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DUs new diktat making the Hindi Test compulsory to obtain a degree under CBCS doesnt consider the fact that a lot of its students are from non-Hindi speaking regions. In the midst of this linguistic drama (quite literally), the cultural festival of Antardhvani is back as a Diwali celebration, which too mandates following very Hindi rituals. Should education and festivity be labelled with a language? (Read our front page story for more context)

Former Vice Chancellor’s baby, ‘Antardhvani’, the annual cultural festival of the university, which was silenced after the end of his tenure, seems to have come back, as the current DU administration, instead of cancelling those festivities this year, has thought otherwise.

 

Known to spend extravagant amount of time and money on things like a pompous show of fake prestige and less time on charting out a meaningful syllabus for students, the ever so dynamic stakeholders of Delhi University have once again come forward to prove their metal, and this time, by revamping the Antardhvani celebrations under the garb of ‘Diwali’ festivities.

 

While the original purpose of the festival was to bring the university community together in a shared enterprise that celebrates creativity, talent, innovations, experiments, achievements and unique features of this large university, this year, Antardhvani 2.0 is going to be full of only ‘Diwali’ feels.

 

However, owing to its practice of deliberately squishing ‘Hindi’ in everything these days, like an average woman trying to squish her behind in the already jam packed seats of the Delhi Metro, the university has brought out a notice that mandates all celebrations to have a connection to Hindi.

 

Like Antardhvani was used as a tool to showcase the flamboyance of the FYUP system, Antardhvani 2.0 will focus on CBCS and throw some light on its achievements. Our insiders have informed us that while the whole celebration’s aim is to have a ‘university diwali mela’, the celebration will be directed by strict entry procedures.  A source, on condition of anonymity told us, “Entry would be strictly based on one’s ability to chant at least 4 lines of a bhajan, in hindi, at the entry gate. The dress code would be ethnic obviously. For couple entry, the pair will have to recite an impromptu chorus of a bhajan as asked by the sasnkari bouncers.”

 

Tired of seeing the Pakistan effigies burn, the organising committee has taken due care of laying a creative bent of mind to the whole fest. “Owing to the burring issues in the global scenario, our organising committee has decided to use US Presidential election inspired crackers. We are going to become the first university in the country or around the world, to burst ‘Hill-ladi’ and ‘Trump sutli bomb’, inspired by the traits of Hillary and Trump respectively.”

On asking about why a certain choice of crackers for a certain candidate, a member remarked, “The characteristics of a ladi are very familiar with that of Hillary. Like a ladi, she makes a lot of noise, may come across as a threat but once that noise dies down, it is all the same again. With Trump, he hands down qualifies as a sutli or thread bomb, as he can burst anywhere, anytime, pushes people to increase their guard and makes an annoying sound that forces people to cover their ears.”

 

Ps. Whatever cracker they may be, remember, both pollute 🙂 Happy Diwali to all!

 

 

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

 

Riya Chhibber

[email protected]

The annual cultural fest of Delhi University- Antardhwani 2014 concluded on Sunday, 16th February after cultural events, performances and showcase of academic and cultural achievements by different colleges. The much awaited ceremony Valedictory Funnction for giving awards of Good Practices was the final event of the three day fest which took place in the presence of eminent kathak dancer and choreographer Smt. Sharmishta Mukherjee, the Guest of Honour for the event.

In the category of departments, Geology won the first prize worth Rs. 10 lakh, the second prize worth Rs 7 lakh went to Geography and the third to Botany worth 5 lakh. The departments of Bio-Chemistry, Chemistry, Cluster Innovation Centre, Physics and Zoology also won commendation awards of Rs. 1 lakh each.

The Good Practices award in the category of colleges were given to Lady Irwin College as first, Maharaja Agrasen College as second followed by Acharya Narendra Dev Colleges as third. Bharti College, Kamala Nehru College, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Ramanujan College and Sri Venkateswara College won the five commendation awards in this category. The jury made a special note of all the innovative ways adapted by different colleges to implement FYUP and the impact of the projects in empowering the marginalized sections of the society.

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A friendly cricket match also took place between the Vice Chanceloor’s XI and the Principal’s XI eventually won by the Principal’s XI led by Dr. Sunil Sondhi, Principal, Maharaja Agrasen College. The Sound and Light show-“Delhi University: A Legend” was attended by the Guest of Honour who also applauded the talent displayed at Antardhwani. She also congratulated the Vice Chancellor in harmonizing higher education and culture together at DU.

Featured Image Credit: Parandeep Goswami

See entire Antardhvani coverage here.

Delhi University Teacher’s Association organized a protest cum cricket match on the 14th of this month outside the Vice Chancellor’s office, to raise its voice against misuse of Antardhvani- the annual cultural festival of Delhi University, by the VC and his administration. The march which started around 11 a.m., quickly transforming into a cricket match, was one of a kind.
Even the incessant rain couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of teachers and students alike who gathered in large numbers shouting slogans and supporting one team or the other. They protested against the VC’s anarchy, because according to them, the VC has been using Antardhvani for his own designs, forcing principals of different colleges to make their teachers and students attend the fest.

One of the teachers pointed out that the lack of sports in the current year shows how the VC is not opening the sports fields to teachers and students but using it only for his personal purposes. They said that these fields are public property and VC has no power to stop them from utilizing it. The DUTA demanded that the University stadia that were renovated during the CWG should be thrown open for the use of students and teachers. They also addressed the issue of FYUP and stated how the four year course could still be converted into three year graduation and last year could be optional for those who want internships. “We had initially planned to play against the VC, wanting to beat all the shady people on their team but he hasn’t even been talking to us let alone turning up for this match, so we played against the students”, said Nandita Narain, the President of DUTA sarcastically. “We also want FYUP to be rolled back for the current batch but I don’t see this happening because our VC is all about the Padma Shri award”, said another member of DUTA.

All in all the protest march was yet another attempt of DUTA to bring a change in the continuously deteriorating conditions of the University. The cricket match with its satirical commentary in the pouring rain, showed how determined they are in their cause to do away with VC’s high handedness.

Similar protests were also carried out by various students’ groups, in the past week. Reiterating the misuse of the fest to promote FYUP and asking for its rollback, the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) along with members of Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and All India Students Association (AISA) have been up in arms against the Vice Chancellor.

Flower Show,  another major attraction of  Antardhvani are the stalls of various departments and centers of Delhi University. Scattered in the open ground Sports Complex, different colleges and departments showcased their achievements over the past year by displaying different models, photographs and awards. [gallery ids="19572,19571,19570,19568,19573"] Department of Library and Information displayed a project on ‘Digitisation’ whereas the Film Society of Kirori Mal College displayed a timeline of how Indian Cinema has evolved since 1930s. The international students of various Asian Countries including Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Nepal also put up their stalls displaying and promoting their culture and tourism. Miranda House kept their presentation very simple and clear by focusing on Classroom innovation. “For a change in the learning culture, the teachers need to learn first and I’ve been successful in doing so”, said Principal of Miranda House. Achievements in sports was the main attraction at the stalls of Jesus and Mary College and Motilal Nehru College (E). Indraprastha College for Women broadly focused on its eco-friendly infrastructure which also has a historical significance. On the side of the sports complex there were stalls of various committees and non-competitive events including International Plaza, Entrepreneurship plaza, DUWA and Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC). Inside the basement of Indoor stadium was the much talked Innovation plaza where almost all DU Colleges showcased their innovation projects.]]>

Though the sudden rains and the coinciding of the inaugural day of the fest with Valentine’s Day were a big letdown, Antardhvani’s first day received decent participation from students all across the University.

The highlight of the event, like every year was the Flower Show. The event was held on 14th February, starting at 12 p.m. The categories for the flower show were divided into five sections. Section A was further divided into 16 classes- entries ranging from gladiolus to five types of roses. Section B saw participation of DU Teachers’ residential lawns. Section C was dedicated to ferns and foliage- cacti, hanging baskets et al. Section D had students showcasing their talent in categories ranging from Rangoli to Table Decoration. Section E focused on stamp and coin collection.

Participating students did report of difficulties due to the rain. “When we came here, there was no guide or volunteer to show us the way or tell anything at all about the competition. Our table arrangement got spoiled in the process and we had to make the entire thing again. There was absolutely no facilities for adequate space or shade on a rainy day like this.” said Hemul and Priyanshi, students of Lady Shri Ram College for Women who bagged the second prize for table flower arrangement.

Apart from the different categories, several awards were given out for different gardening segments. Overall, Lady Shri Ram College for Women clinched a total of seven cups, including the Green Cup and the Deshbandhu Cup for the best lawns. The Dr. Meenakshi Gopinath Cup for the best herb garden went to Zakir Hussain College along with four other cups. Miranda House received the Vice Chancellor’s Cup from the best dahlia, Diamond Jubilee Cup and the Registrar’s Cup with 10 other cups.

 

By Mugdha Dúinn

With the ongoing preparations for the annual cultural festival of Delhi University, Antardhvani, the University released applications for one of its recurring competitions, the Annual Flower show.

In its 56th year now, the competition has gained wide fame for the variety of flowers that competitors showcase. Says, Prof. Ved Pal Singh, Secretary Garden Committee, “The Flower show is one of the core events of Antardhvani and now in its 56th year it’s even bigger. We have entries from across Delhi, from outside and even from Rashtrapati Bhawan.”

As a prelude to the Annual Flower Show which is to be held on February 14, 2014 at Sports Stadium, between 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, a number of events are being organized by the Garden Committee of Delhi University. Says Prof. Ved Pal, “A week before the flower show we have a painting competition, in which many students participate. There are wonderful events for everybody to enjoy.”

The On- spot painting competition is being held for college students and school students on 7th February,2014 and 8thFebruary,2014 respectively at 10:00 am at the Sports complex (University Stadium). The entry fee for the completion is Rs.20 and the results will be announced on the day of the Flower Show.

As part of the tradition of the Flower Show, the committee asks each participating College/ Institution to send the name of their best gardener for a special award called the ‘Best Mali’ (best gardener) award. A certificate of merit or cash is awarded to the best mali.

The Flower Show Booklet/ Entry Forms for participating in the Painting Competition will be available in the Garden Committee Office from 10.00am to 5.00 pm on all working days. A complete information of the competitions involved in the Flower show and the required forms can be found on the DU website.

 photocourtesy:epaper.indiatimes.com

 

It is a common practice for Universities across the world to have a song dedicated for them. Delhi University is all set to enter this foray with a song for the University written and composed by a University student, alumnus or a teacher.

As a prelude to Antardhvani 2014, the DU cultural festival, the University has launched an open competition. Under the same, it invites members of the DU community to compose theDelhi U Song and win an opportunity to present the University a song that is “youthful and full of promise”.

“Since 1920’s, the University has never had a common song for any kind of function. This song will bring uniformity in the system.” says Dr. Satish Kumar, UIC in-charge and Member Secretary of Antadhvani. He urges the students to come forward and participate in this competition and produce a song that becomes as popular as ‘Sare jahan se accha‘.

The entries will be judged by a competent jury, which Dr. Satish suggests will definitely consist of experts from the extracurricular and arts department. Whether they would be from the University itself or an external would be decided later.

The proposed song should be of approximately one minute and the lyrics should be in Hindustani. The last date for submission is 20th January 2014 and the results will be declared a week before Antardhvani which is scheduled to be held on 14th- 16th February, 2014. The entire rules and regulations for the competition can be found here.