Deconstructing Privilege: An Electrifying Debate on the Reservation System ❤️

Merit vs. Social Justice: A Fiery Debate in the MA English Class

Topic: Reservation in Jobs & Education: A Boon or a Bane?

II MA English Classroom

#classactivities #debate

13th February 2026

If there is one thing Literature students know how to do, it is the art of dissecting a narrative. However, today, for once, we moved away from fiction to tackle a very real and pressing societal narrative: The Reservation System.

What started as a standard classroom discussion quickly evolved into a high-octane debate. The classroom became quite electric, each group putting forth their intense arguments in such a gentle and gracious manner.

Here is a quick report on how the battle of ideas unfolded.

The debate opened with a strong stance on social reality. Milind championed the pro-reservation argument, grounding his points in the harsh reality of social hierarchy. He argued that in a country where inequality has been systemic for generations, reservation isn’t a “handout” - it is a corrective measure.

“Statistics clearly show that minorities are underrepresented in many sectors. Reservation gives them a voice and ensures equality for all,” he averred.  

Lara backed this up by introducing the concept of power dynamics. She pointed out that representation is a prerequisite for power. Without marginalized communities in decision-making spaces, the claim of an “equal society” remains hollow.

The counter-argument was swift and sharp. Zibiah questioned the constant fixation on past hierarchies. Her argument centered on the individual: by constantly looking backward at caste, are we inadvertently discouraging merit and individual effort?, she opined.

Alphy took this further, advocating for a system where hard work is the sole determinant of success.

“Let those who truly deserve it get the opportunities, without preference based on caste,” she remarked.

Anagha added a layer of nuance that shifted the room’s perspective. She critiqued the current system for focusing heavily on caste while often overlooking economic background. She shared personal observations of how reservation can sometimes breed complacency, leaving deserving candidates from non-reserved categories - who might be economically struggling - out in the cold.

This sentiment was echoed by Aleena and Pooja as well, who reminded the class that the “General Category” is not synonymous with “Rich and Privileged.” They argued that struggles are universal and not limited to one specific section of society.

Just when the argument was leaning towards meritocracy, Nikita and Lindsay pulled it back to the ground reality of discrimination.

Nikita shared a personal incident where someone was rejected solely based on caste, proving that discrimination is not a relic of the past but a current reality.

Lindsay introduced the psychological aspect, speaking on “intergenerational trauma” and the continued influence of caste politics.

Lara returned to emphasise that while we say we are equal, we are not yet in a state of equal privilege. Until that balance is struck, she argued, the support wheels of reservation cannot be removed.

There was no simple winner, and perhaps that was the point.

The Pro-Reservation side (Milind, Lara, Nikita, Lindsay) successfully argued that until systemic hierarchy and historical trauma are eradicated, reservation is the only tool for equity.

And the Sceptics to Reservation (Zibiah, Alphy, Anagha, Pooja, Aleena) raised valid concerns about merit, economic oversight, and the struggles of the general category.

The MA English class proved today that we can disagree passionately while engaging deeply with the social structures that shape our world.  

A rewarding debate in every way! 

The Group Leaders of both the teams - [Standing in the Picture]

Rapporteur: Ms. Safa Salsabeel

Group Leaders: Ms. Zibiah and Ms. Nikita

Time Keeper: Ms. Terese Maria Broosily

Official Photographer: Ms. Vasupradhaa