Psychic Vampires, and the Indian Academic Environment

Yesterday I went to the department of child development at Lady Irwin College in Delhi, having heard that one of their specialities is children with disabilities. Indeed, this is true, and I had a most productive meeting with Professor Neerja Sharma. After the meeting, Professor Sharma invited me to attend a student presentation on "Psychic Vampires." Intrigued by the topic, and having nothing scheduled for the next hour, I came along.

According to the female undergraduate who presented, a psychic vampire is one that drains physical and mental energy from others. A psychic vampire can be a person. It can also be a corrupt corporation or government. Apparently anyone can be a psychic vampire, and usually said vampires are those who tend to think their own needs are more important than everyone else's. While I am somewhat dubious about the terminology of "psychic vampire" and the connotations that this implies, I think it is an interesting concept. And one that should inspire self-reflection. Am I, or you, unintentionally, psychically vampirizing someone else?

Due to the unique and thought-provoking nature of this topic, I forgave the student the flaws in her half-hour long presentation. Not so, the professors and other students in the room. Throughout the talk, people burst forth constantly with critical questions and comments:
"This is a terrible example. It makes no sense."
"Did you even read any articles on this topic or did you invent it yourself?"
"Why didn't you speak with any psychologists or scientists?"
"You spoke with a psychologist?"
"Who is he?"
"He must be a false pyschologist then, no?"
Mobile phones also rang throughout the presentation, and while the students would quickly silence theirs, the professors seemed to have no qualms about engaging in a five minute conversation in the middle of the talk.

It is quite timely that I attended this presentation, for I have just agreed to present at a workshop on disabilities at the end of Feb. The Fulbright is actually organizing this workshop, and they are billing it as a way to bring together people working on disabilities in various sectors- schools, NGOs, government. And random, uncategorized people such as myself. My supervisor at the Fulbright says it will be a good way for me to gain "exposure," to make contacts, to practice public speaking... all things that I want and that I can't refuse! But this is supposed to be a 30-35 minute lecture that I am giving, to about40-50 people... umm, intimidating?