People from other parts of the world may find it revealing to learn about the authoritarian cultures[^1] [^2] within some higher education institutions in India. My [previous blog post](https://mgx.me/when-rigid-rules-replace-learning/) highlighted my experience from 2008. Here’s an incident I recall. I was casually talking with my female friend on campus one day when the principal suddenly approached us. My friend, sensing trouble, quickly left the scene. But I stood my ground, determined not to be intimidated. The principal launched a verbal tirade, ready to find fault with anything we did. However, I maintained my composure and did not change my demeanor. I stared at him directly, head held high, politely but firmly signaling I would not be bullied. Clearly, he was on a power trip, deriving satisfaction from micromanaging and humiliating students. But I refused to give him the reaction he sought. Thankfully, he had no grounds to penalize me and eventually fled in frustration. I’m thankful I stood up to the principal’s nonsense and didn’t back down from asserting my dignity. It was a proud moment, but it also reminded me why I needed to continue pushing back against overbearing rules that cross lines of human decency. [^1]: [r/Chennai](https://www.reddit.com/r/Chennai/comments/r2u6ay/why_arent_many_people_vocal_about_the_atrocities/), Why aren't many people vocal about the atrocities of Engineering colleges in Tamilnadu? [^2]: [r/India](https://www.reddit.com/r/india/comments/3fhwkk/tamil_nadus_gender_prisons_engineering_colleges/), Tamil Nadu’s gender prisons: Engineering colleges with medieval mindsets.