HERAT (SW): Kamran Hunar Yar, graduate of School of Journalism, Herat University:
Five years ago, I came from Helmand, from in-betwen the fire and smokes; to Herat to study in its University, which didn't even had a sign board on it, and also to get a comfort moment in Herat.
In the early days of the univesity, I thought that I had a head higher then those who did not go to college and was proud of myself that I was a student at one of the best universities in my country.
But from the very first day, the taunting was started, from the gate keeper of the university to the students and professors of the university alike. The unreasonable, non academic, and in some cases the unethical behavior of professors, took away all the enthusiasm of the reading out of my head.
I was watching their behaviors with my countryside mindfulness, and listening to their words with curiosity. Months passed by and I became familiar with the abnormalities of the university life. The professors did not come to lectures on time. The handouts were cluttered. There were spelling and grammer mistakes in all handouts. Unnecessary talks and useless jokes covered the professor's weaknesses and lack of knowledge.
But what pesonally was annyoing to me was to hear the repeated words of "you came from behind the mountain ( from village)". The professors were calling those who could not speake Herati dialects and slangs properly; "you came from behind the mountian", and that also in front of the other stuents and in clear voice.
Their behaviors were very offensive and at the same time discriminatory. Those who did not learn any thing, but also never complained, were the dearest to the professors, and their place were the office of professors and having a cup of tea with them. One time, I wrote Danishgah (Farsi word for University) instead of Pohenton (Pashto word for University, the professor rejected my application without any reason and with no legal means.
I spent four years with discrimination, oppression, humiliation and complaints, and now I am really happy that I have graduated (that university).
We (Salam Watandar) wanted to have the views of the officials of the university on this issue, but they refused to talk.
ENDS
