Delhi summers are notorious, the kind that leave you craving an escape. It was July 2018, my first month at Ramjas College, and my life science batchmates decided on a mass bunk, our first taste of rebellion against the monotony of lectures. I joined the throng, not really knowing where we were going, but swept along by the excitement of it all. Yet, as we walked through the campus, a nagging unease settled in. Why was I following the crowd to an unknown destination?
This unsettling feeling prompted my friend and me to break away. Pushing our way to the front of the line, we found out everyone was headed to Pandit Ji Canteen for parathas. My friend, familiar with the canteen, suggested a different plan: visiting his brother’s hostel.
This detour led us through a narrow lane beside Jubilee Hall’s front lawn. The sudden shift from the noisy crowd to this tranquil oasis was striking. The serene atmosphere, the charming architecture, and the sight of students engrossed in their books in the reading room—it all captivated me. After a meal in the canteen and a chat with my friend’s brother about the hostel’s legacy, I knew that if I ever lived in a hostel, it would be Jubilee Hall.
The Long -Awaited Retun
My initial encounter with Jubilee Hall left a lasting impression, but years passed before I could return. The hostel was reserved for masters and Ph.D. students, so when I enrolled in the Masters in Anthropology program at Hansraj College in 2022, my anticipation grew. Even before attending physical classes, which were delayed due to the pandemic, I eagerly awaited the Jubilee Hall hostel applications.
The forms were delayed, forcing me to find temporary housing, but I remained steadfast in my resolve. My anthropology seniors, Parveen Patel and Gret Gulsan Barnard, echoed my sentiment—Jubilee Hall was the place to be. Finally, on December 5th, 2022, I moved in with my friends Jatin Sherawat and Prince Dahiya.
My room, number 42, overlooked the badminton court and a bustling ground—a hub of activity that we jokingly dubbed “India.” In contrast, the other side of the hostel, which we called “Pakistan,” felt eerily quiet and deserted.
A Shift in Dynamics
Upon arriving at Jubilee Hall, I experienced a subtle yet significant shift in dynamics. Accustomed to addressing faculty and staff as “sir” in college, I was surprised to find myself being referred to by the same term. This unexpected change, while not making me feel superior, fostered a sense of responsibility and belonging within the Jubilee Hall community. It was a small but meaningful detail that marked the beginning of my unique journey within those hallowed walls.
The Jubilee Hall Mess: A Culinary and Intellectual Feast
Even before officially moving in, the food at Jubilee Hall had left a lasting impression. During my visits for the interview and documentation process, I had sampled the culinary delights, and their deliciousness was evident in the 12 kilograms I gained upon becoming a resident.
The mess experience at Jubilee Hall transcended mere sustenance. It was a grand affair, with hundreds of students gathering for communal meals served on dining tables—a rare sight in most hostel messes. The food, lovingly prepared and thoughtfully curated by a student-run mess committee, nourished not only our bodies but also our minds.
The dining tables became a breeding ground for intellectual exchange. Over shared meals, residents engaged in lively discussions, debated ideas, and fostered a sense of community that extended beyond the confines of the mess hall. The Jubilee Hall mess was not just a place to eat; it was a microcosm of the vibrant intellectual and social life that thrived within the hostel’s walls.
A Tapestry of Conversation: Nurturing Curiosity and Intellectual Growth
Although I arrived at Jubilee Hall with exams looming, the intellectual atmosphere was too enticing to resist. While my initial interactions with fellow residents were brief, they laid the foundation for deeper connections. A conversation with Anil (Room 40) during the interview process about his experiences as a Nepalese student in India had already piqued my interest.
After settling into my room, winter afternoons were spent studying at my portable table in ground, but conversations with my neighbors were never far off. Mohit Chahal (Ph.D Chemistry scholar) and I engaged in fruitful discussions about research across various disciplines. A chance encounter with Saalim Bhat, a senior Ph.D. student in Political Science, in mess led to a spontaneous and insightful conversation about anthropology, igniting a shared curiosity.
These intellectual sparks continued to fly as I interacted with Dhara Singh (Ph.D. scholar) and Santosh Diwakar (Ph.D Education scholar). Despite the looming exams, I couldn’t resist the allure of these stimulating conversations, which fueled my passion for knowledge.
One evening, a chance encounter with Tanweer Alam, a Ph.D. student in Philosophy, proved transformative. Our discussions delved into the very nature of thinking, exploring questions like “Why do we think?” and “What are the sources of knowledge?”. He even provided insightful feedback on my fictional stories based on natural selection.
Our conversations, often taking place in his book-filled room, became a regular occurrence. I started a dedicated notebook titled “Philosophical & Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills” to document our explorations of informal logic and other philosophical concepts.
These interactions with Saalim, Tanweer, Arvind (a Ph.D in Geography scholar), Mohit and others transcended disciplinary boundaries. Inspired by this interdisciplinary spirit, I founded Aiikyam—The Inquisitive Society. Our aim was to create a platform for students from diverse backgrounds to explore ideas holistically, enhance their critical thinking skills, and foster a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of knowledge. The first session, led by Tanweer on January 26th, 2023, focused on curiosity and attracted students from across the university.
While Aiikyam couldn’t sustain regular sessions, the spirit of inquiry it fostered continued to thrive in our personal interactions. These discussions broadened my understanding of the world and deepened my appreciation for the power of intellectual curiosity.
Room 74: A Haven of Laughter, Camaraderie, and Witty Banter
My intellectual pursuits at Jubilee Hall were complemented by the vibrant social life within the walls of Room 74. Although officially belonging to Rajkumar Shewag (LLB), this became the second common room for a diverse group of students – Mohit Chahal (Ph.D. Scholar), Rajat Chauhan (LLM), Rohit Devrani (M.Sc Geography), Harsh Singhal (LLB), Keshav Dahiya (Ph.D. Hindi), Jatin & Prince Dahiya (M.Sc Zoology), and my neighbor Jaiparkash Yadav (LLB) became a sanctuary of laughter, camaraderie, and witty banter.
Our evenings were filled with lively debates on socio-political issues, lighthearted jokes, and playful teasing. Rajkumar Shewag and Rohit Devrani’s infectious humor and innocent jokes always brought a smile to our faces. We engaged in impromptu badminton matches with Mohit Chala and “Coach Shab” (Nikhil Nayar), planned weekend cricket tournaments, and celebrated festivals like Saraswati Pooja together.
The bond we shared extended beyond fun and games. We supported each other through challenges, stood up for what we believed in, and fostered a sense of community that went beyond the confines of the room. The friendships forged in Room 74 remain some of the most cherished of my life.
A Whirlwind of Celebrations: Festivals, Friendship, and Music at Jubilee Hall
Jubilee Hall was a place where celebrations were always in full swing, a vibrant mix of cultural and social events that brought us all together. Our first major event was Christmas, which Ashish Mishra (Room 41) playfully dubbed “Mata Mariyam ke Pujniya putra Jesus ji maharaja’s birthday Celebration.” His catchy slogan and infectious enthusiasm set the tone for a joyous occasion.
The New Year’s Eve bash, combined with the freshers’ welcome, was a night to remember, with a lively DJ party that went on well into the night. The festive spirit continued with Saraswati Puja, marked by the collaborative effort of pandal making and a memorable Kavi Sammelan on January 26th, where Rajkumar Shewag & Keshav Dahiya’s legendary poetic skills captivated the audience. Sharing Iftar during Ramadan fostered a sense of interfaith understanding and camaraderie, adding another layer to our diverse community.
Evenings were often filled with the sweet melodies of impromptu musical gatherings. My anthropology classmate, Rajdeep Dasgupta, along with Saalim Bhat, Ashish Mishra, and Tanweer Alam, would often jam together, creating an atmosphere of pure artistic delight.
The Holi celebration was truly out of this world, with the traditional procession to the women’s hostel accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the dhol. These shared moments of joy, laughter, and cultural exchange were not just events; they were the glue that held us together, the memories that made Jubilee Hall feel like home.
The Thrill of Elections: Democracy in Action at Jubilee Hall
Returning from my M.Sc. dissertation field trip in Jaisalmer in late February 2023, I found Jubilee Hall transformed. The arrival of new residents, including Utkarsh, Hitesh Lamba, Aman Rao, Ashish Deswal, Shivam Mishra, and Kundan, had injected a new energy into the hostel. Along with returning residents like Ishwar Saini, Parveen Patel, Himansu Sharma, Mohit Chala, Abhinav Maan, Rajkumar Shewag, Keshav Dahiya, Kuldip Upadhya and others, they were all immersed in the upcoming Student Union elections.
The atmosphere crackled with anticipation and strategic manoeuvring. Even the typically reserved Ankit Shimar, Jatin Sherawat, and Santosh got caught up in the excitement. Others, like Anupam Pandey, Mandeep Jakhar, Dhara Singh, Saalim Bhat, and Himansu Dora, may not have been directly involved, but they keenly observed the shifting dynamics with a critical eye.
As a budding anthropologist, I couldn’t have asked for a better field study. I became a participant observer, documenting the unfolding drama of narrative building, shifting alliances, and the socio-politically intellectual clash between residents. The protests against the administration’s decision to cancel a candidature added another layer of complexity to the already charged atmosphere.
The election debates were a highlight. Seemingly quiet candidates like Budha Hang Subha, Kundan and Vishal Vashisth surprised everyone with their fiery speeches. Jaiparkash Yadav (JP), Vidhyan Verma, Ayush Rai and Rajkumar Shewag posed tough questions, while Partaj Singh, our resident environmentalist, and Dhara Singh, a political analyst, proposed innovative ideas like creating an environmental secretary position and establishing a kitchen garden.
Finally, the new union was formed. In a heartwarming display of unity, both panels celebrated together, showcasing the true spirit of community and democracy that thrived within Jubilee Hall. It was a powerful reminder that even amidst heated competition, the bonds of friendship and shared purpose could prevail.
Farewell to Jubilee Hall: Carrying a Legacy Forward
As the days turned into months, the vibrant tapestry of life at Jubilee Hall continued to unfold. Each event, each conversation, and each shared experience contributed to my personal growth and development. The courage to challenge the status quo, instilled during my first encounter with the hostel, flourished within those walls. My curiosity deepened, fueled by endless discussions and debates. The bonds of friendship I formed became a source of strength and support, enriching my life in immeasurable ways.
But all good things must come to an end. With the completion of my Masters in Anthropology, my time at Jubilee Hall drew to a close. Leaving the place I had come to call home was bittersweet, but I knew I carried its spirit within me.
The affection, camaraderie, and intellectual stimulation I experienced at Jubilee Hall have shaped my outlook on life and set a high bar for any other environment. Even now, residing in a different hostel with excellent infrastructure and facilities, I find myself yearning for the unique atmosphere and enriching interactions that Jubilee Hall offered.
When I share my experiences with fellow residents in my new hostel, their curiosity is piqued. They’ve never heard anyone speak so passionately about their hostel life. “We haven’t heard so much praise of any hostel like the way you do,” they say, “We should visit there.” Their interest reaffirms the special place Jubilee Hall holds in my heart and the lasting impact it has had on my life.
Jubilee Hall is not just a hostel; it’s an institution that builds character, enhances self-worth, and nurtures a lifelong love of learning. It has instilled in me a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives, a passion for intellectual exploration, and the confidence to pursue my dreams.
Even a year after leaving, I often return to Jubilee Hall for an evening of impromptu discussions, seeking that familiar sense of community and intellectual spark. Those late-night conversations, full of laughter, curiosity, and shared insights, remain etched in my memory.
The impact of Jubilee Hall on my life is immeasurable. It has honed my communication skills, deepened my understanding of different cultures and ideas, and fostered a sense of belonging that transcends geographical boundaries. The friendships forged within those walls have become lifelong bonds, and the lessons learned continue to guide me on my journey.
Jubilee Hall will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a testament to the transformative power of community, a place where dreams are nurtured, friendships blossom, and intellectual curiosity thrives. As I move forward in life, I carry the spirit of Jubilee Hall with me, forever grateful for the experiences that shaped me into the person I am today.
