Alone we have just one voice.
BUT UNITED, WE ARE A MILLION VOICES!
I AM YOUR VOICE.
ALWAYS SPEAKING FOR YOU, ALWAYS WITH YOU
CONNECT. ADVOCATE. REFORM.
STAND WITH ANNAY CHATTERJEE:
To defend your voice,
Protect your student rights and
Enlarge your choice
WHO AM I?
Current Course Representative of M.A. International Relations.
Advocated for student's rights on my college campus in Kolkata, India.
You will always find me curious and supportive.
Participated and represented my college in several debates, and mock parliaments.
Communicative and co-operative leadership skills.
Concerned about women's rights, global warming, war, poverty, racism, xenophobia and LGBTQAI+ rights.
Organized an online e-fest in college.
Previously a member of Compassionate Crusaders for Animal welfare
Worked as a HR intern at an NGO.
Learnt French, studying Russian and Greek. Fluent in Bengali and Hindi.
Avid reader and blogger.
HOW CAN I HELP YOU?
Students are the most important asset to a university. Its real strength comes from us. It is the responsibility of the university to take care of us.
It is the students who form this union, and the union serves them. Enable me to serve you better. Voting is not the only way to help me. We should always stand with each other.
Report and Connect- Speak out about your concerns!
I will not ask you to vote for me. Just take a look. If you believe my promises are worth it and even if you think I have missed anything. I will Not Ignore You.
Every demand, complaint and issues will be addressed and treated with urgency. I will listen to each of your voices with equal vigour. If you choose me to carry the pressures and responsibilities of this office, I will know the debt I owe you. I will do my best to resolve your issues, fight for them when needed.
No problem is small enough. Everyone is unique, and so are their problems.
Perhaps my zeal for advocating and fighting for women’s rights, minorities’ rights, or the rights of the LGBTQAI+ community comes from my childhood experiences. When I accompanied my dad (who worked for many NGOs) to tribal villages. Or, I participated in marches for rape victims with my mom.
You will always find me to be chatty and cooperative if you approach me. I will be concerned if I find out you are in distress. And eager to advocate for your just demands.
PROMISES
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Free Medical Assistance and Products in the Treehouse at BT9, BT1, BT2 and Student’s Union:
Trouble comes when you least expect it, especially medical emergencies. And it is universal. One of my friends faced a medical emergency recently, and she had to suffer the added issue of having minimal medical support.
It is necessary to have free medicines, basic first-aid kits, and volunteers having basic medical knowlegde. Especially now that the COVID-19 pandemic has resurfaced. This is my main promise which I will deal promptly.
Night Volunteers for Assistance and Campus Safety, especially around the Union Bar, and other safety measures:
All my promises concern every student. While some will relate more to some specific promises than others. These promises are only to support those students whose issues need some special attention. A woman had some terrible problems a few months ago while returning from campus at night.
I am proposing the system of having night volunteers in the Union who will assist you with your issues. These volunteers would be stationed in the reception area on the ground floor and near the main entrance/exit of the Union Bar. I urge everyone to report their concerns with urgency. This will enable us to serve you better.
Other measures may include installing motion-detection lights around the campus, making reporting harassment issues and hate crimes easier, speedy delivery of justice, and possible compensation from the Union in case of any relapse of justice.
TACKLING THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS
Cheaper products and more discounts are available at Spar in the Union Building.
Distribution of student vouchers: for grocery shops, shops for clothing and accessories, bookshops, coffee shops, restaurants, etc.
Free newspapers and academic/lifestyle magazines will be available in One Elmwood, McClay Library, and the Queen’s Accommodations at BT9, BT2, and BT1.
Free educational trips to local historic sites and nature reserves or the wonders of Belfast.
MAKE STUDIES EASIER:
Try to create an interactive learning experience:
We often face problems with our studies. The university must make sure that all efforts are taken to create a wholesome learning experience, be it in class or with e-resources. The teacher-student ratio should be evaluated with care, and no-staffing should be tolerated due to budget cuts.
Better e-resources are available at libraries: more access to online archives, libraries, etc.
Special counselling and advisory sessions will be available for international students to assist us in our financial, academic, and professional lives.
Create awareness about useful scholarships and job prospects. And advocate for better opportunities to be provided by the university.