As I sit here, drenched in sweat and battling the relentless heat of Rajasthan, I can’t help but wonder if this is what it feels like to be in an oven. It’s not just hot; it’s a full-blown heat wave, with temperatures soaring past 45°C (113°F) and showing no signs of mercy. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live in a furnace, welcome to my life right now. As if surviving this wasn’t enough of a challenge, my college has decided that now is the perfect time to hold exams. Yes, you heard that right — exams in the middle of a heatwave. It’s like a cruel joke, but unfortunately, it’s very real.
The Daily Struggle
Every day is a battle. The moment you step out of your room, it’s like walking into a wall of heat. Even at night, when the sun has mercifully set, the temperature barely drops, leaving us in a state of perpetual discomfort. Fans and air coolers are running on overdrive, but they offer little relief. The air is so hot that it feels like it’s coming straight out of a hairdryer. Staying hydrated is a constant effort, and I’m pretty sure I’ve lost track of how much water I’ve consumed.
The Exam Ordeal
Now, imagine trying to concentrate on your studies in this environment. It’s nearly impossible. My brain feels fried, and retaining information is like trying to catch water with a sieve. Yet, here we are, with exam dates looming over us. The college administration, in their infinite wisdom, decided not to postpone the exams. Instead, they’ve gone ahead as if everything is perfectly normal. It’s maddening.
The Exam Halls: A New Kind of Torture
Walking into the exam hall is like stepping into a sauna. The fans do little more than stir the hot air around. Sweaty palms make it difficult to write, and the constant trickle of sweat down my back is a constant reminder of the blistering heat outside. Concentration is a luxury. Instead, it’s a struggle to keep my eyes on the paper and not on the clock, counting down the minutes until I can escape this torture.
The Mental Toll
This heat wave is not just a physical challenge; it’s a mental one too. Anxiety levels are through the roof. The fear of dehydration, heatstroke, and the constant pressure to perform well in exams is overwhelming. Every day feels like an endurance test, and it’s hard not to feel defeated before the day even begins. The lack of sleep due to the sweltering nights only adds to the stress, making it hard to function during the day.
Looking for Relief
In this situation, small comforts become incredibly valuable. A cold shower feels like a blessing, and any shaded area is a temporary refuge. We’ve all become weather app enthusiasts, constantly checking for any sign of relief in the forecast. Unfortunately, the outlook isn’t promising, and we’re bracing ourselves for more of the same.
Coping Mechanisms
In these trying times, we students have had to develop our own survival strategies. Here are a few that have somewhat helped:
- Early Morning Studies: Waking up at the crack of dawn to study when it’s relatively cooler.
- Hydration: Drinking water constantly, even if it feels like it’s not helping much.
- Cooling Techniques: Wetting a cloth and placing it on our heads or necks to cool down.
- Frequent Breaks: Taking short breaks during study sessions to splash water on our faces and reset.
- Light Meals: Eating light, hydrating foods like fruits and salads to avoid feeling sluggish.
A Plea for Compassion
To the college administration, I make this heartfelt plea: consider the well-being of your students. We are not just numbers on a roll call or grades on a paper. We are human beings, struggling to cope with extreme conditions. Postponing exams, providing adequate cooling facilities, or at least reducing the exam durations would be steps in the right direction. Compassion and understanding can go a long way in these trying times.
Final Thoughts
As I wrap up this blog, I can feel the heat radiating from my laptop. This heat wave is an ordeal that none of us will forget anytime soon. It’s a test of endurance, patience, and resilience. We’re all in this together, hoping for cooler days and some respite from this relentless heat. Until then, we soldier on, one scorching day at a time, hoping that the worst will soon be behind us.
Stay strong, stay hydrated, and let’s hope for a break in the weather — and maybe some understanding from those in charge of scheduling exams!
Until next time,
MB
