I CHOSE TO CONTEST THE ELECTION
To contribute to the Global Community of 20,000 Students and test my Public Leadership
Though I come from the Indian state of West Bengal, a hot-bed for Student Politics, Debates, Culture, Liberalism and Nobels Laureates, I never chose to subscribe to Student Union. But Oxford was different.
Less than a month, I have been matriculated (contrary to the popular meaning, the term refers to a formal ceremony to officially induct into Oxford). Oxford University Student Union representatives were helping us during matriculation.
As I drove past the Worcester St, home of Oxford University Student Union, to my business school in Park Street, I found a large student’s protest march. Banner was drawn to bring Universities attention to the mental health of the students. As a mature student, indeed there was quite a mental balance to be maintained during this academic rigour along with my young family, job and social commitments. I decided to actively engage with the Student Community.
DEBUT PUBLIC LEADERSHIP
Once I reached home, I visited the web-site of the OUSU (the name of the Student’s Union then) a strong urge to lead the organisation and get meaningfully engaged made me apply for Student Trustee position. Never ever had I planned to actively engage in student politics or public leadership. One thing leads to the other, and then came the Hustings. I had to meet and understand the mood the student community, their demands, expectation from the Oxford University Student Union.
![](https://tarak.gorai.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Oxford-Union-Hustings-300x300-1.jpg)
![](https://tarak.gorai.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Oxford-Union-Video-Recroding-385x580-1.jpg)
THE ODDS WERE MOUNTING
![](http://extra.aspengrovestudios.space/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/divider1.jpg)
I knew winning the hearts of a young ( mostly undergrads), large and diverse community with limited resources and in such a short time is a challenging proposition. I was even limited with my time to network across other departments and being non-resident in the campus, the reach was further limited. Hence I looked for a digital campaign.
![](https://tarak.gorai.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Oxford-Union-Manifesto-385x580-1.jpg)
Digital Campaign
I launched a well-planned social and digital campaign to reach every student laptop screen, in MCR and JCR and college canteen and discussions. A combination of Video, Email campaign, Facebook posts and personal calls …over a 15 day period, resulted in me winning the tough competition against incumbents and new candidates.
Facebook Advertisement
I launched a fierce campaign using the most popular platform among students, Facebook. Segmented the students, created target messages and spent campaign money into Facebook ads, rather a personal meeting across the college. I met key and select students to gauge the mood of the university.
![](https://tarak.gorai.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Oxford-Union-FB-Campaign-385x580-1.jpg)
![](https://tarak.gorai.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Oxford-Union-Results-385x580-2.jpg)
The Clear Mandate: Tarak for Trustee
The results were announced at the packed Pub. I received a clear mandate from the students of the University of Oxford.
As I took the position of the Student Trustee, a huge sense of responsibility was transferred. Being the legal custodian of the Oxford University Student Union, its reputation at stake. I got into the task of understanding the organisation before taking action and bring change.
![](https://tarak.gorai.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Oxford-University-scaled.jpg)
Impact During TrusteeShip
During this one year of my fulfilling role as the Student Trustee, along with the sabbatical team, the Oxford University Student Union I oversaw major changes:
- Successful Freshers week and Career week
- Rebranding of OUSU to make it more relevant to the purpose
- OUSU moved to a new building with improved interior
- A significant debate on Fund release for Student Activity
- An year without getting embroiled in any legal issues