SU23 - Annay Chatterjee for Postgraduate Education officer
Annay Chatterjee
Hola, Nin-Hao, Bonjour, Marhaba, Annyeonghaseyo, Shalom, Namaskar, and As-salaam-alaikum. Hello to all my readers!
We see each other every day in and around campus. Perhaps some faces are familiar while others are not. Yet we all share this bond, invisible, yet invincible. Together we have a collective voice, louder than the loudest thunderstorms.
Afterall, who is this Union for, if not its students! Are we not the ones who breathe life into these classrooms?
Alone we are just one voice, BUT UNITED, WE ARE A MILLION VOICES!
Stand with Annay Chatterjee: to defend your voice, protect student rights and enlarge your choices.
WHO AM I AND HOW CAN I HELP YOU?
My name is Annay Chatterjee and I am the current course representative of International Relations. I hail from the city of Calcutta (Kolkata) in India. I did my Bachelor’s in History, and have always been fascinated by politics. I wanted to change our society and end the oppression, depravity, discrimination, and poverty existing in it.
Possibly this zeal for advocating human rights and fighting discrimination was instilled in me from childhood. My father worked in several Non-Government Organisations. I spend my vacations not sightseeing in big cities but accompanying my dad to the villages of rural India.
I am deeply concerned about women’s rights, global warming, war, poverty, racism, xenophobia and LGBTQAI+ rights. As such I have already advocated for, students rights, worked at a Non-Government Organisation and have been involved in animal conservation groups.
You will always find me to be chatty and cooperative, if you approach me. I will be concerned if I find you in distress.
I will function on four pillars: report, connect, advocate and reform.
So have an open mind and think about my agenda. Even if you think that I failed to address something, your voice would never be ignored.
If you choose me to carry the responsibilities of this office, I will do my best to resolve your issues. I promise never to compromise on any of my agenda. No problem is insignificant. Everyone is unique and so are their problems.
WHAT ARE MY CAMPAIGN PROMISES?
I will advocate for…
Cheaper products and continued discounts to be made available at the Spar in One Elmwood: Poverty affects us all irrespective of our many differences. How can we study peacefully on an empty stomach? The cost-of-living crisis would be the most important agenda on my list. To combat it, I promise that more discounts and cheaper products be made available in the Spar. I plan to negotiate with Spar and the Union Management Board.
Free Medical Assistance and Products in the Treehouse at BT9, BT1, BT2 and One Elmwood: Everyone knows that accidents don’t come knocking. And we should always be prepared. Especially as the COVID-19 pandemic is still fresh in our memories.I propose that first-aid kits, medicines, and other medical services, along with trained volunteers be available 24/7 at One Elmwood, the McClay library, and in the Queen’s Accommodations. We would need help from the schools of medicine, nursing, and pharmacy. This will also provide their students with the opportunity to gain experience, which can help their careers. Recently a friend of mine had to face a medical emergency alone, at night, without minimal support, so this is incredibly important to me.
Night Volunteers for Assistance and Campus Safety, especially around the Union Bar, and other safety measures: This addresses the safety concerns on campus, pertaining particularly to women, the LGBTQAI+ community and the ethnic minorities. I remember participating in rallies supporting rape victims and thinking to myself how these incidents are a major concern for all of us. I am proposing a system of having night volunteers in the Union. I urge everyone to report their concerns. This will enable us to serve you better.
Other important agendas include:
Distribution of student vouchers or gift cards for grocery and fashion stores, bookshops, cafes, restaurants, etc.
Free newspapers, academic and lifestyle magazines to be made available in the McClay library, One Elmwood and all Queens accommodations.
The teacher-student ratio should be monitored closely by the respective faculties, and no under-staffing should be allowed.
More special counselling and advisory sessions will be available for international students and students with learning disabilities.
Greater awareness about scholarships and job prospects will be spread by the Union along with advocating for better job opportunities.
Remember to vote consciously in the elections from 6th March to 9th March. Follow my social media accounts for regular updates and check out my manifesto.
To see all candidates running, visit the Queen’s SU website.