Sad but true

In a previous post, I wrote about what I think the immediate impact of the proposed reservation will be in our premier institutes.

It is quite obvious that at schools like the IITs/IIMs, ability earns you respect, no question asked. As I mentioned in the previous post, it looks like there is a very positive trend at these schools. Students have basically rejected the caste system. Once you are in, your identity gets linked to the school and the amount of respect you command, to your ability. Your religion/caste etc. cease to matter. I think this is how caste system will truly get eliminated.

Students at IIT-Roorkee confirmed my theory (from Times of India):

Even OBC students on the campus are against the proposal. Students Affairs Council general secretary Ashok Kumar said, "I am an OBC but I refuse to let my social status overshadow my abilities. I take pride in having made it to IIT through my own talent." He added, "We support upliftment of the weaker sections but that has to be done effectively at primary and secondary levels of education."

As far as I can tell, a position like the general secretary of the students Affairs Council is a big deal and unless you are really popular and well respected, you just can't make it.

Unfortunately, the proposed bill will bring this beautiful process to a grinding halt. IITs/IIMs and other premium institutes will gradually become the seething cauldron of anger and divide between different castes that many lesser institutes are today.