Still CASTE is related to Education?

I finely remember the day, it was the afternoon of 23rd of july 2010, I reached the small office above DEVELOPMENT AREA GANGTOK where scholarship form was being distributed to the deserving student. I was told about it by one aunt with whom I meet at my college.

But when I reached at my destination as told by her I saw many faculties who were quite busy on their work, sorry I had to disturb them knowingly. I softy wished them as that's my childhood habit. They asked me the reason of coming, so I frankly said "Mam I want scholarship form...." instead of asking about my qualification she rudely behaved with a query "WHAT IS YOUR CASTE? ? ?". I was amazed..... what has my caste to do with my education?? I replied softly, but I was so disheartened to hear her reply "THE FORM ARE FOR SC/ST,no forms for OBC blah blah.."

I thought the scholarship were for the deserving students independent of their caste and creed, but I was solely wrong. My aim was to go for higher studies and fulfill my dreams but I couldn't, as I was from OBC as the faculty at the education office had said.

I request them with two folded hand but there was no one in my favor, I wasn't SC/ST according to them. As there was no other option, I could see my future dark....... On my way down to TAXI stand, this thought came to me, I decided that if by any means I got a chance to study then I am not going to study here. I got qualified in CET SIKKIM 2010 but I denied the opportunity, who knows tomorrow I will again be discriminated on basis of my caste. I am sure many people may not like my open opinion here but I am taking the help of my fundamental right "Right to Express" [hope its not compromised atleast].

I thank SIKKIM STUDENTS for providing us a PLATFORM for pouring our grievance.....

~ Name and Address withheld
On Author's Request