In August, when Mumbai sinks into the monsoon’s damp embrace, a certain gloom settles over the city. Yet, in the middle of this grey, the pop of colour is the college festival season finally kicking off this weekend. Mumbai hosts two of Asia’s largest student-run events, drawing thousands of wide-eyed student organisers each year who pour their blood, sweat, and sleepless nights into building these cultural behemoths. 

Being part of fests can often mark students as go-getters or “the ones to watch out for”. Representational Pics/Kirti Surve Parade 

For those three years of undergraduate studies, college becomes their entire universe and, in this small bubble, being part of festivals can often mark students as “the ones to watch out for”. Everyone wants to be a part of it, but there are only so many “organiser” positions, and those at the top of the “festival hierarchy” have figured out a way to exploit this imbalance. Beneath the sheen of “hustle culture” and college spirit, there are sordid whispers of top student organisers demanding sexual favours, or degrading acts in exchange for picking the lucky few. From a male committee head’s hand on a girl’s thigh to comments about female members’ appearances, to after-hours drinks where sexual advances are passed off as humour, the rumours of misconduct are many.