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Summary of Question:	Khalsa College, Code Of Conduct
Category:	Other
Date Posted:	Sunday, 2/15/2004 4:59 AM MST

Waheguru ji ka Klalsa

Waheguru ji ki Fateh!
It torments me to witness the state of my college (Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Matunga, Mumbai). I am a small-town Sikh and have come to Mumbai to pursue my education in journalism. And Khalsa College was my blind choice because it couldn’t be any other, I wouldn’t feel at home elsewhere. And this would be the one place I would get greater insights into Sikhism along with my general course study. I was more than just happy to be in a sanctified institute of education.
But in no time my blissful feelings toppled down the college. It is nothing like I thought it would be. Never mind there are much more non-Sikh students, the college is a dwelling for irreverent and abusive behaviour. Students think nothing of shouting loud insults of the worst kinds. Instead of respecting the institution that bestows knowledge to these students, they mock and poke fun at it and at ‘Sardars’ in general.
No matter what strata of the society they come from, they must follow a refined code of demeanour since they are a part of the institution after all. If the college doesn’t mind enrolling and putting up with students of any manner- good or bad- as long as they pay the right sum… I don’t know which way to look, because I am so insecure, embarrassed and deflated. How do we change this? Will the college always put up with such derogatory conduct of its students? Or should I look forward to a change of college myself?
I’m desperate to know,
Meetan Kaur.

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reply
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Sat Siri Akaal Ji,
It is always depressing to have one's expectations crashed. You have 2 choices. (1) you can be the lone voice in the wilderness and refuse to abide such behavior in your presence; write articles in the Khalsa College bulletin/newspaper/announcements (whatever forums you have available), and possibly write an open letter to the College management.
(2) apply to a different college. If you do, visit the college first and talk to the students to get a feel for the very types of things you are experiencing at Khalsa college. A campus visit will tell you a lot.
A third thing is to be above reproach. Live like a soldier, act like a saint. Do not engage in slander and insult with those around you. Keep your grace intact. Meditate onthe naam daily to build your neutral mind and strength to keep your Khalsa spirit in the face of such deflating circumstances. Guru ang sang,
-DKK