobs?Is it because many high school students only hear a few rumours but barely know the severity of the rules?

A few families who did know about these universities and their ‘rules’ sent their children there in hopes of protecting them society (when I say society, I mostly mean boys/girls of course!). Some felt that their wayward child would be molded and disciplined by these rules. And some sent their children unknowingly through the jaws of ‘predictable fate’.

As they entered those gates, few realized it was a journey of no return. I say this because some of these universities make it quite impossible for anyone to leave. Untold threats of sabotaging report cards are a few of the worries. Those who have already made it through a few years or had these rules newly placed upon them, fear leaving because they are so close to graduating or getting a job. The lakhs  paid by parents to these universities also make a decision to leave, very difficult. Hence many students have little or no option but to stay there, and follow these draconian rules.

These colleges also ensure that no word of its unacceptable rules are spread by following methods similar to those followed by North Korea! The few students who have dared to talk against these universities are singled out and bullied.

Engineering Universities in Chennai were always known to be a little strict. But, some of these colleges have taken it a little too far and that I find unacceptable. Riffling through a girl’s or boys’ bag without their knowledge, raising a hand against those who don’t follow these rules are a few of the many things which need to be stopped. I think students go to universities to learn and not to be governed. But, what do you think about these issues in Chennai colleges? Do you believe that these rules are warranted?