The Colour of Campaigning

It was one of the many colourful, loud and proud moments of being a Josephite- the council election campaigns. Stepping into the familiar gates with posters of creative and reflective art work awakened the sense of belonging that our students have with the institution.  
From banners and posters to balloons and badges, from cheers and slogans to music and dance, the campaigning which was held on 11th and 12th of June this year had just about anything to make it fun, fair and engaging.
The elections of this college have always been a memorable phase of aspiring and young leaders. They identify and nurture leadership qualities and allow the students an opportunity to lead, serve, learn and grow.
On being asked about the Indian political leader you admire, Benjamin Michael, a presidential candidate, said, “It has to be Rahul Gandhi because he represents the youth and is always himself and makes no pretence. He is calm and composed and identifies himself as a commoner.”
Natasha George, a candidate for the post of the vice-president picked Dr Manmohan Singh. “He has brought about a change In India in the financial and economic aspects”, she said, “and has made us known to the world. He maintains a dignified stand”.
Sneha Vasanad, who stood for the post of Ladies’ Secretary, answered the question with Narendra Modi. “Although he may not be the best political leader in the world, he definitely has done more to India and most others. He has been accused of a political scam, but that doesn’t make things any different because he has changed the face of Gujarat”, she said.
This is not all the elections had to offer.
The role of the campaigners cannot be over looked. You could find them cheering in support of their fellow-students, meticulously planning and executing the set-up, location, designs, slogans and photographs for the posters. Sulaxmi Rai, who was engaged for long hours campaigning for the leader of her choice pointed out that campaigners have a very important role and deserve a lot of credit for making the elections a big event. “I was in charge of designing the banners and posters. I found many campaigners with real aggression and strategies who came in early and stayed back late into the evening and go all out to help the candidates.”
Ask the students how they feel about the energy levels around them and their voices raise in cheer! Karan Kukreja, a student of 3rd year, B. Com said, “It was great to see the entire college come in support of their college mates to get a position in the council. Trumpets and bugles were played making the crowd dance like crazy!”
Well, the first year students, however, remained spectators of the Big-Council-Election as they cannot vote. But within a week as a Josephite, they could breathe in the air of excitement of this campus.

   
Shruthi E N