Harini’s Hindu College Days Remembered by Professors and Batchmates
Delhi University’s North Campus is abuzz with activity as students gear up for the upcoming elections. While the campus is filled with the hustle and bustle of campaign materials and political discussions, one particular alumna of Hindu College is making headlines far from the college grounds and even beyond national borders. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, a graduate of sociology from Hindu College in 1994, has recently been sworn in as the leader of her country.
Amarasuriya’s professors and batchmates fondly remember her as a disciplined and focused individual during her college days. Despite being an international student, she carried herself with confidence and actively participated in extracurricular activities beyond academics. Professor Achla Tandon, who taught Amarasuriya, recalls her as a top student who excelled in both her studies and her involvement in various music contests on campus.
Film director Nalin Singh, who was a contemporary of Amarasuriya at Hindu College, remembers her as a friendly and talented individual who had a close-knit group of friends. While she did not engage in college politics, her dedication to her studies and extracurricular pursuits left a lasting impression on those around her.
Hindu College Alumni Association Celebrates
While current students at Delhi University may be preoccupied with their own affairs, the Hindu College alumni association is buzzing with excitement over Amarasuriya’s political success. Ravi Burman, the president of the Hindu College Old Students Association, highlights the significance of having such a successful political figure as an alumna on the international stage. The association has already expressed their desire to honor Amarasuriya with a distinguished alumni award when she visits India.
Burman emphasizes the vibrant parliamentary system at Hindu College, where students engage with prominent political figures and develop essential leadership skills. He believes that Amarasuriya’s achievement will inspire current and future students to pursue their political aspirations and contribute positively to society.
Impact on India-Sri Lanka Relations
The alumni association sees Amarasuriya’s success as an opportunity to strengthen India-Sri Lanka relations and foster greater collaboration between the two countries. Tandon, reflecting on the significance of Amarasuriya’s academic background in sociology, hopes that her accomplishments will draw attention to the importance of social sciences in India. She points out the scarcity of colleges offering sociology degrees and politicians with a background in the field, making Amarasuriya’s journey even more noteworthy.
In a similar vein, several Indian politicians who are alumni of Hindu College, such as Hardeep Singh Puri, Meenakshi Lekhi, and Subramanian Swamy, have made their mark in national politics. The university’s reputation for nurturing political talent is evident, with students like Umesh Yadav acknowledging the valuable training they receive for a future in politics. Amarasuriya’s success serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring politicians at Delhi University and beyond.
Overall, Harini Amarasuriya’s journey from Hindu College to the Prime Minister’s office in Sri Lanka is a testament to her dedication, leadership, and academic excellence. Her achievements not only reflect positively on her alma mater but also inspire a new generation of students to pursue their passions and make a meaningful impact on the world stage.
