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The government along with the youth ministry has recently planned to revamp the NCC and NSS, which has raised the question if this sudden interest is genuine or an attempt to brainwash the youth. 

A report in a certain national daily ran that a National Youth Empowerment Scheme or N-YES was being planned by the Modi government to “optimise the Indian demographic advantage” and it would ”help instill values of nationalism and discipline in the youth”. This would help India become a “Vishwaguru” (a world leader) which is the aim of the New India Vision 2022 of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). 

A day later the centre rejected the report and claimed it to be “devoid of truth”. The ministry of youth affairs said the report was “sensational misrepresentation” and called it “an unfortunate and deliberate attempt to create a wrong impression.” It further added that it simply planned to strengthen and revamp the existing schemes: National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme . The step is being done to address problems such as “manpower deficiency “, which is prevalent in both the institutes. The Ministry of Youth Affairs also added that it would have suitable representations from NCC and the ministry of Human Resource and Development. The Committee will deal with issues like expansion, strengthening training infrastructure, reducing manpower deficiency affecting NCC and NSS (National Service Scheme),” the statement read.

The NCC was started in 1948, the NSS in 1969. Both aim at involving youth energy towards national development and progress. However, they are not present in all schools and colleges. Though both these organisations provide a unique expansive exposure one is not sure whether the scheme should be welcomed or not.  The government pumping in money into these institutions does raise more than a few brows. It causes a skeptic to wonder whether the government has an ulterior motive of force feeding the youth its stanch nationalist Hindutva ideology which has gained criticism at various platforms. 

Youth Organisations such as NSS and NCC help broaden a student’s horizon, develop national tolerance, a secular outlook, a spirit of adventure and gain experience in community led programmes.  One needs to scrutinize with a critical eye the changes that the committee shall bring about in both the organisations.

Feature Image Credits – Hindustan

Bhavika Behal 

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The recent case of Delhi School of Journalism(DSJ) students protesting against the poor infrastructure faced by them stands as the quintessential embodiment of how many DU students feel about infrastructural facilities in their own colleges.

Inadequate infrastructure has always been one of biggest problems faced by students and faculty alike under colleges affiliated to University of Delhi (DU). Being almost a century old university, most of DU’s colleges were established around mid 20th Century. This, along with lack of proper maintenance and harsh conduct towards it, remain the biggest reasons for DU’s poor infrastructure.

From washrooms with cleanliness levels of porta-potties, overcrowded classrooms with conjoined benches and poor ventilation, rats running around in its canteens, to roofs falling off and permanently damaged infrastructure, to the failure of the Equal Opportunity Cell to maintain adequate facilities for students with special needs, University of Delhi seems indifferent towards basic infrastructural requirements of its students. Such poor maintenance often results in high degree of inconvenience to students and staff alike, there even being some cases of injuries to the students caused by the lumps of roofs falling on them.

Cases such as roofs falling off at KNC and DRC, as well as various cases of inadequate infrastructure such as non-PwD-friendly rooms at SRCC and Rajdhani college stand as fresh examples of the problem. Apart from poor infrastructure in its colleges, the problem of scarcity of hostels and their limited seats also remains one of the biggest infrastructural issues for University of Delhi. There are a total of 12 DU colleges offering hostel facility, out of which only three provide hostel facility for boys. Procedure of admission in hostels itself is a highly complicated process, let alone live under the smeary conditions of the same for years. Students from outside Delhi tend to prefer PGs over DU’s hostels often due to this reason. When asked regarding the issue of such unpalatable infrastructure, university officials generally reply with a variety of reasons ranging from shortage of funding to lack of space for expansion.

However, to its credit, some new and off-campus college such as Maharaja Agraseen College(MAC), Deen Dayal Upadhyay College, Zakir Hussain College etc. do succeed in maintaining decent college campuses, along with some north campus colleges like St. Stephens, Shri Ram College of Commerce(SRCC), and Miranda House.

According to a study conducted by students of the Department of Anthropology in 2016, DU students’ rating of its infrastructure stood at an average of 62%. Being a government funded University, DU is inevitably subject to having comparatively worse infrastructural conditions when compared to private universities such as Amity or Sharda. However, It also is expected to provide basic amenities like cleaner washrooms and ample number of classrooms. With most of its constructions being in dire need of renovation, it is a matter of time to see how long does its indifference towards the highly inconvenient and potentially dangerous infrastructural conditions persists.

Feature Image Credits – India Times

Rishaj

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Continuing its efforts to increase transgender awareness, University of Delhi(DU) announced on Monday its plans to introduce a ‘gender neutral hostel’ by the academic session 2018-19.

It was the year 2015 when DU took a much-needed and critically acclaimed step to introduce a ‘third gender’ category. However, as years passed by, not a single student enrolled and attended regular classes under the category. Acknowledging this, the university’s Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor J.P. Khurana announced on Monday its plans to introduce gender a neutral hostel, along with other initiatives to increase transgender visibility.

‘While pondering the idea of a third gender only hostel, we realized the decision will only end up having segregatory implications. We thought if gender neutral hostels were to be introduced instead, binary students would learn to be more accepting of students of the third gender.’ He said.

The announcement has received mixed reactions from students, some claiming it to be a ‘progressive’ and ‘moral’ decision, while others calling it ‘unnecessary’ and ‘disruptive’.  “I acknowledge the need for trans awareness, but I personally cannot defend such a potentially dangerous decision, especially for girls. How would you make sure that no atrocities happen when you put everyone in the same dorm?” Neha, a resident of Ramjas colleges’ girls hostel told DU Beat.  Professor J.P. Khurana acknowledged this issue, stating that if the decision is confirmed, he’d ensure that ‘safety of the residents remains a priority’.

‘We were aware of the criticism we’d receive when coming up with the idea. However, we thought it’d be in the best of students’ interests if they were to be exposed to third gender on a more recurring basis, and a residential program seems to be obviously the superior way of accomplishing it. It should be noted all necessary steps for the students’ safety will be taken if the decision is to be implemented. Safety of the students remains a priority for us.’ he said

Another concern raised by students is that the decision might only end up backfiring for transgender students. Suspecting that keeping them in the same hostel as trans-phobic students may trigger ‘regular abuse’ and ‘unwanted attention’.  The hostel is rumored to have the ability to accommodate about a hundred students. It is also suspected that hostel charges will be much higher than that of other DU colleges’ hostels.

This wouldn’t be the first time the concept of gender neutral hostels is introduced in India. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai announced this April its intentions to introduce sexless hostels by the next academic session. While the idea of gender neutral hostels sounds appealing, the question here remains that will DU be able to flawlessly introduce and implement the concept or will it only end up becoming another nightmare for transgender students?

Disclaimer: Bazinga is our weekly column of almost believable fake news. It is only to be appreciated and not accepted!

Rishaj

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The August weather is unpredictable and can put a damper on your style and overall well-being.  Don’t let the tyrannies of the season subdue your fashion drive with these amazing hacks.

  • Choose the right fabric – Faux leather is prone to peeling upon contact with moisture. Suede is a big no as the velvety texture can grab dirt, removing which might ruin your shoes.  Synthetics dry in no time and cotton absorbs sweat. Go for shorts or ankle-length bottoms to keep the edges from dipping into substances. Avoid heavy fabrics. Brighter garments make you stand out in the crowd.
  • Wear minimal makeup – A fresh, no make-up face could be the most carefree way to enjoy monsoon but if you absolutely have to use makeup, don’t go overboard with it! Choose tinted moisturisers over full-coverage foundations. Mascaras and eyeliners should be waterproof at all costs. Tinted balms give your lips a fruity, bubblegummy wash of colour. Lip stains could minimise the risk of looking like you just had a make out session.
  • Take care of your jewelry – Make your lackluster silver jewelry brand new again by brushing it with some toothpaste. Refrain from using street-bought jewelry as it could corrode and leave a nasty green residue on your skin. Get a hold of some beady necklaces in various colours so that you have something for each outfit. You could even try the lightweight wooden bangles if you are going for an earthy, non-fussy look.
  • Hair-care should be a priority – Excessive styling products can not only make your hair greasy from the humidity but also build up on the scalp and hair causing dandruff and breakage. To tame the frizz and avoid stray hair getting all over your face and neck, apply styling mousse on freshly washed hair and diffuse to create ringlets that hold together, finish with some hair serum. If you’re on a budget, take a dollop of body lotion or two drops of non-sticky oil, rub between palms and run over hair. Choose from an array of ‘gym hairdos’ such as top knots, double Dutch braids and fishtail ponies to keep your hair in place. Avoid abrasive hair accessories and last but not the least, do not comb wet hair. 
  • Look out for your books – To keep books from getting dog-eared, store them in waterproof zip folders, available in stylish designs and neon colours. If you want to continue with canvas bag packs, try the old school method of lining the insides of your bag with polythene. Don’t forget to experiment with trendy umbrellas and raincoats! While raincoats may be a hassle to carry, compact umbrellas fit easily inside bags. Choose from a range of quirky prints and bright colours to pop in some cheer during the sombre weather.
  • Do not forget essential skincare – Blending sunscreen into your skin is a task, especially if you’re hairy but don’t skip on it! Even if the sun isn’t visible, harmful sun rays could still penetrate through the clouds. Choose a cream based sunscreen, preferably waterproof too, with an SPF of at least 30.
  • Carry a newspaper along – Regardless of whether you’re a newspaper person, you might want to carry one along. Apart from their primary purpose, they serve as excellent mats, saving our books and butts from getting wet. And if your drenched footwear won’t stop squeaking like a rat, crumple a page, stuff into your shoe and you’re good to go! Keep wet wipes napkins handy to tissue off mud stains.
  • Look out for yourself – The season also comes with its share of blisters. Thigh chaffing or the popularly known ‘chub rubs’ are burns caused by friction between the thighs, which aggravates due to sweat.  Abstain from tight clothes that cause discomfort. For the painful shoe bites, wear socks and carry enough band aids. Fungal infections are fairly common during the season. Avoid stepping into puddles, dry your shoes well and give your feet regular pedicures. Refrain from padded bras as they soak sweat and moisture, becoming a hub for bacteria. Carry a travel sized deodorant to keep body odour away.

These hacks will ensure that the unpredictable, sometimes sunny, sometimes rainy weather of August does not affect your style or overall comfort.

Feature Image Credits – Pinterest

Ananya Acharya

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Brooklyn Nine-Nine, with its diverse cast and representation of marginalised communities, is taking the world by storm. It’ss hilarity and breaking of negative stereotypes is something never seen before. The show is about to start with its sixth season and the fans can’t seem to wait!

Have you always been a fan of off-beat comedies like Parks and Recreation and The Office? Do the characters make you love the weird people you encounter in your everyday, melancholic life? Then, hold your horses because Brooklyn Nine-Nine is here. This American television series revolves around a team of detectives based in New York of the 99th precinct.

Jake Peralta is a goofy, mischievous, immature, and an intelligent detective whose favourite movie is Die Hard. His sidekick and best friend, Charles Boyle is the loyal, people-pleaser connoisseur whose vocabulary is not really great. Rosa Diaz is the badass detective who doesn’t believe in showing feelings and emotions and is extra secretive about her life. Amy Santiago is the workaholic, type- A personality who respects her captain more than anyone else. Lieutenant Terry Jeffords is the soft- hearted, muscular, yogurt-loving man who absolutely adores his twin baby girls. Captain Raymond Holt is serious and stern whose one-liners and lack of facial expressions would make you scratch your head. Gina Linetti is the hilariously self-centred administrator who loves to dance and practically every B99 fan’s spirit animal. Hitchcock and Scully are the two dim-witted veterans of the precinct who just love to sit and eat.

So, what makes this show so unique and a must-watch? Well, the list is endless. The ensemble cast is terrific and lovable. Apart from that, it is one of the most ethnically diverse casts on television. The main leads have two black men, along with two Latina women. The show has LGBT characters where Captain Raymond Holt is a happily married gay man and Detective Rosa Diaz is a bisexual woman. It doesn’t promote stereotypical personalities and doesn’t make a big deal about it. The show doesn’t shy away from discussing social issues like feminism, racism, police brutality, and sexism at the workplace and never makes the marginalised groups the butt of jokes.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine doesn’t stress on romantic relationship, needless drama. The relationships it presents are non-toxic and non-abusive where the emphasis is on healthy communication. It prioritises friendships where the detectives respect and appreciate each other for their hard work and talent. Many sitcoms show women characters where they are always at war with each other but in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, they do not tear each other down. They might be different but they always look out for each other no matter what. It doesn’t show toxic masculinity and ‘angry, tough, and heartless man’ as the ideal. It promptly breaks the notion that ‘nice guy gets the girl’. It highlights how men should handle rejection and back off if the women do not show interest instead of pestering them.

The show is a perfect balance of drama and comedy. It has wackiness with an amazing comedic timing. Its multi-dimensional characters and memorable one-liners are out of the world and worth a mic-drop.  The heart- warming scenes would make you smile ear to ear. Jake’s evergreen ‘title of your sex tape’, ‘cool cool cool cool, no doubt no doubt no doubt’, ‘noice’ and ‘smort’ are weirdly funny and of course Gina Linetti is the self-proclaimed human form of 100 emoji whose quirkiness and absurdness takes the show to another level. So, instead of watching hardcore police dramas like Criminal Minds and NCIS, give Brooklyn Nine-Nine a shot.

 

Feature Image Credits: Her

Disha Saxena

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A hunger strike took place on 1st August 2018 in the Arts Faculty of Delhi University. The protest was against the modifications in the M.Phil and PhD admission procedure, demands against the enforcement of the University Grants Commission’s Ordinance VI by DU has been put forth.

On 1st August 2018, a 12-hour long hunger strike was held at the Faculty of Arts, New Delhi. The strike emerged as a result of the implementation of the 2016 Union Grants Commission (UGC) Gazette notification regarding M.Phil/PhD admissions.
Those who contributed to the protest are against the minimum qualification criterion which requires all the students to have secured 50% marks or more in the entrance test.

The participants of the protest released a public statement before 1st August, where it was revealed that the University of Delhi (DU), as a central university, is not bound to follow the notification. There is a separate selection process, under which the various departments released an Initial Interview List after the results of the entrance test were declared.

This list, however, went on a backburner when an arbitrary notification was released overnight, stating:
“According to the amendments to ordinance VI, VI-A and VI-B regarding MPHIL and PHD, the qualifying marks in the entrance examination for all the candidates (RESERVED and UNRESERVED) is 50%.”

Student movements, thus, stemmed from a collective feeling that the aforementioned notification led to an unjustified hike in the cut-off that brought out a Revised Interview List.
Ordinance VI had been announced in theory in the month of May, and yet there was a lack of information about its implementation in the subsequent forms that were released.

A PhD aspirant, under the condition of anonymity, revealed that some of the Heads of Departments (HOD) were asked to clarify the implications of the ordinance while the students were filling their forms. The HODs assured the students at that time about the maintenance of the previous year’s procedure. When confronted about the happenings, the Heads confessed that there had been no debate, discussion, or revelation regarding the arbitrary enforcement.
The students remain appalled at this lack of transparency.

As per the DU website, the new list had 11 courses where no aspirant could qualify for the interview round. This raised a poignant question for the condition of Higher Education in India, where the new methodology blatantly ignored the gradations and flexibilities based on reservation policies across categories, and put every individual under a single umbrella of 50% marks.

Furthermore, the protestors are of the view that the new DU notification did not take into consideration the papers negative marking, which was absent in 2016.
When the uproar gained momentum, the concerned authorities responded by postponing and cancelling the interviews for PhD and MPhil courses, respectively. The Indian Express reported that the said decision was a consequence of the orders given by the Union Ministry of Human Resource and Development (MHRD), and a meeting was conducted for senior officials. Yet the meeting failed to provide a thorough guideline concerning the next steps.

In the hunger strike, 15 students voiced their disagreement with the way DU was treating the higher educational system in India, and many protestors shared the fear that their futures were being jeopardised for no reason at all.

Those who protested through the hunger strike for more stringent modifications have put forth a list of demands, which are as follows:
1. Complete scrapping of Ordinance VI which states the qualifying marks in the entrance
examination for all the candidates (reserved and unreserved) is 50%.
2. Reinstatement of previous interview lists for all candidates from all categories.
3. Weightage given to written exam to be 80% and for the interview to be 20%.

Aakriti, a PhD aspirant, also participated in the strike and told DU Beat that their group was addressed by the Dean of Students’ Welfare, and a few teachers, but all of them only discouraged their protests, requesting them to wait for further notifications.
According to the collaborative account of the protesting students, the Vice-Chancellor has refused to acknowledge the letters and mails addressed to him, asking for justice in the matter.

Another student, wishing to remain anonymous, said over a telephonic discussion “They redirect us to different places. Sometimes, they ridicule us, they laugh at us, and sometimes they try to reassure us by telling us to contact UGC, MHRD, and others. They have no answers. This shows that there is no transparency in the entire process.”
As of now, the matter has reached the Delhi High Court, and the protesters are hopeful of the decisions that may change after the hearing on 28th August, 2018.

 

Feature Image Credits: DU Beat.

Anushree Joshi
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Dear Sex Amma,
I am a recent school graduate and a fresher in the literal sense to sexual experiences, and a very eager one at that! All my life I have been taught to associate sex with shame. I hear college is way more liberal than school, especially when it comes to this area of life and this makes me scared. Please Amma, help me. How do I go about this?

My luscious little lamb, you are only what, 17, 18 years old? Amma understands you completely and sympathises with your intimate innocence, which I see, our lovely conservative society has had a major role in protecting. To feel that sex is something foreign and shameful is not unusual; thanks to the way we let our children grow up, despite being the world’s second largest populated country.

Do remember, that these youthful years of yours are probably the best years where you can discover your body sensually and allow yourselves the pleasure  you might not be privy to in the future due to biological constraints.

College is liberal yes, but that also does not imply you should feel any pressure to be overtly sexual. Keep in mind my curious kitten, that sex is pleasurable and needs time to be discovered. Do not allow yourself to be shamed for wanting too much or too little sex. Find other non-judgmental ripe munchkins and talk to them about your sexuality. Don’t be embarrassed about being naive about sex. Remember, every cat was a kitten once, even Amma! Your confidence in yourself is the biggest threat to anyone aiming to bring you down by their judgement.

Be sure of yourself, and explore the venereal edens of sexual pleasure and fantasy at your own time. Amma surely didn’t shy away from it. Don’t forget to be safe and always carry an umbrella in this titillating weather. After all, it’s raining men, women or whoever you’re into!

Amma wishes you a safe and lucky semester ahead!

As the college days begin in this torrid weather, beat the heat and travel in comfort with these tips.

As your college commences with excitement, the only hindrance would be the unbearable heat and humidity of the Delhi weather. As different modes of vehicular transportation will be used for your commute, prep yourself for the best.

Here a few tips and tricks to stay hydrated and fresh to make the best of the day.

The most popular way of transportation is the Delhi Metro. They are well-connected and one can reach on time eliminating peak hour traffic. While travelling in metros, ensure you carry a scarf around. The temperature difference can cause strokes or nausea.

Carry your caps or scarves while travelling in auto-rickshaws and buses as the heat can cause great harm. While travelling in your own cars, always carry enough water and ensure proper ventilation in the car. Always keep your sunglasses along, as the sun rays can damage your eyes.

Have a lot of desi-treats like:

  • Aam Panna,
  • Jaggery lemonade,
  • Coconut water and,
  • Jal jeera; among others to be recharged.

These drinks are not only energy providers but have great health benefits as well; they quench your thirst and prevent the excessive loss of sodium chloride and iron during summer due to excessive sweating.

A lot of college canteens serve fresh juices and have a lot of cold beverages to enjoy. Relish in the exotic ‘mausambi juice’ to freshen up.

Whenever your body heats up from physical activity or the hot weather outside, your internal air conditioner turns on and you begin to sweat. And remember, now that your air conditioner is using its coolant (your sweat), it is important to refill the tank — by drinking lots of H2O.

So gear up for the college season and make the best out of it by following these steps.

 

Feature Image Credits: Pixabay

Avnika Chhikara

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When we have not experienced something first hand, we tend to believe anything that is a popular opinion regarding it. So, if you are a fresher then you tend to believe everything that into pop culture and select Instagram posts show about college. However, not all of what you see is true. Here are some of the myths about college. Let’s bust them!

1. You won’t have to study

Just get your school life done with. Do your class 12 well and that is about it. You don’t have to study at college, you’ll pass all exams!

Let us take this moment to call you out of this misconception. You must or should have been really worried about your class 12 results and you should have worked hard for them. And, just to make sure you give it your all, people tell you that the struggle ends after your school is over. Definitely, college is not as hard as that until the last year. However, it does not mean you don’t have to study at all. Your score from semester one to the last semester adds up to count the final percentage at the end of your college, which will not only stick to your CV for the rest of your life but also play a crucial role in getting you a job or further admissions.

2. Life will suddenly turn into a Karan Johar movie

When your college is about to begin, your parents will take you out for shopping and your friends at college will talk about the freedom and fun you’re about to throw yourself into. With all the amazing clothes and stories given to you, you might begin daydreaming about your college life as one of those KJo movies. Yes, a few moments might definitely be like you’re on the golden screen. However, it is important to remember and be prepared for the fact that not everything will be as glamorous. There will be failures, heartbreaks and god forbid, bad hair days!  But what do all the protagonists do when in trouble? Get back up and emerge out of it!

3. You will get friends for life

This is not true for everybody. You do get contacts for life. You will receive and give several calls to your college mates throughout your life, for work. However, you might not remain tight friends with them. While in college, you will definitely have a ‘gang’ of friends. However, people tend to get scattered and busy once college ends. Only lucky people are able to sustain these lifelong friendships. But, the good news is that you are living in the era of social media. Most of your friends might be just one tap away from you, therefore, you have a great possibility to remain in touch for a long while.

4. You have to defend yourself in this cold world

Your parents are seeing you grow as you enter the new college environment. They have seen and been in touch with your school, earlier. They used to trust the school, its people, and its rules well. However, they now are a little paranoid about college. They will tell you all sorts of precautions you have to take to defend yourself in the ‘cold world’ you’re about to enter. However, it is not true. Do not pull up your guards or over think about anything at college. It will just cause mistrust. College is as warm as a school if you want it to be. There will be well-wishers, there will be competitors like there always are at every place! Just remember to take sensible decisions and really know a person before relying on them. That done, you are good to go!

Feature Image Credit: Hindustan Times

Khyati Sanger

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The tussle between academics and activities causes trouble to almost all students in the Varsity.  But why should such a situation arise at all ?

The students studying in the University of Delhi (DU) are among the top scorers in India. The level of competition therefore, is very high. And these students are good not only in academics but other activities as well. Societies constitute a very important part of the college. There are so many students who prioritize societies over classes. That can be a good thing and a bad thing at the same time.

It is difficult to choose academics or activities, if you have to choose one. I write about this choosing one simply because a point comes during college where you end up tripping, trying to balance between classes and society work. It is not an easy task to choose one, of course but when one has his/her priorities straight, it is not such a difficult task too. For example, in most of the colleges attendance plays a very important part in getting you the admit card for sitting in the examination. Now, when you are involved in an active society, you are to commit yourself towards it. Here, a confusing situation arises. Students often find themselves questioning whether they should go sit in the lectures for the attendance or go for the session of their society.

For all the newbies, here’s a suggestion: Take some time for yourself. Do some thinking. Get your priorities straight. If the lectures feel enlightening and you want to pursue your career in academics in the future, chuck the society. You are one human being who can only manage a couple of things at a time. And there’s no moral obligation here. Talk to your seniors if you find yourself in such a situation. They’ll understand if you’re lucky. Likewise, if the society means much more to you than classes, then go for it. Be honest and make your stance clear.

The thing however, is that this is not always a black and white case. We are encased within this system where we have to attend classes no matter how unhelpful we find them. What is the point of sitting in the classroom, listening to a teacher when your mind is focused on the students sitting outside under the light of the sun practicing their music? It is not just the academics that can guarantee us a successful career, after all.

Image Credits: Dailymail 

Akshada Shrotryia

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