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April 2017

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This is the only instruction manual which you should endeavour to read; for it is muddled with the dos and don’ts of using your favourite reading material!

Exam preparation follows a repetitive trajectory: high hopes of finishing the syllabus, struggling to even commence with the schedule, and finally employing the controversial referencing of the guide books. It is an old story, the same story. For a major section of students, the semester knowledge begins and ends with these ‘help books.’ While the usage of only guides for studying calls for another debate on educational reforms, one can’t deny the fact they are not completely useless and obstructive to learning. How to extract its pros without falling prey to its temptation? Have a look!

  1. The productivity of guide books lies in the basic concept of limited usage. Designed to be the extra something to do before exams, they are the framework which can be followed for comprehending the expanse of the syllabus. Instead, we treat them to be the magic book which contains all tailor-made answers.
  2. Do not depend on the text of the guide and take it as the gospel truth. Time and again, educational content is known to vary between different books and authors, and the golden rule instructs you to abide by the information echoed within the four walls of the classroom. Hence, just because it is written in the guide does not grant it authenticity.
  3. The prime time to use this falls after your basic preparation has been finished and before you proceed to take your exam. The book can do wonders if one has to revise a concept or go over questions to solidify the foundational concepts. It can be the perfect revision manual to help you sort the myriad topics now assimilated in your head.
  4. Your indolence might prevent you from finishing this step, however, endeavour to achieve it this year. Cementing your concepts and inducing confidence, skimming through the past years’ examination papers is one of the many things your teachers shall reiterate over the semester. Ascertaining a basic idea of what may come and in what shape and form can help you prepare beforehand about the key pointers of your answers.

 

Image Credits: Sprowston High School

Saumya Kalia
[email protected]

The second instalment of Percipience, the eminent alumni lecture series under the aegis of University of Delhi, North Campus, was held on the 21st of this month at the Convention Hall, Vice-Regal Lodge. The topic for the seminar was “Fundamental Duties under the Indian Constitution: Forgotten Virtues?” The guest speaker for the event was Honourable Justice Arjan K. Sikri, Judge, Supreme Court of India. The moderator for the event was Professor M.P. Singh, Honourable Chancellor, Central University of Haryana, with the august podium presence of Yogesh K. Tyagi, Vice Chancellor, University Of Delhi and Professor Sydney R. Rebeiro, Dean, Alumni Affairs.

The event began with the inaugural speech by Justice Sikri. He spoke of the modern context of the Buddhist idea of enlightenment and the role of good citizenship towards the fulfilment of the purposes behind the constitutional fundamental duties. Talking of the role of the citizen in the rule of law, he referred to the trinity of ‘reminder, warning, and inspiration’ for the materialisation of an envisaged society. In the same breath, he also stressed upon the requisite sense of respect for the national flag and anthem.

Second on the podium was Professor M.P. Singh. In his moderation speech, he spoke on the idea of ‘dharma’ in relevance to the modern perception of fundamental duties. He stressed upon the fact that religion is a secular concept as it is nothing but a way of life. He also cited Mahatma Gandhi when he said that if the fundamental duties are performed well, fundamental rights would be of little concern.

This followed the question hour as the house was opened to the audience which comprised of the alumni, professors, and students of the University. The two guests clarified the various nuances of Part IVA and Article 51 of the Indian constitution.

The all-awaited presidential address was conducted by Dr. Yogesh Tyagi. He subjectively summarised in a nutshell the essence of the two lectures prior to him. Talking of Part IVA which caters to the clause of fundamental duties, he said that this was the shortest, youngest, and arguably the least legitimate of the laws referring to the need of subtle revisions in the wake of modern times.

The event ended with the national anthem led by the choir of the University of Delhi.

 

Image Credits: Nikhil Kumar for DU Beat

Nikhil Kumar

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As completes a century of US intervention in the first world war, a step foundation-stone to the century of its global dominance, the current global politics indices signal that the hourglass has reversed. With Uncle Sam’s hegemony finally dwindling, the process only hastened in this 100th year after the loss of the president-subject amity, it isn’t hard to imagine where the world goes from here, stuck amid two nations ardent efforts to claim the throne in spite of the third’s vehement refusal to relinquish.

The world keeps on teaching refined lessons. Belittling St. George’s who quit after killing one dragon, the United States of America successfully played the hero in both the world wars. The turn of events ended the ad infinitum era of European dominance consolidating US as the new bully in the block. The states singularly dominated the world diplomatically and economically throughout the 20th century.

At the advent of this century started the phase of decentralisation of power with China and Russia challenging this unipolar nature of world politics. Countries started identifying their self sufficiency in the age of  globalisation. This triggered the imperceptible loss of US supremacy although strong leadership ensured the delayed effects of the inevitable, making the americans believe, at the same time, that all was well.

With the departure of Barack Obama and the advent of the era of Trumpism deepening these writings on the wall, on the face of which, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and Xi Jinping couldn’t have asked for a better U.S. premier. Both the national leaders capitalised on the subsequent  friction between the ruler and the ruled in America. Just in a matter of few months, it is clearly evident that Donald Trump’s nugatory ambitions of taming Russia and China diplomatically and hence making America great again had been a massive disillusionment.

Consequently he has resorted to other frantic measures of flexing muscles, with the spectacle of serious bombings in Afghanistan and foolery of locking horns with Russia over the Syrian crisis. Not quite unlike to Donald Trump’s decisions and policies, any sustainable result from these antics is unimaginable.

As secretary of state Rex Tillerson arrives at Moscow on Tuesday in a scheduled meeting with Sergei Lavrov, expecting a massive diplomatic dialogue would be too far fetched. As a third party, the most we should  hope is a mutual understanding of the global causes and a better understanding on the futility of powerplay on already war-torn nations.

 

Image Credits- pintrest.com

 

Nikhil Kumar

[email protected]

 

A notice issued on Thursday by the acting principal of Ramjas College says that there will be no DJs or music streamed through speakers at freshers’ welcome parties, farewells or other functions. All functions must also end by 4 pm, and at least two teachers, one of whom should “preferably” be a woman, must be present till the function ends.

The principal said that the notice was passed so as to make sure that there is no noise pollution or complaints in and around the campus.

“It is appalling what the students do. We have received many complaints in the past. I will not go into the details but there have been instances where people have complained of misbehavior. Why are DJs or loud music needed? This is a college, not a club. Even I was a student of this college. We didn’t need to make noise to throw farewell parties. People have to maintain decorum. Also, examinations are starting soon and there should be no noise. Students in hostels need peace and quiet to study. Practical exams have already started and theory exams will start on May 9,” said Principal PC Tulsian.

The notice has received criticism from both students and teachers.

One of the students who did not want to be named said “This is bizarre! Why can’t we play music during our functions? And why must a function end by 4 pm? These rules make no sense for college students. The college itself uses speakers for the functions it holds. Why should the students not be allowed? If the music is too loud or disturbing anyone, the authorities can always tell us to lower the volume. But why the blanket ban?”

The teachers as well criticized the clause regarding the mandatory presence of teachers calling it regressive. “The rules are regressive. Students should be able to hold functions in their own college. Why is the presence of teachers necessary? The notice smacks of unnecessary moral policing,” said a teacher on condition of anonymity.”

 

With inputs from Indian Express

 

Aditya Narang

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With the longer days and harsh sun, the weather has seen a steep rise in the temperature. In this weather, we bring you exclusive add ups to your summer wardrobe that can set your style quotient high.

1. Wrap on skirt – Tight jeans become suffocating when the weather is hot and humid, and hence on steamy summer day a breezy skirt will be the best pick. Besides, one feels very romantic while wearing and twirling the skirt. You can simply pair it with a simple tee or do some light layering with a denim vest over a tank top.

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Image credits: India Mart

2. Palazzo Pants – Palazzo pants are loose, flowing pants that are are amazing because they’re so incredibly comfortable. They are just like pajamas, but only more presentable. You can wear bright palazzo pants with a classic striped shirt for a really cute look or add a crop top for a hint of sexiness.

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Image credits: Garage

3. Deodorant – It goes without saying: deodorant is a must. Unless you like to torture people with your body odour.

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Image credits: nippaku.wordpress.com

4. Bright nail paints – Fuchsia, turquoise, cobalt or lemon. Choose your pick amongst these spirit-elevating hues. In the exhausting summer, a pop of colour on your hands will give you a strange sense of being put-together whether you hold a chilled soda bottle or the sweaty metro pole.

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Image credits: StyleCraze

5. Shrugs – They are lightweight, breezy, and super stylish. The best part is they’ll protect your arms from harmful UV rays.

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Image credits: Koovs

6. Basic t-shirts: A few pairs of basic t-shirts in black, white, grey, and stripes will make sure that on days when you don’t have a minute to spare, your look will still be sleek. Make sure to choose a neckline (a v-neck/scoop neck/crew neck/boat neck) that is flattering on you. I personally wear my basic t-shirts with shorts, pants, and leggings, all day, every day.

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Image credits: Teen Vogue

7. Face wipes – It’s inevitable to turn greasy and dull, thanks to the hot-dusty loo winds. But worry not – just swipe a cleansing wipe over your face and you’ll feel brand new.

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Image credits: The Frisky

8. Lip balm – You may think that lip balms are a thing of winters, but lips also need care in summer because they lack the natural glands to keep them moist. And as the temperature rises your lips are exposed to harmful UV rays and suffer from dehydration, which subsequently makes them dry and chapped. Therefore to keep your lips supple and healthy, use a lip balm that has an SPF of at least 15.
Hope you enjoy a stylish and cool summer ahead!

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Image credits: Reviews

 

Feature Image Credits: Frassy

Niharika Dabral
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“Teach the youth well about the way they should go; even when they are old, they won’t depart from it.”

Believing in the power of youth, students from Ramjas College working with Project Bawarchi held a campaign against Drug Abuse – “Choose to Refuse” on 17th April 2017, in Sewa Kutir Complex, Mukherjee Nagar, New Delhi.

Project Bawarchi works with rehabilitated victims of drug abuse to instill life skills in them and assist in their reintegration to the society by making them independent entrepreneurs. The Project has taken the initiative to bring awareness and educate victims about the menace of drug abuse in society.

The event invited panelists from different walks that work towards eradicating the menace of drug abuse. Swapnil Tewari, the CEO of Livemad and the youngest social entrepreneur to be featured in Forbes magazine was invited to help bring better ideas about the reintegration of the community members back into the society. Dr. Ravindra Nath, a public health expert helped us know about the existing treatments and myths about drug abuse, with his expertise coming from a medical background. Ms. Aparna Khanna and Ms. Mridula Seth, professors from Lady Irwin College, were a part of the event to help us understand the psychological reform of drug abuse. Mr. Subhash Gautam, Superintendent, Deptt. of Women and Child Development was also present to help us gauge a view from the government’s perspective.

Rightly said by Robert Frost, “Drugs take you to the hell, disguised as heaven.”

The community members working under Project Bawarchi explained the harsh stories about the dark past and how they have been scarred for life because of one evil substance. The discussions between the college students and panelists were done in the presence of the community members to help the youth understand the myths related to the use of drugs, the life after drugs, and the severe downfall that drugs result into.

Drugs don’t help us skip the issues, they only let us escape the reality that furthermore spoils the past, the present and definitely the future.

The members of Project Bawarchi kept a panel discussion on some topics that intrigued the minds of the college youth about the details of topic. The major question that was discussed was ‘Why the first time and what follows next?’

In the event, they also discussed the treatment of rehabilitation, especially the reality and the myths associated with it. The community members were involved in the discussion to hear directly from the experts, and to understand their life after rehab. As a conclusion, we realised this is an essentially contested concept and hence, every stakeholder holds a different view working towards the same aim.

Towards the end of the event, Mr. Shibendu rightly ended it for all saying it’s not the time to lose hope and even if you have fallen into the maze, there’s still a second chance everyday. The first step towards coming out is when you decide that you’re done with all the uncertainty of drugs and you’re not going to stay where you are.

Project Bawarchi is planning to launch a full-fledged campaign from the new academic session while establishing the credibility of the campaign in due course and mobilising people from different walks who are working in this field. This would help bring a difference in terms of the demand reduction of drugs in the first place. The organisation need more youngsters indulging in such works that focus on the transformation of the society on the ground level and not only on paper.

CHOOSE TO REFUSE – Let the change begin.

Image credits: Project Bawarchi

Content by Project Bawarchi

Hello Meal started off as a humble initiative by a few students of Delhi University who had the aim of delivering quality food at reasonable prices. Nor have they only fulfilled their goal, but they have gone above and beyond to excel in their field.

Hello Meal is the perfect solution to anyone who wants instant scrumptious food at a moment’s notice. To add to this, the prices are student-friendly and the quantities are extraordinary. Hello Meal has lived up to the standards it set for itself and has gone on to build a reputation so impressive that the founders have now been invited to an international conference that recognises out-of-the-box start-ups.

Rise 2017 is a 3-day event hosted in Hong Kong in July of this year.  A multi-faceted conference, it has different sections for speakers, attendees, etc. Among these, a special category for start-ups, called Alpha, is set up for innovative projects in their nascent stages. Hello Meal is a participant of the same, which only goes to show how far this start-up has come.

With a wide range of choices from North Indian to Chinese and vegetables to mutton, Hello Meal has provided an indispensable avenue to those who wish to indulge in take-out without feeling guilty about the expense. The Zomato reviews are a testament to the brilliance of Hello Meal. Joyee Bhattacharya and Sukhman Gambhir sum it up perfectly when they exclaim “great outlet and great food” and mention how it is “extremely affordable for a college student”.

Based in Vijay Nagar, Hello Meal provides home delivery in record time from 11am to midnight. They offer toll-free telephonic services at 1800-200-5565 and are available on Facebook and Instagram. Download the free app here for a truly satisfying experience.

 

Image Credits: Hello Meal Facebook

Vineeta Rana
[email protected]

This is the time of year when the first and second year students bid farewell to their seniors, signalling the end of the latter’s undergraduate life. It’s naturally a nostalgic time for the third year students, but what we often tend to forget is how overwhelming it is for the juniors as well. It’s a flash-forward to what we’ll be experiencing in one or two years’ time and how far we can come in such a short journey.

Farewells are crushing reminders of the fact that not only are we saying goodbye to our friends, but that we’re saying goodbye to our leaders and our mentors. We’re saying goodbye to those who have helped us form our identity and help us grow in ways beyond our imagination. They are reminders of how much we’ve evolved and how far we’ve yet to go.

The lead-up to the farewell is the usual: frantic running around and last-minute panicking by the juniors, and enthusiasm and denial by the seniors. The day itself is a package of fun with an abundance of food and beverages. There are speeches, continuous photo sessions, and energetic dancing, but the common theme between all these is the bond between the people.

All farewells include laughter and tears, excitement and nostalgia. It’s never easy to think about how you won’t interact with these people on a regular basis anymore, or how you have no one to guide you anymore. But we take solace in the knowledge that they’re always only a phone call away. We take comfort in the memories we’ve formed together and which will be cherished for a lifetime.

You know something impacts you a great deal when you’re unable to write about it without being cheesy and clichéd. It’s a faux-pas I’m willing to indulge in for the sake of honesty.

So for those of you who’ve yet to experience this year’s farewell, be prepared. The heavy hearts are only an indication of your attachment to the seniors, and the sorrow will pass. Embrace the emotions and take it all in – you’ll be on the other side of the equation soon, after all.

 

Image Credits: Pinterest

Vineeta Rana
[email protected]

Born Ajay Singh, the diminutive, shaven-headed politician is known for his powerful oratory, though most of his speeches hinge on divisive lines and has been in the forefront in keeping the communal politics alive in the country. We bring to you five changes he has brought since his appointment as the CM of Uttar Pradesh.

  1. ANTI-ROMEO SQUAD: The CM called an end to road-side harassment, and asked for the setting up of ‘anti-romeo’ squads all over the state. This Squad is supposed to keep a check on eve teasing cases, from day one itself, over 900 people have been questioned by these squads.

 

  1. PAN-BAN: He has ordered a ban on the consumption of pan, gutka in government offices and schools as a move to further the cause if ‘SwachhAbhiyaan”

 

  1. METRO: The new CM has also announced Metro train projects for Gorakhpur (his LokSabha constituency) and Jhansi.

 

  1. CRACKDOWN ON MEAT: He ordered a crackdown on illegal slaughter houses and meat shops, and to check cow smuggling. Many meat shops were burnt and businesses on strike with supplies drying up. The government has clarified that only illegal abattoirs would be targeted. 2 Illegal slaughterhouses in Allahabad (Rambagh and Atala slaughterhouses) have been sealed. Moreover, several meat shops and slaughterhouses in Lucknow and Varanasi that had been operating illegally have been sealed. This also included the iconic ‘Tundey Kebab’ shop in Lucknow.

 

  1. REVELATION OF MINISTERIAL INCOMES: An hour after he took oath on March 19, Adityanath ordered all ministers to declare their income, movable and immovable properties within 15 days. He asked them to submit declarations to the CM secretariat.

 

Anahita Sahu
[email protected]

Image credits: indianexpress.com

“People who keep journals have life twice.”

A diary will remind you of the good – and bad – times you had in your past. Keeping a diary or journal is a great way to express your emotions on paper and treasure experiences. Years from now, you’ll wonder what you were doing years ago. A diary is a great way to express your feelings and pour out your heart when you’re sad or when you just need someone to tell your innermost thoughts to. It can also help vent out anger and frustration as well as excitement. Many of us start maintaining a journal one time or another but never kept it up. We started during a difficult time and simply abandoned writing when things got better. It doesn’t have to be that way. Writing a journal can also be to record happy memories. Some of the most influential people in history kept detailed journals of their lives which served two purposes: a permanent record for posterity, and cathartic release for the people writing them. Even if you think keeping a diary is too old school, well you are greatly mistaken. Writing can be a hobby for one and practice for another. Writing enhances your personality. Even if you don’t think you need either, keeping a journal has great benefits you can enjoy immediately.

 

  1. Effortless writing, everyday

The motive should be writing for no audience or rather, writing just to write. It is indeed a great practice. Diary writing can be rough and ungrammatical. Though looking back on these entries may sometimes be embarrassing and mortifying, you will be able to trace the improvements- compare ‘then’ and ‘now’.

  1. My diary, my purpose

“Do I feel guilty about reading what was not intended for my eyes?”-ask that to yourself if you find yourself reading someone else’s diary. But to face the truth, one of the functions of a diary – a function we would more than likely deny to ourselves – is to be found and read. A diary is the one place where we have the opportunity and the luxury to be truly, cruelly honest, and it’s not inconceivable that we would secretly – dangerously, even – want others to learn those true thoughts.

     3. Introspect yourself, maybe?

While you write a diary, you can typically preserve everything you observe.  But when you raed it to yourself, you will realise that the notebook is not about other people and that it is about you. On the other hand, you can write to discover “the moments of revelation.” You may choose to write about heightened moments – “moments of emotional crisis” – because these are times when “human beings reveal themselves most accurately.” Keeping a diary, is essentially about coming to better understand of oneself.

      4. Unavoidable Unpleasantness

The keeper of a private journal should not be termed as a ‘different breed’ of person. They are not the ‘lonely and resistant ones’. But by any chance if the anxious malcontents of your diary are read by your children, they can be afflicted some unknown facts about you. It is not necessary that someone who writes a diary would have this compulsive need to write things down because he/she is does not feel blessed, nor are delighted with life. Making others understand about the phases in your life can be fagging if they think they know you because they have read your diary.

      5. Veracity and development

Maybe what she was referring to was that you have the moment you lived and then you have the moment you’ve written about – something you can always refer back to. Referring back to old journal entries – looking back on situations, life changes, old sufferings – gives one a kind of reassuring feeling. You look back on these situations and times – some “which today would seem unbearable” – and you realize you lived, you survived. You were even able to write it all down! And doing so can lead to great wisdom about the self. The insights you gain from looking back at old journal entries are the feelings of mortification while discovering your own “fraudulence and pomposity and immaturity.” These insights can make you desperate to change yourself, “to sound less idiotic.” Your journal entries, can lead you to a private commitment to personal growth.

     6. “Do not argue with me!”

Keeping a diary is an invaluable aid when it comes to winning arguments. You can say, “That’s not what you said on February 3, 1996.”

Here’s why you might want to sit down regularly to jot down your thoughts. Even if you don’t think there’ll ever be a documentary that uses your journal for flavour commentary, there are plenty of reasons to keep one for yourself. Maybe you want to leave something behind for your children who tell your story and what you accomplished. Maybe you’re more practical, and want a way to harness your creativity. Maybe you just want the cathartic release that comes with regular writing. Whatever it is, these are all great reasons. Let’s look at each one, and why they matter so much.

Image credits: magicnotebook.co.uk

Radhika Boruah

[email protected]