Researching Student Organisations And Activism In Darjeeling Hills, West Bengal: A Note On Some Experiences From The Field

Abstract

Student politics and activism have consistently played a vital role in influencing India’s democratic processes and driving social change, as in different parts of the world. From the time of the independence movement to present-day causes, student involvement has been a powerful force. The relationship between student politics and the broader political environment in India is dynamic and often marked by tension, reflecting the intricate nature of the nation’s democracy and youth-led activism. Researching such a dynamic field of student politics, organisation and activism presents unique challenges that researchers must navigate to ensure comprehensive and unbiased analyses. This is because the landscape of student activism is often influenced by a mixture of idealistic goals, personal ambitions, and political party interests. Besides, there are external political forces that frequently compromise the autonomy of student bodies, turning them into tools for larger political agendas rather than true representatives of student interests. Researchers face numerous challenges in this area, such as bureaucratic obstacles and shifting power dynamics, among others. This paper, therefore, explores the primary challenges confronting researchers in studying student politics and activism in India, although drawing significantly from my own experiences of studying student organisations, activism and politics in the context of Darjeeling Hills, West Bengal, India