At Tikri border, trailers turn study rooms

Parvesh Sharma

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, December 20

Without classrooms and usual comfort, youngsters at Delhi borders can be seen studying on roads or in modified trailers. They are balancing time between protests and academics.

“I have been here since November 26. As it doesn’t seem that the agitation would end anytime soon, I ensure that I don’t suffer academically. I devote two hours daily in the morning and evening to prepare for MA (political science) exams,” says Jagmeet Singh from Muktsar Sahib.

Like Jagmeet, there are many other youngsters who convert trailers in study rooms whenever they get time. Though children have ample time to study, youth have other responsibilities too. “Many times when elders face problems or they need any help, I along with other youngsters help them,” says Kulwinder Singh, a BA final year student from Barnala.

Harpreet Singh from Abohar says he has become more disciplined. “At home, I never woke up early for study. But here, youngsters like me wake up early with elders and get ready on time. The present agitation is also teaching us a lesson in punctuality,” he says.

Apart from Punjab, Haryana residents have brought their children and books with them.

“My son Mohit is a student of Class 5. He has been here with me to support the agitation. But he also devotes time for study. I have brought him here to make him aware about the ground realities. This experience will definitely enrich him,” says Dinesh Kumar, a resident of Jhajjar from Haryana.

Apart from study, many children have made new friends and are unwilling to leave the protest site. “My both kids, including three and a half years old son and 6-year-old daughter, have made new friends here. Though we will return as new members take our place, kids are unwilling to leave the site,” says Kamaljit kaur, a woman from Barnala.