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February 2017

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The day after Donald J Trump’s inauguration saw millions of men and women not only in the United States, but around the world, protest against his power by staging the Women’s March. Organised several weeks in advance, its initial intent was to be a street protest in Washington DC. However, the outrage over Trump coming to power led to the mass organisation of such events in most major cities around the US, as well as solidarity marches in other parts of the world, from Jordan to Antarctica.

For anyone with access to any form of media in the past year, Trump’s election has been a highlight. His unabashed insults directed at anyone who was not a cisgender white male have left most of the world reeling. When the popular vote was very clearly in Hillary Clinton’s favour, but Trump still managed to come into office, such disdain by the population was to be expected. The masses descended onto the streets for a range of demands, such as reproductive rights, access to healthcare, and immigration reforms. Nevertheless, the marches around the world, which were filled with ordinary citizens as well as a range of celebrities, were critiqued on the basis of their futility.

The Women’s March at Washington DC
The Women’s March at Washington DC

No popular movement is free from criticism, especially from cynics who accept power relations as a given. This becomes a point of concern when democracy, a basic structure of society, is undermined by this cynicism. Protests have become legitimate sources of change throughout centuries of civilisation, in the same way that people’s awareness about their social and political culture has changed in recent years. Basic rights such as the right to vote or national sovereignty were only achieved through dissent. In a global society where right-wing policies are on the rise with the manufactured consent of the masses, such shows of widespread dissent are not only a boon, but a necessity. These methods empower the disenfranchised and pave the way for a more inclusive and self-aware society.

As individuals, we often feel powerless when we are engaged in a conflict with the state. However, it is essential to remember that the state is influenced by us in many implicit ways. We may face backlash from those who believe that simply marching will do no good, but we can be sure that even someone as egotistical and self-righteous as Trump is unsettled by the masses at his doorstep. When we are proud to be the “nasty women” that Trump accuses us of being, we are, in effect, robbing him of the power to rule us. He will govern us and force us to bury our aborted foetuses, but he will not make us believe that this behaviour is acceptable.

Feature Image Credits: Metro UK

Vineeta Rana

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Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) Foundation is a not for profit youth movement working with 22,000 college students from 110 college campuses of Delhi NCR.  LFT  to awaken their social consciousness and encourage  them in volunteerism and skill development. LFT in the campuses conduct social action events and leadership programmes to create active leaders for tomorrow.

The largest ever mass cleanathon that brought together over 3000 youth was organised in Delhi University’s North Campus on Thursday, 31st January 2017. Youth from colleges across Delhi/NCR, including University of Delhi, Indraprastha University and other private colleges came together to clean prominent locations of North Campus, University of Delhi.

The event that saw excited youth joining in large numbers saw the presence of Assistant Commissioner of Municipal Corporation of North Delhi, Mr. Ravinder Saini, Sanitary Superintendent, K.C. Sharma; Ms. Bhanu Prabha, IAS and Leaders For Tomorrow Founder, Mr.Binoy Job. The event was organised with the support of the Delhi Police and MCD.

LFT
The guests of the day along with founder of LFT, Mr. Binoy Job.

The students who were divided into various groups walked around the campus, cleaning the roads and preventing others from littering. A freeze mob was also organised near the metro premises to motivate on-lookers to join in.

The ‘mass cleanathon’ was part of Leaders For Tomorrow’s endeavours to encourage the youth to become responsible citizens. The cleanliness drive is also being organised in 110 colleges of Delhi/NCR in an effort to engage college students to be a part of social action.

“It is a symbolic event aimed to inspire the youth to be the change and create a litter-free environment. The presence of so many youth here today, who have voluntarily come together shows that the youth want to make a difference and that we are willing to work towards creating a better world.” said Neha Tewari, one of the lead organising team members of the event.

The cleanliness drive is a part of a series of social action events that Leaders For Tomorrow organises on a regular basis in college campuses, including plantation drives, donation drives and visits for compassion.

 

Do you miss the cartoon legends which defined our childhood stories to the highest degree? Have a look at some favourites which continue to float in our minds and smiles!

In the world of Netflix, Hotstar and countless online streaming sites at our disposable for watching shows new and old; one wonders how the age of entertainment has evolved with us. Before we were intrigued by and binge-watched the likes of Game of Thrones and FRIENDS, there existed a land within the television which was presented to us for only a few hours in a day but managed to etch a mark of memories. The mere mention of these shows unfurls a trail of giggles and fond remembrances. With characters and stories which assuaged our hopeful hearts, here’s the journey of some of the cartoon blasts from a very nostalgic past!

Tom and Jerry

The incessant pursuit of the mouse, Jerry, by the tenacious cat, Tom, became a story ingrained in our hearts; to the extent that Tom and Jerry is the first show to grace our list. Often coupled with unsuccessful tricks and traps along with frying pans and mayhem in the house, the show defined an era of madness!

tom-and-jerry

Bob the Builder

karke dikhayenge!” The recent controversy which involved the visual overhaul of the team wasn’t received well, for the masses liked the animated-ness of Bob. The adventures of the builder (obviously) Bob, Wendy, and their equipment and vehicles where they went to fix anything and everything was the source of some co-operative joy!

bob-the-builder

Oswald

The titular character, Oswald the octopus, along with his dog Weenie live in the Big City to give us moralistic storylines and comforting vibes. Painted in colours, Oswald’s everyday tales with Henry the Penguin, Daisy the Flower, Madame Butterfly, and a host of characters lends the show an affinity towards kids!

oswald

Make Way for Noddy

The endearing stories of Noddy with his blue hat being lauded for special appearances, the show was based on Enid Blyton’s books originally published between 1949 and 1963. Living in the Toyland with Big Ears, Mr. Plod, Tessie Bear, Bumpy Dog, and others, Noddy with his energy and impulsiveness sets out to be the town’s taxi driver to give way to all shades of fun!

noddy

Strawberry Shortcake

The beautiful and delicious Strawberryland was the daily box of lessons and some very palatable shortcakes! With their names renditions of food, the tales of Strawberry Shortcake, Ginger Snap, and Huckleberry Pie and their explorations added to the aesthetics of our screen!

strawberry-shortcake

Dragontales

Raise your hands if the Dragon Tunes has occupied the realms of your mind! As Emmy and Max discovered the Dragon Land, they set out to face challenges with the dragons Ord, Cassie, Zak, Wheezie, and Quetzal, and have some magical fun on the way!

dragontales

The Flintstones

Portraying a time that made generations believe that the dinosaurs and humans existed together, the two family story in Bedrock is an all-time favourite. Fred and Wilma, along with Barney and Betty, was the everyday tale of work and family and their eventful days in between!

the-flintstones

The Adventures of Tenali Raman

Inspired by the Indian folklore, the Adventures of Tenali Raman was a confluence of Indian heritage, interesting tales, and foot-tapping music! The jester poet in the city of Vijaynagar, Tenali’s every day encounters with the King Krishnadevaraya to solve issues of all kind were appreciated for the fast pace and intriguing stories!

tenali-raman

Akbar and Birbal

Names synonymous with each other, and tales’ renditions of legends and greatness, the animated show provided a bundle of traditional folklore. The rich court of Akbar and his Navratna were portrayed with all grandiose, with Birbal emerging as the wit-master and the perfect person to complement the ruler!

akbar-and-birbal

Scooby-Doo

Talking of greatness, the cartoon with our favourite dog and its four friends perfectly fits the bill. Their supernatural mysteries and eccentric personalities amalgamated the two genres, and made it a Saturday morning treat! As we miss the dapper Fred, the gorgeous Daphne, the brainy Velma, and the indomitable friendship between Scooby and Shaggy, it makes us wonder: Scooby-doo, where are you?

scooby-doo

Feature Image: Popcornin

Image Credits: Wikipedia, ABC, YouTube, Wallpaper Abyss, www.mobygames.com, TV Tropes, The Hindu, Google Play

 

Saumya Kalia

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