Arindam Goswami, Author at DU Beat - Delhi University's Independent Student Newspaper

As election fever grabs Delhi University, a vivid picture of its political culture is reflected in all colleges affiliated with it. From widespread campaigning to fliers scattered all around the campus, from exuberant slogans to demonstration rallies, from promising posters to utmost commotion – the entire ambiance of elections isn’t a thing worth missing. But, we do.

Being a part of Jesus and Mary College, one of the few colleges exempted from the Delhi University Student Union election procedure and working, election time for us is just like any other time during the year. While an atmosphere of zeal and vibrancy captures most of the colleges in the political whirlpool, we have normal classes scheduled for us. No one is aware of the candidates, no one is concerned about the result. The possibility that we’re missing something huge strikes us only when the final day of election arrives.

The obvious handicap of this system is that we don’t have a say in the political affairs of the University that may directly or indirectly affect us. We are not allowed the right of representation in the Students’ Union of the University we so proudly belong to.

But there is a silver lining. With the ebullient atmosphere comes the political controversies, fights, lying and more. Do the disadvantages exceed the advantages when it comes from being excluded from the Delhi Union Students’ Union? I think so.

Lovleen Kaur

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DUB Speak

Dastaan-e-Bhookh – A Third Space Collective Production

By Arindam Goswami August 30, 2015

Third Space Collective (TSC), a theatre group based in Delhi recently performed a small preview of their latest production ‘Dastan-e-Bhookh’, an adaption of American author Sam Sheperd’s path-breaking play ‘Curse of the Starving Class’ at Greater Kailash-2 on the 28th of August.

‘Curse of the Starving Clas’s is a dark and comic exploration of a family’s psyche in the style of absurdism. The original play focuses on the dysfunctional Tate clan. A drunken dreamer of a father, burned out mother, rebellious teenage daughter and an idealistic son are the characters in the family and who are the focus of the play. The production aims to draw attention to the ominous bulldozer buzzing ominously, 100 ft away from the run down house of this squabbling family. It pushes the viewers to ask the whys of the demise of the family unit rather than the ‘whats’. The hunger, ever present in the household is a constant reminder of all that’s missing in their lives. Devoid of any real understanding of what has pushed them into this malfunctionality, the family pursues their attempts at pulling themselves out, mindlessly grabbing at whatever their persecutors throw at them.

Brilliantly directed and executed, the play emerges as thought provoking and intelligent and the equally brilliant use of props will have you sitting throughout watching in rapt attention.

Third Space Collective is a group of theatre practitioners creating theatre which is of relevance to the times we live in. Their core idea is to actively push themselves to use all available resources at hand to create performances. Dastaan-e-Bhookh has been under production for about five months and they are finally ready to perform a series of shows.

They will be performing at Akshara theatre near RML hospital, Connaught Place on 3rd, 10th and 11th of September. Passes will be available on these dates from 4 pm to 7 pm.

As the director, Dhwani Vij had to say, ” Set in the outskirts of Delhi, the production peers in to the very-obvious-but-swept-under-the-carpet-reality of hyper urbanization which is vicariously gnawing away at the rural settlements in and around the city. The road to reach the stage has been long and magnificent for this production. I am really excited to know how Delhi will react to our attempt“.

Arindam Goswami

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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

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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.

Viva Via Skype for Delhi University Ph.D. Students

By Arindam Goswami August 28, 2015

In an attempt to simplify matters for students pursuing Ph.D. at the University of Delhi, the varsity now allows the students to appear for their viva through skype or any other mode of video conferencing.

Usually scholars who are ready to submit their thesis are offered diverse opportunities abroad. But earlier due to the requirement of appearing for the viva in person, such students had to fly back to the country. Since it created an unfavorable situation, this need has now been done away with by the University.

The students who are willing to opt for the mechanism of viva through video conferencing are required to inform their concerned departments in advance. As per the directives from the University Grants Commission (UGC), it is a mandate that all submitted thesis should be subjected to plagiarism check by specialised softwares to curb plagiarism.“There are certain softwares which are available over the internet too but they do not yield fool proof results.We are procuring certain specialised softwares to ensure the scholars cannot do any cut-paste job,” a varsity official was quoted as telling a national daily. Also, if an expert from the interview panel is unable to be a part of the viva in person, a similar setup needs to be adopted to conduct the process.

These amendments with regard to the doctoral programmes got approval during an Executive Council (EC) meeting earlier this month. The time span for completing a Ph.D. has been increased from 4 years up to a maximum of 6.5 years. The earlier norm of a separate admission process for each department is now replaced by a compulsory entrance test for all Ph.D. aspirants.

Though the varsity purports to make the process more student friendly, the viability of the proposal is yet to be seen.

Tanya Agarwal

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Campus Central

The Consequences of Change on Hindu and and its Students

By Arindam Goswami August 28, 2015

Furthermore, the fate of Hindu’s famous V-Tree Festival conducted every year on the 14^th of February has been put into question. Many students are of the opinion that even if the festival is somehow conducted, the response that it receives every year will not be the same. The annual college fest, ‘Mecca,’ considered by many to be one of DU’s best, also requires a large area to set up stalls and stages. Events will have to be planned by the student union in a manner that doesn’t disrupt the construction and at the same time doesn’t reduce the standards set in previous years. Though students may be upset by the decision of the college authorities, it is important for them to realize that progress is impossible without change and these changes are being implemented keeping in mind the best interest of the college and its students. As John F. Kennedy once said, “Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.” Shraman Ghosh [email protected]]]>

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Features

St. Stephen’s College joins hands with Teach for India for Project Vidyajyoti

By Arindam Goswami August 20, 2015

The Social Service League (SSL), St. Stephen’s College, is all set to flag off Project Vidyajyoti- an annual initiative which involves student volunteers from the college teaching children of a basti in GTB Nagar after college hours. But this year the volunteers, prior to their interaction with the children, are being trained and moulded into great teachers at the expert hands of Teach for India Fellows.

Benoy Stephen, a volunteer with the SSL, who was instrumental in bringing Teach for India to St. Stephen’s, says, “Through Project Vidyajyoti, we hope to help a child, not just academically, but also to become a good human being. We realised we needed professional help in structuring our sessions and improving the quality of the programme. Who better than Teach for India to turn to?”

With a meticulously structured teaching module, the training session ensures that the volunteers are prepared. Spread over two days, the session is divided into two sections- culture and content, each for a period of two hours. The training includes everything from how to teach the children elementary Math and English to how to keep them motivated and confident. “It was a highly interactive and wholesome session,” says Nayantara, one of the volunteers who participated in the training. “We were told how to interact with the children on every level. The realisation that elements like body language and rewards are also key factors struck home.”

Setting down rules and compromising on some of them and ensuring that the children do not feel humiliated or excluded, were just some of the key points that Vani Valson, one of the Teach for India Fellows who conducted the training, focussed on. “Since we have hands on experience, we can give the volunteers an idea about the problems and challenges they are likely to face,” she says.

Here’s hoping that Project Vidyajyoti is a great success!

The Teach For India Fellowship Program is a 2 year full-time salaried commitment in which the most promising graduates and professionals are placed as full-time teachers in under-resourced and low-income schools.

Applications for the 2016 Fellowship Program are now open at apply.teachforindia.org. The deadline for applications is 11.59 PM, August 25th. To learn more about the Fellowship Program, go to www.teachforindia.org.

Abhinaya Harigovind

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Features

DU Freshers Guide 101

By Arindam Goswami August 3, 2015

Gone are the days of school uniforms, strict school teachers and the thousand restrictions that come with school life. Our fucchas now finally have a chance to begin a new phase of their life. Surely, many have taken admission in one of the best universities in India for Undergraduate courses – Delhi University.

“DU main admission ho gaya? Ab toh bas enjoy karna hai!” your friend would say. Well, friend, it might be too early to say that. Thanks to numerous articles on College life, stories narrated by seniors and family members, and even Bollywood movies most of us definitely have a lot of expectations from college life.

So here’s our Fresher 101 guide for what you need to know about Life at Delhi University Colleges. It may break your expectations, some might be wrong, but in the end you’ll be somewhat prepared to tackle the new things thrown at you.

Freedom from Restrictions – You were literally counting the days when your board exams get over so you can finally begin your life as a mature responsible college going adult. Exploring places to hang out with new college friends was sure to become a part of your daily routine; or so you thought.

Reality: You’ll realize your call log on phone is filled with missed calls from your parents initially, and getting into Delhi University won’t stop your parents from constantly questioning your whereabouts. Before the hang outs and friends, you’re just trying to find your way to the next class in the huge campus trying not to get lost and figuring out the names of people in your class.

School friends and College friends – You still remember the last few days of your school when you constantly kept telling your school best friends to stay in touch wherever they are, but always having a fear at the back of your mind that you’ll lose touch with all of them once college begins. As you start meeting new people in college and even being a part of a small group in class, you feel these are going to be your closest friends for the next few years and beyond; only to realize something else.
Reality: Exactly a year later you might have a completely different set of college friends than the ones you’re with right now. Yes, you might not be in touch with each and every school friend, but the ones who matter the most are going to stay for sure. After all, those school friends have seen you go through the funny middle school phase as well as all those new looks you tried throughout your school years.
The College seniors – As you enter the college gates, you constantly keep praying that you don’t get ragged by a senior. You wouldn’t walk separately from the few people you know in college and all you hope is to find some helpful seniors in your department.
Reality: You most probably won’t have to worry about anything happening at all. You’ll realize that the very college seniors whom you were a little tensed about are your pillars of support throughout your first year in college. They help you untangle the college life, and in the end, you’ll feel happy to be approached by them rather than the other way round.
Attendance – “Bas ek lecture? Let’s go somewhere else instead,” said that one senior who made you realize that yes, missing lectures in a day is possible and no teacher is going to run after you for attendance. In layman terms, you need not be present throughout the day in college. Also, there is no fixed time to come every single day; at days you’re free by 12pm, and at times your classes can happen till 4pm. Everything seems to be fine…till you hear the criteria for minimum attendance to give exams.

Reality: You might not be eligible to give an exam if you don’t have 66.6% attendance. Most colleges across Delhi University are truly strict about it and would make you sign an undertaking if you aren’t regular to college. You might as well be careful here and not limit your already short time in college.
In the end, these 3 years will make you a far more mature person than you are. You’ll meet some great people with whom you’ll have some of the best memories of your life to cherish. Make the most of each and every day at Delhi University.

Shaina Ahluwalia

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DUB News

Delhi University Faces Criticism for Irregular Passing Criteria

By Arindam Goswami August 1, 2015

Of the students who appeared for their second semester exams in the academic session 2014-15, many were denied admission into second year, for no apparent reason. The students were later notified that they will have to repeat the year because they failed to score 40% or above in their practical papers. Around 150 students or more from Commerce courses are being held back because they couldn’t clear the Fundamental of Computers practical.

Shockingly, the guideline stating such irregular passing criteria as a rule was passed a month after the students had already given their exams. Delhi University Students’ Union(DUSU) protested and took the matter to the Dean of Students’ Welfare (DSW). The matter was resolved with a subsequent notification, dated 29th of July, a week after the commencement of the new session, stating that such students have been promoted to 3rd semester and will be allowed to retake the exam next year. A similar notification was passed on the 18th of July, promoting all FYUP students to final year, even those who hadn’t filled their examination forms.

Ordinance for semester system was given in 2010 by the then VC, Professor Pental using emergency powers, without any discussions. The semester system has often been cited as not being very student or administration friendly. Professor Abha Dev, a member of Delhi University Teachers’ Association(DUTA) said, “Ill devised ‘rushed’ reforms have resulted in decline of academic and examination standards. The worst victims of these ‘reforms’ have been students as no efforts were made to iron out problems. Three structures (semester, FYUP and CBCS) have been bulldozed in the last five years. The system is being systematically collapsed”

Arindam Goswami
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Image Credits: DUB Archives

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DUB News

DU student attends ‘International Conference’ at Australian National University, ANU

By Arindam Goswami June 26, 2015

The Asia Pacific Week is an annual conference held at the Australian National University and hosted by the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific. The Conference brings together 100 of the best and brightest students and academic delegates from around the world to engage in discussion on the future of the Asia Pacific region. An annual conference of this sort was a long established tradition at the ANU. But from 2011 onwards and with the introduction of a student organizing committee, APW has started attracting delegates and senior officials from around the world. Since then it has analyzed and focused on many issues of contemporary relevance such as ‘climate change ‘, ‘cyber-crime’ and global topics such as the growth of Asian countries and its relevance in relation to other countries.

Akash Mehta, a final year graduation student studying Economics Honours at Shri Ram College of Commerce and the cultural secretary of DUSU, has been selected as a national delegate and will be attending the 2015 APW with one Anurag Baid from IIT Kharagpur. Hailing from Sonipat district in Haryana, Akash has done his schooling from Delhi Public School, RK Puram.

Now in its fifth year, the theme for this year’s APW is ‘Roads Less Travelled’. This theme will attempt to look at popular issues and concerns in a new light, hoping to solve puzzles that conventional study has struggled to answer. The week will consist of panel discussions on topics like ‘ Political protest’ , ‘Redefining corruption’, ‘Language politics’, ‘War games’ and events such as a Gala dinner and a visit to the President’s Parliament among others. Officials present will be Bob Hawke, Former Australian President, Chris Barrie, former chief of Australian Defence Forces and Professor Hugh White, senior adviser to the Prime Minister of Australia, among others.

Students who wish to attend the international conference have to send their CV’s along with a research paper on any one subtopic which falls under the theme of that year. If you get shortlisted, they will take two online video interviews and ask you a few questions on your paper or on other topics. Depending on how you answer you get an invitation to attend as a delegate.

An opportunity to attend an International Conference of this scale is rare and in many ways a lucrative one, speaking in academic terms. It’s a chance to enhance one’s knowledge about Asia Pacific and the world and also throw light on trans-national issues while developing a broader view of the world. “I expect the sessions to be packed with information and opportunities to interact while also keeping the mood fresh and lively. Networking is the most priceless thing in an international event like Asia Pacific Week, ANU” said Akash when asked about the conference.

Image Credits- youthop.com

Arindam Goswami
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