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Addictions and obsessions are often associated with drugs and alcohol, however, there are a number of activities or substances in our daily life to which we are deeply addicted, but remain ignorant about.

1. Mobile Phones and Social Media:
In today’s world, a talk about obsession without a mention of the handy telephone is impossible. We, on a daily basis without even our notice spend around 3 to 4 hours in vain, on our mobile phones. Scrolling through social media to have a glimpse of what all is going on in the lives of others, we often end up ignoring what is going on in our own. Mobile gaming is another villain that keeps calling us, to pick up the device. Lost in a world of PubG, Call of Duty and Counter Strike, we fail to realise the shortcomings we are causing to our own world. Using electronic gadgets occasionally as a break from work or for a positive purpose is harmless, but feeling a continous and surfeit urge to scroll or play is what can make a person phonophobic.

2. Chai/Coffee Fuelled Survival:
With the common and trending slang quotes and memes, a dependency on coffee or tea is assumed to be hip and cool. But, trust me, it’s not. A person’s inability to meet the daily grind in the absence of a cup of chai or coffee, or facing difficulty in even getting up from sleep without the daily dose of caffeine is not something healthy. Dependency on anything or anyone never gets counted in the positives. It is only the strength and ability to manage every condition, every circumstance, that makes one rise above mediocrity. So, all those who attach a tag of coffee-holic and tea-lovers to themselves, need to understand that having your cup of coffee or kadakchai thrice a day due to the immense love you have for its flavour is no bad but, having it because without it, your routine will not be able to function, is a serious issue which needs to be worked upon.

3. Fitness Freaks:
Gym and exercising are good only until they benefit the body and enhance your health, but once they starts to have an opposite effect of over-straining and begin giving excessive fatigue to your body, they become a hazard. Especially when despite of physical pain, you find yourself unable to avoid straining physical exercise, you become an addict. People, who even after a serious injury or breakdown, cannot resist going to the gym or resting their daily work-out regime, become at risk to causing extreme trouble to themselves and their bodies. So, all the gym-freaks out there, it is fine to relax for a day. Even John Cena and The Undertaker probably have their cheat days.

4. Porn Addiction:
Sexual needs and a want for their satisfaction is something that every person desires for and therefore taking support of pornographic material available online is not something viscous. But, again facing a depravity of sleep or a sense of discomfort in its absence is harmful. Over doing can have serious health implications for both males and females. Self-control is not something only necessary for the well-being of your body but is also beneficial to your mental health.

5. Shopping: A Guilty Pleasure
An excessive urge to shop is a medically recognized addiction known as, Oniomania. Making yourself fall in debt just to buy shiny branded articles makes you an Omnomaniac. It usually arises with a feeling of depression or a constant thinking of perceiving oneself inferior from others. One can understand its serious implications on their bank balance from our very favourite Rebecca Bloomwood in Confessions of a Shopaholic.

Image Credits: Headspace

Kriti Gupta

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It’s almost synonymous with DU, chai. However, chai-wallas here are not limited to being mere service providers; they’re ingrained into students’ lives.

On 19th August, the iconic Tea Stall inside the Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), endearingly referred to as ‘Irfan’s’ by students, accidentally burnt down. There was an approximate loss of assets worth INR 1,00,000, excluding the initial shock factor, and the low spirits that prevail around that area now.
The students and faculty members of the college sprung to action, with a collection drive (which is ongoing) led by faculty member Mr. Santosh Kumar. The sweet little shop is undergoing restoration, and is expected to start functioning again soon. The overwhelming response on behalf of the students, faculty and non-faculty members of the college stands proof of the value and importance of this dear tea-stall. DU Beat contacted Mr. Santosh Kumar but he was unavailable for a comment.

Page 2- after damages
Ananya Jain, a second year student at SRCC expressed her concerns to a DU Beat correspondent, and said, “We can’t deny the fact that Irfan uncle’s Bhajiya Patti was a savior on one too many days. I can’t wait for his shop to become functional again.”
Another student from SRCC, Parikshit Batra, a first year hosteler, said, “My daily Anda-Bread-Chai fix will be missed, but this is not about my breakfast. I was touched by the organisation of a collection drive to help Irfan Uncle; it’s like a little family here that takes care of one another.”
This spirit prevails all over the University of Delhi and extends from Chai wallahs to Co-op book store owners providing crucial assignments and reading at subsidised rates and even letting students borrow books during desperate times. They hold immense importance in students’ lives, adding to the quality and comfort of campus life. Sadly, they often go unnoticed and under-appreciated, their presence is taken for granted, and the same way sound and lighting teams in Dramatics Societies often are. The drab nature of the past week at SRCC has proved how Irfan’s was an irreplaceable part of the college campus. Campus chai-wallahs have forever been a part of any DU student’s life, and their stalls are the very birthplace of the phenomenon called chai pe charcha. Their chai making is almost akin to artistry; tea, milk, and ginger at their best.
These places resemble the eye of the tornado in any college; offering an INR 10 cuppa and peace of mind
amidst the surrounding chaos. Be it the election time or protests, or a regular day, these places are always thronged by students. They stand witness to conversations about subjects ranging from politics to societies and academics to love life. It never happens that a development from the University or the Arts Faculty doesn’t reach them. Barring their timeless charm, these places also have a devoted fan following, just try to criticise Sudama Tea Stall in front of a Hinduite, or talk down Ganga Dhaba in front of JNU Students. Go on, we dare you.

 

Feature Image Credits: Ramkrishnan, Click- The Photography Society, SRCC.

Nikita Bhatia

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(Corrigendum: This is to correct wrongful accreditation to DU Beat for the feature image used in this article, in the fifth print issue, published on 29th August 2018. The rightful credits of this image belong to Ramakrishnan, who is a member of the photography society of SRCC, Click.)

Craving for a warm cuppa to add a perfect note to the day? Here are the best places to visit and fulfil your ‘chai ki iccha!’

Be it the sultry heat of summer or the teeth-clattering chills of the winters, tea is something which the Indian heart never stops craving. And why should it? There is nothing wrong with indulging in a good cuppa, it relaxes you and is a great way to take a break. Here is a list of some of the best chai places.

1. The Mad Teapot, Shahpur Jat
If you’re in the mood of some exquisite and relaxing vibes, The Mad Teapot is the go-to place. Situated in the posh markets of Shahpur Jat, the place welcomes you with the wafts of warm brews and the aromas of tea. One can select from a long array of teas. From sticking to your usual Earl Grey, or trying something exotic like berry blush tea, this place is a haven for all the tea lovers out there.

2. Too Mikki Tapas, Chanakyapuri
This place is a favourite for both college lovers and people who love open ambiences. Situated in Chanakyapuri, right next to Taj CCD, Tapas is a good mix of desi vibes and western influenced food. Definitely try the masala chai from Tapas. It has herbal blends and marigold teas, so if you are big on experimenting and trying out new things, the menu has an attractive tea option. One of the bigger attractions is the stray cat, which you’ll always find lurking around the place. It is sweet and friendly, just like the staff!

3. Chaayos
Spread over the entire capital, Chaayos is a popular attraction for experiencing authentic blends. Their Kulhad chai is a must if you are going there. It is a good place to indulge in and fill yourself up with the chai and samosa varieties. It goes easy on the pocket and is a perfect place to hang out for quick meetings.

4. Chai Bubble, Greater Kailash 2
If you’re in the mood for some bubble tea, this is the perfect place for you. With an elongated menu filled with lots of exotic blends, one of the main attractions is the bubble tea. Their sides along with the tea are also amazing, ranging from the desi treats like samosa and pakoras, to wraps and burgers, and tea-cakes. The bubble tea has different variants and they are just a match made in heaven!

5. The Tea Place by Manjushree, Saket
If you’re into high-tea then this place is perfect. From its serene ambience to well-organised seating, it is completely devoted to giving the best tea experience. It is one of the few outlets where the company uses its own homegrown tea which is catered and skillfully served with the most delectable treats.

6. Mister Chai, Shangri-La’s –Eros Hotel
With its eye-pleasing and grand ambience, this place has the best of the east and the west. From savoury sides like bikinis (Spanish finger sandwiches) to desi drinks like cutting chai and masala chai, to exotic and sophisticated blends of different variants, this place is royalty. Definitely go here to engross in the best tea experience!

7. The Tea Room From Blossom Kocchar, Hauz Khas Village
Situated in the beautiful area of Hauz Khas, it swims amidst the many boutiques and hip places of the city. The ambience is so home-like, it makes you feel at home, sipping tea and peering through the glass panes. It has the first-date vibes attached to it, so one can always consider this as a good option, else it is always a good place to get work done. Good vibes only!

8. Wagh Bakri Tea Lounge, Connaught Place
It is a good place to catch up with your friends and delve into the finest tea treats. If you are a khakhra lover, this place will definitely amuse you as you gulp it down with some cardamom and masala tea. With many other outlets in the SDA market and Pitampura, it is a sure shot hit among the crowds. It is a tea lover’s paradise.

9. 11 Chaa Street, Indirapuram
With its chic and classy ambience paired with a unique sense of cosiness, it is the perfect place to sip your cuppa and enjoy their amazing collection of books. The menu is flexible with a long array of honey-based teas that are soothing in every sense possible. The pricing is ideal and is the main attraction for college students.

10. The Tea Lounge, Chanakyapuri
If you’re into robust and royal decors, this place is the ideal match for you. With its stunning interiors and exquisite pastry section, it is situated in the heart of a city and one of the most critically acclaimed hotel chain, Taj. The sides are delectable and a perfect complement to the wide array of teas. Definitely, head for the macaroons and you’ll be left speechless. It’s a great way to interact with friends meeting after a long time and a good way to enjoy the serenity in full nawabi andaaz. 

Let your taste buds dance in the exuberance of tea!

Feature Image Credits: NYC Cooking
Avnika Chhikara
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