MY STORY
ReadeRsdigest.co.in 75
By Mala Dutt
As told to IshAnI nAndI
It was a lifelong dream to complete her doctorate.
When she finally did, it was with her daughter
Photograph by Yasir Iqbal
S
orry ma’am, but you cannot go in. University elections are
on, only students are allowed inside,” said the burly police
constable at the front gate of Delhi University.
“Yes, I am a student. Please let me in,” I said.
“Uhm, no, you are not a student. Are you faculty? A lecturer?”
“ N o .”
“Then I’m afraid you can’t enter.”
“You don’t understand. I am a student! Look, this is my student ID.”
“Duplicate IDs can be easily acquired. Sorry, we cannot let you in.”
“What?! I have a test! I’m getting late. See this is my other ID. I’m
a Government of India officer. I would never show you a duplicate.”
“How can I be certain? Aap toh student lagti nahin ho.” (You don’t look
like a student at all.)
WE DID!
Yes, We Can,
and