Students of the (Indian Institute of Management) IIM Amritsar Students have initiated a daring and non-conventional protest by staging a "sleep protest" in the college mess, to demand that air conditioning be installed in their dormitories. The demonstration, which has gained widespread attention on social media, reflects the students' annoyance with their hostel rooms' inadequate air conditioning systems amid Punjab's current hot wave.

The students have been requesting air conditioning systems in their hostels for years since they are suffering from temperatures that are higher than 45°C (113°F) in Amritsar. To address this issue, the administration hasn't done anything noteworthy, though. The students chose to draw attention to their situation by strategically napping in the air-conditioned mess hall in response.

IIM Amritsar Students
Image Source: Wikipedia

Dozens of students were found sleeping on canteen chairs, tables, and even the floor during the June 14, 2024, protest. The students contend that air conditioning needs to be a normal benefit, particularly during periods of extreme weather, given the high prices they pay for their education.

Impact of the Heat Wave on IIM Amritsar Students

Dr Nagarajan Ramamoorthy, the director of IIM Amritsar, clarified that work is still ongoing on the permanent hostel, which will eventually be rented out. He pointed out that the current hostel building's power supply cables are unable to handle the high power demands needed for air conditioners. He did, however, reassure everybody that air coolers will be installed to beat the heat in the coming days.

Social media users are debating the students' protest in a heated way, with many expressing support for the protestors. Given the expensive costs students pay, several contended that the institute needed to install air conditioning units in the dorm rooms. Others criticised the administration for delaying its response to the problem.

Millions of people in Punjab have been negatively impacted by the heat wave, and IIM Amritsar students are no different. The students' unusual protest has drawn attention to their situation and prompted discussion about how crucial it is for educational institutions to have sufficient cooling facilities.

The students' resolve to tackle this problem is evidence of their dedication to learning and their readiness to make risky decisions to realize their objectives. Students at IIM Amritsar will persist in advocating for their demands as long as the heat wave persists in the area, with the hope that their act will result in a more comfortable and effective learning environment.

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