Bharathi college is a women’s college in Chennnai with nearly 4500 students. Com. Seetha of AISA, a student of this college has been in the forefront in taking up issues of students for basic amenities like potable drinking water, canteen and clean toilet facilities. Several campaigns undertaken under the leadership of AISA activists resulted in the administration being forced to undertake some immediate steps for the benefit of the students. AISA continues to struggle for permanent solutions to these basic issues. Com. Seetha has played a crucial leading role in several of these campaigns and initiatives. As per college norms only 3rd year UG students are allowed to contest elections along with various undemocratic stipulations like 90% attendance etc. When Com. Seetha reached 3rd year, she filed her nomination to contest the Presidential post, but her candidature was rejected citing certain stipulations. Challenging this undemocratic move Com. Seetha filed a writ petition in the High court of Madras, which allowed her to contest elections. However, she was able to obtain the order of the judgement only on 19th Aug 2015, a day before the date of election. She still contested despite losing several campaign days. Annoyed by her action, the college management = withheld the results of the post of President. Com. Seetha approached the Court again, which directed the management to announce the results and declare the victory of Com. Seetha for the post for President. The students have reposed their great faith in Com. Seetha of AISA in fighting for campus democracy and these pro-student struggles would be intensified in the days to come.
