Richa
Jha
I'll be
lying if I pass off this idea as being original. Truth is, ever
since I read Mr. Shawkat Hussain's piece some time back on the
mushrooming Universities in Dhaka (SWM Jan30, 2004, Nothing
If Not Serious-'In Search of A University), this thought has
been brewing inside me: that of setting up my own University.
With innumerable around, it can't be that difficult. They say
the most difficult part is finding the VC, which, mercifully,
an ex-Director from one such University has expressed his willingness
to consider. His failing to accept my offer, I may do it myself,
though I'd prefer to chair the one-woman Management Committee.
This in
place, the rest of it should be a cake walk. But to begin with,
I recently decided I needed some professional consultancy. McKinsey
and the ilk being beyond my means, I had to settle for Mr. Done-all,
a successful entrepreneur in his own right- he owns a popular
super mart in our lane. He also happens to run an even more
successful 'Sixes And Sevens University' in our locality.
It is interesting
to note that he does the latter purely as a hobby. About four
years back when he renovated and extended his showroom, he realised
that his disused storeroom was being wasted. That's when he
decided to start a University from that room. After all, all
he needed to do was spend a couple of thousands on repainting
the room, buy a few chairs, tables, a blackboard etc., bring
in an old AC, put the fan back in running condition, and all
the usual stuff. He had heard his college going son rave about
a television and video set with projectors inside his business
school classroom, so he decided to move the 14" TV from
the store into the classroom. His Academy had finally taken
shape...
Today, his
University is probably the most sought after in our lane. And
mind you, he has stiff competition. Our lane itself has as many
as five of them. They say the lane running parallel to ours
boasts even greater numbers. But Mr D's University attracts
maximum students each year. Given this brief crasher on Mr Done-all,
do you now see how invaluable his suggestions could have been
for me?
When I unfolded
my plans before him the next evening, he seemed pleased. (He
said he likes healthy competition.) My foremost worry was regarding
the faculty. I had no idea how Mr. D arranged for a competent
faculty. He was forthright with the facts. "You see, I
have to rely about 50% on the visiting faculty". He takes
care of the rest 50% all by himself. "The Director doubling
up as the faculty infuses a sense of confidence into my students,
and besides, they know I am good". This was a revelation
to me. "Mr. D, I had no idea you were a trained academic!"
But he begged to correct me. No, he had not been able to finish
his graduation due to circumstances beyond his control, but
he felt that nothing trains a teacher better than experience,
of which he has plenty. After all, running a store for a little
under thirty years has been quite an experience.
Elated,
I was already day-dreaming about classes full of enthusiastic
students eager to excel in life. But there was a problem. "Mr.
D, how does one manage the various batches simultaneously?"
It shows what a novice I am. Mr. D, on the other hand, had it
all figured out, "Simple. If you want to make it big in
the business of running Universities, learn to apply your mind
laterally. You don't have to run all the courses at the same
time. Look at what I do. Each batch studies in class for about
three hours, after which they go out into the market for some
practical training. I keep rotating the various batches doing
different courses all day, juggling them between the two rooms
I have. It may sound slightly complicated to you, but you'll
soon be an expert at it." My mind saluted the guru.
It sounded
great. Mr. D had put everything in perspective. Surer than ever
before, I thanked him profusely, and asked for his leave. I
apologised for having taken so much of his priceless time (all
for free, I was gloating inside), and was about to leave when
it struck me. Where was I to run the Institute? I didn't own
a shop, I didn't have a spare store-room. This was a problem
all right. "Mr. D, err...one last thing sir,....".
I knew this
man's a genius.
This morning I had the painters whitewashing the servant's room
in my apartment. It has been lying unused for several months.
The room is not as spacious as Mr. D's store room, but what
the heck. There is an attached toilet, and a fully functional
emergency exit. The spiral staircase then, will be the USP of
my Institute. I call it the 'Up Down' University.
This morning
I also had the first set of banners put up around in my neighbourhood.
A prospective candidate called up enquiring if I offered courses
in Australian English. I lied and said yes, of course. I am
now on my way to get lesson tapes on it. For myself, silly!
Don't you see, I'll be taking up that course?