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December 2008

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Sitting across the window he was briskly updating the ledger. A boy with 50rs in his hand and dressed in a crumpled shirt, twice his size waited for his turn.

Name?

“Kanhaiya”

Fathers name?

“Raj kumar”

Thus establishing his identity, Mehfooz,the 14 year old manager, drew out the accounts book as big as his torso and deposited his money dutifully and waited on for the next customer in India’s most unusual financial institution owned and managed by street and working children across the capital.

The Children’s Development Khazana or Bal Vikas Bank as it is known in India is a logical evolution of BUTTERFLIES saving and credit union scheme that works on banking and cooperative principles. Run almost entirely by the youths, a bare-bones bank sponsored by a charity,it offers a place to stash meager earnings and learn about saving and planning.

Dr. Suman Sachdev, the development manager for CDK in butterflies tells us more about it.

( As told to Aahana Dhar)

 

DU Beat:How did the concept of this venture come into play?

 

Dr Suman: In April 2001, the National Foundation for India invited four NGOs based in Delhi to initiate a youth bank as a pilot project based on Youth Bank already operating in the UK facilitated by CIVA with funds from the Ford Foundation. Butterflies children had been running their own credit union since July 1995 and wanted to run their bank differently. They wanted it to be a children’s bank and to run it as a co-operative. They wanted to save, earn interest and be able to take a loan at nominal interest. The first centre was set up in fatehpuri with the help of Ford Foundation and NFI in new delhi and now we have centres acroos the globe from chennai, kolkata to south and central asia.

 

DU Beat:So how does Butterflies operate in synchrionising so many centres across india?

Dr. Suman:Well, Butterflies is the international secretariat for CBK. It provides the technical support to other NGOs like organising training workshops,monitering programme and publishing advovacy materials and manuals fer setting up CDK and buisness enterprise.

So all in all, we train them to start one. Each of these banks is established on the basis of a signed Memorandum of Partnership between the Secretariat and the concerned NGO with them obeying our rules and regulations. They report to us monthly about the project

 

DU Beat: How do you operate this bank? I mean considering majority of children range up to the age of 17, how do you decide who is able enough?

 

Dr Suman: There is no age to learn (smiling). We don’t select a representative, the children do. There is a council body which elects the representative themselves and we just obey!!! There is a child manager, assistant manager and promoter amongst them. The aim of the above stated is that everybody gets a chance to experience responsibility and decision making. Being the representative, they become more conscious of their conduct and in the process learn the skills of management and banking thus prioritizing their needs. To make them realize it with first hand we change the representative every six months so that everybody has a chance.

 

DU Beat: Is there any limit to what they can deposit? And how do you think it’s benefiting them?

 

Dr.Suman: How do you suppose we can put the restriction on a certain amount when what they are earning per day is so meager! They can deposit anything starting from 1re. How much they save is not important. It’s the habit of saving and not spending their money on sniffing glue, smoking, watching the same movie again and again.its a life skill to ensure sustainibility and to develop livelyhoods.We help them start their own enterprise Creating funds that are available to street and working children, many of whom have no identify card or birth certificate or address, and cannot get credit for setting up a business activity from existing sources. We provide them loans for setting up a tea stall if they want but they need to have a certain amount in their account on a regular basis. We give them soft loans without any interest to buy clothes, tickets and books. Its about making them self sufficient and secure their future.

 

From what I have read you have changed the name from child development bank to child development Khazana .Why?

 

Actually, RBI approached us and asked that if we were functioning as a bank then we had to resort to the national rules of banking in India, which meant that we had to charge a certain rate of interest and everything. We couldn’t do that. Ours is not a conventional bank, its meant to empower the children. And as suggested by one of the officials of the RBI we changed the name to Khazana. Children feel secure about the fact that their money is not stolen, blown away or picked after a long hard day of serving drinks and washing glasses at a party or rag picking. We have to realize that it is the most vulnerable part of the society and they need all the assistance they can get.

 

The general body of the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) has decided to go on an indefinite strike, from the 15th of December onwards. This is a response to the Cabinet Ministry’s refusal to accede to the DUTA’s demand for page revision.  The measure does not come as a surprise, if one was to go by the pattern of continued agitation and recurrent strikes in the varsity since August 2008.

Even as the teacher’s of both North and south campus unite in their stand and refuse to conduct classes, internal examinations are being held in  a few colleges eg. LSR.

The association is also planning to organize large-scale dharnas in the various colleges on the 19th of December. However the DUTA has no intentions of boycotting the elections for the academic and executive councils scheduled for the same date.

In this conflict between the teacher’s and the government, the worst sufferers will be the students as the strike will directly disrupt their studies, more significantly so in the face of approaching examinations. Even as some students remain unperturbed or infact or rather delighted at the prospect of  a “prolonged holiday’ the problem of rushed and incomplete syllabi plagues the majority.

We bring you the student’s take on the strike

“ I think in a way the strike is justified. Considering the fact that the professors make such an effort to complete the course, they are obviously entitled to a better salary. It would also serve as an incentive for the next generation who would be interested in becoming academicians, thus ensuring that the quality of teaching does not suffer”

-Antara Dasgupta,

1st year, chemistry hons

Sri Venkateswara College

“I think that while it is totally necessary that their salary be increased , I feel that they are going about demanding it in the wrong way. The message that comes across by this is  that they don’t really mind if the students get affected, as long as their demands are fulfilled….”

          anonymous  student,

Hansraj college

“” I feel that this isn’t a right way for them to be protesting for what they want. I am assuming that most DU colleges are running behind schedule which is not uncommon and the loss is generally made up by the end of the third semester. However at this rate,the students are at a great loss for the fear of appearing for their final exams purely on the basis of their own preparation. Rebellion is not the only way to get what one wants. If they have been fighting for the same purpose since five months there has to be a reason why the ministry is not giving into their demands”

-Shreiya Chaudhary, 1st year

 English hons

JMC

 

“Untimely, but the “indefinite” DUTA strike is certainly not something I would crib about. It is unfortunate for some colleges who have their annual fests scheduled in the coming week. Also, slightly worrisome is the fact that it is the last week for us before college closes only to re open with the house exams. These strikes are pretty much a routine phenomenon so I’d reiterate that there’s nothing much to crib about.”

 Aditi Malhotra

First year,

English hons

JMC

 

“I realize that the teachers are going on strike for a very valid reason, but with exams around the corner one tends to wonder if it will affect students adversely. Specially first years like me who are still a bit spaced out about some concepts”

Aina Matthew

First year, English hons

The time now seems exceeding ripe for a crash-course in the very basics that you young ones seems so sadly unaware of.
Many times I have had to suppress a worried pinch while reading the letters that you all write to me demanding explanations. It seems that even without access to more technology, I enjoyed the fruits of knowledge at a far younger age. But fear not children for I will guide you to the glorious path and not let you stumble.

The 1st step- Once the initial hiccups of tension are over and done away with, land that perfect smack-a-doodle-doo and enjoy it. Note without tongue, you are NOT making out, you are just faking…

The 2nd step- For many people this can be the most worrisome phase with sweaty palms barring the way to joyful experimentation. That being said, talking about it with your partner and knowing each other’ comfort zone is essential. You may begin by moving below the neck at a slow pace using your hands and mouth to bring a restless smile on your partner’s face! Make sure you are not too rough, unless that remains a prerequisite. Wink wink!

The 3rd step- By this time both people involved should be relatively comfortable with moving on. Discover each others sensitive points and you’ll be surprised to know how much fun that can be. The trick would be to do what you would want to be done to you. Experimenting, especially below the belt, is the way to go! Do whatever it takes to wipe the blissful smile of your partner’s face and replace it with sweat! (Obviously of the good kind there are no edible fruits down there! Reference to Bananas and Punani’s for the not so wise)

The 4th step- There is no real way to go about the “deed”. It’s about knowing what is comfortable for the both of you. It remains different for different people. Remember to use protection, and pleasure is your right, and don’t let go until you get it! Sigh, and get it…sigh..and get it…sigh…and over again…sigh…and sighhhh…

Attention all gamers. If you are still stuck behind your PC’s playing the age old video games, with man v/s computer being the only challenge you face- you need to be introduced to the magnificent world of MMORPGs. MMORPGs or massively multiplayer online role-playing games belong to a whole new genre in gaming. In an MMORPG, a large number of players from across the globe interact with one other in a virtual world. Players usually assume and control an avatar in the game which can then explore the world, fight monsters, or take part in adventures and quests. The largest selling MMORPG with over 10.1 million monthly subscribers is World of Warcraft (WoW). Its popular catchphrase- It’s not a game, it’s a world- says it all. WoW holds the Guinness World Record for the most popular MMORPG. In April 2008, World of Warcraft was estimated to hold 62% of the massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) market. Before playing World of Warcraft, you need to choose the realm or server you wish to play in, after which you choose your faction. In the world of Azeroth, the Horde and the Alliance are opposing factions. True to its war theme, players from these opposite factions can only battle with each other, but not form groups or trade with one another. Once you choose your faction you can customize your character, choosing its race, class and appearance. The Horde races are Orcs, Tauren, Trolls, Undead and Blood Elves. The Alliance races on the other hand are Humans, Dwarves, Gnomes, Night Elves and the Draenei. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses If there is a single flaw in the game it would be that it is all too addictive. MMORPG’s offer an escape from reality into an alternative fantasy world and people become all too obsessed with their in-game characters. Indeed there have been many disturbing incidents caused by an over-addiction to the game. MMORPG’s mark in popular culture is evident due to the acknowledgements given to it by many inspired artists, such as in the episode- ‘Make love not Warcraft’ of the Emmy winning series South Park. An episode of The Simpsons-‘Marge Gamer’- also satirized MMORPGs such as WoW. WoW can be downloaded from its website for a free trial period of 10 days, after which you can purchase it online for $39.99 or buy the CD. If this seems a bit heavy on the pocket, there are versions of the game available for different prices, including Defense of the Ancients or DoTA which is more popular in India. So all the gaming fans out there, Game On! ]]>

The Transporter was an enthralling movie with edge of the seat action and nerve racking moments. Jason Statham plays Frank Martin, former special force mercenary, his work, transporting packages from one point to another. Swearing by his rules, he accomplishes his task with minimum fuss. With breath taking action and charisma, the movie proves to be riveting. This tempo is not visible in Transporter 3. Frank Martin is back, zipping the roads of Ukraine with style and charisma. Through electronic rigging, he is coerced into delivering an unruly, mysterious, red headed girl to thugs. With no alternatives he sets on a journey from Marseilles to Odessa on the Black Sea. This play is orchestrated by greedy corporate who are willing to extort business opportunities from the head of Ukrainian head environmental officer by holding his daughter as ransom. With thugs and intelligence agency hounding him, frank is trying to fit the pieces together as well as fighting and driving flawlessly. The story catches heat when the girl captures frank’s attention and becomes more than a package. At times the chemistry between the two and the contrast of their nature flourishes, making an interesting mix. Frank plays his character with distinction. In his crispy suits, solemn attitude and innovative last resort techniques performs, James Bond and Jackie Chan in the same shoes. After a stupendous performance in prison break, Robert Knepper leaves much to be desired as an assassin. Action sequences prove the saving grace (bicycle and car chase) are both intense and realistic. However, the movie comes out as less and less convincing. Unlike Frank Martin, it fails in achieving its mission. My rating: 2.5/5 ]]>

Here’s a look at some of the upcoming scholarships for studying in India and abroad:

1. BRITISH CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIPS 2009: The scheme provides the opportunity to outstanding Indian Candidates to take up post-graduate studies at leading universities in the UK. Scholarships are available for a wide range of disciples. For further details visit www.britishcouncil.org. All applications are online and the last date for application is 31st Dec, 2008

2. Dr Manmohan Singh Scholarships 2009: St. John’s College, University of Cambridge, of which Dr. Manmohan Singh is an alumnus, is offering fully funded scholarships to academically outstanding students to study for doctoral degrees in subjects like Science & Technology, Economics and Social Sciences, Aerospace Engineering, Energy Studies, etc. For further details visit www.britishcouncil.org. The last date for application is 31st December, 2008.

3. The Hindu-Hitachi scholarships: The Hindu in association with Hitachi Ltd., Tokyo, Japan is offering three scholarships for technical training in Japan. Only candidates possessing a minimum degree of B.E., or B.Sc., (Engg.) or its equivalent and who have not completed 30 years of age as on 31st March, 2009 can apply. The scholarship shall be for the duration of six months commencing about July, 2009. Application forms are available at The Hindu, 3rd Floor, PTI Building, 4,Parliment Street , New Delhi – 110 001. Last date for application is 15th December, 2008.

4. Summer Research Fellowships – 2009: Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, in association with Dept. of Science and Technology and Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, New Delhi is awarding a fellowship to students presently studying B.Sc, B.V.Sc, MBBS, B.Pharm, M.Sc, Integrated M.Sc, B.E and B.Tech from a recognized university. Students selected will be placed with scientists at the centre or other places in India for two months with a stipend of Rs. 5000/- per month along with travel support. For the academic requirements and other details as well as for downloading the application form visit www.jncasr.ac.in. Last date for receipt of completed application is 16th December, 2008.

The Global Climate Campaign is a collective name given to all organizations, groups and individuals across the world who are contributing towards saving the environment and taking progressive measures to combat the threat of global warming. This year the group organized its ‘Global Day of Action on Climate’ on 6th December at the ‘Faculty of Arts’ (Delhi University), midway through the UNFGCC’s Climate Talks taking place in Poznan, Poland. The prime motive of organizing this campaign in the university premises (unlike at Jantar Mantar last year) was to engage a large number of youth and educate them regarding the perilous climatic variations arising from their own daily activities. The focus was on ‘bringing about a social change rather than a climate change.’
The affair started off with Navin Mishra, the National Coordinator of ‘Global Climate Campaign’, addressing the 700 odd audience and enlightening them with some of the basic facts about Global climate changes and stressing on the urgent need to confront the global crisis. “Two things are infinite in this world, one is the universe and the other is life. The paradox is that very soon both of them would struggle to maintain their infinity, courtesy climate changes,” said Navin Mishra. This was followed by a release of a booklet, ‘Climate Changes in South Asia’, by Professor S.K. Vij (Dean, Student Welfare) and Professor Sanjay Bhatt (HOD, Department of Social Work) There was a discernible enthusiasm amongst the young participants who voiced their solidarity to find solutions for global warming, through a peaceful demonstration across the University Campus. Providing strength to the cause were various street plays performed by the students of Daulat Ram College, School of Environmental Studies and the theatre group ‘Antraal.’ All these plays propagated the necessity to save natural resources and popularize the use of public transport in developed metropolitan cities. The proceedings ended with the dignitaries offering possible solutions to the predicament and measures that can possibly be taken by the current generation in order to safeguard the future of their world.

‘Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high…into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.” Almost a century after, Tagore’s prayer still seems to fall on deaf ears. After all, how long does a nation have to suffer, how long do we as a people have to suffer before we are finally free? Not a stranger to terrorism, this one of a kind, unprecedented barbaric terror strike on Mumbai on 26th night left the nation reeling. Touted as India’s 9/11, a tragedy of this scale seems to have integrated the diverse elements of the country as the nation stands by Mumbai . For two continuous days, the country awoke to this ongoing siege.  As one people, as Indians and foremost as fellow humans the country shares the city’s overwhelming grief, and outrage. Even as the rest of the nation comes together, the sentiment seems to be completely lost on politicians still caught in their disgusting banal political competitiveness.  As polling takes place today in Delhi and Rajasthan, they are back at playing the politics of division even as the need for united political action reverberates throughout India.  Tired of the clichéd  “spirit of Mumbai”, and its famed resilience, many feel maybe the answer lies in not bouncing back. As an eerie silence encompasses the once bustling roads of Mumbai, it becomes obvious that people feel the onus of getting back on their feet should not always solely rest on them. Sometimes it is in the light of such circumstances, that the real heroes emerge. The unimaginable courage and dynamism exhibited by our defense forces: the Indian Army, the National security guard and the Maharashtra police cannot be put in words. As students of DU, as witnesses to this horror and as citizens of India we salute the supreme sacrifices they make daily so that ordinary people like you and me are even in a position to read, write, publish express and live our lives with a semblance of normality.  Sometimes situations like these also make heroes out of ordinary civilians .We also acknowledge the valor of these unsung maccabis, many who do not live to tell their tale .The unceasing and painstaking efforts of journalists, hotel staff, doctors, fire fighters amongst others who rose to the occasion are in no way insignificant. The human aspect of the tragedy leaves many shattered. Not only is this barbaric act a physical one but it also deals a blow to the psyche of the common man.  It makes people think twice before going to cinema calls, shopping complexes or any other public place. Indians, irrespective of caste, class, religion and region cannot remain unaffected by such unmitigated violence. It is our duty to not let this terror perpetuate our lives. However, it should not be confused with passivity. On the other hand it does not necessitate uncalled for accusations or extremism.                                                                                   Every once in a while an event comes along, which shapes the nation. The question remains, is this the one for us? Is this the event that unites us or will we not cease to be caught up in our own stultifying divisions and limitations.

To place a finger on the pulse of prevailing mood, DU Beat brings you responses of various people from different walks of life:

“ This is a terrible tragedy and a calamity, it points to a complete internal security failure. Its not even been one month since the blasts in Delhi; many innocent people have suffered at the hands of the terrorist. This was a planned organized move and stringent action needs to be taken against the offender”

-Ashok Randhawa, (man who provides relief to victims of terror attacks in Delhi)

“ I feel that Indians operate best in such situations and are able to transcend caste, class and religious differences.  Sadly, it takes tragedies like these for the nation to unite and respond as one individual identity. A question to Mr Raj Thackeray: our men, north and south Indians alike, are out there risking their lives for the city of Mumbai. They lead rescue operations side by side with the Mahrashtra police.! Where now, Mr Thackeray are your “Maharashtra Manavs”?            So stop trying to fragment our country on petty regionalism. We as Indians should learn to rise above these senseless differences”

-Colonel Virmani ( The Indian Army)

Ex NSG Training Personnel

 

“I think its extremely sad and traumatic not only for the people stuck in there but also seeing how much damage is caused to your loving city. When i go there, I can sense the pain they feel right now. its like a part of you is being destroyed for no reason whatsoever. Heroic efforts from the police and army are seen though the entire city, and as Bombay, has, is and shall always stand united”

-Apeksha Harahar

 2nd year Student of Bombay University

“There was a lot of crowd on the highway near the new bridge built next to sahara star hotel (previously known as centaur hotel) The police had gathered in an effort to disperse the crowd.  The scene was utterly horrifying, with blood spots near the victims. I saw remnants of the rear part of a taxi, in which a bomb had gone off. The driver’s body was charred completely, with visible holes in his abdomen. Rumors were rife that a foreigner was one of the occupants. Remains of burnt money lay strewn on the road. The police were very prompt and immediately sprang into action, checking all nearby vehicles. It leaves me with a memory that may haunt me forever, even though I was allowed to stand there for less than ten minutes or so.”

Kunal Sanghvi

Student Bombay University (eyewitness )

 

” To quote John Gregorry – Violence is the way stupid people try to level playing fields: these attacks on Mumbai are also such a dastardly act”

          Pragya Mukherjee ,  1st year student ,LSR college