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Illuminati – Hans Raj’s Quizzing Club organized one of the largest quiz competitions that Delhi University has ever witnessed. The quiz was open for fresher students from all around DU and other Universities. Hans Raj College’s auditorium was jam-packed with quizzers from all over Delhi.

The quiz allowed inter-college teams of not more than three people and attracted participation from over 300 fucchas. Apart from Delhi University colleges like Kirori Mal, Shri Ram College of Commerce, Ramjas College, Miranda House, Sri Venkateshwara College and Hindu College, Freshers’ Quiz 2014 had quizzer turnover from Jamia Millia University, Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology, Delhi Technical University, Amity University, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Indraprastha University and National Law University.

The quiz conducted was a general quiz covering up all the topics like movies, sports, business, history, geography and personalities. The prelim round consisted of 30 questions covering all such areas. Top six teams were chosen for the finals that further had five grilling rounds of quizzing.

[caption id="attachment_25951" align="aligncenter" width="900"]Participants during first round of quizzing at Hans Raj College Participants during first round of quizzing at Hans Raj College[/caption]

The set of questions presented before the students were a fair mix of easy questions and those with a slight higher level of difficulty. The venue filled with applause to appreciate certain good questions included in the quiz.

“It was so good to see all the young minds seeking knowledge with much interest. I was inspired to see all of them. We received a great footfall even though no pre-event registration process was introduced. Regular brainstorming by the participants was visible which I feel makes our event successful.” – Shraishth Jain, Quiz Master and President, Illiminati

“X is a Toronto based company. The name is an anagram of the name of that commodity that this company’s products are looking to replace. Give X!” Ans – Kobo (trying to replace a book)

The makers of the quiz had made sure to twist the questions well and keep a certain amount of surprise element to maintain the level of interest. Vineet Mall, a student of SRCC said, “The quiz was knowledgeable and fun. It was a well-executed quiz. The quality of questions was commendable. The answers lied well within the questions but it took a little over the required time to figure them out.”

Innovation also carved its way as the ‘Differential’round in the finals got the quizzers excited. The round displayed Google Earth screenshots for the contestant and they had to guess the required place referring to a few hints.

“Hans Raj is known for conducting the best quizzes. This was one of my best experiences. Everything was just perfect. It was good to have so many people scratching their heads for the brilliant questions put up by the quizmaster” -Raghav Talwar, quizzer from the winner team.

Quizzers from St. Stephens’ College won the competition. The detail of results is as follows:

Winner Team: Cash Prize: 2500

Apratim Chandra Singh – St. Stephen’s College Raghav Talwar – St. Stephen’s College Raghav Adlakha – St. Stephen’s College

Ist Runner Up Team: Cash Prize: 1500

Aditya Srinivasan – St. Stephen’s College Mrudang Mathur – Delhi Technical University Kanwar Pratap Singh – Delhi Technical University

IInd Runner Up Team: Cash Prize: 1000

Saurabh Kaul – Amity School of Engineering and Technology Arjun Sajeevan – USCLS Ashhad Qasmi – Keshav Mahavidyalaya

Picture credits: Pixels – Photography Society of Hans Raj College

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Illuminati – Hans Raj’s Quizzing Club organized one of the largest quiz competitions that Delhi University has ever witnessed. The quiz was open for fresher students from all around DU and other Universities. Hans Raj College’s auditorium was jam-packed with quizzers from all over Delhi.

The quiz allowed inter-college teams of not more than three people and attracted participation from over 300 fucchas. Apart from Delhi University colleges like Kirori Mal, Shri Ram College of Commerce, Ramjas College, Miranda House, Sri Venkateshwara College and Hindu College, Freshers’ Quiz 2014 had quizzer turnover from Jamia Millia University, Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology, Delhi Technical University, Amity University, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Indraprastha University and National Law University.

The quiz conducted was a general quiz covering up all the topics like movies, sports, business, history, geography and personalities. The prelim round consisted of 30 questions covering all such areas. Top six teams were chosen for the finals that further had five grilling rounds of quizzing.

Participants during first round of quizzing at Hans Raj College
Participants during first round of quizzing at Hans Raj College

The set of questions presented before the students were a fair mix of easy questions and those with a slight higher level of difficulty. The venue filled with applause to appreciate certain good questions included in the quiz.

“It was so good to see all the young minds seeking knowledge with much interest. I was inspired to see all of them. We received a great footfall even though no pre-event registration process was introduced. Regular brainstorming by the participants was visible which I feel makes our event successful.”
– Shraishth Jain, Quiz Master and President, Illiminati

“X is a Toronto based company. The name is an anagram of the name of that commodity that this company’s products are looking to replace. Give X!”
Ans – Kobo (trying to replace a book)

The makers of the quiz had made sure to twist the questions well and keep a certain amount of surprise element to maintain the level of interest. Vineet Mall, a student of SRCC said, “The quiz was knowledgeable and fun. It was a well-executed quiz. The quality of questions was commendable. The answers lied well within the questions but it took a little over the required time to figure them out.”

Innovation also carved its way as the ‘Differential’round in the finals got the quizzers excited. The round displayed Google Earth screenshots for the contestant and they had to guess the required place referring to a few hints.

“Hans Raj is known for conducting the best quizzes. This was one of my best experiences. Everything was just perfect. It was good to have so many people scratching their heads for the brilliant questions put up by the quizmaster”
-Raghav Talwar, quizzer from the winner team.

Quizzers from St. Stephens’ College won the competition. The detail of results is as follows:

Winner Team:
Cash Prize: 2500

Apratim Chandra Singh – St. Stephen’s College
Raghav Talwar – St. Stephen’s College
Raghav Adlakha – St. Stephen’s College

Ist Runner Up Team:
Cash Prize: 1500

Aditya Srinivasan – St. Stephen’s College
Mrudang Mathur – Delhi Technical University
Kanwar Pratap Singh – Delhi Technical University

IInd Runner Up Team:
Cash Prize: 1000

Saurabh Kaul – Amity School of Engineering and Technology
Arjun Sajeevan – USCLS
Ashhad Qasmi – Keshav Mahavidyalaya

Picture credits: Pixels – Photography Society of Hans Raj College

With a few hours to go for Delhi University Students’ Union Elections, the election phase witnesses two highlight contesting parties fighting over another accusational controversy. Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on 9th September accused National Students Union of India’s (NSUI) two contesting candidates of fraudulent admissions.

Alleging that NSUI’s Presidential and Vice Presidential candidate produced fake documents, ABVP demands cancellation of nomination and admission of these candidates and students.

I. “Gaurav Tushir concealed information about his habit of migrating” – ABVP

Case Overview – According to the rival party ABVP, NSUI’s presidential candidate Gaurav Tushir failed in Hans Raj College as a first year student in 2011. He then sat as a fresher in Satyawati College in 2012 not letting out his details about his previous admission. His admission at Satyawati was later cancelled. ABVP also claims that he misled the college authorities repeatedly as he then took admission to Motilal Nehru College (again as a Ist year student) without giving any information about his previous student records.

ABVP’s stand – “We have all the evidences. Documents have been presented to the authorities. Principal, Motilal Nehru College found our complaints valid and wrote to the principal at Satyawati College (refer to Evidence 1.1) who in reply confirmed Tushir’s student records in his college”, says Saket Bahuguna, Delhi State Secretary, ABVP.

[caption id="attachment_25926" align="aligncenter" width="547"]Evidence 1.1 - Letter from Principal, Motilal Nehru College to The Principal Satyawati College Evidence 1.1 – Letter from Principal, Motilal Nehru College to The Principal Satyawati College[/caption]

NSUI’s stand – “These are all such false claims. Tushir has cleared the case and we have not received any action from the University, which means we are not at fault. This is part of ABVP’s agenda to gain limelight, as they are not doing well with the campaigning. There is a lot of pressure from the Modi government and the HRD ministry. Smriti Irani is well aware about it. This is just to win the elections.”, said Mohit Sharma, NSUI Delhi Secretary in the party’s defence.

Action taken – CEO for DUSU Elections Prof Rawat says, “We cannot take any action. Principal of Motilal Nehru College has to look into it. If they cancel his admission, he can no longer contest.” Nothing has been done till now. ABVP also stated that now Motilal Nehru College’s principal is deviating and not taking any stand. “We don’t know if he is bribed or pressurized. But he is now delaying the matter. We want the admission to be cancelled after which they will no longer be eligible to contest”, remarked Bahuguna.

Gaurav Tushir was also called in by the Prinicipal, Motilal Nehru College to contact the administration to clear his stand on the matter. (refer to Evidence 1.2)

[caption id="attachment_25929" align="aligncenter" width="550"]Evidence 1.2 -Gaurav Tushir instructed to contact office at Motilal Nehru College Evidence 1.2 -Gaurav Tushir instructed to contact office at Motilal Nehru College[/caption]
 

 II. “ABVP’s vice presidential candidate is a criminal. How can he contest the elections?” – NSUI

Case Overview – Parvesh Malik (ABVP) who is contesting for the post of Vice President is accused of having a criminal record. Malik who is having an FIR on his name cannot contest for elections according to NSUI (refer to evidence 2.1). The FIR accused him of an assault at a college event last year. CEO for DUSU elections had also issued a notice to Malik regarding the same.

[caption id="attachment_25925" align="aligncenter" width="581"]Evidence 2.1 - Copy of the First Information Report (FIR) Evidence 2.1 – Copy of the First Information Report (FIR)[/caption]

NSUI’s stand – “They are pointing fingers at us as they want to hide their own crimes. Pravesh Malik is a criminal and he cannot contest for Elections. As per Lyngdoh Committee rules a criminal cannot contest for DUSU elections. University never intervened in this case. I feel a criminal cannot act as an office bearer for the most prestigious University”, says Roji Joh, National President, NSUI.

ABVP’s Stand – “Yes we agree that there is an FIR against Malik. But student activism involves all this. They take part is student protests and demonstrations all the time. The point here is that it was just an FIR and no charges were proved. Lyngdoh Committee rules state a criminal should be tried or convicted to be disqualified from contesting (refer to Evidence 2.2). There is no such eveience and hence, no violation of rule. ”, says Rohit Chahal, National Secetary for ABVP.

[caption id="attachment_25927" align="aligncenter" width="663"]Evidence 2.2 - Page 48 of Lyngdoh Committee Report regarding criminal disqualification Evidence 2.2 – Page 48 of Lyngdoh Committee Report regarding criminal disqualification[/caption]

Action taken – The notice was put up on the University website but later withdrawn as there was no proof that Malik is convicted or tried. Prof. Rawat, CEO for DUSU elections says, “This case has been put forward to the legal cell of Delhi University. They are looking into it.” No further information has been received till now.


III. “Mona, VP candidate from NSUI presented fake documents or took two degrees at the same time” – ABVP

Case Overview – Mona Chaudhary (real name Mona Siwach) graduated from Kirori Mal College in 2013 but failed in the last semester. She therefore appeared in the May/June examination 2014 as an ex-student. This year she has taken admission in Campus Law Centre producing a degree from Manav Bharti University, Himachal Pradesh that is a regular degree and not a correspondence course.

ABVP’s stand – “Professor in Charge at Campus Law Centre wrote to the Principal at KMC and confirmed Mona as a student of the college from 2010-2013. Her mark sheet is also available (refer to evidence 3.1). This is fraud. Is the degree from Manav Bharti University fake or has she done two courses at a time?” questioned Saket Bahuguna, Delhi Secretary, ABVP.

[caption id="attachment_25928" align="aligncenter" width="670"]Evidence 3.1 - Mona Siwach's marksheet (Source - www.du.ac.in) Evidence 3.1 – Mona Siwach’s marksheet (Source – www.du.ac.in)[/caption]

NSUI’s stand – This is again under pressure of national government. They are harassing a female candidate. Many students from the University are enrolled in such a manner. Why is there no action taken against those then? Mona’s case also has no notice yet. With a day to elections and no action, I am sure the authorities have cleared the case”, informed Mohit Sharma, Secretary, NSUI.

Action taken – No action has been taken until now. Prof Rawat in this case also holds the college liable for any action. “Campus Law Centre has no action till now. We are responsible for elections or contesting and not admissions. If admission is cancelled then we will cancel the contesting right”, he told DU Beat.

Feature Image Credits – students.brown.edu

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A group of 120 students chose to be MAD as they walked backwards to push out ‘ill’ from ‘illiteracy’ on the World Literacy Day i.e 8th September. Make A Difference (MAD) and it’s volunteers stood up to promote literacy by gathering up for Back-a-thon, an event that took place in 20 cities where this non-profit organization operates to teach children.

For it’s Delhi chapter, Back-a-thon witnessed the literacy drive at GTB Nagar adjoining the University area. Delhi University has given such teachers and volunteers to MAD who have contributed towards enlightening the lives of these children. With six centres in Delhi, MAD teaches about 500-600 kids under the guidance of 300 teachers with a teacher-student ratio of 1:2.

[caption id="attachment_25871" align="aligncenter" width="721"]Make A Difference promotes literacy on World Literacy Day Make A Difference promotes literacy on World Literacy Day[/caption]
#We are on our way, Illiteracy go away!

The final backward movement underwent a lot of trial runs to teach the new people who joined  for the cause. The group called in attention by various slogans.

#Light up the dark Literacy is our spark!

The event managed to be successful within the group participating the march as it failed to gather much support from the spectators. Jaesica Chandan, Public Relations fellow for MAD said, “Our main target was youth. But due to the election period we couldn’t get permissions for Vishwavidyala station which would have helped us garner more support.”

#Light up the sky. Illiteracy has to die!

With maximum slogans in English, the working class in GTB Nagar couldn’t understand the concept. Kaustabhi, Director-Operation says, “This event was not a rally. This was just our way of expressing that we choose to be mad, our way of saying that we are mad but not crazy.” A few people were attracted in the end as they came forward and asked about the programme and MAD.

[gallery ids="25881,25888,25885,25884,25878,25886,25887,25882,"]

Back-a-Thon was conducted without obstructing any traffic and in a peaceful manner. Ishita, Incharge for MAD Delhi says, “We are overwhelmed with the response we got. It was a very successful event. I thank everyone who was part of Back-a-Thon. Ill will be pushed out of Illiteracy.”

Image Gallery Credits: Chirag Sharma Feature Image Credits: Iresh Gupta

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A week before the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections, the contesting parties are releasing their manifestos highlighting their key agendas.

Constitution Club of India, on  September 4th, 2014 hosted National Students’ Union of India’s (NSUI) manifesto release campaign. NSUI is the student wing for Indian National Congress (INC) and their press campaign focused on displaying party’s plan of action out into picture.

This period, which majorly talks about promises being thrown by different parties will be followed by the election day i.e. Friday, September 12th, 2014 where the students will choose their leaders, the leaders who may or may not deliver. NSUI’s list of promises includes various such agendas that they wish to take up if given a chance to be in power.

Highlight Agendas

Right to Accommodation

“NSUI went to the grass-root level to understand plight of students. There were two such matters that our surveys highlighted which are now our highlight agendas for the upcoming year.”
-Amrish Pandey, Spokesperson, NSUI.

Section 33 of Delhi University Act makes it mandatory to provide accommodation to the students of the University where as only 9000 hostel seats are available for over 1.8 lakh students enrolled in DU.

NSUI wants the administration at the University to use 95 acre of barren land to build hostels, which would reduce the shelling out of money on private accommodations like paying guests and flats. Party’s manifesto also demands regulations in Delhi Rent Control Act.

Puneet Sharma, a day scholar from Hans Raj College says, “I am staying in a PG. Our college is having some 200 seats in the hostel for the students from different courses, reserved categories and year of study. In addition, the admission to hostel is given on the merit basis with proper reservations. This leaves little scope. This agenda by the party will really help the students.” Puneet who pays Rs. 15000/- per month for a paying guest could have managed in less than Rs. 50000/- for an annual hostel accommodation.

It is also drafted to fight the administration to take neighboring private structures on lease until the hostels are ready.

Fight against Racial Discrimination

The incidents of eve teasing, harassment, ghettoisation, mocking dressing sense, eating habits, lifestyle, language of North Eastern students is an everyday occurrence even in the so called ‘secure’ environment of Delhi University.

Angellica Aribam, an alumnus of Sri Venkateshwara College and presently National Secretary, NSUI (Assam) says, “Discrimination has no limits, I experienced it back then and it still exists. NSUI demands Grievance Redressal Mechanism with legal assistance.”

NSUI demands central government to enact Anti-Racial discrimination Law and to give speedy justice for victims of racial crimes.

“We travel from North East India and travel to mainland Indian cities to hope for better education, job prospect and a better life. What we do not foresee then is that we may someday end up as victims of crime specifically perpetuated because of our facial features, ethnicity or lifestyle”, says Chandrika, a University student who hails from Assam.

NSUI demands the Central government and Delhi University to include North Eastern culture and history in the curricula. A North East Students’ Cell in DUSU has also been proposed which will work for the welfare of that student community.

To support this, Delhi University on 3rd September witnessed a human chain rooted by NSUI to fight racial discrimination.

Other Agendas

  • Revaluation and Re-assessment
  • Special Chance for Final Year students
  • Uniform Admission Rules
  • Campus Recruitment Centre
  • Disabled Student Friendly Campus
  • Attendance and Marks for Sports Students
  • Women Development Cell
  • Grievance Redressal Committees

We have everything on our side, says confident NSUI

“We are focusing on ‘less paper campaign’ this year. Our social media promotions have been looked at very wisely during these elections. And we think that NSUI will come to power.”
-Mohit Sharma, Vice President, NSUI (Delhi Operations)

On being asked whether Congress not being in power will affect the University Elections or not, Roji. M. John, National President, NSUI says, “Modi government’s 100 days had much without delivery. Within a month, India’s youth was on the street for some issue or the other. There has been no reduction in the black money and India has seen inflation. Congress not being in power will not affect the student body. The only influence can be cancellation of nominations.”

Roji. M John, National President NSUI in conversation with DU Beat | Picture Credits - Kashish Madan
Roji. M John, National President NSUI in conversation with DU Beat | Picture Credits – Kashish Madan

Final Contesting Panel: NSUI

NSUI on 5th September has also released its final list of candidates contesting for the DUSU Elections 2014, the names of candidates being as follows:

President:                 a.a. Gaurav Tushir (Ist year, Motilal Nehru College)
Vice President:        Mona Chaudhary (Ist Year, Faculty of Law)
Secretary:                 a.a. Ameet Sidhu Teema (Ist Year, Master in Buddhist Studies from Faculty of Arts)
Joint  Secertary:      A.A. Abhishk Choudhary (Ist Year, M.A from Faculty of Arts)

Karishma Thakur, the outgoing secretary of DUSU (only office bearer representing NSUI in DUSU for academic year 2013-14) told DU Beat, “We strive to go better this year. We are not making fake promises. NSUI has been active the past year as well. This time we will get to power and bring the change.”

Feature Image Panel (left to right) – Mohit Sharma (Vice President-Delhi), Amrita Dhawan (National Vice President), Sumit Dubey (NSUI Volunteer)

Feature Image Credits – Kashish Madan for DU Beat

University of Delhi is gearing up for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections of 2014-15. With roughly two weeks to go for the election day, officials for monitoring and facilitating the conduct of elections are hard at work somewhere amidst the much visible election fever.

Prof. DS Rawat of Department of Chemistry has taken over as the Chief Election Officer for the elections scheduled to be held on 12th September 2014. In conversation with our correspondent Iresh Gupta, Prof. Rawat talks about his plans and expectations from this edition of elections to elect the office bearers and members for the Central Council of DUSU. Contradicting the view of students who call this election a drama, Mr. CEO feels that elections involve certain amount of learning. He also tells us about the actions to be taken with the help of Delhi Police against the candidates violating the norms.

Iresh: Hello Sir. With less than two weeks remaining for the DUSU elections, what is the plan drafted by you and your team? Prof. Rawat: Honorable Vice Chancellor and myself have issued  a notice to all the students to participate in the elections. We request all the students to take part in this democratic process.

Iresh: For the elections of 2013-14 you were working as the Chief Returning Officer, and this time you took over as Chief Election Officer, what changes do you personally wish to see? Prof. Rawat: The candidates have been given DU community radio and DU website for the Campaign and we have issued an advisory to the students to make use of it.

Iresh: Each year the university witnesses the same election ‘drama’, as students choose to call it, do you think that is how the elections should work, dramatically I mean? Prof. Rawat: I don’t think it’s right to call the democratic process a “drama”. In fact the youth must use this as a platform to learn the power of democracy.

This year, we will not hesitate to cancel the nominations if someone violates the code of conduct. Videography will be done, and strict action will be taken against the people who violate the code of conduct.

– Prof DS Rawat, Chief Election Officer, DUSU Election 2014-15

Iresh: Usage of paper pamphlets is at peak during elections even though such campaigning isn’t allowed. Walls of the University are also plastered with these posters. What is being done? Prof. Rawat: As of now no one has filed for nomination, so we can’t take action against anyone. Delhi Public Defacement Act is in place and police should take a motto as cognizance and file case against the guilty. In fact I have written to the Commissioner of Police-Delhi to file cases against those who have defaced the public property.

Iresh: Do you think giving free movie tickets and throwing parties affect the results of elections? Prof. Rawat: I have no idea about this kind of activity, so I cannot comment on that.

Iresh: What about the interests of the students? How much do you think these parties offer them? Also, these days the campaigning is done is colleges disturbing ongoing classes. Isn’t that against the lyngdoh committee’s rules? Prof. Rawat: Only five students including the candidate can do the campaigning in the colleges, and all the college Principals have been requested to implement the code of conduct. If anyone violates this, he/she will be liable for action under the rules.

[caption id="attachment_25588" align="aligncenter" width="604"]  Lyngdoh Committee rules for University elections Lyngdoh Committee rules for University elections[/caption]

Iresh: The trend is noticed that the DUSU elections are mostly male dominated. What can be reason for this? Prof. Rawat: I think many female contestants had fought the election last year and one of them won the election as well. We encourage females to come forward and take active part in these elections.

Iresh: Finally, what results are you expecting by the plans drafted by you and your team? Prof. Rawat: I request all the participants to adhere to the code of conduct and don’t use paper and excessive vehicles. I feel, we will be able to hold these election in the spirit of the code of conduct.

 For more on Lyngdoh Committee Rules for University Elections click here.

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Recent decision of Kerala government to implement prohibition of alcohol in the state and make it alcohol free in the next ten years is fighting to find peace between the matters of health and wealth.

India has a memorable history of playing around with prohibition, originating with the view of the country’s founder, Mahatma Gandhi, that alcohol was a social evil. But is it so?

The makers of this proposal argue that Kerala has the highest per capita consumption rate of alcohol, which leads to major diseases in the state, numerous accidents and domestic violence because of alcohol abuse. While a few support this decision, major chunk of our population, including the ones who do not drink, is opposing this decision.

There are number of loopholes in the proposal.

Bootlegging and illicit liquor

Gujarat is a dry state. Have people quit drinking there? It is readily available as it is imported from the neighboring states like Rajasthan. What will be the difference in Kerala? Illegal selling or distribution of alcohol will dominate the state soon. The point here is that if people of the state are addicted so much to the drink, then they will make sure to have it arranged from somewhere.

Then slowly and slowly, the state having the highest literacy rate will have the highest smuggling and crime rates as well.

Can the government moderate public’s choice?

The most basic argument here is that how can the government decide whether someone has to drink or not. It is the personal choice of every individual. Yes, if there is no such right as ‘Right to Drink’, then the government holds no such right as Right to hinder personal choice.

Loss of Revenue

The alcohol beverages industry, which brings in as much as 8000 crore INR as revenue to the Kerala government will shut down. Rum and brandy account of 80% of the market, followed by whisky and vodka. Once the chief minister’s dream of ‘total prohibition’ becomes reality, revenue will instead be directed to the pockets of dangerous criminals and corrupt officials. It isn’t clear how the government plans to recover lost earnings from alcohol sales, which by one estimate accounts for more than 20% of revenues in the state’s annual budget.

financial
The proposed ban on sale of alcohol would leave the Kerala government with 20 percent less receipts for preparation of annual budget. Illustration Credits: www.financialexpress.com

Government’s decision sounds more like party politics than an honest moral stand.

Problems of generalizing; alcohol also part of culture

Government has a problem of generalizing various issues prevailing in some state or county as a whole. Not everyone who drinks beats up his wife. It has to look at the larger interests of people. Alcohol is a part of certain traditions and cultures where it is proudly set up in weddings and wrapped up in gift papers.

Different perspectives have to be considered while looking through a problem. A knife is used to cut vegetables and to cut throats. Then can we ban knives?

Alcohol in 5-stars. What about the unemployment of others?

The proposal states that the bars will shut down gradually over the period of ten years and 5-star hotels shall only serve liquor which amount to a total of 36 outlets in the entire state. Why? This is not convincing enough. Why is someone allowed to drink in a 5-star hotel? A rich man who can afford to buy a drink there can also suffer from liver cirrhosis, which is related directly to alcohol consumption. The same person can also rush his Mercedes over the people sleeping on footpath or just indulge in domestic violence. Then why talk of diseases, accidents and violence?

2waythought

If alcohol is served in big hotels, its black market will also start making it mark in Kerala. Adulteration of this product will find its way, which will lead to rich making more money and the unemployed from all the local bars dwell over poverty. In 1996, then CM AK Antony banned Arrack. But statistics show that money spent on the costlier India-made foreign liquor by Keralites has gone up by more than 18 times in the past 18 years. The pity is that the same cheap liquor is bottled afresh with new golden labels and sold officially.

Tourist Destination

Kerala is one of the most important tourist destinations in India. For tourists, having a mug of beer is part of their enjoyment. Not all tourists can afford 5-star rates. This is affecting the tourism industry of the state. What has Kerala government thought about that?

kerala1
Referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala has more than 10 million tourists all over the year contributing more than INR 200 billions to the state treasure.

Religion

The people belonging to other religions are shouting out that the Christian community of the state that regularly demanded the ban.  The Church has been active in condemning alcoholism and has leaned heavily on the government to be more active in taking steps to curtail supply, with some Catholic bishops even going so far as to say the government would fall if prohibition was not introduced.

With due respect to the religion, I respect their viewpoint as well. However, wine and other forms of alcohol are part of the Christian culture the most as result of the history of Jesus turning water to wine. So if bars cannot serve liquor, should be the Church also be abstained from serving wine for the Holy Communion ritual?

Coming down to the conclusion I feel alcohol should be seen neutrally, so that it is neither a terrible poison nor a magic potion. There should be little or no social pressure to drink. Moderate drinking and abstinence should be presented as equally acceptable choices. Those who choose to drink should not force drinking upon abstainers. Those who choose not to drink should have comparable respect for those who do.

Banning is not a smart move. Some awareness should be carried out. What is the history of campaigns in Kerala? We do not know. If something has to be banned, it has to be production of alcohol rather than just the sale. But it is very simple. If I have to be two bottles down by the evening, I will do that.

Featured Image Credits: www.deccanchronicle.com

After recognition of transgenders as a third gender by the Supreme Court in April 2014, Delhi University’s application form from this year gives space to the third gender. University has finally allowed transgender applicants to enroll in post graduate courses in the ongoing session. Due to the FYUP debate this year, this proposed change couldn’t be implemented for the undergraduate courses but the same will be done next year for the session of 2015-16.

This step by the University is surely ensuring equal education rights for the transgender community but controversies have already started gaining attention. For the post graduate admissions these students have been enrolled under a special category under the OBC quota. This hasn’t been welcomed by many.

“Years of activism by our community and by LGBT student committee of DU has finally paid off. Apart from change within the University, this move has established the precedent for other universities bound by the SC judgment now to follow. It is a step towards a progressive and liberal academic establishment. The community feels that equality and justice have now found their way and that University is moving closer to values and principles.” – Mayank Vashistha, a DU alumnus who is an LGBT activist.

Activists suggest a totally different quota to be introduced as these students are not necessarily from an OBC background. Nothing is yet clear on the reservations as University Grants Commission (UGC) hasn’t issued any notification for that.

Piya who comes from the transgender community says. “We have no category. Hum na general hai, na SC, na ST aur na hi OBC. Hmare liye ek alag se hijra category honi chahiye.

This inclusion holds more value as the teacher recruitment forms also have the third gender category. Such a step now ensures more equality in the University. LGBT community also celebrates as the University administration was finally convinced to move beyond the gender binary albeit on the premise of a Supreme Court judgment.

Neelesh Sharma, the advocate of Pehchaan, an NGO which works for the transgenders feels that the decision has allowed the transgender community to project themselves in a better manner infront of everyone else but he also feels that efforts have to be made to make the ‘normal’ people aware about this community and their rights.

“There is a lot of discrimination in our country for our community. We are treated different from everyone which is why we can’t pursue higher studies which further leads to unemployment for most of us. I have just completed my class XII. Now that the laws support us, we are going to make full use of it. University has opened an opportunity for us to go and study. All we expect is that the mentality of other people changes soon and this too has an expiry date.” – Kiran, a transgender student (DU aspirant)

“After the transgender students are part of the University there has to be a proper system to protect the interests of these students. Orientation programmes and seminars have to be conducted in the colleges for increasing the awareness among the other students”, he says.

The University students are having mixed reactions to this move. “On one hand this step by the University gives recognition to this community and on the other it secludes them from the other people”, says Abhinav Modi, a student. It however has to be ensured that these students are treated well after they are admitted to the University and sensitization of students has to be worked upon. Shunning of these students also needs to be prevented.

The administration now waits for the orders from UGC to further look into this matter.

Featured Image Credits: www.straight.com

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After inspirational speeches by Nirmal Dave, Jodi Underhill, Kartik Satyanaraya, Ajay Chaturvedi and Dhruv Viswanath, the afternoon session at SRCC Youth Conference 2014 Day 1 had some comedy and drama with little tadka of inspiration planned for its audience.

#iaskyoutoask – Papa CJ

Visiting SRCC for the second time, Papa CJ was welcomed at YC in a style. When audience was expecting some comedy act by the international stand-up comedian, CJ chose to have an interactive session with the students keeping in mind the motive of his visit of inspiring them and of course making everyone laugh. Declaring theme of his talk as #iaskyoutoask, Papa CJ not even once in his one-hour act allowed silence to make space in the college auditorium. Students were awestruck by his subtle comic timing even while answering extreme serious questions asked.

When asked by a girl-fan, Papa explained why he chose to be referred as a ‘father’ and refused to disclose what CJ stands for.

“When I started stand up in UK, the people there had a problem of looking down upon Indians. Prefixing Papa to the name was my way of telling then that ‘tumhara bhi koi baap hai’. Wherever I perform abroad, I try and project India in a positive light. I am proud to be an Indian.” – Papa CJ

He then went on to talk about his childhood, his dreams, the support from his family and his immense love for his country. In answers to the questions asked, he took everyone through the happiest and most embarrassing moment of his life and how he never lets a bad day or some personal problem overshadow his performance.

“For me my audience is everything. If they don’t laugh, I am not doing my job”, Papa says.

In another funny account he took the case of Sarthak Aggarwal, all India CBSE topper who associated ‘stand-up’ with something vulgar related to the male body. CJ mocked by telling him that not all knowledge is available in the books and gave him a lollipop for the only 0.4% marks he could not score in the board exams. The stand up artist who surprisingly knew a lot about the college continuously talked and joked about P.C Jain, the college principal and asked out a member of faculty for a coffee.

Behind his scenes – Boman Irani

Boman Irani at SRCC Youth Conference 2014 | Photo Credits - Mithun
Boman Irani at SRCC Youth Conference 2014 | Photo Credits – Mithun

Maamu’ who was dyslexic when he was a kid narrated his life story at the Youth Conference with lot of passion, emotions and of course, drama, as his profession demands. Bringing the much-needed Bollywood flavour to the conference, Boman Irani’s presence got no hands stopping to applaud the inspiring tale of the actor’s life.

All praises for the SRCC organizing committee, Boman appreciated the hard work put up by the prestigious institution. The Parsi man talked about his struggle first at school and then in the outside world. Boman narrated how being a waiter at Taj Mahal hotel he discovered his interests for photography and went on to be the official photographer of the World Boxing Championship.

“If you are willing to take forward your dreams, say good-bye to laziness and do your work honestly, you will get back 10 times of what you expected” – Boman Irani

His definitions of success and failure and his theories inspired students a lot. Boman explained the theory of ‘zero bulb moment’, which is that one moment of failure in everyone’s life that leads to a push, which then invites success.

Anandita Munjal, a fresher who attended Boman’s session says, “Boman really impressed me with his determination and story of life. The way the ‘zero bulb moment’ changed his attitude towards life was too inspiring. I now look up to him as a man who got paid for his hard work.”

“Who says you can’t debut at 44? I did. It is all about how you work and grow. Even after the release of Munna Bhai MBBS, I did not own a formal suit. I got it made a night before Star Screen Awards where I won my first award. Those were the days. Today, I am proudly standing here and delivering a speech for you all. As I say it is all about how you work.” – Maamu

He also explained his journey in the field of acting where he just started as playing Gandhi in the play Mahatma v/s Gandhi, doing short films and then finally striking the right chord with Munna Bhai MBBS. Talking about the importance of relationships in one’s professional life, Irani mentioned about his dear friends. His session ended with a question answer round with the students where he talked about the future of Indian cinema and what gave him courage to debut at an age of 44.

In picture: Papa CJ

Photograph credits: Mehr Gill

“So now a 16 year old can also be called a criminal when otherwise he was just a juvenile committing crime under someone’s influence.” Juvenile Justice Act, 2000 which is undergoing a few amendments is now proposed to reduce the age of criminal to be tried at the adult court from 18 to 16. The criminal can though only be sentenced to jail term and not with death or life imprisonment.

While for maximum in the country this is a fair deal, I wonder how do the numbers matter? Yesterday it was 18, today it is 16 and tomorrow it can be made 14 years. The question is that if someone is adult enough to rape or murder at any age then isn’t that person adult enough to be tried at the adult court? And if the juveniles do such heinous crimes under the influence of adults then how will reducing the age make a difference? Even a 14 year old kid can also be influenced and so can a 12 year old be. According to the laws then is someone of the age of 15 years, 11 months and 29 days not guilty enough?

Another term of the new proposal says that the Juvenile Justice Board has to decide whether the criminal has to be tried at the court or referred to a correction centre. There is no training for members of Juvenile Justice Boards. They will just send everybody to jail. Laws are so faulty that within one month JJBs will have to determine the circumstances of the offence and decide on whether to transfer the case.

Why have we chosen the model of lowering the age? What are the evidences available with the government to say this is the only method available to deal with children? You cannot be responding to laws by emotions. A major myth is being propagated by media and the government that by giving severe punishment, crime will come down.

We increased punishment for rapes to maximum 10 years in 1983. We made it death penalty in 2013. Did the crime rate drop? So, by transferring minors to adult system, you are not going to make the crime rate come down nor are we making victims feel secure by sending juveniles into jails. We are actually going to do more harm. The remedy is worse than the malady.

I personally feel that a crime is only committed when the criminal is not afraid of the punishment. One has to understand that it is not the quantum of punishment that matters but certainty. We have to look at those conditions why these youngsters are committing a crime rather than responding to the situation. We need to find out why they are doing so. One has to understand every child who commits a barbaric offence has to have a background of barbaric abuse to him to start with. We did not do anything to address that.

The focus now has to shift to prison reforms, on ensuring that the minors send to jail are segregated, they are given vocational training and keep a track on them. All that has to be focused. But there should be a debate on alternatives also, for example, a suspended sentence. The sentence should be suspended for three years and then experts should be allowed to work with the offender for three years to see whether he can be reformed. If he manages, he should be given a chance.

 

With inputs from Dr. Ved Kumari, Law Professor at Faculty of Law.