Sushant Kumar B.K.
You might call it a coincidence or reality, but in “Degree Maila M.A 3rd Class,” directed by Ram Babu Gurung, the protagonist Dilli Ram Bhujel, known as Degree Maila and portrayed by Dayahang Rai, resonates deeply with my own academic journey. Having obtained a Master’s Degree in English literature from the Central Department of Tribhuvan University, I find parallels with Degree Maila’s character. In the movie, Degree Maila stands out as the sole individual in his village with an MA in English Literature, a situation that echoes my own experiences. Additionally, his initial dilemma about identifying as a poet during a poetry recital mirrors the uncertainties I’ve faced in my own creative pursuits. Despite not yet having published any books, my poetry has garnered recognition on national and international platforms, much like Degree Maila’s journey to find his artistic identity.
Through Degree Maila’s struggles and triumphs, I see reflections of my own challenges and aspirations, which evoke a profound sense of connection and introspection.
In the movie, actress Reecha Sharma has been portrayed as a supervisor who diligently oversees the campus and finds out that there has not been English Subject Teacher for a long time. As the audience, we’re drawn into the narrative, witnessing the consequences of present migration trend of Nepal. Here, a significant portion of both young individuals and educators alike are compelled to seek opportunities abroad to sustain their families financially. Consequently, this exodus leaves a void in educational institutions, characterized by a plethora of vacancies with no applicants to fill them, echoing the challenges faced by communities grappling with the effects of migration and its impact on education systems.
In “Degree Maila M.A 3rd Class,” Degree Maila’s struggles with decision-making reflect Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, particularly in the processes of self-reflection and self-regulation. The protagonist of the movie struggles to make the right decisions in a timely manner despite being a degree holder. Initially, he disregards an opportunity to teach at a campus in his own village upon completing his degree. He then returns to the city without providing proper reasons for not seizing the teaching opportunity, despite claiming to have received numerous job offers from organizations. However, upon subsequent return to the village, he expresses a desire to teach at the same campus he had previously rejected. Unfortunately, time does not wait for anyone, and his opportunity slips away. This sequence of events highlights Degree Maila’s challenges in making timely decisions, aligned with the importance of self-reflection and self-regulation as proposed by Bandura’s theory. As the story unfolds, Maila regrets as he reflects on the opportunity he let pass by due to his inability to decide in the moment. Ultimately, “Degree Maila” is a poignant exploration of the consequences of late decisions. Through Maila’s journey, audiences are reminded of the value of making the right decisions in order to live a happy life without regrets.
(Sushant Kumar B.K. is a Nepali poet, translator, educator and freelance writer from Gulariya, Bardiya, Nepal. His English and Nepali poems have been published in national and international anthologies, magazines, newspapers, and online portals. He can be accessed through sushantacademia@gmail.com)
