Hostel Chronicles: Timeless Connections & Timeless Memories"

 Often, when reminiscing about the past, we refer to those days as memorable or golden. However, the period I'm reflecting on was challenging. After completing my twelfth exams, I faced the daunting task of finding a college for my graduation. Living in Waranawati colony due to my father's posting in Chandoli Abhayaranya, the only nearby college was in Kokrud, 25 kilometers away. Overwhelmed and unsure, a call from my class teacher, Mr. Kumbhar sir  changed everything. He informed me that my TC had been transferred to Krantisinh Nana Patil College Walwa and had already spoken to the Principal about my admission and accommodation in the ladies' hostel. I was amazed by his proactive support, considering I had shared my travel concerns with him just once. His unexpected assistance made a significant difference in my situation.

I was ecstatic when Kumbhar sir shared that news with me. Excitedly, I informed my parents and siblings and began packing my bags. This marked my first time staying in a hostel, and even though I had lived away from my parents before, this situation felt different as I was going to be without any relatives. At that moment, I didn't fully grasp the significance of this change.

The day arrived, and my dad accompanied me to the hostel. Upon reaching there, I was delighted by the sight of the college building and the overall atmosphere. It was July, and intermittent rain added to the experience. We completed the admission process and met the Principal, Dr. Shashikant Shinde, who left a lasting impact on my life. He recommended that I should pursue English Literature for my graduation, and his timely guidance played a crucial role in my successful completion of both graduation and post-graduation in English language and Literature.

After the admission formalities, we proceeded to the hostel. I am profoundly grateful to the late freedom fighter Hon. Nagnath Aana Naikwadi, who initiated this hostel to advocate for higher education for girls free of cost. The three-story hostel building filled me with joy. Inside, my dad and I entered a clean lobby adorned with indoor plants. I noticed a notice board displaying rules, regulations, and instructions, along with artwork by fellow residents.

Adjacent to the lobby was the warden's cabin, and Mrs. Pujari was the warden during those days. In her office, my father introduced himself, informed her about my admission, and mentioned Kumbhar sir as a reference. Mrs. Pujari explained the rules and regulations and called her assistant to show me to my room. After settling in, I bid farewell to my dad. During our farewell, my father unexpectedly started crying, and I tried to reassure him that I would manage and focus on my studies. Mrs. Pujari, witnessing this unusual scene, remarked that typically girls cry, and parents console them. She assured my father that his daughter was confident and would undoubtedly make him proud one day.

I encountered my roommates, Sunita, Sushama who hailed from Shirala and Swati from Mumbai. We quickly became friends, exchanging basic information. At 6 pm, the bell rang, prompting all the girls to assemble in the central open space of the building. We joined the line, where a senior girl, serving as the leader, stood on the stage and provided instructions, revealing her role in assisting the warden in maintaining discipline. Following the prayer, she directed us to have dinner, and I was surprised to learn that dinner was served every day between 6:30 to 7:30 pm—a bit earlier than the usual dinner time.

After dinner, we returned to our room, and the reality of being away from my parents and siblings hit me hard. The once bold girl who had reassured her father now became emotional, and I couldn't hold back my tears. Eventually, I managed to sleep. The next day, the bell rang at 5 am, and my roommate woke me up for prayer. We gathered at the same spot, and after the prayer, Sunita showed me the boiler where we could get hot water for bathing. She explained that once a month, each room had to fire the boiler at 4:00 am to ensure hot water for everyone. Additionally, she informed me about our responsibilities, which included cleaning vegetables and assisting servants in serving food to all the girls.

After breakfast, we headed to college, and I vividly recall the first lecture delivered by Prof. R. J. Patil. His enthusiastic personality, kindness, and cooperativeness left a lasting impression. I often envisioned the Shakespearean dramas taught by Pawar sir, while Kambale sir presented poetry and novels in a memorable way. All our teachers, including Prof. Raja Malagi, who captivated us during Marathi literature lectures, and the support from Prof. Mali, Prof. Chougule Prof. Walandkar sir and Prof. Shinde, Prof. Nalage played a crucial role in shaping our journey through graduation.

A total of 13 students enrolled in the BA program at the hostel, hailing from places like Mangalwedha, Mhaswad, Pandharpur, etc. Since it was the first time for all of us living in a hostel, we initially missed our families, but gradually, we formed a close-knit group that felt like a family.

One day, during an off period, the 13 of us were sitting in the library when our senior and University Representative arrived for a book exchange. Known for studying for MPSC exams, there were rumours that he was arrogant and avoided interactions. One of my friends mentioned that nobody talks to him, and even the library staff didn't ask him anything but provided the books he wanted. A local girl who had recently become our friend added that no one dared to approach him. Taking this as a challenge, I decided to break the ice.

Approaching him, I politely said, "Excuse me." He turned towards me, and it was the first time I initiated a conversation with a senior. Spontaneously, I said Milind Dada, and introduced myself and expressed my interest in seeking his guidance. He got astonished to see someone calling him Dada. He inquired about my specialization and began offering study tips, even discussing my interest in MPSC. The other girls were surprised to see Milind engaging in conversation with a girl, unaware that it was a challenge I had willingly accepted. Later on I told him about the challenge and what other students think about him. But with that incident he got younger sister and I got elder brother.

Throughout my three years of graduation, I gleaned numerous valuable lessons from the people I encountered, one of whom is the esteemed Kusum tai Naikwadi (MAI) the president of our hostel. My connection with her was established when she chose me to serve as the leader of the hostel. Mai proved to be an incredibly strict and disciplined individual, serving as a guiding force for all of us. I worked with her during election campaign. Even after my final exams she insisted me to stay with her and take part in campaigns. Every member of her family exhibited a high level of helpfulness and care, with Hon. Principal Sushama Naikwadi madam and Vaibhav Kaka Naikwadi actively overseeing our well-being.

At times, I ponder on the idea that if Anna hadn't established a free hostel for girls, our learning opportunities might have been severely limited. It's possible that we would have had to discontinue our education. Therefore, my gratitude extends to the entire family of Anna for providing such a valuable resource.