In today’s era, where academic qualifications frequently appear as prized passes, a reflective comment from a Delhi University student has resonated strongly. Bisma Fareed, a freshman at Hansraj College, gained widespread attention when she shared that despite having numerous medals, certifications, and accomplishments, they counted for very little amidst repeated refusals during internship applications. However, this wasn’t the conclusion of the narrative. A flurry of stereotypical remarks ensued—but so did Bisma’s bold rebuttal—which has sparked anew discussions across the country about education, course selections, and society’s perception of arts students.
Bisma came back to the platform with a confident reply that squarely tackled the stereotype surrounding the choice between 'Arts' or 'Humanities', an issue she frequently encounters along with numerous others. In her subsequent post, she mockingly expressed gratitude to those who criticized her, saying they made her feel like a "worthy failure." She also highlighted common dismissive comments directed towards top-performing Arts students: “If you're so good academically, why opt for Arts? Shouldn’t you go after something more substantial? What jobs can a B.A. graduate get anyway?”
Bisma seized the opportunity to shift the conversation around. Combining irony with genuine inquiry, she challenged the core of these biases. If subjects like Humanities and Bachelor of Arts degrees are deemed so "invaluable," she probed, what’s the point of including them in our educational framework at all? Is it merely to mock those who pursue such fields? In response, she offered an ironic remedy: eliminate every "lesser course" and compel everybody to study only science, medicine, or engineering—in which case perhaps the derision might cease.
However, beneath the irony lay a powerful message about empowerment. Bisma conveyed to her audience that pursuing arts is not an afterthought but rather a deliberate decision. She emphasized that students studying the arts acquire vital abilities such as empathy, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving — attributes equally important as specialized expertise in contemporary society.
Her message concluded with an encouraging call to her peers studying Arts: always be confident in your decision. To those who think they are better for choosing sciences or engineering, she provided some perspective—they should remember that society thrives when all viewpoints come together to progress, adapt, and flourish.
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Social media reacts
Bisma Fareed’s widely-shared post garnered significant backing from both students and professionals who connected deeply with her sentiments regarding the prejudice faced by arts education. A commenter recounted their experience of thriving in fields like computer science and robotics yet opting for design due to personal interest—a choice made not out of lesser ability but rather an eagerness to defy conventional expectations.A different commentator pointed out that success does not depend on one’s field of study but rather on personal attitude and hard work. They mentioned examples of individuals who have attained remarkable achievements despite lacking formal schooling. The commentator also pondered why science students face less criticism when they encounter difficulties, whereas arts students consistently find themselves having to justify their capabilities.
Another commenter highlighted how arts students frequently find themselves needing to defend their educational paths not just in broader society but also among family members and friends. Overall, the feedback reflected a common resentment towards these stereotypes and emphasized the importance of showing more appreciation and acknowledgment for every academic discipline.