From Biswajit Basu:
My story about joining Marine Engineering College (DMET) went like this.
I had appeared for 2 entrance exams and interview at St Stephen's. Since I had done my Marine College paper well, I felt confident and that was my first choice. The first result I got was the Indian School of Mines. At that time my Dadu was the DG (Geological Survey of India) and Daddy asked me to consult him. Dadu was very clear in his advice and told me categorically not to join. I was very happy as I preferred Marine College. But I waited and waited and there was no telegram. So I told Daddy and he said he was very happy that I join St Stephen's. So I paid the fees and joined.
To digress with a story of my ragging, I was at the bus stop coming home and a group of boys called me with the dreaded words: 'Come here fresher'. I knew I would be ragged but not how. The boys were very polite and decent much to my astonishment. They asked me all about school and family and suchlike inane things while I waited for the bombshell. Soon it came. Life is tough, they said and you will often be short of money (Now I expected them to take my busfare). But instead they said "You are short of 1 naya paisa (a coin of those times). Do you see that girl there? Tell her you are short of 1 np for your busfare and request her for it'. Dutifully I did and the girl laughed and turned me down, (she must have guessed what was going on). They did it 3 more times with 3 more girls but the next time, the girl gave me a 5 np coin with which I triumphantly returned. Only to be met with feigned anger. How could I fleece the girl of 4 extra paise? I was forced to return it. Then they let me off. 😊
Anyway, to continue, a few days later, I got the coveted telegram and went to Daddy. He asked me to get the security deposit etc. back from St Stephen's but they kept putting me off. The last day for paying the Marine College fees was approaching and with great reluctance he agreed to pay. His words to me at that juncture was "You are my only son. Do not ever tell anyone that I agreed to your career at sea".
So I joined and came to know I was 5th on the merit list and sailed through the joining interview and medical.
Then, after I reached the hostel, started the second round of ragging and it was terrible because it was very physical. Running round the football field, sit ups, sitting on an imaginary chair and suchlike innovations and hair chopped to a crewcut. Jujuda could not help at all though it was mainly his batchmates who were ragging me. This continued for a whole year. I am thankful now for it because it prepared me for the very tough life at sea to come.
(Biswajit Basu entered DMET on August 3, 1966 and graduated in August 1970). This is a copy of a similar DMET letter from 1970:
More on Delhi University by Monisha Choudhury:
I never knew Dada joined Maths Hons in Stephens in 1966. Most of you will not know I did my Premedical in Deshbhandu College from 1970-71. Joined Zoology Hons in Miranda House from July to October 1971 and then to UCMS on 24th Oct 1971. I would have joined Dayal Singh but disliked it as I was ragged by the boys when I went to give my forms. All they asked me was a treat with some bottles of coke again costing fifty paise. They asked for five rupees ...and I deftly scooted without giving them a penny!
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