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Vishakha Darbha

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Campus Central

Paying tribute to ‘Nirbhaya’

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The recent uproar on the case where a 23-year-old girl was raped and thrown out of a bus, took a tragic twist with the demise of the rape victim, popularly known as Nirbhaya. The protests held at Raisina hill and India Gate were charged with anger and adrenaline, but her death brought with it an even stronger will to seek justice for and pay tribute to ‘India’s daughter’. After being transferred to Singapore’s Mount Elizabeth hospital on 27th morning, the nation collectively prayed for a speedy recovery. However, the girl succumbed to her injuries just two days later. Her death ignited a flame within the hearts of Indians across the world, and many movements were held across the country to send a message to the Indian law-makers that the war had only just begun. In New Delhi, Jantar Mantar was the prime spot where peaceful gatherings were organised to show solidarity. As Jantar Mantar has been a symbol of non-violent protests even in the past, it seemed to be the perfect spot for the citizens of the capital to gather and pay tribute to the brave girl who fought against the rapists for her life. “The crowd was very peaceful and calm. More than a sense of revenge, there seemed to be a solemn atmosphere. Despite the fact that there was a group of people yelling ‘Hang the rapists!’ at the top of their lungs, most present realised that the point of meeting at Jantar Mantar was to pay tribute to the girl who was raped as well as all the other women who have suffered due to shameless, savage minds,” said Ankita, a student of Lady Shri Ram College. As students continue to organise street plays and people come together to light candles in memory of the 23 year old medical student, the direction of these protests and marches seem to be aimed at a complete overhaul of the existing safety regulations and policies. This might just be the start of a new revolution, spearheaded by the dynamic and powerful youth of a nation infested with outdated laws and run by ageing leaders well beyond their time.]]>

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Campus Central

The case of the perplexing DU results

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The Mayan prediction of the world ending on 21st December might not have come true, but the students of Delhi University were in for a small glimpse of what could have been, as the semester results were declared barely three weeks after the exams ended.

The results were a tad surprising and unpleasant for most. 2nd Year History honours saw a fall of 10 percent in their marks as compared to the last two semesters. The topper of Lady Shri Ram College scored a 75% that was a drop from last semester’s 81%, while the average was around 60%. A significant number of people failed in courses such as Economics (Hons) and B Com (Hons), while the general trend was poor scores in subjects where students were confident of scoring well. “A large number of people want to give their papers for re-evaluation, but the procedure is not yet clear to anybody as it had been removed for a while,” says Diksha Jhalani from LSR.

The Economics (Hons.) topper at Kamla Nehru College scored an 83, while St. Stephen’s saw an 85, which was similar to last semester’s scores. B Com honours at SRCC saw a drop of about 5-6%, with the highest being around 89% as compared to a couple of students scoring in the nineties last year. Other courses such as Psychology (Hons.) also saw a drop in percentage, with some students claiming that the only thing that helped them scrape through was good marks given by their college in the internals. English honours in Venky saw a fall of 6-7% in the overall percentage, while other colleges also saw a slight decrease in the English scores this semester. The result of the subject Economic History of India and interdisciplinary courses like Environmental Issues was not as good as expected, despite these subjects being highly scoring.

The results of the first semester were more or less the same as what it was last year, with many of the students scoring high percentages. However, there was also an increase in the number of students who didn’t do so well, leading to more students failing. First year students mostly responded to the results as unexpected, while the correction of qualifying papers like lower and higher Hindi was more lenient this time, with most students passing these exams. Overall, the results this semester consisted of more nightmares for the students, as the Delhi University Board can’t seem to make up its mind on maintaining consistency when it comes to giving marks in the recently introduced semester system.

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DUB Speak

The World is Ending

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For all those who watched the movie 2012 with rapt attention, hearts accelerating at 80 kilometres an hour-December 21st is just around the corner. Despite the fact that 2012 was a movie that wasn’t even worth a tub of popcorn, it echoed the thoughts of what a majority of seemingly sane people have buried at the back of their stressed minds. Even for those who don’t believe in this apocalypse looming large overhead, the small voice at the back refuses to stop asking the dreaded question, “What if…?”

When the announcement of the Mayan calendar prediction was first made, critics and believers engaged in a furore of intense debates about the end of the world. Mexico’s tourism agency began expecting a whopping 52 million visitors during the last few months of 2012. Back in India, a certain media channel promoted this concept by announcing ‘breaking news’ for almost ten days at a stretch. Mayanist scholars themselves are sceptical about this terrifying and, literally, life shaking prediction and state that this idea might actually misrepresent Mayan culture. Yet, most dreamers and romantics prefer to etch poetry on the walls of monuments with touching phrases like ‘U r myn til 2012, evn wen d wurld closes its eyez on uz jaanu..’ as a testament of their commitment and belief in love, apart from ruining public property.

As laughable as this matter may be, scientists as well as astrologers predict certain amount of turbulence during this year. With natural calamities set to rise, one can never be sure when an earthquake or tsunami may wipe out major cities and even countries. As cyclone Sandy sweeps the East coast of the US, one does wonder how many more calamities are in store. Sandy may be a natural event, and yet so many others are rising due to excessive human intervention. However, no matter how many indications mother Earth sends us, people would rather believe in ancient signs and make elaborate plans on how to celebrate the ‘end of an era’ than actually take some steps towards saving the environment. As most people await the arrival of 21st December, the question turns towards whether we learn something from this over-hyped event after it passes us and begin working towards a better future, or if people celebrate life for a week and then go back to living the in the same extravagant fashion. Though we seem to be leaning towards the latter option, there is hope that the same miracle, which could save the world from ending too soon, will work its magic twice. All said and done, this interpretation is subject to change. If the Mayans, Chicken Little, and Adele were right, then the sky is truly falling.

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Campus Central

VC cuts off power supply during film screening, DUTA protests

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Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) along with the support of some students, decided to screen ‘The Great Dictator’, a Charlie Chaplin movie, on 9th November. This movie was being aired outside the Vice Chancellor’s office as a satire on Delhi University and it was to be followed by a debate on the current situation. However, within the first five minutes the power supply was cut off on the VC’s order. When the protestors tried finding an alternate source of power, this was also disrupted immediately as the power supply for the entire block outside the VC’s office and DUTA’s protest area was disconnected.

The actions of the VC led to nearly 25 students and the DUTA sleeping outside the VC Dinesh Singh’s office to show their anger and resentment for not being allowed to watch the Charlie Chaplin movie. Angry slogans were chanted outside his house, yet he didn’t appear to address the party gathered outside. Around 12:30 pm the next day, students and teachers held a meeting where they demanded a public apology from the VC.

In response to the protest, the registrar of Delhi University released a statement on Saturday, 10th of November, stating that the University regretted the complete disregard of the students and teachers who directly tapped power from exposed high-tension wires for screening their movie when the power supply was cut off initially. The statement also mentioned the fact that legal action will be taken against the offenders if such action continues. However, none of these threats seem to deter the determined DUTA and its student supporters as they promise to continue protesting until their issues are addressed.  

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DUB Speak

Public Achievements Versus Personal Laundry

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Most of the people sporting colourful LiveStrong Bands on their wrists are blissfully unaware of the message these simple strips of plastics convey. Lance Armstrong, the man who fought against Testicular Cancer and yet lived to continue his journey as the Iconic Road-racing Cyclist and Triathlete, wasstripped off his laurels, including the seven prestigious Tour De France titles, after being suspected of using drugs to enhance his performance. Once the coin flipped, a man who was the face of strength after his overwhelming recovery from a terminal disease is now a black mark on the American mantle of greatest sports personalities. Even his wealthy sponsors have turned their back to him, watching in embarrassment as the legend’s name is slowly wiped off history’s wall of fame.

To be an icon is almost synonymous with having no personal life. Media hawks, the government, the critics, as well as the ardent fans wait for the moment their revered star stumbles.The minute there is a personal blemish on his or her perfect record, there is absolutely no scope for improvement. The press released the multitude of extra-marital affairs of the golfing giant Tiger Woods, bringing him down to his knees. The world condemned him for being a promiscuous playboy, a fact that should’ve been left to his bedroom instead of being plastered across newspapers and websites for weeks. A man known and well appreciated for his Golf was suddenly less of a star due to his personal weaknesses, which had absolutely nothing to do with his achievements in his sport.

Political leaders are not spared either. Mohandas Gandhi’s memory is now being defiled by constant comments on his personal activities. A man who claimed to lead a simple and austere life shocked the country when reports of his sexual experiments were revealed. As unnerving as that might have been, what people fail to understand is that Gandhi was known for his non-violent victory against colonial rule in India, not for whether or not he remained a chaste man. As scandalous and reproachful as his personal life might seem, there is no denying that he was an extraordinary man who played a major role in bringing India its much-delayedfreedom. Armstrong’s case might be a bit different as failing the dope test is a huge deal in the sporting world, yet it seems quite unfair to forget his highly inspiring fight against cancer, something that kindled faith in the hearts of innumerable people across the globe.

“We will move forward,” announced Lance Armstrong as he continues to claim his innocence, words that seem to echo the hopes of all those iconic men and women who were punished for having human flaws. The only thing left to see is whether the Plastic bands continue to Live-strong on wrists across the world.

 

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Events

Rendezvous – Day 3 – Results

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Day 3 of Rendezvous 2012 saw the onset of various music events.

The Western Group Singing as well as the finals of the Western Solo took place early in the morning. The Western Group singing competition had a high turnout this year, with 11 colleges participating in the event. The list included regulars like Sri Venkateshwara College, Jesus and Mary, Lady Shri Ram College, Gargi and Miranda as well as some surprise entrants like Amity, College of Vocational Studies, and Banaras Hindu University. The level of competition was tough with each group experimenting with different styles and song progressions, yet there were some performances that clearly stood out.

The first position was bagged by LSR, which was quite an obvious win due to their choice of song as well as the techniques shown in their performance. They rendered a beautiful jazz piece called It don’t mean a thing, by the Real Group. With its four-part complex harmonies and exceptionally varied notes, the effort LSR’s Western Music Society put into the song shone through with a performance that clearly received the loudest applause after its completion. A close second was JMC’s performance of Some Nights by Fun, a peppy number to which they did perfect justice. The highlight of their performance was the soloist, who received a special mention by the judge for her commendable performance. Miranda and Venky tied in the third place, with equally riveting performances.

The Western Solo Finals also took place on Day 3. Despite the high level of competition due to each participant being better than the next, the results seemed to be a monopoly of the same three colleges, with Neeraja from Venky coming first, followed by Ragini of JMC and Kamakshi of LSR.

The level of competition at Rendezvous 2012 has definitely set the bar much higher, with such a promising start to the upcoming music fests in February 2013.

 

Image credits: Additi Seth

 

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DUB Speak

The long-gone Era of ‘Inappropriate’ Art

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Nestled in the forested heart of India, the state of Madhya Pradesh contains a town that boasts of ancient symbols of piety and architectural splendor. The historical site of Khajuraho is known for its medieval Hindu and Jain temples, exquisitely carved with intricate sculptures. Contrary to modern India’s moral policing and Hawk-like monitoring of anything remotely sexual, these figurines are a testimony to the celebration of eroticism in the medieval times. With the sculptures depicting everyday activities of ordinary people, the display of sex without any censorship or bashfulness seems to be a world apart from the preaching of the wise and ageing censor board in today’s time. Our country is the world’s largest democracy, taking pride in its fundamental rights and its many sub-divisions. Yet, our freedom of expression is often taken away with the weak excuse of it being too inappropriate for our society.

If India could be described as a television, the remote control would be our rights and duties while the pouch potato should ideally be the citizens living in this country. However, with the current interpretation of our ancient scriptures, the citizens are forced to be the younger sibling who struggles to get his hands on that coveted remote, but fails miserably unless bribes are used. Instead, the pot-bellied individual who forms the government of this country monopolizes the remote, deciding what we get to watch. Couples strolling in a park or walking down a beach while holding hands are practically ripped apart by plump frustrated men wearing khaki uniforms, invariably out of breath in their attempts to capture the people committing such blasphemy. On the other hand, petty thieves are let go as long as they slip a few notes into that same floundering police officer’s pocket.

When one visits the delicately sculpted temples present in places like Khajuraho and the Konark temple in Orissa, what is looked down upon in today’s age was revered and used as an artistic inspiration in a period much older and seemingly backward than ours. Sensitivity should be maintained while showcasing such forms of art on an exceptionally public domain, as India is a country with numerous beliefs, but the extent to which censorship has been stretched is pathetic and often ridiculous. M.F.Hussain’s paintings being condemned as insulting Hindu sentiments by depicting goddesses in the nude seems ironic when his creations are compared to the sculptures in most ancient and medieval temples. Instead of appreciating art in the form that it is presented in, the critics decide to ban one of India’s talented gems due to his bold decision of choosing the divine as his muse. At the same time, songs like Chikni Chameli and Munni Badnam Hui are topping song charts despite their lewd lyrics and objectification of women, who don’t leave much to imagination in their next-to-nothing outfits.

The same people, who applaud the rich cultural background and history of this country when they visit such architectural wonders, get back to their thrones and continue living with a blindfold across their eyes. A majority of us wait for the day this rotten piece of cloth falls off and the reigns are handed over to maturity and reason.

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Arts & Culture

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry

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The difference between a good book and a great book is very small; it depends on the fragile balance of a captivating story and fluid prose. A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry is a perfect example of this, and it shines as a presentation not only his brilliance, but also his ability to portray reality in a lyrical yet hard-hitting fashion. Rohinton Mistry is an author whose magical words weave a complex tale that stays well within the boundaries of fiction, and yet leaves you with a sense of familiarity. A Fine Balance slams you hard with a tidal wave of grief within in the first hundred pages. However, the author’s fluid and highly descriptive verse tends to grip you in its powerful plot. No matter how uncomfortable you get due to some of the visuals he plants in your mind, you succumb to the raw truth highlighted within its pages, longing for more.

A Fine Balance is a story that depicts the plight of four lives in an unnamed city in India. Two tailors escaping from caste hierarchy in their village, a fiery widow, and an innocent student are all connected by unfortunate circumstances and come together to live under one roof. A story that progresses from hostility and insecurity to friendship and trust, the author has explored the different facets of human personality in a sensitive and poignant way. Set during the Emergency of 1975, the book perfectly captures the emotions of common citizens whose rights were denied and their freedom snatched away. The characters seem simple at first, but as the story progresses, you get to see the hidden sides of their beautifully described personality. From narrating the brutal treatment of the Chamaars by the rich landlords, to subtly displaying the stern yet compassionate love of a widow towards the tailors she employs in secret, this tragic tale of hardships and struggle has touching moments of hope woven together to make a beautiful canvas of emotions.

Another eye-opening aspect of this book is the treatment of those who live below the poverty line. Rohinton Mistry portrays poverty in its most natural form, which lingers with you long after the words leave the page, for the sole reason that it rings true. Most situations depicted in this book are the ones we’ve seen around us, such as the limbless beggar on the street-side or the naked children running across the broad backs of filthy sewage pipes. His powerful prose is riddled with examples from everyday life, which makes the impact even stronger. The book tends to open your eyes a little wider and you begin to notice the dirt and corruption riddled in our society for many days after turning the last page. A Fine Balance is an essential read for everyone who calls themselves a citizen of India, as it is a portal to learn from the mistakes of the past for the youth, and a reminder of the flaws that still exist for the older generation. Rohinton Mistry’s story feels like a tight slap on the face. Harsh, and yet we deserve it every once in a while.

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Campus Central

Talk on Travel Writing by William Dalrymple at LSR

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The English Department of Lady Shri Ram College for Women organised a talk by the much-acclaimed author, William Dalrymple, on 27th September. The excitement was palpable in the room overflowing with students as they eagerly awaited the arrival of the author for a talk on Travel writing. Others stood at a Penguin Publishers stall outside, buying his books in the hope of getting a signed copy from him.

William Dalrymple was greeted with hearty and enthusiastic applause as soon as he stepped into the room, slightly flustered and out of breath. The talk proceeded smoothly as everyone listened in rapt attention to his elaboration on the significance of Travel Writing and its relevance in today’s time. This was followed by the author reading a couple of excerpts from his books such as City of Djinns, based on Delhi and his most recent novel Nine Lives, a book about nine individuals on their path towards spirituality and salvation. He also read out a couple of paragraphs from his current favourite Travel book titled The Wild Places, by Robert Macfarlane.

With a great sense of humour coupled with an equally wonderful portrayal of sensitivity, Dalrymple managed to capture the imagination of every person sitting in the room. “Thank you Sir, we felt like we were travelling with you and experiencing your adventures first hand as you narrated them to us,” was one such heartfelt comment from the audience. A busy round of question and answer followed the talk, where students and staff members quizzed him on varied topics such as his inspirations, the language barrier, stereotypes present in various cultures, until there was absolutely no time left to answer more queries. The two hours ended with hoards of students rushing towards his table as he signed personal copies of his books. The talk succeeded in leaving its audience with a sense of wanderlust after William Dalrymple’s vivid descriptions and poetic narration.

Image source: The Hindu

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In Their Shoes

Dinesh Singh

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If Mr. Dinesh Singh were a Pokémon, he would surely be from the same family as the cumbersome and exponentially lazy Slowpoke. Like his far cuter counterpart, the Vice Chancellor of Delhi University took a while to wake up and realize that he was digging his own grave by not paying heed to any of the furious questions hurtled at him by the agitated youth studying in the capital. With issues such as safety, accommodation, and elections hanging by an incredibly thin thread, Dinesh Singh finally took matters into his own, highly slippery hands and addressed the students on 1st September.

If replying to tricky questions was an art, none could have been better than our beloved Vice Chancellor. Every controversial question was tackled with a diplomatic smile and a not-so-subtle subject change. Since safety was of utmost importance, girls were promised a hostel with free travel facilities as well as the installation of CCTV’s all around the campus. Looks like programmes such as Big Boss are not enough to satisfy the TRP-hungry show producers and their equally bored audience. Next in line is a peek into the lives of the young and frustrated DU Students.

With some great ideas in the pipeline, such as mobile canteens and easy access to Wi-Fi, it is quite a shame that this pipe is similar to Delhi’s sewage line constructed during the colonial times; untouched and never to be modified. Dinesh Singh was obviously daydreaming when he announced that disabled-friendly modes of transport would be provided in the form of DTCs and Metros, forgetting that the college campus itself would still be a nightmare for those facing difficulties. He also seems to have taken Dalrymple’s description of Delhi as the city of Djinns quite seriously, with his strong belief in an invisible hostel that has already been magically constructed for girls in South Campus, in a location that shows it is still clearly under-construction.

If I were bestowed with the honor of being made the Vice Chancellor of DU, I would dye my hair and get a face-lift to make sure my dynamic audience has its eyes glued on me instead of snoring at the back. Then the words that come out all airbrushed from my lips might as well be ignored. While mentioning the proposition that the football teams in DU would be getting a special training in New Zealand, I wouldn’t add the extra advantage being offered to the women’s soccer team being sent free of cost. This hidden information exists for the sole reason that, brilliant though the opportunity sounds, Dinesh Singh conveniently forgot to mention that the facilities for women’s soccer are relatively new and still under development in many colleges. So unless there was a secret agreement between New Zealand and India regarding the exchange of their excess population of sheep in return for female textile workers disguised in soccer cleats and sweat absorbing shorts, It is hard to see how this would boost the morale of rising sport stars without motivating them to train first.

My humble request to our Vice Chancellor would be for him to invest in an expensive hearing aid, so that his ears don’t fail him when questions regarding various important issues are shot at him. However, if I were in his place I would definitely arm myself with a shield, just in case one well-aimed arrow leaves me struggling to form coherent sentences.

 

 

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