AGAINST THE TIMES

On July 6, 1989, The Times of India published a report written by Mr. Raman Nanda about Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s son, Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi had been admitted to the History (Honours) course at St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi. He was one of the 76 students selected for this subject. When Rahul went to college, security was on continuous guard. He traveled to and from college surrounded by commandos (Black Cats).

One of the college teachers, Dr. S. C. Bhargava, a lecturer in physics, received a phone call from “a student” who wanted some advice. Dr. Bhargava invited him to his home. But when Dr. Bhargava arrived, he found the house surrounded by security personnel, who stopped him from entering. He was only allowed in after he proved his identity as Dr. Bhargava, the very person whom the student had come to consult.

This VIP student was none other than Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s son, Rahul Gandhi. According to the report, Rahul asked Dr. Bhargava for advice on whether he should study economics or history. Dr. Bhargava told him that, based on his grades, it would be difficult to get into the economics program, so he should choose history instead. As the newspaper stated:

“Rahul, who sought Dr. Bhargava’s advice on whether he should take up economics or history, was told by the lecturer that considering his percentage, admission to the economics course may be difficult and he should instead opt for history (p.5).”

When academic competition reaches a point where even the Prime Minister’s son must gain admission purely on merit, the demand for preferential entry becomes not only unreasonable but also impossible to achieve.