Another day, another chapter of violence. The University of Karachi witnessed yet another incidence of violence when students representing a political party ransacked the offices of the security personnel to protest the free movement on campus of a rusticated student. These protestors called for the resignation of the pro vice-chancellor.

To an average student, little of the above matters. They know the name of the political party perhaps, and sigh. Most of them will only be concerned with the fact that the academic session will commence later than scheduled and ongoing examinations are postponed to a later date. Such is the reality of politics on campus.

When it comes to student politics, the attitude of most students largely falls in one of the two categories: apathy or disillusionment. They are either totally indifferent to politics and promise that they will never venture into it, or they feel that they can never bring about a difference. This mindset is more prevalent among students who join a political party and then leave it. They witness first-hand the way student politics works.

We all know the problems and the issues. However, the real question is what can be done about it? If you are the worker of a political party and reading this, you might want to apply some of the following, and this will hopefully help in changing the attitude towards student politics by and large.

Be regular in all your classes, submit all your assignments on time and in short, try to be a model student. Political party workers are looked down upon as students who bunk classes for party meetings and bully teachers into giving them a pass grade.

Try to engage yourself in extra-curricular activities of your department. It creates a negative impression when you shy away from the department and class activities and remain at the forefront of party activities. Also, take up the issues of your class with teachers in a polite manner—do not always follow party agendas.

If your party elders do not already do this, encourage them to set up a fund for the less privileged students to provide them books and financial assistance for tuition.

Give tuitions to the ones who need it. Most importantly, do this unconditionally. Do not expect them to suddenly become active party workers or you will put off other students from accepting anything from you in the future.

It is totally acceptable to further your party’s agenda but not when it clashes with the interests of teachers, non-teaching staff and students. If you do have an issue, take it up politely with the person concerned.

Never allow yourself to be provoked into a fight. Do not paste your publicity material over that of other parties. If they have designated meeting places, respect their spaces. Choose your battles wisely and let go of petty issues.

These suggestions sound restricting; however, one must remember that a true leader emerges after facing hurdles with one’s dignity and respect intact. Student politics has the potential to turn out wonderful, inspiring leaders—but this politics has to be distinct from the current state of politics.