As it was much anticipated, 2021 has been yet another extraordinary year globally. Choked by the stronghold of Covid-19, the year began with the pandemic once again dominating the lives of students and colleagues as we slowly, but surely found ways to adapt to the ever-so-fast-changing reality. Amidst the mayhem, there is plenty that we are proud of, there is ample that we accomplished, all of which we will uncover in this review of the year 2021.
Chapter 1: Well Versed
Although the virus, along with all its variants, was still lurking around the block, this time it was different. This time we were prepared. Vaccines? Check. Masks? Check. Sanitizer? You betcha.
Finally, IBA decided to allow on-campus classes. It was certainly a heart-felt relief for students dying to live the IBA experience. With the slight complication of Covid-19 SOPs, all our activities resumed. Societies began to shape up, lecture halls started to fill in, and teachers could finally thank the Lord they won’t be teaching in dull, spiritless online classes.
Chapter 2: The IBA – KU Controversy
2021 started off with a bang, and it was a big one. The relationship between IBA and Karachi University was never the sweetest. While some attribute this rocky affair to the difference in popularity of the two institutes, others link it to more of a political backdrop. Earlier this year, we saw another incident that further fueled those deep-seated resentments.
A scuffle between an IBA student and a KU professor took place, which turned violent when a slap was directed at the professor from an IBA guard. The news spread like wildfire and massive campaigns began circulating on social media. The KU fraternity wanted justice. People in large numbers massed up to protest in front of IBA’s gates. Their demands? The revelation of identity and removal of the student and the guard involved.
Soon IBA rolled out a security notice for the safety of its students against the developing scenario that could potentially be life-threatening. Thankfully though, matters were solved internally between the institutions without any real damage.
Chapter 3: The Hourly Bomb
If I could pick out one single thing from 2021 that changed the way I went about my studies, it would be the hourlies. What if I told you there won’t be any midterm or final exams this semester, you would surely be delighted. Only for me to wipe that smile off your face by replacing those two exams with three.
Yes, you heard it right. Three 75 minute long exams over the course of the semester. The idea was to ease up student burden after the Covid-19 period, which backfired terribly with students wishing to go back to the classic system. Was it the execution that failed the administration, or was it the unfamiliarity that came with the new framework? Whatever it was, it made matters only worse.
Chapter 4: Tents…
So here’s the deal. You pay me about a quarter of a million rupees and I give you a world-class education… in a tent. Yes. That’s the idea IBA administration came up with to tackle the potential risk of Covid-19 that came with physical classes. I mean, yeah I get it, it’s innovative, but seriously? Outdoor classes? In mid summers? You have to admit though, this one didn’t plan out the way it was intended to.
The world-wide-web was quick to react as social media trolls nationwide decided to give their humble opinion. Memes started rolling out, and soon IBA was making headlines for yet another reason.
Chapter 5: Standing For A Cause – The Protest
It’s not every day you get a chance to live through moments that might be remembered for years to come. Thankfully, 2021 gave us that day. Women are often subject to harassment in our society. In today’s cut-throat corporate world, survival for a female is extremely difficult. A similar case was seen in IBAs Fauji Foundation building, where senior year student Muhammad Gibrail witnessed a female employee at the receiving end of verbal abuse from her supervisor. The student posted a Facebook status explaining what he saw. IBA saw this as a breach of university codes. Where Gibrail expected swift action from the institution in taking no time to fire the accused employee, the university instead moved against Gibrail and set up a Disciplinary Committee.
This is what led to a series of mass protests that lasted for days. Students stood in front of the Fauji building in protest of what happened and demanded immediate justice. The DC, however, found Gibrail guilty of a number of charges and expelled him from the institution. This sparked greater tensions.
Political entities started showing interest. News channels, including the likes of DAWN, published what was unfolding. On top of it all, Gibrail gained support from several ends, including students, alumni, and the government. Finally, the Dean, Akber Zaidi, decided to reinstate Gibrail back into the university and promised to further investigate the matter. Although on paper not much was accomplished, symbolically, this day marked that everyone is accountable irrespective of the title they carry before their name.
Chapter 6: Chaotic Elections
This year, IBA became a battleground for students to showcase their fighting skills. The Student Centre became ‘The Colosseum’ while the Cricket Ground became the ‘Land of Panipat’. The ones in black represented Marathas and the ones in white characterized the Mughals. A massive battle along with a few skirmishes was fought in the university.
Although this wasn’t a tribute paid to medieval times, the scenes just days before the election of 2021 definitely resembled a Game of Thrones episode. Probably the first time in its history, IBA saw such a violent turnout. The day scholars had challenged for the seat of CFO which had for years been occupied by hostelites. We saw many developments, including political alliances, fiery face-offs, and strong reactions from the university alumnus. Ultimately, elections were held and there was no change in legacy as hostelite Zeeshan Niaz garnered a massive 1238 vote bank to ease past second-place Sibte Hassan who had amassed 905 students.
What’s Ahead?
Even though the pandemic came in hard this year, it has not fundamentally changed human values and priorities. We surely did experience our ups and downs, but what’s life without all its surprises anyways?
What can 2021 teach us about the year ahead? If nothing else, we’ve learned to expect the unexpected. As we face the new year, we should look beyond the confines of our agitated lives for reasons to hope. Most importantly, forget about the bad things every once in a while. Be festive, and party hard, or chill if you may.
