Shaurya Thapa, Author at DU Beat - Delhi University's Independent Student Newspaper

Campus Central

Complains of Inconvenience during shooting arise at Miranda House

By Shaurya Thapa July 13, 2019

Recently released amidst debates Kabir Singh had parts of it shot inside Miranda House’s lush green and beautiful campus. Though complaints of inconvenience have arisen. Read on to find out more.

DU Beat posted a poll on its Instagram feed on 11^th July 2019, asking students how they felt about a film being shot on campus, the post saw more than a few negative responses which spoke of inconvenience caused during the shoot

Image Credits: Screenshot by Sakshi Arora

Image Caption: A comment by an agitated student which garnered 110 likes.

Digging deeper into the issue we found out that girls were made extremely uncomfortable and suffered profusely during these shoots. According to the students they were never informed before any shooting began, and the crew would unannouncedly barge in on their college lives for a few days, making them miserable.

Bala Panchanatha shared “The shooting went on for about 4-5 days. The hostel and the college were both used for filming. The film crew impeded on our routine, they even restricted our movement within our own hostels; we were not allowed to take pictures of ourselves or our friends in the hostel area. The Union did not do anything, but they spoke to the warden – sort of a token gesture. However, due to widespread dissatisfaction and anger, we were told that we would be informed about future shoots. The current Union is more responsive in that sense. The crew was rude, entitled and smoked right outside the hostel gate.”

Aatreyee Tamuly, another student also shared that “First of all, it’s not ethical to interfere with the daily life of college just for some heavy amount. Also, blocking most parts of the corridors without prior notice causes a lot of inconvenience to the students. The safety of students also comes under question. If the college authorities need the money so badly out of these shooting events, it would be in the best interest of everyone to allow it on holidays or on weekends when college isn’t operational.”

In an article by an ex-Miranda History student, Ambica Naithani for the Citizen, she proclaims that The ex-Principal, Dr Pratibha Jolly in her speech on Founders Days said, “When we need to earn a quick buck, we also allow the film industry to shoot our beautiful campus.” referring to a number of films like Kabir Singh and Half Girlfriend shot inside the Miranda House Campus. A student who requested to be anonymous shared that she felt this was the worst part about this whole ordeal that the Principal was willing to compromise their security for capitalising on their beautiful campus.

In the same article, many other students like Tridisha and Apurva Sinha also highlight the hypocrisy of this whole process. The students fought tooth and nail to lift the curfew in hostels which was there for ‘security reasons’ while for monetary benefits the same security was easily put in danger.

DU Beat contacted the Student Union of Miranda House for a comment, they did not respond.

Image Credits: Shiksha.com

Sakshi Arora

Arts & Culture

Taylor Swift’s ‘Gay’ Video: Two sides of the Rainbow

By Shaurya Thapa July 4, 2019

In the middle of the month of June, the Pride Month, Taylor Swift had dropped a new video for her single ‘You Need to Calm Down’. A song battling homophobia and her haters, the song has received moderately good reviews but it’s the video that has been making headlines.

The video starts with Taylor waking up in a trailer and then burning it down as she walks past anti-LGBTQ protestors. She keeps on walking in a world of flashy colours which features a huge ensemble of some of the greatest queer icons, from Ru Paul judging a beauty pageant to Ellen DeGeneres getting tattooed by Adam Lambert. In the end, even Katy Perry (a major foe of Taylor in the past as per gossip journalists) gets along with her.

But the reaction like most of Taylor’s content in the past has been polarising.

While her support for the LBGTQ community has been welcomed, some are critical of the vibe that the video gives off. Associating queer people with pink and all other flashy colours is a major stereotype and unconsciously the Drew Kirsch directed video seems to reinforce the very same stereotype.

As a queer school student (name withheld) said, ‘She went with the whole stereotype with how LGBT is all about rainbows, being excessively flamboyant, spilling tea and being dramatic and constantly being obsessed with drag culture.’ He added that it caters to an extremely exclusive set of people from the community and not every ‘non-straight guy’ would relate to it.

There have been artists in the past with songs that achieve the status of a ‘pride anthem’, like many tunes by George Michael, Lady Gaga and Madonna. But none of these artists ‘try’ to be queer icons. It’s the community of their listeners that ultimately give them this status.

In the case of Swift, before her ‘Swifties’ decide, she seems to have proclaimed herself as a queer icon. As a Vox report read, her song ‘wants to be a queer anthem’. It also feels that she like many other capitalist companies is trying to commodify Pride Month and make money out of it. But is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Even if shameless capitalism is involved, in some way or the other they are trying to celebrate pride and criticise the homophobes. That just makes them allies of the LBGTQ community and that’s a good thing…right?

But support and appropriation are two extreme sides of the rainbow. ‘She’s just queerbaiting. She can’t take up a space that’s not hers. We don’t need straight saviours’, Ambuj, a third-year student from Ambedkar University said.

Poet and blogger Arjun Randhawa had a similar narrative that Taylor ‘overdid’ herself as he called the video ‘a great way to get views during pride month and for calling a truce with another pop star (Katy)’.

So, appropriating, pretending, overdoing, stereotyping, capitalising, there are many allegations on the pop star but it’s no secret that she has been a genuine ally for the queer community for a long time. In fact, Taylor has released this song to raise funds for GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) and her own petition urging the US Senate to pass the Equality Act.

She might be walking the straight path of being a ‘straight saviour’ for the community in the video too but maybe some queer people are ready to give her this status despite her heterosexual identity. But as the video many famous queer personalities, do we really need a straight white singer to be their voice, that’s the question.

A Hyderabad student who identifies as bisexual (name not disclosed) feels that the hate that Taylor is getting seems a bit unnecessary.

‘She has been a genuine ally, and the video isn’t the same as corporate gaining off the pride tide. This is a product that can be streamed and viewed with nothing to pay for but our time. Yes, she gets ad revenue but come on, the sets didn’t materialise out of thin air right!’

So, have you watched the video for You Need to Calm Down? Do you feel Taylor Swift overplayed her ‘queer avatar’? Or do you have a ‘calmed-down’ stance?

Featured Image Credits- Taylor Swift Archives

Shaurya Singh Thapa

Features

Growing up as a Wimpy Kid, with a Wimpy Kid

By Shaurya Thapa July 1, 2019

An account of how Jeff Kinney’s book series created simple literature for a new generation of young readers.

‘But if she thinks I’m going to write down my “feelings” in here or whatever, she’s crazy. So just don’t expect me to be all “Dear Diary” this and “Dear Diary” that.’

Those are a few words from the first page of the 2007 bestseller and the first entry in one of the most unique franchises, The Diary of a Wimpy Kid. The book and its subsequent sequels might look like a plain ole kids’ book that’s sold in the Scholastic book stand during your school’s Parents Teachers Meeting but it is more than that. Wikipedia aptly classifies Wimpy Kid as a ‘satirical realistic fiction comedy’ and rightly so.

It is not just about the life of a certain Greg Heffley trying to grow up in a pre-teen world; it is also a tale of how everyone around him gets affected and themselves grow with time along with Greg. This emphasises how in human society; our actions knowingly and unknowingly tend to affect each other.

Written in a simple manner and drawn in a simpler manner, the essence of the whole series lies in…simplicity only. Author Jeff Kinney takes up random observation in the life of a modern urban middle-class family and exaggerates it with some straight elegant satire (which is made even better with the scribbled drawings). Kinney writes about male showers in water parks being the grossest things in mankind, the stark differences in luxury between economy and executive class flights using leg room as a parameter amongst many other hilarious observations.

However, let’s not forget that the soul of the books still comes from the high school going titular character, Greg. As he grows up (and has been growing up in twelve more books), he encounters changes that even we as transient school and college students can relate to. Greg is a slightly ‘introvert-ish’ wimp who prefers playing video games rather than doing anything else. Yet he like many other students craves the attention of everyone, wants to date the prettiest girl and wants to be a famous star when he grows up.

These are common desires that we all would wish for as every shooting star passes by. His best friend Rowley is a simpleton who sticks with him mostly but there are times when he might give his attention to a girl or some other friend and to this, Greg feels left out and mellow. As times change, friends also change. This is one thing which we all deal with at some point in our student life or the other.

Apart from school, Greg has real-world relatable problems in his house too. His parents might get overprotective or a bit too affectionate at times, not understanding what their kid wants in this process. If you have had elder sibling issues or younger sibling issues, Greg will be your spirit animal as he has to deal with his self-obsessed dumb elder brother Rodrick who pulls pranks at him along with handling the alligator toothed toddler brother Manny, who can do everything from pissing in the swimming pool to befriending a pig.

Everyone in the series seems dumb and foolish in their own different ways. Maybe, that’s an indirect hint at humanity itself. No matter how smart or bold we might act, we might just be dumb and wimpy from inside. The key is to embrace our true selves and get amused by every step that we walk in our life. And if you wish to capitalise on it, then maybe just start writing a diary and publish it…

Featured Image Credits- Jeff Kinney

Shaurya Singh Thapa

Admissions

How to crack the St Stephens Interview

By Shaurya Thapa June 27, 2019

St Stephens is the only college in the University that admits its students based on an interview. This interview may or may not be after an entrance test.

Arts-based courses certainly have an entrance prior to the interviews. The weightage given to the interview is 10%. The entrance has a weightage of 5% and the BFs carry 85% weightage in terms of admissions.

Be wise, they are not searching for your knowledge of the subject, of course, you need to have a certain amount of knowledge but it’s not primary. What they seek is your confidence, your character and your personality. The part that shows your Stephanian spirit. The quality in you that showcases your ability to fit into the culture that Stephens portrays. The fact that you can be a Stephanian out in the world after three years is what they want to find in you. They are looking for that spark or character rather than a know it all. Knowledge is abundant in all those who have cleared the cutoff but not all have the X factor.

All you have to make sure is that you present the best version of yourself in the 20 minutes of time that you sit in front of the Panel.

What is it that makes you different? your personality, your confidence, your understanding and your maturity. How capable a person you are? Diana Oommen who cleared the interviews for English, History and Philosophy in St Stephens and is now a Philosophy student shares her experience “When I was asked my opinion on the Medieval history of India during the Mughal period, I gave the panel an answer that was incorrect, the teacher corrected me stating that it’s not the right answer. ” My response was that even if my answer is wrong I am here today to correct myself. I have been able to learn this from you and thank you for telling me that this is the case and not the way I thought of it” The Panel was impressed by her answer. Thus, your ability to handle a situation calmly without being argumentative or aggressive is a quality that they seek she says.

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind as you approach your interview

The candidate receives a call letter from the college. It is also a formal invitation to attend the interviews. If you have received one, then congratulations! Your SOP (statement of Purpose) has surely left an impression. You must keep the dates in mind. Also, do read the college prospectus carefully as the college tends to make changes in their admission procedures annually.
Based on the courses you have applied for, you would have to prepare yourself. Here your SOP plays a very vital role. It becomes central to the way your interview might proceed, the information provided in your SOP gives out to the panellist, the kind of person you are. Thus, your interview may be on the lines of how you have presented yourself. For example: If you have mentioned a certain book that you like in your SOP for English Honours. You should have read it thoroughly enough to be able to answer questions on the same if asked.
If you have applied to the college on the basis of quota, then you must carry original and photocopied relevant documents without fail. Make sure you double check your file so that you have everything at hand. The prospectus gives you clear instructions for the documents you need to have. *YOU MUST NOT FORGET YOUR CALL LETTER* Time is the essence if you are not aware of the nearby places you might get lost and thus, It is fundamental to have a clear understanding of the route you plan to take to reach the college. It is advised that you carry additional photocopies and passport size photographs along with a pen, glue and whitener.
Dress to impress: You cannot compromise on your appearance, Men must wear light coloured formal shirts, Formal pants and black or brown formal shoes. Women should prefer western or Indian formals and semi-formals. There have been instances where candidates in shorts and casuals have been turned away! Try to avoid Jeans, T-Shirts, Sneakers etcetera. It is advised to not colour your hair during the interview dates.
The entrance test for arts mainly examines your analytical skills, your writing style and your ability to express. It gives the panellist, who will have your paper at hand during the interview, an opportunity to form an opinion of your thought process. They might ask you the reasons for writing certain things in the entrance, be attentive to your answers. Be calm so that you do not forget what you wrote.
The interviews are based on hourly slots. If you are lucky it might happen very early, if not then try to relax, listening to some music, going through your SOPs or (if you are a Christian) going through the bible would help. Based on the number allotted you would be made to sit in a line. It’s here that you meet many of your future batch mates. Carry certificates along, in case you have won various awards and prizes. That is always a plus.
The key to a good impression of your personality is to be balanced in your presentation. If you sound too confident it is not a good sign. Basic etiquettes are definitely an add on. The interview happens in the principal’s office. The office is a huge space. It might seem intimidating, but the panellist would give you time to calm your nerves. Do not forget to ask basic questions like ” May I come in?”, ” May I sit?” and thank you. Be aware of the time when you greet them. The panel would have five individuals. The Principal would be at the centre, and two panellists each by his side (This might vary with an additional member being there in the panel). One of them would be observing you throughout the interview, observing your posture and responses. After general questions like “why the course?” and “why the college?” The panellist would then move on to questions pertaining to the course. For a Science based course, there are two questions that are always asked, one is a theory-based question and the other an application-based question, Students may be asked to draw graphs or solve questions in front of the panel. For arts, the students may be asked questions on authors or books they might have read or mentioned in their SOP.
If you are a Christian student, be well versed with the Bible. Gather information on various Biblical characters. Know the different books and have a Biblical verse learned already. ” What is your favourite Bible verse?” is a very popular question for Christians.
The panel is clearly aware of your academic potential but is prepared. Honesty is an ultimate if you do not know an answer, a polite ” I am sorry”,” I do not know the answer” or ” I am unable to recall the answer for the time being” would do. Being argumentative with the panel is negative. Humility is highly appreciated, it should not be confused with self-doubt. Be optimistic in your answers. Try to be pleasant with a smile, if you are confident cracking a joke or two won’t do any harm. The panel may ask you questions that might seem confusing. If you do not understand a question, politely ask them to repeat the same. Do not consistently look at the person who has posted the question, you are talking to the whole panel.
Carry a handkerchief, if you are sweaty. do not fidget, try to keep your tone at a moderate volume. Stammering or stuttering is big ‘ NO’. Gather your thoughts, the panel won’t mind a few seconds of silence.
The interview is very haunting at times but does not be disheartened. Students who came out crying (because they thought they underperformed) have been selected. We never know what the panel is looking for. The panel tries to make the selected crowd as diverse as possible so that the students have a great learning experience. It’s completely okay if you are not the state topper or the national topper if you have cleared the cutoff, your chances of getting in are as real as of the others. Remember the selection ratio may be as high as 1: 10, One person selected for every ten individuals interviewed, the competition is there, but you are as good as any other player so relax. If you have any unique quality or talent, you can certainly inform the panel of the same.
As you get out, be aware of the DOORKNOB. Many students lose their cool when they are unable to open the door. It’s just a gentle turn and you are out. A parting smile and a thank you would be a great way to end the session.
You would get many hints as you go through the interview, about whether the panel is pleased or not. Be alert of their reactions.

These are some of the tips that you need to keep in mind. DU beat wishes you all the very best! For any further queries on admissions do not forget to DM us!

Featured Image Credits- LiveMint

Stephen Mathew

Campus Central

List of Sports Categories across various DU colleges

By Shaurya Thapa June 27, 2019

The University of Delhi has various colleges providing a number of different sports through which students can grab a seat (sports quota). With upcoming sports trials for those who seek this sports quota, the varsity will open its gates for students to show their mettle in their respective sports. Here we will introduce the most sought-after sports in Delhi University.

Archery

For all the toxophilites, this sport is not only about using a bow and arrow and taking an aim but is a competitive sport that requires skill, precision, focus, control and determination. The various colleges of the varsity aim to hone these skills in the students and provide them with opportunities to take it further.

Athletics

It comprises of various track and field events which include various competitions in running, jumping, throwing and walking events. Delhi University boasts of one of a kind training provided in athletics with almost 39 colleges providing seats for students.

Badminton

With its history rooted in India, when British Army Officers learned a competitive sport called poona and brought it to England, badminton has come a long way and evolved into a highly competitive sport. It is a lawn game which requires a lightweight racket and a shuttlecock.

Basketball

A team sport comprising of five players on each side, basketball is known for its speed, skill, shots, manoeuvres, etc. It has gained rapid popularity and become one of the world’s most viewed sport. Delhi University holds various tournaments and allows maximum participation of students so as to hone their skills.

Boxing

This sport consists of two people matched in the same weight and ability landing blows with their fists at each other and simultaneously avoiding the punches of the opponents. The boxer wears a padded glove and whoever outscores the opponent or renders him incapable of continuing wins the match.

Cricket

Comprising of two competing sides of 11 players each, cricket is the most loved sport in the Indian sub-continent. It is observed with an unmatched fervour. This game requires a bat and ball, two sets of three wickets and an umpire to monitor the game.

Football

It is a team sport where the competing teams try to control the ball and score points by putting it in the opposition’s goalpost. The ball is handled using any part of the body except for the arms and hands. The team that scores most goals wins.

Hockey

Field hockey involves competing for sides using a distinguished hockey stick to manoeuvre the ball or puck into the opponent’s goal. Only a goalkeeper is allowed to use his body to stop the ball whereas the other players have to strictly use the hockey stick.

Volleyball

With six players on each side, players use their hands to volley the ball back and forth over a high net. Whoever allows the ball to touch their court concedes a point to the opposite team. It can be played both indoor and outdoor and requires a minimum of equipment.

Cover Image Credits- The Hindu

Featured Image Credits- Screenshots from DU websites

Antriksha Pathania
[email protected]

Arts & Culture

Ghazals and Sufi Music for the Unconventional Mind

By Shaurya Thapa June 24, 2019

A look at Ghazals and Sufi music, genres of music which are the underdogs of the music world, but is the epitome of soulful and idyllic melodies.

With Queen, the Beatles or Coldplay weaving songs with lyrics that express us when words fail. With the world tapping to Punjabi songs. With K-Pop winning hearts and spreading love, Sufi music and ghazals are music for the soul, poetry for the mind and melody for our hearts. While pop music and rap music have clearly established their hegemony, songs like Arziyan, from Delhi 6, and Kun Faaya Kun, from Rockstar, would be some of the most popular examples of this genre pulling us back to our roots.

Songs by artists like Shawn Mendes and Taylor Swift gain millions of views in hours but this music, despite having the potential, does not enjoy the same audience. Not wanting to sound like my parents but, with today’s remixes, EDMs and mashups this side of the spectrum often goes unnoticed. Few, but only those lucky few who can see the beauty behind this mystical sound, are able to enjoy the way it strikes a chord. The mehfil this music creates cannot be found elsewhere.

The usage of words will sadden you over what is now left of the languages used, but it will be so exquisite that the sadness will be long gone. The delightful instruments will leave you charmed and mesmerised. While there are countdowns for hashtag Shawmila songs and speculations about release dates, where each word will be scrutinised to see what detail of their romantic lives can be squeezed out, you will never know when these songs will come out and go. This music is like the unconventional mind, which creates its own path, it finds small crevices in us and seeps in, in the moments we least expect it to.

Contrary to popular ideas, this kind of music is not restricted to being sad or emotional, and several takes of this can be found in Sufi rock, Bollywood and other music. Arooj Aftab, a “neo” Sufi artist on speaking to Huffington Post described her influence as, “A lot of Sufi stuff is about distance and time and travel. The journey that you take as a singular self, searching for love within yourself.”

In today’s music scene where hundreds of artists are being remembered and celebrated for their creative contributions in filling the void in our hearts, and tying us all together, here is a list of one of the best music this genre has gifted the world.

Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo- Farida Khanum

“Aaj jaane ki zid na karo
Yunhi pehloo mein baithe raho
Aaj jaane ki zid na karo
Hai mar jaayenge, hum to lut jaayenge
Aisi baatein kiya na karo
Aaj jaane ki zid na karo”

Dil Jalane Ki Baat- Farida Khanum

“Humko Apni Khabar Nahi Yaaron,
Tum Zamane Ki Baat Karte Ho,
Ziqr Mera Suna To Chid Ke Kaha,
Kis Deewane Ki Baat Karte Ho,
Hadsa Tha Guzar Gaya Hoga,
Kiske Jaane Ki Baat Karte Ho”

Dum Mast Qalandar- Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

“Rub Ne Kinne Shaan Banaye
Be Karma Te Karm Kamaye
Jehda Vi Tere Dar Te Aaye
O Na Kabhi Bhi Khaali Jaye

Ik Vird Hai Dam Dam Ali Ali”

Kun Faya Kun- Javed Ali, Mohit Chauhan

“Jab Kahin Pe Kuch Nahi Bhi Nahi Tha
Wahi Tha Wahi Tha Wahi Tha Wahi Tha

Woh Jo Mujh Mein Samaya
Woh Jo Tujh Mein Samaya
Maula Wahi Wahi Maaya

Woh Jo Mujh Mein Samaya
Woh Jo Tujh Mein Samaya
Maula Wahi Wahi Maaya”

Tu Maane Ya Na Maane- Wadali Brothers

“Asaan ne tennu Rab manya
Apne tan ki khaak utaari
Tab ye ishq ki manzil paayi
Meri saanson ka bole iktaara”

Arziyan- Javed Ali, Kailash Kher

“Pyaas Le Ke Aaya Tha, Dariya Woh Bhar Laya
Noor Ke Barish Mein Bhigata Sa Tar Aaya
Noor Ke Barish Mein O O O
Noor Ke Barish Mein, Bhigata Sa Tar Aaya
Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula”

Faasle Aise Bhi Honge- Ghulam Ali

“Faaslay aise hongay yeh kabhi socha na tha,
Saamne baitha tha mere aur woh mera na tha

Woh to khushboo ki tarah phaila tha mere charsoo,
Main usay mahsoos kar sakta tha chhoo sakta na tha”

Tum Itna Jo Muskurah Rahe Ho- Jagjit Singh

“Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho
Kya Gham Hai Jisko Chhupa Rahe Ho
Aankhon Mein Nami, Hansi Labon Par
Kya Haal Hai Kya Dikha Rahe Ho”

Tera Chehra Hai Aaeene Jaisa- Jagjit Singh

“Dost mil jaayenge kayin lekin
Na milega koyi mere jaisa
Tera chehara aaine jaisa
Tum achaanak mile the jab pehale
Pal nahi hai woh bhulane jaisa
Tera chehara hai aaine jaisa”

Image Credits: Delhi Planet

Shivani Dadhwal

Pride

All for Love and Love for All: LGBTQ groups in Delhi

By Shaurya Thapa June 24, 2019

At a psychology internship, I came across boy X, who had come all the way to this hospital, lying to the parents of his whereabouts and with the money his grandmom had given him as a reward for achieving good marks. He was anxious and distressed but spoke with full courage about his struggles with accepting his identity, unacceptance of his sexuality by his parents, his mental health being ignored and his two-year-long battle with depression. As his story unfolded further, he managed to hold back his tears, but I realised how important it is to make people aware of several organisations working for the LGBTQ+ community so that you do not fall short of people, support or love!

The Naz Foundation (India) Trust

In a landmark judgement in Naz Foundation v Gov of NCT of Delhi case, they fought against Section 377. This foundation works towards the outreach, counselling, medical treatment and legal support. This foundation also works towards destigmatising the LGBTQ community. Their outreach programme provides information on safer sex practices and HIV and AIDS STI/ STD. Naz Clinic provides HIV testing and STD treatments. Counselling is extended to bisexual, homosexual and transgender individuals where they can talk about problems or are provided, support groups. They further host regular check-ups for members to attend. Their Milan Project targeted the involvement of these marginalised people and aimed to provide them with equal opportunity.

Doctors visit the Naz Office on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6 pm to 7 pm.

Helpline: +91 11 26321830
Hours are Monday to Saturday- 9:30 A.M. to 5 P.M. Address: India Office A-86 East of Kailash

The Delhi University Queer Collective

Founded by Rafiul Alom Rahman in 2014 and with a humble beginning with about 4-5 people today it has members across 40 colleges in the University. It now organises parades, campaigns meetups, open mics and were the first on-campus LGBTQ support group. On speaking to the Citizen he said, “I remember back in 2014 when I presented a paper in St Stephen’s College and when I was doing the research, looking at how queer Muslim navigate their sexual and religious identities, there was hardly any material or contemporary documents available on LGBTQ Muslims…So that time I realized whole research needs to be done in this area.” It started from Facebook where they posted articles, videos and any resource on the same.

Their #Write4pride in 2017 gained a lot of traction due to the number of people who were able to open up about their experiences of accepting themselves. They also launched a Zero Tolerance Campaign against violence towards their community and its members. Multiple editions of the Parents and Relatives of Queer Persons Meet have also been organised by them.

Facebook: DU Queer Collective

The Queer Muslim Project

Founded by Rafiul Alom Rahman in 2017, it began as online space for conversations and exchange of experiences, ideas and information and discussions regarding the LGBTQ community. Rahman quit his PhD on the queer Muslim community at Texas University when he realised that there was a dearth of information on LGBTQ Muslims in India.

This organisation focuses on the struggles of two marginalised communities queers and Muslims. Their nuanced identities put them at a greater disadvantage where they face homophobia and Islamophobia. And so it aims to cater to people suffering from this discrimination through spreading awareness, campaigns and other aid.

They have organised events like ‘Do It Yourself’ Islam or DIY Islam, where queer Muslims express their experiences both good and bad. Also, TQMP along with Aneka trust held the first Muslim consultation in 2018.

Their ‘Spirit of Ramadan’ campaign, this year during the month of Ramadan was a remarkable attempt towards using both these identities as a strength and helping others by sharing your own stories. They posted these responses on their Instagram in relation to the spirit of this auspicious time to highlight self-acceptance, love and faith.

Instagram: thequeermuslimproject

Bi Collective Delhi

A Resource group and support group for bisexual, bi+, bicurious and pansexual individuals. They aim to provide a safe space to these people that it serves. It is a recent addition to the Agents of Ishq (AOI) list of Queer Support Resources. They organise several film screenings, meetups, workshops such as those on sexuality and multiplicity.

Their website describes their aim as, “Curiosity and questions regarding bisexual behaviour, experiences, politics and identity are appreciated. A respectful and frank discussion on these is what we seek to foster and encourage both within the group and in other spaces.”

They also have a Bi-Collective Library or a mini library, which completed a year of its launch on 22^nd this month. It aims to bring you close to queer literature, relationships and other natural experiences of every individual and not just readings and reports on HIV, AIDS and injustices against the community. This mini-library provides books on bisexuality for individuals trying to understand themselves better. These books include fiction, non-fiction, film screenplays, reports, journals, and much more.

Instagram: bicollectivedelhi

All India Queer Association

“For the queer community, by the queer community”

Started by Meghna Mehra to collectivise the LGBTIA+ members in India. Their blog provides news, articles, views on issues relating to this community. Their blog also provides content in Hindi. AIQA has an active Instagram page with 3000+ followers, educating people on sexuality, crimes against the LGBTQ community, identities, important personalities and events, safe sex, anxiety, the role of politics and the law. It also celebrates events like Ambedkar Jayanti with nukkad natak and interactive talks. They also celebrated pride month by creating awareness about different identities. They also frequently post stories of individuals coming out and their experiences in dealing with the same.

Each write-up reflects the efforts of their group of hardworking individuals. This queer union is not limited to Delhi and can be found and joined in several cities.

Instagram: aiqa.lgbtqia

Nazariya: A Queer Feminist Resource Group

This organisation is based in the capital and organises talks, workshops, film screenings, discussions and book launches. It also initiates training on gender, feminism, issues concerning lesbians and bisexual women. This group has a very active Facebook page with details of almost all happening affecting this community updated on its page.

In an attempt to create a safe space for all this group has also opened a resource centre on 22^nd May, this year. It includes a library to access any resource, film archives and the feature to chat with them regarding problems or to just talk!

They also provide free counselling from Mondays to Fridays.

Helpline Number: 7291012585, between 10 am to 6 pm Address: Pocket L 18C Triveni Residents Welfare Association Sheikh Sarai Phase 2 New Delhi – 110017. Nearest Metro Station is Chirag Dilli. Facebook: Nazariya- A Queer Feminist Resource Group

Harmless Hugs

Started in 2012 by Vinay Kumar, Harmless Hugs today has 7.5 thousand members in its community across India. It focusses on community building activities. And they host a variety of events throughout the year like the Queer Holi event, the Delhi International Queer Theatre and Film Festival (DIQTFF) and the LGBTQ Flash Mob. They also work towards the health of these communities’ members through regular workshops on health, STI/STDs. On a regular basis, they also organise workshops and Harmless Hugs meets. In the event of legal emergencies, they also connect you with a number of NGOs associated with them. They also organise the Hum Tum Carnival, celebrating togetherness.

Instagram: harmlesshugs

Facebook: Harmless Hugs

Delhi Queer Festival

Is an arts festival held at the Max Mueller Bhavan in the month of December, last year was its fourth community-funded event. It involves discussions, poetry readings, open mic, film screening with Director Priya Sen other panellists included Bikram Bindra with talks on queerness, their history, accomplishments, their conditions in public places.

“Queerfest believes queer to be identity, form, narrative, verb, counter-norms, relations, and oppositional practices that challenge dominant ways of seeing, reading, and being in the world that are exclusionary and enforced”, reads their description.

It covers a myriad of areas concerning the LGBTQ+ community including love, caste, marriage, inheritance, educations, laws, public places to name a few.

Educational Institutes outside of Delhi have also taken a step towards acceptance of this community by establishing collectives. In 2018, the Queer Collective of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, announced the establishment of its gender-neutral hostels on campus. These are the first ever in India.

Queer And Gender Advancement Alliance Roorkee (QAGAAR) is the queer and gender support group of IIT Roorkee. IIT Kharagpur has a very active LGBT group called Ambar. Ambar has hosted Queer Film Festivals and has also invited the queer community for interactions. Saathi is the queer community at IIT Bombay.

Other active groups within Delhi also exist. Queer Collective is present at National Law University, Delhi. Even schools, like Tagore International School, Vasant Vihar have a group called Breaking Barriers. Ambedkar University, Delhi has a Queer Collective and organises a fest which includes conversations, documentary screenings, discussions on health and stage performances. More recently, Ashoka University announced that it is opening its first gender-neutral washrooms due to the efforts of the Feminist Collective and other bodies. Kirori Mal College of Delhi University also has a queer platform.

Feature Image Credits: DU Beat

Shivani Dadhwal

Features

I hate you Arjun Reddy (or Kabir Singh); now don’t slap me and chase me!

By Shaurya Thapa June 23, 2019

A bearded hunk wakes up. He chugs some whiskey and rides his Royal Enfield without a helmet. No, I’m not describing a stereotypical stud from my locality. I’m describing Arjun Reddy or should I say, Kabir Singh.

The film directed by Sandeep Vanga is a remake of Vanga’s own Telegu debut Arjun Reddy. When Arjun Reddy released in 2017, critics and audiences had gone gaga over it. I decided to give it a watch myself and what I discovered shocked me. After Kabir Singh’s release, I was equally shocked.

Spoilers ahead! Tread carefully.

Arjun Reddy is the story of a high functioning alcoholic surgeon with anger management issues. His downfall starts when his girlfriend marries someone else as her father wants her to marry a boy of her own caste. While the caste angle and depiction of a ‘non-Devdas-like’ alcoholism can be appreciated, my take isn’t meant to praise it.

The first half builds up on Master’s student Arjun and fresher Preethi forming their relationship in college. And this is where the problem starts.

Arjun is sitting outside and his gaze shifts to a line of girls walking in a glum fashion. Arjun’s eyes and the camera, zoom in straight at Preethi. He is smitten. So, he keeps on staring, and staring, and staring. A whole song plays in the background for this ‘staring sequence’! Of course, all of this is normal behaviour. He’s just looking at the girl like how creeps stare at you in the metro. So normal right!

Arjun intimidates the freshers saying that nobody should mess with Preethi. It clearly seems like Arjun is a product of the ‘She’s mine’ mentality. And he’s having these possessive notions for a girl whom he hasn’t even talked to yet. Sigh.

As critic Sowmya Rajendran wrote, ‘He has marked Preethi for himself, without as much as knowing her name or having a conversation with her.’

Finally, the two leads have a one-on-one conversation. Preethi is uncomfortably silent. Arjun walks ahead and gets closer. And guess what? He kisses her on the cheek! All of this in the first meeting! Error 404. Consent not found.

The last straw was this scene where body shaming is thrown straight at your face. Arjun makes Preethi sit with a chubby girl in class. Arjun gives the logic behind this, ‘Fat chicks are like teddy bears. They’re warm and loyal’.

While I start scratching my head, Arjun doesn’t stop. He tells Preethi to be good friends with her because ‘a good-looking chick’ and ‘a fat chick’ form a ‘deadly combination’. Of course, only slim girls are good-looking, right!

I get it. Most of the rowdy college boys have problematic thoughts. And I get it. Vanga wants to show such a rowdy college boy. But the only repentance that Arjun has all throughout the movie is regarding his drug abuse. But we never see him repenting on his mentally abusive behaviour.

When Preethi’s parents show their casteism, Arjun is angered and he has every right to be. But when Preethi runs towards him and cries, Arjun straight-up slaps her! Yes, of course, when life gets hard for us, we should take it out on our lover.

If Arjun got what he deserved and the movie ended on a tragic note, all of this would have been justified. But no, Arjun gets a happy ending where he shows Preethi that he has quit drugs and gone back to normal. And of course, they end up getting married, yada, yada, yada.

You might think Preethi forgave Arjun after he got sober and accepted his mistakes. No, right from the time when she got slapped and verbally yelled at by her angry, young man, she has continued to love him. She admits that she didn’t let her husband touch her. She loved Arjun all this time. 100 points for the ‘sati-savitriness’!

If you made the choice of standing up against your husband in your forced marriage, that’s great Preethi! But if you have always excused your lover boy Arjun’s toxic ways, that’s messed up!

What the film fails to show us is that Arjun has been dominant with his ego right from the beginning. A love story that started with staring and ‘marking territory’ is shown as a pure bond towards the end.

Needless to say, Kabir Singh brings the same elements from Vanga’s script to Hindi speaking audiences. While people are still wooed by the ‘coolness’ of Shahid Kapoor as the bearded hottie riding his pike past Miranda House and are posting Instagram stories reading ‘Need a Kabir Singh in my life’, there are also people and critics who are saying such movies are only going to give a boost to toxic male egos, and are posting Instagram stories reading ‘How did this movie even get made?’.

I don’t know about Kabir Singh’s future. As for Arjun Reddy, I agree if people say it’s a trendsetter in Indian cinema but that’s the sad part. If critically-acclaimed ‘modern’ dramas have such problematic angles, then what good can we expect from the ‘no-brainers’ in the film industry.

Featured Image Credits- YouTube

Shaurya Singh Thapa

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