I had to interview the candidates who had applied for fee concession in the college where I am teaching English literature to a class of thirty seven odd looking learners. Why I say odd because there is a stark clarity of individual differences among them.

Some are ‘purdah observing’ some come in modern attire with jeans and coats and scarves’ and some are plainly dressed in the national ’shalwar shirt and veil’but all are students of Englsih Literature.  

The ones I had to interview were students of the bachelor of Education course.

The first one became emotional the moment she sat down, and I knew that she was quite nervous.She had lost her father and her mother stitched clothes to make ends meet.The next was again an orphan.The third was the victim of a separated family. By the fourth candidate I realised the gravity of the social financial pressures and their link with education and learning.

I signed and recommended almost all the applicants.

The reasons that emerged were early marriages among women and men marrying without earning skills and jobs.The question that arose was’Is marriage necessary without the proper readiness for it?’

Is our society lacking in social relation law and order?

Are women rights being violated to a drastic level and things are happening beyond our control.?

What is education sector contributing in this case?

With such questions in my mind I wrote my report and closed the file. Only a few learners would get help in completing their education what about the rest?

I looked around and bowed my head low in gratitude for I do not know how long. I thanked the Great Giver for His Blessings which made my life so easy.