Solidarity in Struggle: The Pariahs' Protest at North Eastern Hill University

"‘Tis true, we still remember the days of yore,
When we did protest with rightful cause,
And were looked down upon, treated as outcasts,
As pariahs by those in power and control.
The main door to the VC building was closed
Only during those three months of our protest,
Not in any working days of the history of
North Eastern Hill University, Shillong.
A symbol of the injustice we opposed.
We were threatened, harassed, and oppressed,
Our families left to starving and in want,
As the administration did tell us, "No work, no pay,"
For we were deemed as non-regular employees,
Though many of us had served for many a year,
More so than many of the officers in charge.

The administration did play us with their tricks,
Trying to pressure us to give up the fight,
To bow down to our Sir and Madam,
But we did not yield, for our cause was just right.
We still remember how we were not allowed
To use the nearest lavatory, so near,
For we were in protest, and thus, not proud.
The administration did use their non-regular employees
To shun, harass, and photograph us from inside,
Making a spectacle of our suffering and pleas.
The police were brought in to scare and intimidate,
Threatening us with complaints and First Information Reports,
But we did not falter, for our cause was just right.

In meetings, we were not allowed to negotiate,
But forced to listen to the chairman's Orwellian speak,
The thunderous voice of one professor, and some officers challenging us to go to court,
But we knew the administration was in the wrong.
And we still tried to find the way to solve the way to clean the Aegean stable collectively,
They tried to hide their faults and historical wrongs,
Under the carpet of Machiavellian deceit,
But we saw through their lies and remained strong.
They tried to silence us, but failed miserably,
For we knew our strength had not been broken or weakened,
And that this was not yet our destination.

We are blind and deaf to our rights no more,
For our strength has been tested, but not broken,
And we will fight until victory is ours.
No matter the hardships and injustices,
We will keep fighting for our charter of demands,
Submitted on the 29th of April, 2022.

Submitted in the hands of
the Assistant Registrar of
the Admin Section
and Public Relations Officer
of North Eastern Hill University at that time.

As long as we live, we will not surrender
Until our rights and dignity are secured.
And though the administration did try to divide and conquer,
We still remember the support and solidarity
Of our fellow workers and comrades.
They stood by us, sharing in our struggles and pain,
Giving us the strength to keep going and to gain
Victory for our cause, for which we did fight.

And though the journey was long and hard,
We shall not forget the memories thereof,
For they shall forever be ingrained in our hearts.
As we look back upon those days of protest,
We remember the solidarity and support,
Of our fellow workers and comrades.
And though the administration did try to silence us,
Their efforts were in vain, for our cause was just.
We fought for our rights and dignity,
And though the journey was long and hard,
Victory will be ours in the end, and our memories shall forever be guarded.
Though we were treated as pariahs, outcasts,
We shall not forget the injustice we opposed,
For it shall forever be a reminder