Mirror Magazine

Among the many options of studying overseas, one of the most common choices made by quite a number of Sri Lankans is studying in India. One popular place in India, for pursuing higher education is Delhi.

In order to assist those who are considering going to India for studies and also those Sri Lankans who are already in India, a non-profit organisation, the Associa-tion of Sri Lankans In Delhi (ASLID) was formed 17 years ago to support the almost-100 Sri Lankan students, who are chosen annually to follow various courses at the University of Delhi.

What the association does is to raise awareness for students who choose to study in Delhi, and also organise events for the Sri Lankan community living in Delhi. A guidebook is also presented to the freshers and a Freshers’ Welcome is organised by the ASLID for the students to get to know their fellow Sri Lankans and students living in Delhi, in addition to other activities like sports days, musical evenings, New Year celebrations and Independence Day celebrations, to name a few.

Just to give you a taste of what student life is like in Delhi, we spoke to Vanaja Ratnayake, Social Secretary, ASLID who said, “The student life is interesting, because of the activities we organise,” adding, “Our main aim is to help students coming to Delhi, but we also assist anyone who needs our help.”
For anyone interested in knowing what sort of prospects they may have in Delhi, there will be an orientation programme held in Colombo on June 17, 2006 at 10.30 a.m. at the Museum Auditorium. Information on admissions, courses of study, lifestyle will be discussed, while there will be talks given by senior students on their insights and experiences in Delhi.

About the University

The University of Delhi is internationally-recognised. It is divided into the north campus and the south campus. There are more than 81 colleges under the university. St. Steven’s College and Sri Ram College are popular colleges among those interested in studying Commerce, while Jesus and St. Mary College is an internationally recognised college. Certain Colleges specialise in some subjects or streams. Also the University of Delhi holds a high rank among the internationally-recognised universities.

After completing one’s senior school examination, one can apply to the colleges. A high percentage has to be obtained at the senior school examination to enter the university.

Life at the university

Work is done according to a time table. However, students are given a lot of freedom. There is no particular dress code, and students are allowed to come and leave as they desire. The students at the college are treated with respect, and the lecturers are friendly. According to Vanaja, “The distance between the student and lecturer is non existent!”

Breaks and festivals

Foreign students find the short autumn and winter breaks ideal to travel around India. The main vacation is in the summer, which is after the year-end examinations. This break lasts for around two and half months. During the winter season, college festivals like food festivals, film festivals, jam sessions and DJ concerts are held, which allow students to enjoy themselves a lot.

The college also offers Sports and Cadet Services. Most of the colleges have a society of National Social Service. This is in order to conduct various community-support activities. Some of the activities they conduct are readings at a blind school, donations of food and other necessities to name a few. The colleges also have many societies, the Dramatic Society, Fine Arts, Debating Society, English Literature Society, Quiz Society, Music Club, etc.

Vanaja also went on to say, “College life in Delhi is full of activities, and after settling down, the students enjoy themselves.”

It is easier to find employment, when one has obtained a degree from The University of Delhi; it being an internationally-recognised one. This will be a plus point considering that unemployment has become a major problem in Sri Lanka.

Language courses such as French, German and Spanish to name a few, are offered, apart from the main degree courses. Classes are held twice a week. On completing the three-year course, one is offered an external degree, making this an additional qualification.