August 29, 2015

“I just don’t have time right now,” said every Type-A person ever. As a solution, we urge you to gift this book to them. It’s a promise that they’ll thank you for gifting them this book weaved with an inspiring message.

When you see ‘The Time Keeper’ by American Best-seller ‘Mitch Albom’ kept on the bookshelf, you’ll probably think it’s a non-fiction book about time management. Then you’d read the synopsis at the back of the book and realize it’s a fiction story. However, once you finish devouring this book in an evening or two, you’re left behind with a heart-warming story, your own perspective of time and an unforgettable truth – the true value of time.
Mitch Albom weaves together three supposedly unrelated life paths to make us stop and think. One is of a love-starved teenage girl living in the era of social media who gets humiliated by her crush wanting to end her time, an aged billionaire down with cancer wanting to buy some more time, and ‘Father Time’ who’s story will leave you thinking about the very notion of counting seconds.

Albom adopts an abbreviated style to narrate his story, making any reader feel like they went through just 50 pages instead of 240. He adds a unique combination of mythology, reality, fantasy, science, and of course – makes us realize how ‘time flies’.
If you ever hear yourself say phrases like “It’s too late”, “I don’t have time”, “just some more time”, “Five more minutes” – Then perhaps, you too could give this book your time.

Featured Image credits: usatoday.com

Shaina Ahluwalia

Campus Central

Discussing Taboos: The Gender Studies Cell, St. Stephen’s College

The statements made by the speakers served as a useful insight into their own personal experiences with and opinions concerning the hijab. They raised significant questions of choice and free will, the purpose and origin of the hijab and their own ways of coming to terms with the hijab and their religion. Interspersed with wit, the speakers enunciated their points clearly, giving those less acquainted with this theme a wider perspective on it. Some of the speakers also raised questions of being seen as a conservative person for wearing the hijab, the hijab giving them a sense of proximity and attachment to their God, religion and community and the questions they are sometimes asked when they don the hijab, like, whether it gets hot underneath in the summer! The discussion that followed emphasized upon personal choice and the flexibilities inherent in every religion and the similarities among them. Muskaan Bhat, one of the speakers, says, “Choice is independent of all social norms, political strategies or internalised conventions. I wear the hijab, not because patriarchal minds are forcing me to do it, but because I love it.”

Prerna Subramanian, the editor of the Gender Studies Cell journal, Kon, says, “We decided to have a discussion revolving around the hijab since it has always been a matter of contention and curiosity. People often tend to make uneducated remarks and one wants to know from the horse’s mouth as to what really is the case.” According to Ankita Srivastava, a student who was at the discussion, the event has been an eye-opener in terms of the flexibility and choice that religion allows. She was surprised at the fact that none of the speakers were compelled to, or knew of anyone who was compelled to, wear the hijab.

The Gender Studies Cell, under its umbrella theme for the year-Taboos–aims at conducting talks in the future on topics like the politics of make up, disability and sexual desire, and taboos related to menstruation and masturbation, hoping to generate enriching discussions on these themes.

–With inputs from Rene Sharanya Verma, Head Coordinator, The Gender Studies Cell

Abhinaya Harigovind

Campus Central

Discussing Taboos: The Gender Studies Cell, St. Stephen's College

The Gender Studies Cell, St.Stephen’s College flagged off its activities for the year with its maiden event- Taboo Diaries: Chapter 1- Hijab amongst other things. The event was primarily an informal discussion presided over by eight speakers, all students of the college- Mahroosh Banday, Tauheed Haqqani, Hishma Nazir, Muskaan Bhat, Farkhanda Zahoor, Insha Mushtaq, Sumaiyya Shamim and Usman Zafar. The speakers’ reflections and statements were followed by an unplugged interaction with a packed room of over 60 eager students. The statements made by the speakers served as a useful insight into their own personal experiences with and opinions concerning the hijab. They raised significant questions of choice and free will, the purpose and origin of the hijab and their own ways of coming to terms with the hijab and their religion. Interspersed with wit, the speakers enunciated their points clearly, giving those less acquainted with this theme a wider perspective on it. Some of the speakers also raised questions of being seen as a conservative person for wearing the hijab, the hijab giving them a sense of proximity and attachment to their God, religion and community and the questions they are sometimes asked when they don the hijab, like, whether it gets hot underneath in the summer! The discussion that followed emphasized upon personal choice and the flexibilities inherent in every religion and the similarities among them. Muskaan Bhat, one of the speakers, says, “Choice is independent of all social norms, political strategies or internalised conventions. I wear the hijab, not because patriarchal minds are forcing me to do it, but because I love it.” Prerna Subramanian, the editor of the Gender Studies Cell journal, Kon, says, “We decided to have a discussion revolving around the hijab since it has always been a matter of contention and curiosity. People often tend to make uneducated remarks and one wants to know from the horse’s mouth as to what really is the case.” According to Ankita Srivastava, a student who was at the discussion, the event has been an eye-opener in terms of the flexibility and choice that religion allows. She was surprised at the fact that none of the speakers were compelled to, or knew of anyone who was compelled to, wear the hijab. The Gender Studies Cell, under its umbrella theme for the year-Taboos–aims at conducting talks in the future on topics like the politics of make up, disability and sexual desire, and taboos related to menstruation and masturbation, hoping to generate enriching discussions on these themes. –With inputs from Rene Sharanya Verma, Head Coordinator, The Gender Studies Cell Abhinaya Harigovind [email protected] ]]>

Features

YFFP launches MP Engagement Series

By Arindam Goswami August 29, 2015

Youth Forum on Foreign Policy (YFFP) is an independent, non-partisan and non-profit initiative that seeks to develop an informed and substantive dialogue on foreign policy among Indians. Founded by Member of Parliament Gaurav Gogoi, representing the Kaliabor constituency in the Lok Sabha, as a conversation between four like minded individuals in New Delhi in 2011, YFFP has expanded its presence to cities like Bangalore, Guwahati, Mumbai and Kolkata.

The Delhi chapter of YFFP witnessed the launch of its first ever MP Engagement Series, a unique programme that aims to bridge the gap between concerned MPs with the youth of our nation. The Chief Guest of the event was honourable Member of Parliament from Kendrapara, Odhisa, Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda in conversation with Dr. WPS Sidhu, Senior Fellow, Brookings India.Mrs Ayesha Ahsan, Political Counsellor, High Commission of Pakistan also marked her presence.

The topic of the event was‘Regional economic integration is the key to development and peace for SAARC nations’ and was kicked off with Dr.WPS Sidhu explaining the importance and advantages of events like these. Mr. Panda explained the Indian economy system and its trade policies from 1947 till the opening up of its door to rest of the world in 1991. He addressed how India being considered as‘Big Brother’ by other SAARC nations has brought numerous tensions to India. The issue of Pakistan remained at the centre of the forum. Mr. Panda talked about how steps for improving relations with Pakistan are different than the rest of SAARC nations.

After the conversation, it was time for the audience to ask questions to the dignitaries. Many essential questions were raised by the concerned students ranging from why India provides electricity to other nations, specifically Bangladesh, when there are many states in our own country which don’t sufficient energy to why India still has trade relations with nations with which we have border tension, like Pakistan and China. The question of the possibility of a common currency among the SAARC nations like the Euro was also raised.

In all, the event provided people with an interest in foreign policy a unique platform to interact with like minds. To apply to YFFP to be part of similar events, send your CV to [email protected] with “Core Team” as the subject.

DU Beat is the official media partner of YFFP.

Mridul Kumar

Reviews

Book review: The Shadow of the Dark Soul by Sukhmani Gandhi

By Kritika Narula August 29, 2015

th December 2012. A fatal sexual assault on a woman managed to move people around the world to take action. Horrifying, barbaric and brutal is how we described the incident while also dishing out graphic details of the gory incident in harsh depth. The incident has definitely been one of the most soul-stirring and shocking event of our times. It also managed to bring so many fallacies and flaws of our society to the stage of deliberation and discussion. We cribbed about the inadequacy of timely help and support; there was much hue and cry about the insouciant attitude towards crimes, there were debates about punitive action against the criminals including the juvenile, it mourned the loss of humanity. But most importantly, it agonized over the sorry state of women in the country. Because the victim was an archetype of a modern woman, being career-oriented, independent and fun-loving, the incident resonates with us. At this critical juncture, Sukhmani Gandhi, a student of Lady Shri Ram College, has written a thought-provoking debut novel called The Shadow of the Dark Soul as a tribute to Nirbhaya. The book begins with her take on the incident, and on a plethora of other issues that are related to the incident. The book raises some really important questions: How glorious is a country where women are still something to be protected by men and brothers? What about values in a man? Would a cultured man who has virtues deeply etched in his mind be a party to this charade that our country doles out? How can our politicians and leaders compare the holy union of matrimony to rape? There is a ceaseless torrent of questions which bring the lack of logic in all argument given in public sphere to suppress women. From there, the book follows the story of a journalist whose conscience is targeted, and here she is the symbol of the indifferent populace. The book completes itself by providing a solution: change comes from actions, not just words. Words and ideas can change the world, but not unless these are translated into proactive, fruitful action. The book is a reminder of the fake equality we try to boast of, and the fact that there’s a long way to go still. Kritika Narula [email protected]]]>

Interviews

In conversation with Mohit Nagar, outgoing President of DUSU

By Arindam Goswami August 29, 2015

With the DUSU elections around the corner, parties are engaged in full blown campaigning. One cannot miss supporters rallying in the streets and engaged in promotion. We interviewed Mohit Nagar, who is the outgoing President of Delhi University Students’ Union, on his experience and future plans.

Q. Tell us about your greatest success so far.

Mohit: The union has lots of achievements to brag about. The FYUP rollback was a historic achievement for us. Revaluation has been restarted with the efforts of DUSU. Readmission has been restarted in DU. AICTE approval for all (28) DU colleges offering engineering has been attained. Shuttle bus service in South Campus and offline admission center in North Campus were also possible only because of DUSU.

The Auburn Umbrella: Decoding the style of Miranda’s trendsetters!

The DUB fashion police visited the beautiful college of Miranda House on the occasion of Freshers 2015. It identified several fashionistas and arrested them for creating such a buzz with their style. They were released only after revealing their fashion secrets. Here’s the dope:

Tooba Towfiq

Image Credits: Jasmine Chahal and Tooba Towfiq for DU Beat

DUB Speak

Raksha Bandhan: One festival, myriad meanings.

We all have spent the last few days witnessing the excitement brewing in people to celebrate the auspicious festival of Raksha Bandhan. The extended weekend that it has brought along has added to the excitement. Markets being filled with stalls displaying various colourful rakhis; the extensive planning to find the perfect gift for the sibling; the many promises to try not to fight on this day are few of the many indicators that this festival has arrived. We see in contemporary times, this festival has come to mean differently to different people of our society.

1. A chance to transcend distance

Not all of us are lucky enough to live with our family members in the same city, let alone in the same house. The need to settle in hostels, pursue jobs in different cities or marriage, often puts miles of distance between a person and their siblings.

Thus, we see tickets booked in advance, bags enthusiastically packed and everything else put on a hold as this occasion arrives. The festival often becomes an excuse for everyone to finally take out time from their busy yet monotonous schedules and spend time with their ever so precious family.

2. Acknowledging the heroism of the elder sister

The conventional understanding of the festival teaches us that the elder brother is asked to protect the younger sister always. For many, the need to have an elder brother never arises as their elder sister is enough. “I never really felt the lack of an elder brother. I saw my sister being a friend, a parent and a protector to me and that was more than enough. There are days when she makes me wish I was the only child, but in the end, I know that she’s got my back”, said Akanksha Verma, second year B.Tech student from Gautam Budhha University.

3. The bond with cousins and friends

There are many of us who might be the only child and do not have a brother or sister to associate the festival with, but then, what are cousins for? Raksha Bandhan becomes even more enjoyable when you meet your extended family, and numerous cousins and celebrate the festival with them. (Also, the number of gifts increases so it becomes a win-win situation). Luckily, if you’re one of the lucky few who’ve made friends that have practically become your family, this occasion becomes the ideal time to spend with them and make them realize their importance.

Nishita Agarwal

Feature Image credits: http://s3.india.com/