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After months of hard work, the SRCC students’ union finally executed the much awaited event of Narendra Modi’s visit to the college.Although the program was a huge success with around 1800 students turning up and thronging the sports complex to hear the Chief Minister of Gujarat speak on the theme: “Emerging business models in the global scenario”, some students protested in front of the college, shouting slogans against SRCC’s move to call Modi. In all, over 1000 students had assembled outside SRCC, which also included Modi’s supporters. Fortunately, the security was quite strong all around the campus with more than 150 police officers checking ID cards and allowing only SRites inside the college.

The protest took a turn for the worse when a section of students tried to break the barricade to get in and some pro-Modi students joined in to add to the confusion. It was then that the police had to use water cannons and even lathi charge. This went on for almost the entire session at the end of which students attending the event were told to stay back until the crowd subsides. There were also reports of ABVP activists misbehaving around campus.

The students were demonstrating to oppose his entry into Delhi University calling Modi “Fascist mass murderer”. They said that his invitation is wrong because it overlooks the communal riots in Gujarat in 2002 in which 1200 people were killed while he was in office. “This is pure nonsense, how is Modi’s visit to address students connected with any riot whatsoever! He is a man of action and we respect him for what he did for the development of Gujarat. I think they are creating a mountain out of a mole hill by making it a political issue”, says Bhargav, an SRite. The event, however, ended without any serious harm or injury to anyone.

Aishwarya Chaurasia
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Image credits: Sakshi Gupta 

The campus of SRCC was bursting with energy all day long, with students all “suited-up” running helter-skelter, as it was the last day of Business Conclave 2013, the management fest organised by the Students’ Union of the college and the SRCC Alumni had managed to rope in Mr. Narendra Modi to deliver the annual “Sri Ram Memorial Oration”. The topic of his discourse was “Emerging Business Models in a Global Scenario”.

The security was tight, with the Delhi Police being at their best, on some occasions to the rather annoyance of the students. The Gujarat CM, scheduled to arrive at 4, actually arrived a couple of minutes earlier, impressing the students already with his act of punctuality, a virtue politicians are not really known for.

The session started with the welcoming address by Mr. Ajay Sri Ram, and after that Mr. Modi was asked to express his views on the topic. His speech was all about optimism. Citing verifiable examples from his Gujarat model of development, he spoke about how his governance has been instrumental in taking India overseas, dotting his speech with an immaculate sense of wit (read “idhar raigistan, udhar Pakistan)

The audience broke into loud applauds as he spoke on the “Soil-health Card” which Gujarat farmers possess, the fact that every cup of tea consumed by each present in the hall was made of milk brought from Gujarat, on getting to know about the forensic science university in Gujarat, the only one in the world and also on the first ever institute in the world on teachers’ education, which Gujarat boasts of.

Though it was a well-organised affair, it did not end on a very positive note with organised groups of students with left ideology staging a protest just outside the college.  But then there was also different group that all-hailed Modi in its slogans.

Vatsala Gaur
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Image source-ndtv.com

“Living by Gandhiji’s ideologies, ‘The simplest acts of kindness are, by far, more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.’ We have always been very passionate about giving back to the society in whatever manner we can. This and the desire to make everyone around us a part of our little act of compassion led to this campaign,” Parneet Singh Chopra, a DU student was quoted saying when he was asked about the social initiative- I Impact India.

So what is this campaign about? Called “This Valentine’s, Spread Love to those in Need”, it is a rather novel approach to tackle undernourishment among poor children. On 18th January 2013, the people at I Impact India uploaded a video on YouTube and the idea was simple- for every view on that video, I Impact India shall donate one packet of biscuits to a hungry child on the 14th of February. This is their way of celebrating the feast of St. Valentine. Currently, in a matter of 15 days, they have reached out to over 10,000 people, have had 4,000 views and the campaign has been shared by over 500 people on social media platforms.

When asked what their aim is, Parneet said, “In our first campaign, the issue we wish to pawn is hunger, but since our endeavor is to constantly create an ‘impact’ on the society, we will move on to countering bigger problems in future and involve socially inclined people with us in this movement.”

Though the idea took shape a year back, I Impact India is now fully operational and the present campaign is its launching platform. They also wish to carry out more such innovative campaigns in the near future. “I Impact India is a venture of 3 socially committed students of Delhi University, who have a passion to eradicate problems while benefitting the other stakeholders of society. They wish to act as intermediaries between corporations and social organizations, and facilitate efficient & judicious use of funds and core competencies”, he concludes.

To support the cause visithttp://bit.ly/1pack1view (One Pack per View)

 

AnugrahGopinath
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The Dramatics Society of SRCC is back with their annual theater festival, Histrionica 2013. This time, it is not only about theater. The four day festival includes: Charades-the stage plays, Aahavan- the nukkad natak, Just for laughs- the stand up comedy act, sum of parts- the skit competition, Shutters- the photography competition, Saaz- the musical night and Live wire- the rock night.

The dramatics society has worked hard over the years and has added gravitas and substance to the festival to make theatre accessible to all those who aspire to do it all well as those who watch it from a distance.

The festival starts with Sum of parts, the skit competition, on 14th February. An event for all those who want to bring out the actor within, Sum of Parts gives you a chance to be more than just a faceless member of the audience.
Shutters, the photography competition is a contest for budding photographers, organised in collaboration with the Delhi University Photography Club. This year, the competition will be online as well as on campus.

On 15th Feb, look forward to an afternoon of riotous fun and laughter in the event Just for Laughs, which is the stand-up comedy act. For all the theatre lovers, we have Charades, the stage play competition. English, Hindi and bilingual plays from all over Delhi University will be performed. From 16 plays, 8 were shortlisted, which are “12 Angry Men” by KMC, “Akka Amoli Anni” by Maitreyi College, “Attempts on Her Life” by LSR, “Baap re Baap” by Hansraj College, “Laal Pencil” by Dyal Singh College, “Norway Today” by Ramjas, “Saints and Sinners” by Ramjas and “Threesome without Simone” by KMC. A must watch in the festival, Charades has always attracted and enthralled the audience.

On 16th, Saaz promises to be a star-studded night devoted to the beauty of the classics. Histrionica does not only approach the youth of Delhi, but also the families who like to go out together on a Saturday night and have a nice time. If you happen to be a lover of classic music, Saaz will not disappoint you.

Aahavan, the street play competition will be held on the 17th. From the catchy songs to the human formations that leave the audience in awe, this form of theatre has the ability to engage the audience from the very beginning and holds their attention till the end. The shortlisted teams which will be performing are: ” Aakhir hum bhi insaan hain” by Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, “Abbey, Teri toh!” by Maharaja Agrasen College, “Darte Kyun Ho Pappu Mia?” by Daulat Ram College, “Naadaan” by Hansraj College, “Reservation Leela” by SGTB Khalsa Colege, Hindu College, “Ye Kaisi Saza” by Dyal Singh Eve College and “Yeh Gandi Baat Hain” by PGDAV College (D).

After Aavahan, the audience will witness the Battle of the Bands, called Live wire: The Rock Night. A treat for rock fans and music enthusiasts, look forward to scintillating performances by the upcoming artists of Delhi.

Amma I have mostly lost interest in the sex life with my BF. He does not does many things right. I enjoy pleasuring my own self but losing interest when with him. What to do?

 

Well if one of Amma’s boys ever got lost in the bushes of Amma would pull him up by the ear and teach him a lesson and make sure that he follows it to the ‘T’. Amma hates it the most when one of her macchis starts to lose interest in the wonder down under. Here’s what you can do love, since you know exactly what you want (as you enjoy your own handiwork) sit him down and communicate the same to him. There is a good enough chance that he is trying to work his wand to the best he can but it just isn’t hitting the spot. So show him the way, tell him what you like and appreciate him when he yields. You must also bear in mind the courtesy of returning the favour every once in a while, after all it’s a two way street.

 

Have a query? But don’t know who to ask? Mail  your queries to Sex Amma a[email protected].

The protest campaign for an independent Tibet was organized at Jantar Mantar on 2 February. Hundreds of Tibetans had gathered to voice their problems and garner international support to force China to give up on Tibet and declare it an independent nation. Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the Tibetan Prime Minister in exile was also on hand to witness the final day of the Tibetan People’s Solidarity Campaign this past Saturday.

The protest involved a press conference that invited political leaders, social activitists and political analysts on one platform to speak for Tibet solidarity. Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, Shri Yashwant Sinha, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Shri Alok Tiwari, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Shri S N Qamar Alan, Shri Chandan Mitra, National NSUI leader were present amongst others. They discussed issues such as legitimacy of Tibet’s demand for autonomy, Chinese repressive policies, historical misinformation, Buddhism as a link between India and China, strategic importance of a free Tibet, Dalai Lama’s influence on Chinese history, role of India in the Tibetan cause and other pressing topics.

BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad spread light on the problems of Tibet in a very articulate manner. He said that we should keep political differences aside and come forth to help Tibetans. When 100 people immolate themselves, it is a matter of grave Human Right violation that should concern not only India and China, but also the entire world including the UN. He praised the Dalai Lama, as it was due to his guidance that the Tibet protests ceased to turn violent at any point in time. Shri Ram Vilas Paswan promised the gathering that he would request the parliament to pass a resolution declaring Tibet a free country and take up the same with the UN.

Ravi Shankar Prasad further iterated that it is not Tibetans who are in debt of Indians, but Indians who are in debt of Tibetans. The message of Mahatma Gandhi, of truth and non-violence, is being spread across the world by means of such peaceful protests and by the preaching of the Dalai Lama. In addition, the Budhist faith, in spite of having originated in India, was losing importance in its home land and is being spread far and wide by Tibetans.

BJP leader and editor of The Pioneer, Chandan Mitra greeted the huge gathering by saying, “If Tibet is secure, India is secure”, in context of the 1962 Indo-China war, where China had reached India through Tibet. He added that Tibet and India share a history that dates back thousands of years in time.

Radha Behl, a social activist was greeted with a loud applause when she said, “That we have said enough, it is now time for some doing”.

On the behest of Shri Balbir Punj, the gathering observed a minute of silence to honor the 99 Tibetans who have self-immolated in protest of the Chinese repression.

The day ended with the Tibetan PM thanking India for her hospitality and support. The entire protest was very solemn, though there were sundry-armed police guards, they did not have to resort to Lathi charge to keep the crowd in control. Jantar Mantar was resonating with the slogans of “Jai Hind, Jai Tibet” throughout the day.

 

Harsh Vardhan([email protected])
Siddhi Goel([email protected])

The Sanjay Story is a biography of Sanjay Gandhi written by the esteemed former editor-in-chief of Outlook magazine, Vinod Mehta. Originally published in 1978, the book has recently been re-printed. A quick read, the book helps gain understanding of the life of Mr. Sanjay Gandhi – a brief about his ancestors, his childhood, his relationships and ultimately his role in Indian politics.

Being the grandson of the First Prime Minister of the Indian Republic and son of the First Lady Prime Minister of the country would seem to be an honour to most. The author of the book shows us how proud Sanjay Gandhi was of his heritage, but how little effort he put into living up to those names and positions. An average student, with no degree other than a Class 12 pass from Doon School, he went on to start the first indigenous car factory of the country: Maruti, a car that never came into existence beyond its layout models in various exhibitions. Vinod Mehta leads us through the Emergency, and the influence Sanjay Gandhi had on his mother during this period. Indira Gandhi, described as a mother blinded by faith on her son’s actions hardly seems worthy of being called the Iron Lady once one had read this book. A careful examination of the uprooting and rehabilitation of the Turkman Gate slums gives one an insight to the ignorant attitude of Sanjay Gandhi. However, all is not bad. Mr. Mehta does throw light on the fact that all was not done with evil intentions. For example, the ‘nasbandi’ or family planning program was meant to be a measure for population control –an imperative for the growth of our company. But he was a man who believed in ends over mean, which is seen prominently while reading the book.

A book I would recommend to all those who are interested in the history of Indian politics, especially the Emergency, and the lives of the Nehru-Gandhi family. It’s well researched and impartial, with just the right amount of humour to keep the reader going.

 

Adita Bhatia
[email protected] 

One of the starting events of the day at Gargi College was the Folk Dance competition. Various DU teams took to the stage, which had been given a colourful makeover. The event opened with the Gargi Philosophy Department’s dance performance that was a combination of Mohini Aatam, Oddisi and many more dance forms. Some of the crowds’ favourite performances in Folk Dance were Gidda by Mata Sundari College (the team came second in the competition), Laavni by the team from Jesus and Mary College, Bhangra by Kamla Nehru College, among a few others. While the Laavni performance brought to stage a hint of the Konkan coast, IP College performed Kalbelia that was also enjoyed by the crowd. Venky on the other hand disappointed slightly with a rather lax approach to the dance form of Daandiya. The competition saw Bhangra performances by the dozen but all were performed very vivaciously by the teams, and the crowd was pleased by the live Dhol beats and singing alongside. The Dramatics competition saw five colleges perform various plays. Ramjas College staged “Saints and Sinners”, CBS staged “The Accidental Death of an Anarchist”, Bhagat Singh College staged “I am Hamlet”, Gargi College staged “Make-up” and Kirori Mal College staged “Threesome with Simone”. The auditorium was packed during all the plays, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The college that took the cake was Ramjas, which came first, and Kirori Mal came in the second position. Students of both Kirori Mal and Ramjas bagged the prize for Best Actor. Best Director was declared to be from Ramjas. Congratulations to the winners!   Anugrah Gopinath and Shreya Mudgil]]>

The carnival of quizzes, Illume, which was organized by the Quiz Society of Shri Ram College of Commerce ended with four fun filled quiz events, starting from 9 am to 5 pm. The events included Biblios-Literature Quiz, Edens- Cricket Quiz, Fastrack- General Quiz and Ambiente- Environmental Quiz. The registration for all the four events was quite impressive and the Auditorium of the college saw a huge audience to witness the quizzes.

The Literature Quiz was the first quiz of the day. The preliminary round witnessed many students trying to get through to the final round, but only 6 teams could make it to the final. As the final round began, the teams began answering at a brisk pace. The team from SRCC comprising of Deepak and Sandeep put up a scintillating performance, coming first in Literature quiz, while a team from Shri Venkateshwara College were placed second.

The Cricket quiz was undoubtedly the best among all with entertaining questions and quick answers. The winners were awarded prizes of a considerable amount and internships as well, marking the end of this two-day extravaganza!

 

Sakshi Gupta & Aishwarya Chaurasia

Image credits – Aditi Virmani & Avijit Sharma