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I was not heard, my voice did not make a difference - discrimination incident
I am a NE student at a private design college and an verbal exchange with the administrative department reminded me I am still not welcomed in India. As a class we discussed that our timetable needed to be changed and we talked with our teachers too. So my classmate and I went to talk with the administration about a possible change. They would not even listen to a word I said, they kept cutting me off and told me to give a valid reason. When I tried to explain that I commute far and I as a female feel unsafe going home late, he said even the teachers go back late IN THEIR OWN CARS. I use public transport. So when I tried to tell him that we as a class talked to the teacher and she approved the changes, he ignored what I said and told me to go talk to the teacher. To which I reiterated that we had already discussed it with the teacher. After 5 minutes (because the exchange lasted less then 10), he started shifted his glance from us and continued his work even though we were still talking. We both felt humiliated and really hurt. We went up and told our classmates and the whole class came down with us, and first two girls (mainland indians) when to talk to the administration. He was more responsive to them but denied their request. THEN. AND. ONLY when the male classmate came forward and spoke in their language, did he listen and within 2 minutes changed the timetable. He said everything we had said, but they listened to him and opened up a channel to talk about a timetable change. I never raised my voice or said anything out of line, I was respectful and patient. And even still. I know to most, this may seem small and petty. But I as the only NE student felt so small and it was humiliating knowing I did what my male classmate did but got no results. And as a female, it was another reminder how we were not valued or heard. I felt like my voice didn't even make a sound.3
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