To the places I belong: My Time at AUD

I have always held that the training I recieved during my masters programme prepared the grounds for my future development. The teaching pedagogy was centres around participation and a two way dialogue. I am not in the capacity to be suggesting improvements in curriculum as my stint in the university was almost perfect- more than I could have ever asked for.

I did not sit for any internship opportunities owing to the physical limitation I face in conducting field research and interviews. Though I don't remember any organizations categorically, but I do remember Oxfam. Again, since I never participated, I have no clue about the stipends. But watching my batchmates excitement, I am pretty sure the stipends must have been good, most importantly the exposure these internships provided are ir-replacebale.

Back in 2013, the fee structure for MA Sociology at AUD (Ambedkar University Delhi) was around INR 26,000/ per semester, but there was a lot of support in place. In my case, as a person with disability, I received a schlorshapi, so in a way I didn't really end up paying much out of my own pocket. There was also merit based scholarship awarded every semester ( I don't remember the exact details now), but it used to be roughly in the range of INR 7000/-8000/. Beyond the fee part, the university was genuinely kind in the way it supported students. Even things like reading materials didn't become a burden as most of the time, professors would share or hand over reading, and I'd often get xerox/photocopy support as well. There was also a dedicated student support cell where you could put in requests and systems were in place to help. Also, because the university couldn't provide me a hostel, I used to commute mostly by metro and I recieved a conveyance support for that as well. what I really want to stress upon is this; during my tenure, Ambedkar University felt deeply humane. The faculty was close-knit, they believed in students welfare and they genuinely rallied behind studenting ensuring we had the environment and support needed to thrive. For me, the university tru;y stood for equal opportunity in education, regardless of which social or economic background you came from.

AUD (Kashmeere Gate campus) is one of the most accessible campuses considering it is a pretty old structure, the campus houses the Dara Sikoh Library which is a monument of historical relevance itself. We regularly had activities and annual fest being conducted. Since AUD back then followed a multi dicsiplinary approach; one could choose programme's or courses as per their interests. The library was well stocked and access to all international journals were provided.

For my masters, I had only applied to AUD, I was told the faculty and the university space was supportive. I had secured admission after I qualified the written admission test followed by personal interview by the faculty. II don't remember the cut-offs anymore, but you need to posess a graduation degree to be eligible to apply for the course.

Our class strength would have been between 40-50 students, and the faculty was very approachable. It will be unfair to choose any one faculty member, I would rather choose the entire faculty of Sociology; both permanent and adhoc, as each of them contributed in their own ways. The Masters programme was spread across 4 semesters. We would have semester end exam for each module; mostly they comprises of take home assignments, book reviews and presentations. I don't remember any of my batchmates failing to clear the examinations. Again at masters level, you don't speak in terms of paper being easy or tough, all I can say we had a vibrant ecosystem in place wherein the faculty backed us up.

Yes you need to clear a written test, which is subjective in nature. And once you qualify the written, you need to appear for a personal Interview or viva with the faculty. At both the written exam and the interview stage I could sense how supportive and enthusiastic the department was and it instilled a sense of calm and confidence.

As I mentioned the Kashmeere Gate campus sits right in the heart of delhi, one could easily take a walk down to Chandni chowk, Purani Dilli, or hop on a metro and go to Cannaught Place. The campus is barely half a kilometre from the metro station. Since I was a day scholar, I do not really have any clue about the night life.