I still remember the first day when I officially stepped into the Department of English of Ravenshaw University. Previously, I had been to Ravenshaw University for various competitions and tournaments. The feeling of coming to the campus as a visitor and as a student is completely different from each other.

To be honest, I was interested to pursue my under graduation outside Odisha. Due to Covid and other reasons, I did not go outside. Undoubtedly, I made it a point that if I stay here, I will study in Ravenshaw. Being an ardent lover of literature, I enrolled myself into the English Department.

I would also like to describe my lengthy admission process. Because of not securing above 90% in my 12th board examinations, I did not qualify in the first round of admissions. The competition for getting one single seat in the English Department of this university was so tough that I did not qualify in the second admission process too. It was a lesson worth learning. Never had I ever faced so much embarrassment in my entire life. Ravenshaw taught me the real race of life. If you don't work hard for that one single seat, that won't be yours EVER. Eventually, after being restless and anxious for two weeks, I got my admission in the honours changing process which happens at the last. So technically, according to societal norms, I am a donkey because mine is the last roll number. Nevertheless, I was too happy to get a chance of studying here.

Within the last six months of studying over here, I have learnt a lot of things and I am learning many things every day. Starting from the seniors interaction to the Freshers and literary events and of course, the semester examinations, everything was new for us. Our batch is literally bored after staying two long years at home and spending their high school online. Offline classes are so much fun and interactive as compared to online classes.

Whenever I get time, I make it a point to judiciously spend it either in Kanika Library or go to the lawn and write a poem. It was as if the department and the university welcomed us with her open arms after staying closed for two years. We made new friends, learnt many life lessons, participated in various competitions, represented the department in literary and sports field and many more. Extra curricular activities have always been a part of the English Department and our students have always made it a point to stay in top, no matter what circumstances may come ahead.

The department’s glorious history was quite remarkably seen after stepping into it. It was as if the legacy passes on from generations to generations. The cherry on the top factor were the professors who never made us feel alone. Starting from Khagendra Sir, Sambit Sir, Gurudev Sir, Dipti Sir, Urmi ma’am, to Monalisa ma’am, Soumya Sir, Anurag Sir, Chandan Sir, Shafi Sir - all of them are very sincere when it comes to any work of the department. Starting from taking constant classes to making the class student friendly: we all made an inseparable bond with all of them.

Although being a student of the first year, I should not speak much as I think I have very less idea about the department, but, whatever I have felt, that’s very divine. Being a student of the English Department Ravenshaw University has many benefits too. I proudly announce this fact in front of my friends who are outside Odisha and they get envious by seeing our honourable list of alumni.

Whenever I feel low, I constantly gaze at the corridor. I am reminded that this is the same corridor, the same classroom, the same tables and chairs which have produced some of the greatest pioneers of literature in our nation and even internationally. I am reminded of the rich cultural heritage that our English Department has.

Hence, being a student who will be keenly witnessing the CENTENARY celebrations of this department, I feel I am lucky enough to be here as a part of this great imperial family. I am equally excited and looking forward to witness the upcoming years of my graduation and to the moments which I will cherish forever in life.

With love from the last roll number 21DEN082,

Subhransu Dash

A divine presence in an ancient place!

I still remember the first day when I officially stepped into the Department of English of Ravenshaw University...