The Story of an Evening College and a Young Lady Lecturer

The Story of an Evening College and a Young Lady Lecturer

By Lokanath Mishra

In the 1960s and 1970s, many evening colleges were established in Odisha to provide opportunities for working individuals to pursue higher education up to the degree level. However, it was observed that a significant number of seats were lying vacant, leading to a policy change that allowed all students to take admission, including those who couldn’t secure spots in better colleges.

Unfortunately, the evening colleges became notorious for certain undesirable activities, which ultimately led to the government shifting the classes to morning hours. Amidst this backdrop, a young and beautiful lady lecturer was posted to one such evening college.

This lady lecturer came from a reputable family. Her father was a principal, a writer, and a film actor, while her sister was a renowned heroine in Odia films. Her cousin was also a famous actress. Apart from her teaching duties, the lady lecturer herself acted in several Odia films as a heroine. She was known for her stylish dressing sense and would often wear designer dresses to college.

The combination of her family background, her own acting career, and her teaching role made her a notable figure in the college. Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the evening colleges, she continued to teach and inspire her students with her passion for education and the arts.
The lady lecturer, a film heroine, was admired for her style and kindness. She was a beloved figure among her students, who respected her as an elder sister. One evening, she wore a new outfit to class, but her attire sparked a subtle yet important conversation.

Her students chose not to react, but a senior colleague tactfully suggested she dress more modestly, emphasizing the importance of wearing proper undergarments. The next day, she wore a beautiful Sambalpuri sari, respecting cultural norms and her own dignity.

This incident highlights the value of dressing appropriately, considering one’s profession, and being mindful of social expectations. It also shows how colleagues can support each other in navigating these nuances, promoting a culture of respect and empathy.
The lady lecturer had a mortifying experience at college. She wore a white sari without checking her menstrual cycle and discovered she had blood on the back of her sari after her first class. A senior colleague discreetly informed her, and she quickly rushed to the bathroom to clean the stain. Although she managed to remove most of the blood, the stain remained visible. She adjusted her sari to conceal the stain and hoped to go unnoticed.

Later that day, she experienced another embarrassing moment when the bleeding resumed, and she had to walk past the principal’s office to reach the bathroom. Fortunately, the principal was not there, and she tried to be as discreet as possible. Relieved to finally return home, she changed into clean clothes and learned a valuable lesson about being more mindful of her attire during her menstrual cycle.