Niharika Dabral, Author at DU Beat - Delhi University's Independent Student Newspaper

Same-Sex Love in India: Readings from Literature and History edited by Ruth Vanita and Saleem Kidwai encompasses the literary history of homosexuality, ranging from Vedic ages to 2Ist Century in India. With the NDA government derecognising transgender persons as the ‘third gender’ in the country’s labour law framework, Trump signing a directive that bans military from recruiting transgenders, and India voting against the ban on death penalty for homosexuality in United Nations, it looks like the attainment of LGBT rights have a long way to go. This makes me wonder, had our administrators read Same-Sex Love in India, edited by Ruth Vanita and Saleem Kidwai, then we would not have had to see such policies being practiced. Edited by former lecturer and literature student of Miranda House Ruth Vanita, and activist-scholar Saleem Kidwai, this book has an array of writings on same-sex love picked up from over 2000 years of Indian literature. The book is divided into four parts. The first part deals with ‘Ancient Indian Materials’ coves Mahabharat, Jataka tales, and kamasutra. The second section caters to ‘Medieval Materials in the Sanskritic Tradition’ which talks about references to homosexuality in Puranas and folklore. The third section has ‘Medieval Materials in the Perso-Urdu Tradition’ that depicts homoerotic love expressed via gazals and Sufi traditions. The last and the longest, and perhaps the most interesting part, discusses the ‘Modern Indian Materials’. Here the subject goes from the letters of Amrita Shergill to Vikram Seth. The data on same-sex love in India is expansive and one can tell the meticulous level of research that must have been invested to put together as well as organise this anthology. Since many chapters are translations from more than a dozen languages and drawn from folk, Vedic, and Buddhist traditions, there is a well-explained introduction before all major chapters which contextualises the terms and subsequently makes it easier to understand the text. The book deals more with abstract love than with sex. The editors, Ruth Vanita resonates, “A passionate attachment between two persons, even between a man and a woman, may or may not be acted upon sexuality. For this reason, our title focuses on love, not sex.” Therefore, those looking for explicit mention of eroticism will be disappointed. Some people may even claim that devotional love, that is an intrinsic component of Sufi-Bhakti traditions, is being misinterpreted as homosexual romance. Overall, for a gender studies student, activists, and for those interested in queer history this book is a must-read. Feature Image Credits: Palgrave Macmillan Niharika Dabral [email protected]]]>

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Campus Central

DU’s Dramatics Societies: Politics in Plays

By Niharika Dabral November 13, 2017

The dramatic societies of the University of Delhi are one of the factors that add to the charm of the varsity. Bollywood actors such as Amitabh Bachchan, Manoj Bajpayee, and Shah Rukh Khan as well as well as filmmakers like Satish Kaushik to Imtiaz Ali have all been a part of dramatic societies. Theater and nukkad nataks (street plays) for the longest time have been used to promote social issues. With simplistic yet appealing performances they are able to draw huge crowds. It is because of their communication ability government bodies have often collaborated with Delhi University societies to spread awareness.
Ibtida, the dramatics society of Hindu College collaborated with the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana and subsequently performed in nine districts of Rajasthan. Earlier, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment asked the street play societies of Daulat Ram College and Miranda House to promote the Accessible India campaign. Before that, BJP Mahila Morcha roped in Anubhuti, the
dramatics society of Janki Devi Memorial College to promote their Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign.
While these associations show harmony between governing bodies and DramSocs, to say that both share an amicable relationship would be far from true. Today when a culture of censorship is being forced down on educational institutes, it is the dramatics socs who are raising the loudest voices of dissent.

Plays such as Chacha Chaudhary Aur Dina Nath Ki Waapsi by Kshitij, the dramatics society of Gargi College, Sare Jahan Se Achha by Ibtida, the dramatics society of Hindu College, and Sawaal Toh Uthega by Manchtantra, the dramatics society of Sri Guru Gobind Singh College Of Commerce openly speak the government ideology. It’s not new for DramSocs to take a volatile political stand, but in the recent times, they have come under the radar of authorities.

On 17th March 2015, Delhi University Student’s Union (DUSU) sent a notice to the Principal of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College (SGTB Khalsa College), asking the college authorities to take strict action against Ankur, the theater society of SGTB Khalsa College for performing their play ‘Welcome to the Machine’ which, according to DUSU, is anti-Hindu in nature. Welcome to the Machine revolved around the how certain parties polarize the society on communal lines for political gain. It also spoke about the growing influence of religious bodies on cultural and education institutes.

Last year too Ankur logged heads with DUSU. They had to postpone their street play competition, Pratyaksh, which was being organised on the second day of the college’s annual cultural festival, Lashkara after the police requested the college to call off the event as a precautionary measure against clashes.

Earlier this year Mukhatib 2017, the annual screenplay festival organised by Shunya-the theatre society of Ramjas College on 31st March 2017 saw four plays being censored by the authorities to avoid any type of unrest in the campus. The organisers of the event were reportedly asked for the scripts of the plays which were to be performed in the festival just before the event. This was followed by the cancellation of four plays which had elements of nationalism in them. The students replied to this attempt of the administration by sealing their lips with black tapes and tying black bands around their arms.

These recent developments clearly show that dramatics, an art form that has always been used as a revolutionary tool, has come under scrutiny. But in a county of Safdar Hashmi, it is impossible to tone down the natakwalas. Be it suspension of events, threats or backlash, varsity’s street play/theater artists will still reclaim the campus.

Feature Image Credits: Kartik Kher for DU Beat

Niharika Dabral

[email protected]

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Travel

Winter Sightseeing in Delhi

By Niharika Dabral November 12, 2017

With the onset of winter, the weather is finally good enough for exploring the city without worrying about the extreme heat. Here are some sites worth planning a visit to in Delhi.

Whether you’re an outstation student who hasn’t stepped out of their college area much or a lifelong Delhi resident, finding interesting places in the city is always rewarding. Winters especially let us look for such places without collapsing due to heat strokes, so it’s a good time to step out of your comfort zone (literally) and explore. Here are a few suggestions to start off with:

1. Lodhi Gardens

Unfortunately, Lodhi Gardens are either known as the space where South Delhi folks are seen power-walking or a spot for amateur photographers trying to brighten up their Instagram feeds. It is seriously underappreciated for being sunny, filled with natural beauty, and striking monuments. Go there on a sunny afternoon with a book or your earphones for some peaceful and relaxing time. It is a 30-rupee auto ride away from Lok Kalyan Marg metro station.

2. Old Delhi

Old Delhi has some of the most well-known monuments of Delhi, such as Jama Masjid and Red Fort, and is also not too far away from Rajghat. It is also filled with lanes which house renowned restaurants that are being run by same families for generations. So go out for a walk through Old Delhi, have a look at the view of the city from the tall minarets of Jama Masjid, stop for a bite of Kebabs or Rabdi Parantha, and end your day with the serenity of Rajghat. You can reach Old Delhi via Chawri Bazar and Chandni Chowk metro station on the Yellow Line or Jama Masjid metro station that is on the Violet Line.

3. National Gallery of Modern Art

Located close to the Khan Market metro station, the National Gallery of Modern Art houses paintings, sculptures, and other works of art by artists from all over the world. It also has a gift shop that has cheap postcards featuring paintings from the museum. India Gate is also close by, with its variations of bhelpuri and numerous ice cream stalls. At its other end on Rajpath, along with the Rashtrapati Bhavan, are the North and South Blocks that seat some of the most important government ministries and have beautiful European architecture.

4. Delhi Zoo

Going to the zoo might seem drab and boring, but for one it’s something very different from going to the movies or the usual things we do. It’s relaxing, and with the right kind of company, it can be a memorable activity. The Delhi Zoo is located near the Purana Quila, closest to the Pragati Maidan metro station.

Image Credits: Observer Research Foundation

Rishika Singh

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Events

Cascade’17: Department of Commerce, Gargi College Organises Seminar on GST

By Niharika Dabral November 9, 2017

Cascade, the annual national level seminar of Department of Commerce, Gargi College was held on 1st November 2017. The theme of this year’s seminar was ‘GST: An Epoch-Making Revolution’. It was thoughtfully themed on Goods and Services Tax, which is the current talking point in India regarded as a revolutionary step in the indirect taxation regime.

In pursuit of the theme, the fest was structured into the formal seminar and informal events.

The formal event was graced by Mr. Sachin Jain, Additional Commissioner, GST South Delhi Zone as the Chief Guest and four panelists: Mr. Ram Singh, Professor of Economics, Delhi School of Economics, Mr. Amit Bhagat, Partner in Tax and Regulatory Services, PWC India, Dr. Sanjiv Agarwal, FCA, FCS, ACIS(UK), Managing Partner in Aggarwal Sanjay Co., Mr. VikashDugar, Chief Financial Officer, Ashiana Housing Ltd., and Mr. Vivek Gaba( Moderator),a Chartered Accountant.

The formal event commenced with the felicitation of the speakers by the Commerce Association team followed by the release of Comascent magazine.

Carrying the event forward, Mr. Sachin Jain addressed the audience with a presentation on GST and gave a glimpse of key areas of changes in the indirect taxation law post the implementation of GST.

The panelists engrossed the audience with an impactful discussion. They delved on the impact of GST on economic growth, profits and gain of business houses, and real estate sector. Further, a comparison between GST and pre GST indirect taxation law was also brought to the table. The discussion drew important questions from the audience on the lines of anti-profiteering law, inclusion of petrol and diesel under GST’s ambit, and impact of GST on the education sector.

The informal event consisted of four interesting and carefully picked competitions: Make it or Break it, Managers of Mayhem, Think Tank, and Mind in Motion. These competitions were tagged with attractive prizes worth Rs. 1, 10, 000 and certificates. An overwhelming participation was witnessed from across various colleges of Delhi University as well as other institutes such as Symbiosis, Noida. The procedure of selection of teams comprised of an online preliminary round where 80 teams had registered out of which 14 teams were shortlisted for the on-campus rounds. The teams were judged by the alumni of Gargi College.

Cascade 2017 was highly appreciated by the participating students and faculty members for acting as a thorough knowledge sharing platform and organizing interesting competitions for the students.

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Uncategorized

Celebrate Xpressions’17 with Farhan Akhtar

By Niharika Dabral November 9, 2017

Xpressions, one of the biggest management-cultural fests in India, is a three-day extravaganza which is scheduled to take place from 10th to 12th November 2017.

At the heart of any management fest lies the business events, and Xpressions 2017 offers a plethora of multi-faceted competitions to its various stakeholders. Keeping the 30 years of its legacy alive are the four prime, business simulations which XIMB hosts every year at Xpressions.

Keeping in mind the veritable business acumen required to do well in the corporate world, the business events are designed to test one’s managerial skills. Skill City, as the name suggests, encourages participants to look within and mine the soft skills required to become an excellent manager, while Kurukshetra, keeping true to its historic counterpart, is blood & suit-worthy battle in the field of business. One does not start their journey to any prestigious B-school in India the day they step on the harrowed grounds of the campus. It starts on the day the applicant aspires to step foot in a premier institute. In alignment to this ethos is Helios, a one-of-a-kind business simulation only for under-graduate participants from diverse backgrounds, honing and testing their management potential and business acumen. Spardha, the social business plan competition of XIMB, but rather creates a platform for generating ideas, concepts, policy suggestions and beyond not only for business but people who are affected by business as well.

Finally, Gladiator engages its participants through a series of challenging rounds covering an array of management skills.

The glory of these mind-boggling competitions is further enhanced by events like Case in Point – a national-level HR Case Study competition, organised by XIMAHR (the HRM association), and Parikrama – a national-level Online Scavenger Hunt, organised by XSYS (the systems association). Similarly, catering to the nuances of various verticals of the corporate world, Xpressions sees the likes of Maven (a national-level competition, organised by Constrat: the strategy association), Trade Wars (an online trading simulation, organised by XFin: the finance association), Mpower (organised by Maven, the marketing association of XIMB) and Urbaniac (a Business Model Competition, organised by HabituX: The Urban Management association).

The Model United Nations, and EnigmaX, an online treasure hunt organised exclusively for the alumni of XIMB, rounds up the business competitions organised in Xpressions.

Amongst all the case competitions, the students bring with them a multitude of talents in various cultural competitions organised on all the three days. Decibelz, the War of Bands brings with it rock music and keeps the crowd enthralled. Goonj, the solo singing competition, and Thirkan, the dance competition gets out the best in students. Aaghaz, the Nukkad Natak event which actually happens on the streets shows some real emotions, leaving the crowd moved. The Carnival De Vogue, which is the Fashion Show competition judges the team on their walk, creativity, elegance and overall performance.

These cultural and business events foster the soul of Xpressions, undoubtedly one of the biggest management & cultural fest of India; giving a platform to the leaders of tomorrow to showcase their ability to take on formidable challenges today.

This year Xpressions will be the host to a Live performance by Farhan Akhtar. Performing for the very first time in Bhubaneswar, not just XIMBians, but also the whole of Bhubaneswar awaits his performance. It will be a starry night, adding another feather to the cap of all the previous glorious Xpressions.

Registration for the fest can be done on the website https://www.ximbxpressions.com/registrations.

ABOUT XUB

Xavier University, Bhubaneswar (XUB) was established in accordance with the Xavier University Act 2013 and was inaugurated on the 7th of July 2014. XUB is India’s first digital University and an institution of higher learning for imparting professional and technical education. It is a self-financing institution imparting professional and technical education. XUB has 6 Schools that offer world-class education in different fields. XIMB offers an MBA in Business Management, Global Management, and Executive programs. Xavier School of Human Resource Management offers the MBA-HRM program. MBA-RM is offered by the Xavier School of Rural Management. MBF- Master of Business Finance is also offered. The Xavier School of Sustainability, Xavier School of Commerce, Xavier School of Urban Management and Governance, and the Xavier School of Media & Communications offer different postgraduate and undergraduate programs. Apart from these, it has proposed to set up other schools of higher learning in various areas like Public Policy, Finance, Education and Centers of Research in Public Policy & other domains.

For more information please contact:

IlluminatiX, Media & PR Cell of XUB

Email: [email protected]

Phone No: +91 90515 08444

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DUB Speak

Hacking the Delete Button of your Brain

By Niharika Dabral November 6, 2017

The advancement in neuroscience and continuous research proved that the brain erases a lot of stuff. Here is a take on how to do it voluntarily.

The results of science and technology are no less than fascinating. The brain is one of the most complex organs to be studied, and scientists have not known a lot about it leading to intensive and continuous research in neurology. Finally, experiments and studies have finally revealed that our brain has a “delete button” which all of us can access.

A report published in Daily Amaze talks about how the brain functions and as a process of its functioning, it erases memories. The cells that remove waste from the brain by glial cells. These cells are also the very cells that speed the signals between neurons. The report emphasised the importance of sleep. While we are asleep, the brain cells shrink their size by more than 50% enabling these glial cells to create space, i.e., remove waste from the brain. An exhausted and sleep-deprived brain would mean that the glial cells won’t be able to remove waste and add to the misery.

So, what does this mean? Well, it certainly would make all the sleep lovers happy and probably encourage to sleep for as long as possible. This article does provide scientific reasons to encourage sleeping though. But, the important point here is that we need to maintain a balance of sleep in our brain. We need to ensure that our brain needs to remove waste and this would require sleeping. So yes, you might need to think before planning to study overnight before exams hoping you will make through. This is also the very reason power naps are recommended while studying. Also, the other important thing which this study implies is once we wake up from sleep, we will be fresher, more observant and more grasping. It will be because we will have enough space in our brain to learn. Not to mention, it will also be more efficient meaning it will work better making us a bit sharper mentally.

Now, the best part of the story. How to control it? Well, there’s a simple solution to it mentioned in the report. The less you think of something, the higher are the chances of that thought fading away from your brain. Well, this isn’t the most tempting answer to the question but accept it or not, this is what is actually happening inside our minds. The major concern here is that we have difficulties in letting go of something because it has such a huge impact on us. Naturally, we would want to delete something that is negative and not something we want to be reminded of. Again the question, how do let go of such thoughts?

We can’t control what comes in our minds but we can control what do we want to think of? It’s easier said than done,but that’s the challenge. How can we feel a great impact on ourselves if it isn’t challenging enough? There’s no rocket science involved in bringing a change in ourselves. It’s not a difficult math question involving formulas to find the answer. All it takes is our willingness and patience to wait until we experience a change. We have been hearing these things now and then. These scientific conclusions confirm that these “teachings” actually work. Eventually, it just comes to us and we need to decide whether we are capable enough of inducing a change in ourselves or not.

Image Caption: The brain has a delete button and there’s way to use it

Image Credits: HEALAM

Karan Singhania

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Events

The Marketing Cell of Aryabhatta College organises Exult’17

By Niharika Dabral November 6, 2017

The Marketing Cell of Aryabhatta College in association with Innolabz organised EXULT’17, a fun-filled fest on 26th and 27th of October, 2017.

The first day was filled with enthusiasm and energy. A day full of exhilarating games, soothing music to delicious food and drinks! There was a soul to it. A soul that was vibrant, contagious and exuberant. The college was beautifully decorated by the team members from the entry itself and was a perfect example of eye candy! The minute one set foot inside the premises of college, one could feel the vibrancy. Outside the building, various mini-games were set up and stage and tents were put up on the football playground. It set the mood for the celebrations. The tone of decorations was very festive.

Various mini-games from drizzle throw to human tic tac toe were held and various students and teachers loved to be part of it. With each game, the winner was awarded various prizes like coupons of various outlets to cash-backs. Various other games like Impractical Jokers, Scavenger Hunts were also organised. The games were mind-boggling, adventurous and were filled with dares and thrill. The participants were from various colleges and were divided into teams and competed vigorously and were given a fixed amount of time to complete their tasks. The winners were awarded with various cash prizes and in kind.

Foodgasm a food game was also held. It was a game filled with fun for the foodies that were present out there. Participants had to eat the most in order to win followed by the tagline ‘eat till you last’.

B-quizophilia: a business quiz curated entirely by Innolabz was also organised in the college premises which experienced tremendous participation from various Colleges of Delhi-NCR.

The tents put up were occupied by various food stalls selling delicious food and drinks. From Dosa to Pasta to Waffles everything was finger licking delicious. The drinks did their job right on that hot sunny day!

The first day slowly came to an end as the sun started to set. The day was undoubtedly a success and did not fail to bring a smile on everyone’s face.

Riding on the tremendous success of the Day 1 of Exult’17, the Marketing Cell of Aryabhatta College kicked off the Final Day events with enormous zeal and motivation. The first event of the day was #StartAb, in collaboration with Josh Talks and Facebook. The team warm-heartedly received Mr. Bhavishya Wadhaman, founder of 98FIT.com as the first speaker of the day. 98FIT.com, unlike other online fitness trainers that aims for a healthy living without sacrificing on the available food choices, employing the use of Artificial Intelligence. It is an up and coming start-up and the brainchild of Mr. Bhavishya. He stayed on for over 2 hours as students listened keenly, and was more than happy to answer every single question after the engaging session. Later, we had Mrs. Arunima Shekhar on the stage from Tell-a-Tale, telling us delightful stories of experiences and life.

#StartAB ended with a Facebook presentation video on how it has been positively helping change lives all over the globe and its new plans for developing countries.

As fully expected, Josh Talks ended on a high note. It was followed by an interactive workshop on Entrepreneurship by InnoLabz which received a great response. The last item on the list, an ‘Open-Mic Standup Comedy’ session began in the next 30 minutes. A lineup of 9 participants from various colleges, some of which being Motilal Nehru College, Ram Lal Anand College, Aryabhatta College and Sri Venkateswara College eagerly expected to wait for their turn. It was a session jam-packed with humor and hilarious jokes, with everyone enjoying every minute of it and actively participating as the audience. Aryabhatta College and the Marketing Cell are extremely proud to have hosted one of the first of such event in the South Campus of the University. We all hope to have a bigger and better version for the next year.

With prizes for the Top 2 winners given out and Exult’17 finally drew to an end. The members and the teachers were proud in the culmination of an immensely successful event all over the university, thanks to every dedicated member of the team.

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Bazinga

Bazinga: Delhi University Accredits Paranormal Forces for Delays and Mishaps

By Niharika Dabral November 4, 2017

Many colleges affiliated to the University of Delhi have decided to seek help from professional ghostbusters to combat the frequently occurring mishaps that are causing problems for both, the administration and the students.

In the past few months, University of Delhi has seen increasing incidences of infrastructure failure, administrative delays, and incidents of violence. Recently, a large portion of the plaster fell off from the ceiling in one of the rooms of Hansraj College hostel. Earlier on 11th August, a section of the newly constructed false ceiling came crashing down in a classroom of the College of Vocational Studies. Last year too, ceiling collapsed in Daulat Ram College, leaving several students injured.

Considering that these episodes can also be life-threatening, college administrations were severely critiqued for being negligent. Recently in the executive council meeting, all colleges unanimously accredited paranormal forces for causing such mishaps. On the condition of anonymity, a member of the Maintenance Committee of College of Vocational Studies (CVS) said, “The infrastructure of CVS is top notch; there is no carelessness on our part that could cause injury inflicting miscarriages. We strongly suspect some extra-terrestrial forces behind the ceiling collapse.” The executive council of Delhi University has proposed a budget of one crore that should be allotted for hiring professional ghostbusters who will undertake all necessary activities to counter this. The activities are scheduled to take place during the examination break, provided the Finance Committee accepts the proposal and releases funds.

Many people claim that accusing sinister forces of interfering with day-to-day deeds of the Varsity is the administration’s desperate attempt to negate accountability and shift the blame. Addressing these allegations, a member of executive Council resonated, “If you look at the geography of North Campus, you’ll see several landmarks that have a dark history, such as Khooni Jheel and Flagstaff Tower located in the Kamla Nehru Ridge, which is adjacent to the North Campus. It is very much possible that eldritch energies from these places intrude in the campuses.”

Miranda House, one of the most acclaimed colleges of Delhi University has also witnessed eerie occurrences ever since its auditorium, one of the oldest constructions in the college, was closed for renovation work. It has been a while since the auditorium has been undergoing retrofitting, but not much progress has been made. On the condition of anonymity, the official in charge of the renovations told DU Beat that all attempts to develop the work is being vandalized by unknown people. The workers often find their construction gears either missing or damaged. The rumor is that the ghost of English architect Walter Sykes George, who designed Miranda House at its inception, is sabotaging the work because he is not pleased with the new design of the auditorium.

Whether or not the rumors have any substance or they are simply an excuse meted by the officials to distract attention from their failures is for people to decide, depending on whatever they want to believe in.

Feature Image Credits: Shutterstock
Niharika Dabral

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Arts & Culture

Celebrating Mental Well-being at Cluster Innovation Centre

By Niharika Dabral October 28, 2017

Held on the 24th and 25th of October, the two-day event saw an array of activities devoted to the cause of raising awareness about mental health issues.

Students of B.A. Honours (Humanities & Social Sciences) celebrated a two-day Mental Health Awareness Week at the Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC), University of Delhi.

The first day began with a panel discussion on the topic, ‘Sorting Through Gender Identity, Sex, and Sexual Orientation’. Bhani Rachel Bali, the creator and founder of Kranti Kali, a startup that promotes feminism through art and technology, spoke about online harassment of women. Taksh Sharma, a model, brought light to the transgender perspective through her personal experiences as a trans woman. Rakesh Kumar Singh is an author, activist, and founder of Ride for Gender Freedom, an initiative that aims to sensitise people about gender-based violence, talked about male privilege and the ways in which men can be good allies in feminist movements.

After the panel discussion, a workshop on menstrual hygiene was conducted by the students of CIC belonging to the Menstruation is Not a Taboo (MINT) Project. A quiz contest on mental well-being and psychology took place. Adil Jacob and Siddharth Garg from Jamia Millia Islamia won the competition. The first day of MHW came to a close with the film screening of the Academy award-winning movie, The Danish Girl.

The second day started with Living Stories, a project that initiates conversations between a person who acts as a book and others who come as readers. This edition of the project was solely dedicated to mental health.

This was followed by a panel discussion on the topic, “What’s depressing the millennials?” One of the panelists, Simran Luthra, the founder and curator of Talk Happy Therapy, an initiative which works for mental health awareness, shared her experiences of dealing with people with depression. Subhra Solanki is a guest lecturer at Jamia Millia Islamia, and discussed the problem of rigidity Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

Slam poetry competition on the topic, ‘When Love Checks In’ saw 14 participants perform moving pieces of the spoken word that was followed by a special performance by slam maestro and judge, Shibani Das. Riah Rath from CIC won the competition and Aditya Kapur from Motilal Nehru College came second.

In the late afternoon, a cultural extravaganza hosted an array of wonderful performances. Rubhen D’sa, the founder of Taameer, a Delhi-based social community, shared fun stories about his travels. He was followed by Prateek Sachdeva, self-identifying Drag Queen, who entertained the audience with a stunning dance performance. Devang Panday and Apurv Chatterjee, students of DU, serenaded the audience with a medley of hit songs. Zikr, the dramatics society of Cluster Innovation Centre, also performed a short but impactful play, narrating the story of a young gender-nonconforming boy.

In the end, the prize distribution ceremony took place and Mr. Ashu Mishra, Assistant Professor, CIC gave an exhortation speech. The event came to close with the vote of thanks.

Image Credits: Ened D’souza (From the left: Rakesh Singh, Bani Rachel Bali, and Taksh Sharma.)

Image Caption: The first day of Mental Health Awareness Week began with a panel discussion on Gender Sensitisation

Niharika Dabral
[email protected]

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