In the city of dreams and paradoxes, aspirations of many who want to pursue higher education are often crushed in their 180-200 sq ft homes. Five to six members of a family live in each of the cramped dwellings in chawls and slums and the atmosphere is hardly conducive for any meaningful academic pursuits.

The Study Centre near the Cooperage Ground in Colaba is the refuge of many such students. “I live in a slum in Cuffe-Parade. I’ve been coming here for the last 4-5 years and spend nearly my whole day here. This is where I studied for my boards too,” said Pinky, currently pursuing her second year B.Com.

She has, over the years, made lots of friends here and likes the ‘studious’ environment. The open-air centre, shaped like a gazebo, has a water cooler and toilets, and is sandwiched between a park and an arterial road. Is the traffic not a nuisance?

“This noise is fine, we’re used to it now,” Pinky said with a smile. “Anything is better than the atmosphere at home.”

Another Centre

There is a similar centre at the S.K.Patil Udyan in Charni Road. At the corner of the garden is an open-air, medium-size concrete construction, with tables, chairs, charging points and fans.

An advanced version of the one in Colaba, this one is packed during exam time. Ashwini is 20 years old and admitted to studying only at the last minute.

“I’ve come here for all my important exams, both my boards, all my final year exams and now even for my masters’ level exams. I need full concentration so I can remember everything. Most people here are regulars and spend the entire day studying.” she said.

Not libraries

The students are poring over their books, taking notes or a few taking cat naps. But why not just go to a library?

“Libraries don’t allow any group study and there are not too many free ones. This place has everything, we don’t feel the need to go to libraries,” said Rajeshwari, a B Com student. Both centres are open 24×7, though students recommend carrying mosquito repellents at night.

A similar centre stands at the Walter De Souza garden in Marine Lines. However, this one shuts at 8 pm.

“Sometimes other people try to sneak in but I don’t let anyone but students with books in,” said the watchman indignantly, when asked about the place being misused.

Reputation

What makes these centres tick? Their reputation as exclusive study centres for underprivileged students keeps miscreants away. Additionally, they signal accessibility and are open all day, the latter being a very important factor for students who prefer to study at night.

A report by The Joseph Rowntree Foundation, an independent social policy and research organisation, has suggested that the over-regulation of design and space of public spaces such as parks must be avoided, as security and well-being grow out of active community use.

With adequate neighbourhood and societal participation, they could certainly make a positive difference to the lives of the underprivileged.

(The writer is interning with BusinessLine )