To my Valentine: Students write love letters to colleges

College and school campuses are a constant in our lives. The only constant that will love us unconditionally, be privy to our darkest secrets and never betray.

Here is GenZ expressing its heartfelt love for campuses…

Dear The Bhawanipur Education Society College,

My college admission was a chance of a lifetime. This had been my dream college since I was a kid. Through academic excellence and multicultural activities, this college has been showing me the pathway to success. I love spending time in the sports arena of our campus. Also, nothing could be better than going to the library in between classes and spending time with the vast collection of books in silence. Thank you for sheltering me always. Hope we make ample memories to be cherished till eternity. I am proud to call myself a BE-ite.

— Samprita Das, first year, BCom

Dear Lady Brabourne College,

Ever since I heard of you from various alumni in my family and close circle, I spontaneously created a picture of you in my mind. To be honest, I was determined to meet you. Fortunately, my master’s gave me time to spend here amid the lush green surroundings. After the lockdown, it feels like coming back home. Your warmth lingers in the corridors and the classrooms. Our relationship is coming to an end in a few months. I will continue to cherish the memories I made with you during this short time forever, and I will miss you with a heavy heart.

— Shreyoshi Mukhopadhyay, second year, MSc, Physics

Dear Sivanath Sastri College,

It’s been nearly three years. From the very first day, I have loved you. I love how friendly everyone is on campus. Students and professors are always there to help each other. The library is my go-to place. It has an old charm and a peaceful environment, especially in the morning. My university has all that it takes to be the best campus, be it beautiful flower gardens or long corridors. College life exposed me to new experiences and things I was not familiar with earlier just like love. I like spending my time with my friends goofing around in the corridors and the common room. I remember the annual fests of the college which brought so much excitement and buzz to our lives. Thank you for everything and I love you.

— Sneha Bose, third year, BCom

Dear Hazra Law College (Calcutta University),

Whenever I wanted to run away from boring classes, you were my saviour. When sunny mornings tempted me to take long walks, you were there. When my friends and I wanted to chat, we found you. Sadly, I could only spend three months with you, but not once I did feel lonely or bored being on my campus. I’d always end up meeting any senior. We chat and giggle. I sing songs with my friends or just sit quietly thinking about my problems. Quite literally, the college campus knows more secrets and confessions.

— Ruchi Bhattar, Law, third year

Dear Presidency University,

Everything you mean to me may come off as preposterous to anybody reading this and they might laugh this off in a blink.

You have always been the backbone through my daily struggles. You have taught me to love people unconditionally and believe in them. The lockdown tore me apart, made me feel uncared for. Through everything, you have bestowed upon me, you have made me enjoy collective spaces, made my shortcomings one of my considerable strengths. For a person with a broken childhood, you gave her the family to look up to. You were someone who taught me to never surrender. With just another year in hand, I constantly fear losing this indomitable woman you have moulded and nurtured me into. Even so, your insurmountable memories will strengthen me to fight against all odds. Thank you, Presidency, for lending a piece of your unparalleled magnificence.

— Olivia Banerjee, second Year, BA Sociology, Presidency University

Dear Patha Bhavan,

From being a shy kid entering the nursery section to preparing for the board exam, the journey of a decade and a half is finally at its end. I grew up singing Palkir gaan at Anandamela, the winter festival of our school, and participating in various competitions. In 2015, we celebrated your 50th birthday. Delta (secondary building) is the storehouse of so many stories. It is the solitary witness to our stressful studies and joyful rehearsals. The institution has finally reopened and I’m quite sure the teachers and students will participate in the upcoming Basanta Utsab together. The art room will see imagination at work. As I’m on the verge of passing out of school, my bucket list still includes climbing up the spiral staircase to the roof.

— Arka Roy, Class XII, Science

Dear St. Xavier’s College,

I remember the first time I stood in front of the huge gates on Park Street. I knew I had to come back to you someday. Your history appealed to me. The thought of great personalities like Sourav Ganguly walking down those long corridors where I stood at that moment gave me goosebumps. You taught me so much about life and ethics. My favourite place has to be the green benches, where I would sit and talk for hours with my friends. The most exciting part has to be the college annual fest, Xavotsav, that reunites us with all our friends from different colleges. I love the long walks in the corridor and the hot coffee from the canteen. Thank you for being there with me in my ups and downs. I love you.

— Rishiraj Das, first year, MSc, Economics