Abode of learning: Calicut University has a long way to go

KOZHIKODE: An abode of learning for many decades, Calicut University, a key institution among universities, the institution still has a long way to go, feel students and faculty.  Spread over 600 acres, the Varsity is currently ranked 42 at the national level. Saliha P.P, a post-graduate student, said that the campus currently had a single ATM on the Western side, which ran out of money very often. “A single ATM is certainly not enough in a place where the number of regular visitors amount to thousands. Even though there is an ATM centre inside the Tagore Niketan, it’s too tiring to walk till there in this hot climate,” she said.

Fathimath Shamneera of the Sociology department said that there should be a  toilet facility inside the University Park. “It is a public park, where lots of people come. So there is a demand for having E-toilet facilities” she suggested. Shamina M.C, who is the Chairperson of the DSU (Department Student’s Union), said that the auditorium should have been inside the campus. “Presently, the auditorium is away from the core area of the campus. We also need a common study place. It may serve as a platform for discussions and sharing of knowledge among students or people from different areas of expertise, thereby uplifting the academic culture of the University” she said.

Muhammed Irshad of the Journalism Department had a relevant point. “There is lack of hygienic drinking water facility in the campus. The coolers placed at most of the departments are unhygienic.  I got jaundice a couple of months ago because of the drinking water from the cooler and after informing our head, it was replaced by a new one. Water tanks should be kept clean once a month,” he said. “Napkin-vending machines should be installed in hostels and departments. This is a matter of extreme concern when we take into account the number of girls in the campus and should be solved right away. Although there is a sanitary disposal machine set up in the ladies hostel on every floor, the students are not made aware of its usage and most of the machines have become unusable" said Sruthy E P, a first year PG student.

Mahroof K, a second year PG student had a recommendation. “Why can’t there be a multi-facility block with a public toilet, cafeteria, short stay facility, ATM counter, study hall etc? It would be a great step,”. He also said that there should be Xerox services in every department at a reduced rate. A few students demanded a 24-hour library and health club facility. Archana C of Mass communication department demanded the immediate setting up of a Gender sensitization committee against sexual harassment. “This can ensure the security of every student in the campus”, she said.