http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20070018015
Stephen's quota war goes online Rati Ramdas Friday, July 6, 2007 (New Delhi) Christian students at New Delhi's St Stephen's college are leading an internet campaign against the college's decision to reserve 10 per cent of its seats for Dalit Christians. A 20-year-old Stephanian, who is concealing his identity, is using his time away from college to add to the raging decate by asking alumni to support him through his blogs and emails. He is among the many other Stephanians who feels that what happens at the college must stay inside. They don't want to make a scene. ''We are Stephanians and we don't believe in sititng on dharnas and protesting and strikes. But whatever we need to get across to the authorities we will through our own way. At this time we are using the internet,'' said a Stephen's student. Another student, who graduated recently, has started several communities on Orkut about why Dalit Christian quota does not make sense. But even he is keeping his identity under wraps. ''The point is when Dalit christians are already getting the benefit under the christian quota why so they have a seperate category for Dalit Christians,'' he said. The webpages do not stop at debating the quotas. There's also some allegations against the man behind the quota policy - officiating principal Rev Valson Thampu. ''Yes, the nature of the blogs and emails is derogatory to say the least. It has become a forum for mud slinging where there is dirt unearthed about how Thampu came into power and why Wilson went on leave,'' said one student. Ironically, while the students want to remain anonymous, Rev Thampu said the only way to end this stalemate is open confrontation. ''I don't care much for all this stuff on the internet. If you have a problem and want to sort it out talk to me face to face. It's a democratic setup,'' said Rev Valson Thampu. While there may be webpages dedicated to expressing their anger against the Dalit Christian quota, this movement could be looked at as the first time in the history of Stephens that students are trying to break out of the walls of the college. And while the movement maybe taking shape, the day to watch out for is July 16 when college reopens.
