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In an effort to ensure hygiene in terms of food preparation, the administration of Gargi College has tied up with the management of Diggin, Chanakyapuri, making it the official caterer for the college canteen.

Nootan Mishra, Vice Principal of Gargi, was quoted by DU Beat as saying, “Our administration had been facing multiple issues in terms of hygiene with our previous caterers. The consumption of such food led to multiple cases of students falling sick or getting food poisoning. The college has also received complaints from worried parents and it is our responsibility to provide food that is safe for consumption.”

As per the contract, Diggin would be providing all the items previously sold at the canteen, at subsidised prices. Vishal Katooni, Vice President of the Diggin Management says, “Our aim is to provide DU students with healthy and tasty food at affordable prices. For the first few months, we will be experimenting with our menus to see what suits their appetite best.” The contract has officially been signed for one year after which it will be renewed, depending upon the response of the students.

Vania Verma, President of Gargi College’s student union, says, “I’m really glad to bring this change during my tenure. I hope this venture becomes successful and the students feel satisfied with the services.” Rahina Sharma, a first-year student of B.A. (Hons.) Mathematics at Gargi College, says, “As I stay in a PG, it becomes very difficult for me to bring a tiffin and the food in our canteen used to be so unhygienic. I’m really looking forward to this change since I wouldn’t have to worry about my meals now.” The catering is expected to begin from 1st November 2018. Till then, the Nescafe stall would be stocked with all the items of need.

Tihana Verma, a second-year student of B.Com. (Hons.) from Kamala Nehru College, says, “It’s really unfair that Gargi College is getting such catering services and not Kamala Nehru. I urge our administration to take the same step.”

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

Feature Image Credits: WhatsHot

Muskan Sethi

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Six out of the top 12 and three out of the top four projects shortlisted for the World Water Race belong to India, more specifically the University of Delhi. With a very strong Indian representation in California, the Enactus World Cup will be held from 9th to 11th October. DU Beat brings to you the highlights and details.

This year, the Enactus World Cup is being held from 9th to 11th October in Silicon Valley, San Jose, California, USA. 36 National Champion Teams from across the world have been invited to compete, collaborate, and celebrate their victory at the World Cup.  The Enactus National Champion from India this year is Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), University of Delhi, who will be presenting their Project Virasat at the World Cup. According to their website, Project Virasat revolves around, “ reviving the dying art form of handcrafting copper and brass utensils using hammering techniques, by mobilising artisans and providing them access to organised credit, contemporary designs, and better demand avenues.”

The Enactus World Cup also features the prestigious World Water Race, a competition that recognises and mobilises Enactus teams and their projects tackling the water and sanitation crisis. The top 12 teams are given an invitation to collaborate at the World Cup. This year, six out of the top 12 projects are from India including Project Tabeer by Sri Guru Gobind College of Commerce (SGGSCC), Project- Swachhalaya by Ramjas College, and Project Iffat by Jesus and Mary College (JMC).

A representative of Enactus JMC at the World Water Race and Project Iffat’s Co-Head, Kritika Malik, says, “This is the first time JMC will be attending the World Cup and we’re looking forward to it. We’re all really excited and at the end of the day, we all win since it’s all about lending our best hand to help. Best of luck to everyone, the world water race is on!”

The top teams advance to the impact stage, are given executive mentorship, provided with Enactus World Cup travel stipend, and expert presentation coaching. This year, the top four projects include Project Dhara by Jesus and Mary College, Project Asbah by Shri Ram College of Commerce, and Project Raahat by Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies (SSCBS).

The Impact Stage will be held between October and December 2018 and the winner would be granted up to $20,000 in scaling funding and continued executive mentorship. This year, two out of the top 12 projects are by Enactus JMC. “I feel really proud of the entire team for working so hard that both of our projects were selected as part of the top twelve teams in the World Water Race and that we get to present Project Dhara at such a large platform. I hope we can make the best of this opportunity and learn and grow from this experience,” says Charvee Gupta, Co-Head, Project Iffat, Enactus JMC.

A contingent of 16 members will be representing Project Dhara and Project Iffat from JMC in California. Sakshi Gupta, former head of Project Dhara, Enactus JMC, says, “While doing our bit for the betterment of the community we never had winning in WWR as the main goal, it was definitely always there in the back of our heads to win so that the awareness is increased and we can impact more people but we never worked to win. To reach this level without an absolute aim is an even bigger achievement than the winning trophy. It really feels surreal at times during practices and expansion meetings. And now we’re all just gearing up to give our very best and get the best experience back home so that we can do better for our project in the future.”

Five members of Enactus SRCC will be representing Project Asbah at the Water Race. Raghav Jhawar, President of Enactus SRCC, says, “We started with this project two years ago, with terfil filters. That technology, we soon realised, failed. So we came back full circle and started researching on the technologies. We then diversified our project into community RO and sodium hypochlorite solution. One thing we have all learnt at Enactus is to never give up. Carrying the same spirit with us, we are proud to say that we provide 6,000+ people with access to clean drinking water. Therein lies our true victory.It’s a big opportunity for the team and we look forward to it.”

“This is the first time Enactus SRCC is getting the opportunity to participate in World Water Race and the success is due to the scalability, sustainability, and comprehensive nature of our project Asbah which brings impact in the life of more than 8,500 people through clean drinking water and reduced health expenditure. The major credit goes to the entire team led by Rakshith Chhajed and Insha Pandit who made sure that these dreams are realised,” says Arjun Goel, former President, Enactus SRCC.  

Last year’s World Cup Champions, Enactus SSCBS will be sending a team of 18 members to represent Project Raahat at the Water Race. Yash Dhawan, President, Enactus SSCBS, says, “Representing the country at the Enactus World Cup and the Enactus World Water Race is a great experience for every Enactus member. One not only learns about the cultures of different countries but also networks with delegates from across the globe, gaining insight into projects running all over the world. We wish every participating team luck, and hope for a great competition.”

Feature Image Credits: Enactus

Muskan Sethi

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F.R.I.E.N.D.S has forever been one of the most loves shows on television, always celebrated for its inclusion and liberal spirit. However, this year, on the 24th anniversary of the show, DU Beat brings to you the other part of the conversation about the who’s weak, abysmal portrayal of the LGBTQIA+ community and communities of colour.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. has been one of the most loved shows in the history of television since 1994. In its journey of 10 seasons, the show traces the journey of six reckless adults living in Manhattan and their lives revolving around love, friendship, and family. Today, as we celebrate its 24th anniversary on 22nd September, 2018, we bring to you a few shades of the show that were left uncoloured.

Throughout the 90’s, TV shows introduced gay characters, culminating with Ellen’s coming-out episode in 1997 and Will & Grace debuting in 1998. The first gay kiss happened on TV on LA Law in 1991. TV commercials also started showing pairs of men/women who could be viewed as couples.

Friends, thus became a part of the movement by offering more LGBTQIA+ characters, though problematic in their representation. The show reflected the reality of gay characters, to a certain extent, but avoided all forms of direct physical intimacy between gay characters. For instance, the episode featuring Carol and Susan’s wedding did not have a kiss.

Season 1, episode 8, where everyone thought Chandler was gay
Season 1, episode 8, where everyone thought Chandler was gay

However, the show’s representation of minority communities and their portrayal through its characters does become highly problematic. Every time, Chandler says the word, “gay”, we can hear panic and shame in his voice. The show was also identified as largely homophobic with its anti-gay jokes and portrayals.

 

There were various instances in the show where we could blatantly see the anti-gay sentiment. Ross aggressively asks a male nanny if he is gay. Monica judges Chandler for knowing songs from all musicals. Joey complains about queer women not sleeping with him and there is an entire episode where Rachel remembers making out with her university friend, Winona Ryder, and then pities herself for thinking about that, with romantic interest.

 

Unfortunately, it’s characters like Chandler and Ross who are most disturbed with queerness, despite having gay family members. There is also an entire episode on Ross freaking out about his son, Ben playing with a Barbie infront of his queer co-parents.

Season 3, Episode 4
Season 3, Episode 4

“Their lesbianism and Ross’ discomfort with that was definitely something the show used as a punchline. The people from minority communities were mainly side characters, not one main character was queer. Chandler and Joey made homophobic jokes continuously. The show fed into the discomfort and stigma around men doing things that are not masculine so the whole Nap Buddies episode, with Ross and Joey sleeping together,” says Akanksha Rao, a third year Economics student of Jesus and Mary College.

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Chandler’s attitude towards the LGBT community becomes very problematic as all his references towards his father are full of contempt and mockery. Chandler’s transgender father is often referred to as her birth name ‘Charles’ rather than her new name ‘Helena Handbasket’. Incorrect labels are used when the cast are talks about her and lots of jokes are made about her gender.

“They tried to show chandler as ‘feminine’ and that’s why he always had a problem getting girls, as people thought he was gay,” says Jayita Pande, a second year student of B.Com. (Hons.) at Jesus and Mary College.

Since people assume Chandler to be gay, he gets overly sensitive about them thinking of him as too feminine. In the show, being gay is also portrayed as something to be ashamed of. There’s an entire episode about Chandler finding out that people assume him to be gay and he comes of as scared and ashamed. This brings him across as an extremely homophobic character, constantly feeling the need to prove his ‘manliness’.

Apart from this, it becomes increasingly difficult to believe that these characters, despite living in Manhattan, do not encounter queer people or more people of colour in their lives. Unfortunately, the show creators centred the story around six white, heterosexual characters who conform to the norms at every chance possible. There really wasn’t any multicultural diversity in the show. The closest they got to it was through Ross’s Asian girlfriend, Julia. The only prominent black character throughout the series was Dr. Charlie Wheeler, who was also portrayed in a very negative light.

The show has always has major influence on teens all over the world and while adults, continuously surrounded by discourse about making the environment more queer friendly, are able to understand that the gay panic was a part of the period and the storyline did not mean to cultivate an anti gay sentiment, the impressionable kids watching the show still get swayed by the skewed representation and the faulty portrayal.

The question, however, does remain whether the homophobia that reflected in the show was a product of an anti-gay sentiment within the production or a genuine effort to start a discussion revolving around different gender identities.

 

Feature Image Credits: Vox

Muskan Sethi

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While men have always had spacious pockets catering to their utility, women have had to endure a lack of pockets, false pockets, and pockets so small nothing would fit. DU Beat traces the journey of pockets through the 17th century and the gender divide they propagate every day.

“The history of pockets isn’t just sexist, it’s political.” Fashion thrives on sexism. Whether or not a garment gets utilitarian pockets depends upon the gender the garment is being stitched for and the norms surrounding that gender. While men have had baggy, spacious pockets since their advent in the 1600’s, women still continue to struggle with fashion norms that dictate a lack of pockets, false pockets and pockets, so small that you couldn’t fit anything inside.

In the late 17th century, pockets made their move to become a part of men’s clothing, permanently being sewn into coats, waistcoats, and trousers. However, women had to get creative and wrap a sack with a string around their waists and tuck it way under their petticoats as a substitute to pockets.

In the late 1800’s, sewing pockets into skirts became a medium of rebellion and the sign of a strong, independent woman. However, the idea of women having fabric between their legs made people uncomfortable because of reasons like “femininity.” With both the world wars, women’s fashion introduced utilitarian clothing, which meant that women finally got pants with pockets,

“After the first world war there was a drastic change in women’s clothing. Edwardian ideas were put out. There was a brief period in the mid-20th century when there were pants without pockets. The idea of this revolutionized fashion was that women would look thinner without pockets,” says Avnika Chhikara, a second year English Honours student at Maitreyi College.

By the end of the 18th century, women’s fashion revolved around restraint in terms of skirts being pulled close to the body, the thin slender waist, and the silhouette fitting the stereotypes.

“Victorian era gowns used to have decently sized pockets concealed in the skirts. That was practical at that time because the skirts of the gowns were fluffy and big. With the evolution of fashion and the introduction of form fitted clothing coming into the trends, the size of the pockets started to shrink,” says Bhavya Banerjee, a third year Political Science student at Daulat Ram College.

She further adds, “Women’s clothing is designed in a way so it looks more appealing, beautiful, flattering, rather than how it can help women be more productive, or according to their convenience. It’s not designed to help them advance or be more functional in a workspace.”

Esteemed designer Christian Dior was reported by the Spectator in 1954 as saying, “Men have pockets to keep things in, women for decoration.” Men’s fashion has always centred around comfort and utility while women’s fashion revolves around set stereotypes of beauty. The giant different in terms of pockets reinforces sexist ideas of gender.

To break free from these gender norms, it’s important for us to introduce liberal ideas within fashion and giving people their own space to experiment along. “Maybe we can start a trend of having a pocket in the middle of the shirt at the divide to symbolize gender neutrality,” says Antara Rao, a third year Economics Honours student of Jesus and Mary College.  

While women’s false pockets are pleasing to look at and serve aesthetic value, they also create a culture of dependency around them on other things/ people. “False pockets are just there for the aesthetic value. For me, they serve as half assed policies and tokenistic concessions that look good just on paper and are meant to be like “Oh look we are so forward thinking that we removed pads from the luxury tax bracket #feminism” while the actual question is why do they still cost so much if they’re a necessity?” says Charvee Gupta, a second year student of B.Com. (Hons.) at Jesus and Mary College.

The question remains, how an entire industry that claims to cater to women serve them to poorly? When an outfit has pockets, we look at it differently. Pockets also instil a sense of comfort and confidence in the space and utility they offer.

“I get my jeans stitched simply because I need normal pockets. The shop’s location is: A Teen, Mohan Singh Palace, CP. You can get A1 fit and latest designs in less than Rs. 1200,” says Niharika Dabral, a third year BA Hons. Humanities and Social Science student at the Cluster Innovation Center.

“One supremacy there is in men’s clothing… its adaptation to pockets. Women have from time to time carried bags, sometimes sewn in, sometimes tied on, sometimes brandished in the hand, but a bag is not a pocket,” wrote, American feminist and novelist, Charlotte P. Gilman, in 1905.

“Not having pockets forces women to buy handbags and clutches (they don’t even get nice wallets), so a lot of advertisements and films term this as extravagance and thrifty. It’s a necessity,” says Anushree Joshi, a first year English Honours student at Lady Shri Ram College for Women. But a bag is clearly not a pocket.

The lack of pockets has made handbags a necessity today and has increased the dependency women face when they go through this. “I feel the idea of women not having pockets stems from capitalism and consumerism. The lack of pockets forces women to buy another product – handbags! I feel that it’s purely business; create a need and then make money off of it,” says Shania Mohapatra, a second year student of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Cluster Innovation Centre.

Though today, the red carpet does show women like Amy Schumer wearing dresses with pockets, posing with their hands tucked into them, the idea of pockets hasn’t yet trickled down to everyday clothing like jeans or dresses.

Feature Image Credits: Racked

Muskan Sethi

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Jesus and Mary College (JMC),  faces an immense water shortage everyday in terms of drinking water and water in washrooms. DU Beat brings to the extent of the problem and the reasons why.  

The students of Jesus and Mary College (JMC), Chanakyapuri have been facing major problems due to the lack of availability of drinking water and water in washrooms. The college, undergoing continuous constructions since the past many years, has two washrooms for girls located on each floor and a water dispenser for drinking water outside those washrooms. However, the washrooms run out of water in a couple of hours in the morning everyday and so do the drinking water dispensers.

“Jesus and Mary college does not have pipelines installed in the college which is why there’s always a water shortage in the college. The entire college has just one tank installed which gets exhausted within very less time,” says a second year student of Jesus and Mary College who wishes to remain anonymous.

“Our college has plenty of water available, except it’s not in the taps but on the floors,” says Ananya Chopra, a second year student of Jesus and Mary College. The washrooms reek of an unbearably strong odour and a dozen sanitary infections caused by the lack of hygiene. The flush installed barely ever works, there is no provision for soaps and the floors are always wet.

The inadequate washroom facilities are matched by the lack of availability of free drinking water. “Since drinking water is not available in our college, we have to go buy a bottle of water every day. Only half the washrooms are generally open and by the afternoon, there is no water available,” says Shiyona Biju, a second year student of B.Com. (Hons.) at Jesus and Mary College.

“Everyday, I am faced with water-less toilet facilities. Juxtapositional to dysfunctional flush, spray and basin systems are the perennial tap-leakages, wet floors and oh-so-wet wash basins; water at unusual spaces, basically. It’s needless to say yet I’ll say that our toilets are unhygienic, smelly, and highly dysfunctional. I’d really like to find out what degree of cash-crunch the college is facing to not be able to employ effective maintenance resources,” says Devanshi Jindal, a second year student of B.Com.(Hons.) at Jesus and Mary College.

DU Beat tried to reach out to the administration for a comment but was unable to get a response. The students of Jesus and Mary College wait with bated breath for some form of structural or tangible change and wonder why the college exposes them to such an inadequacy of basic necessities such as drinking water and hygienic washrooms.

Feature Image Credits: Ranjit John Architects

Muskan Sethi

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Jesus and Mary College faces an immense water shortage everyday in terms of drinking water and water in washrooms. DU Beat brings to the extent of the problem and the reasons why.

The students of Jesus and Mary College, Chanakyapuri, have been facing major problems due to the lack of availability of drinking water and water in washrooms. The college, undergoing continuous constructions since the past many years, has two washrooms for girls located on each floor and a water dispenser for drinking water outside those washrooms. However, the washrooms run out of water in a couple of hours in the morning everyday and so do
the drinking water dispensers.

“Jesus and Mary College does not have pipelines installed in the college which is why there’s always a water shortage in the college. The entire college has just one tank installed which gets exhausted within very less
time,” says a second year student of Jesus and Mary College who wishes to remain anonymous.
“Our college has plenty of water available, except it’s not in the taps but on the floors,” says Ananya Chopra, a second year student of Jesus and Mary College. The washrooms reek of an unbearably strong odour and a dozen sanitary infections caused by the lack of hygiene. The flush  installed barely ever works, there is no provision for soaps and the floors are always wet.
The inadequate washroom facilities are matched by the lack of availability of free drinking water. “Since drinking water is not available in our college, we have to go buy a bottle of water every day. Only half the washrooms are generally open and by the afternoon, there is no water available,” says Shiyona Biju, a second year student of B.Com. (Hons.) at Jesus and Mary College.

“Every day I am faced with water-less toilet facilities. Juxtapositional to dysfunctional flush, spray, and basin systems are the perennial tap- leakages, wet floorsand oh-so-wet  wash basins; water at unusual spaces, basically. It’s needless to say yet I’ll say that our toilets are unhygienic, smelly, and highly dysfunctional. I’d really like to find out what degree of cash-crunch the college is facing to not be able to employ effective maintenance resources,” says Devanshi Jindal, a second year student of B.Com.(Hons.) at Jesus and Mary College. DU Beat tried to reach out to the administration for a comment but was unable to get a response. The students of Jesus and Mary College wait with bated breath for some form of structural or tangible change and wonder why the college exposes them to such an inadequacy of basic necessities such as drinking water and hygienic washrooms.

Feature Image Credits: Hindustan Times

Muskan Sethi
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Members of ABVP allegedly assaulted students and staff and vandalised property in Zakir Hussain Delhi College  (Evening) on Monday.

On Monday, September 10th, 2018, the last day of campaigning for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU), members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) allegedly vandalised property at Zakir Hussain Delhi College (Evening) and assaulted the students and staff.

In a letter to the chairman of the Grievance Redressal cell DUSU 2018, condemning the vandalism, Akshay Lakra, President of National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) demanded the cancellation of the nomination of the ABVP Vice Presidential Candidate, Shakti Singh, who had gone to ZHC for campaigning when the violence broke out.

“This is a calculated attempt by ABVP to intimidate students through violence in the run up to the DUSU polls. The ABVP nominee for DUSU’s Vice President’s post entered the campus with a group of outsiders and terrorised the entire college by going on a rampage with blades, hockey sticks, and rocks,” wrote Lakra in the letter.

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Image credits – Indian Express

College principal Masroor Ahmad Baig was quoted by the Indian Express as saying,”I don’t know how it started, but I was shocked to hear the commotion. They vandalised college property, broke chairs and threw flower pots. It was ABVP activists who beat up students; they even hit girls and staff.”

DCP (central) Mandeep Singh Randhawa, said, “Police personnel were present at the spot when the incident took place and they controlled the crowd. No complaint has been received from the college administration.” The violence was condemned by other student outfits contesting the polls and police action was demanded. An anonymous letter to the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kamla Nagar claims that the main motive behind the incident was to insight and arise violence in the premises in the name of campaigning.

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Image credits – NSUI

A student of the college claimed Singh was stopped when he tried to enter with a large group of supporters. “He was told that he could take a few supporters for campaigning. They got angry and started breaking college property, and passed lewd comments,” alleged the student, who did not want to be identified. “The whole incident was so scary. I try to avoid college at this time of the year and I’m glad that I took a leave that day,” says a second year student of ZHC who wished to remain anonymous.

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Image credits – NSUI

Indian Express quoted the ABVP national media convenor Monika Chaudhary as, “We have not been able to communicate with Singh. But the ones indulging in violence are not ABVP activists. Singh had gone to campaign in the college… what we know is that fight broke out between two student groups.”

Feature Image Credits: Anonymous

Muskan Sethi

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The University of Delhi will be conducting the Student of the Year Competition for the first time this year. DU Beat brings to you all the important details and updates. 

The University of Delhi (DU) released a notification on its website on Monday, 27 August 2018 specifying the details for a Student of the Year Competition to be held in the varsity for the very first time this year. The competition will be open to all 2nd and 3rd year students across colleges in the University. The minimum qualification criteria according to the website, is a minimum GPA of 7.0 and above, and membership to a minimum of two college societies.
Professor Ritween, Dean of Students’ Welfare (DSW), at Delhi University would be in-charge of organising the competition. “The University has introduced a competition like this for the first time and we are positive that it will inculcate a spirit of competition among the students,” she said.
A Student of The Year committee will be set up to judge the various rounds that will be conducted from September to November. Sunita McCain, professor of Economics at Hindu College and Dhira Kopfe, professor of Political Science at Hansraj College will be heading the 11 member committee. “We will ensure that the committee stays free of all personal biases and will try to be as transparent as possible,” they remarked.
The applicants will have to go through five rounds and an intense screening process to make it to the big trophy. Along with the trophy, the university has also promised an academic scholarship worth INR 50 thousand for the winner of the competition.

Applicants will be subject to the following rounds:
1. Screening Process The first round of the competition requires the student to fill an online form and attach their C.V., which can be accessed through the DU website and filled by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, 4 September 2018.
2. General Awareness Test The shortlisted candidates will be required to take a test that checks their general knowledge.
3. Talent Show The third round will require the candidate to display any talent.
4. Sports Round The fourth round will involve three activities: cycling, swimming, and running. The candidate has to excel in all three to qualify for the finals.
5. Jury Round The final round will require the candidate to answer a question asked by a seven member jury. The Student of the Year will be decided according to the result of this round.
In the past two days, students across the University have shown extreme excitement towards the announcement. Manya Kakkar, a third year Maths Honour student at Jesus and Mary College said, “I’m really looking forward to the competition. It’s every Bollywood lover’s dream come true!”

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

 

Feature Image Credits: Dharma Productions

Muskan Sethi

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In all the work surrounding us, we often forget ourselves and the reasons behind why we do what we do. DU Beat brings to you 4 ways through which you can take out time for yourself and explores ways to do that.

As soon as we enter August, every college student’s schedule inevitably fills up with lectures, seminars, society meetings, tournaments, and internals. There is a lot that constantly fills up our time, and takes away from us. With all the distractions that we have, balancing our professional and personal lives becomes a challenge. More than anything, it becomes very difficult to take out time for ourselves, and manifest it in a way that makes us feel refreshed.

We’ve tried chalking out schedules, marking calendars, and setting reminders, and have inevitably almost always failed. Creating timetables doesn’t seem feasible in college anymore, especially when you don’t know what can come up when. Despite all the busyness that we’re surrounded by, it’s important that we take out time for ourselves and make the most of it.

Even though, everyone has different ways to feel refreshed, DU Beat brings to you a list of ways through which you can take time out for yourself and manifest it in a way that makes you feel better:

  • Unload a little

It’s important to understand that you’ll never find the time. You’ll always have to take out time, which means cutting down on the other stuff that you’re doing. Delegate some of your responsibility to your peers. Ask your family and friends for help and learn to say no. You cannot keep piling things up on your plate and then regretting doing that.

  • Accept not doing things perfectly

We often take too much of a burden that we can’t carry around. Stop worrying about the little details every breathing second, and start accepting that you can’t get everything done right now. You don’t have to do everything in that particular moment.

  • Schedule in time for yourself

Block an hour for yourself, at least every three days, that you can’t bail on unless there’s an emergency. Organise and plan out things in a way that you get your work done and can afford to spare out time for yourself.

  • Learn what you’re making time for

Find activities to do that make you happy but you don’t generally do. Everyone has different ways of making themselves feel happy. There is never one standard solution. Try out new things and experiment around a little.

To get more insight on how people chose to use their time to refresh themselves, DU Beat spoke to some students of the University of Delhi. Here’s what they have to say:

Jayita Pande, a B.Com.(Hons.) student of Jesus and Mary College, says, “I love the sound of the rain falling on the roof. So I have this use this app called, Relax Melodies, that has a few such sounds and listen to that. It helps me relax and feel better.”

Music has always proven to be therapeutic for all ages. It makes you understand yourself a lot better and feel more at home around. Manya Kakkar, a 19-year-old student pursuing Maths Honours at Jesus and Mary College, adds, “I try to explore my thoughts through music So I listen to beats and think about the ideas of self; why we do the things we do.”

Many kinds of research have claimed that movement is happiness. Dance, yoga, exercise, and all forms of physical activity make one feel more happy and productive about oneself. Maira Ali, a 20-year-old student of the Delhi University, reveals, “Whenever I find time, I try to dance. It makes me feel a lot better about myself and kills all my stress. I forget all my tensions and worries at that moment and just follow the music.”

Antara Rao, a third-year student of Economics Honours at Jesus and Mary College, comments, “I try to take out time for myself to think, and try to understand myself beyond my identities and my relationships with other people. I like to spend a lot of time reading about things like gender or class, just so that I can understand the difference between what parts of me are real or artificial. I like looking at gifs whenever I find time for myself. They make me truly happy because of how innocent, surprising, and human they are.”

Feature Image Credits: Pinterest

Muskan Sethi
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TedX Shivaji organised its first event on Friday, 24th August. DU Beat brings you the highlights along with a sneak peak of the performances.

Shivaji College, University of Delhi (DU), organised its first ever TEDx Event on Friday, 24th July 2018 in their college campus in Shivaji Enclave, Raja Garden, Delhi.

The event lasted for five hours, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and saw a turnout of over eighty students from all across the Delhi University. The theme being F5 (refresh), the event saw eight speakers who kept the audience on their feet and ready for more.

Niladri Chatterjee, a professor at IIT Delhi, was the first speaker of the event and spoke about the importance of human intelligence in the era of artificial technology. “We have to be smart so that the machines that we use be more human-like,” said Chatterjee. Suhani Jalota, CEO/Founder at Myna Mahila Foundation and recognised by Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia, spoke about the importance of women healthcare and sanitation.

The event also saw an enthralling performance by Amrut Bhat, Founder of the Drum Circle, who brought the audience to their feet, cheering to the rhythm of his music.

Another speaker at the event, Rudrani Chettri, a transgender model and activist and founder of the MITR Trust for the sexual and reproductive awareness of the LGBTQ+ community in India, talked about her struggles and her aim to make the fashion and art industry more gender fluid.

On Rudrani’s talk, Namrata Randhava, a first-year student of B.A. Programme at Gargi College, said “She was so amazing that she almost made me tear up. I was completely mesmerised by her talk. It was a great combination of light-hearted and powerful words!”

“Everything that is happening in your life is building up to something,” said Mohammad Kaif, captain of the World Cup Winning Under 19 Indian Cricket team in 2000 who was a speaker at the event along with his wife, Pooja Kaif, a corporate anchor.

The event also witnessed talks by Shruti Sharma, founder of Books on the Delhi Metro, Anamika Singh, a performer/ dancer and the founder of Ada,, and Divya Prakash Dubey, an author and storyteller. There was a lunch break from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. which stretched on too long and exhausted the audience. The event dragged on a little longer till 4 p.m. but the stories kept the audience engaged.

Anmol Sharma, a second-year B.Com. Programme student of Shivaji College and a member of the organising committee of TedX Shivaji, said, “We were not expecting the event to be completely sold out and have such a wide turnout since Shivaji is an off-campus college and does not attract a huge audience.” “This was our first TEDx event and all of us, along with the administration, are really happy with the response we got. We’re all geared up for another TEDx event next year,” he added.

Muskan Sethi
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Inputs from Namrata Randhawa
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Feature Image Credits:  Namrata Randhawa  for DU Beat