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The Ramjas student union elections finally took place on the 17th of last month. We caught up with the new president, Mr. Yogit Rathi  to ask a few questions on his big win. A third year student from the history department, Mr. Rathi had won by a landslide victory with a margin of 104 votes with his biggest competitor Anuj Damara landing 421 votes. The rest of the candidates who came third, fourth and fifth were Kapil Choudhary, Mohamed Alam Tyagi and Rishabh Bajpai respectively.

Student elections at Ramjas were scheduled to be held in September but were suspended in the wake of a fight which broke out between two presidential candidates. The Faculty had unanimously decided on suspending the elections till the issue was sorted out. After much consultation and many meetings with the DSW, DUSU office and the Principal, a decision was taken to keep the election date on the 17th of October, 2016.

Following is the interview with Mr. Rathi, as taken right after the results.

Arindam: What made you fight for the college elections this year?

Yogit: Unfortunately I had enrolled in an engineering college right after 12th but since all my friends were in DU and the political atmosphere kind of lured me in so I changed my mind and came here instead. Once here, I actively took part in union politics since my first year. I had made a lot of friends and associates in that time. So when somebody suggested that I should try for the president, I did not hesitate as I believed it would be a good idea and since it was the centennial year, this was my chance to work for the college.

Arindam: Were there any difficulties in winning this year? What was your strategy for this year’s elections?

Yogit: There were a lot of major obstacles and the competition was a tough one, no doubt. The college was facing multiple issues such as the absence of college fests, management problems and other issues faced by the blind students in the library. Another hurdle was when, on the day of scrutiny in early September, a fight broke out between two candidates (names withheld) which led to the elections being suspended for some time. After repeated pleas on our part, the Principal finally agreed to conduct the elections in October.

Arindam: Have you participated in politics before? Also, are you working for any social cause or in college events?

Yogit: I have actively participated in my departmental activities and also worked for college events over the years. I had also tried for the centennial team but unfortunately was not selected.

Arindam: In your manifesto, you have mentioned ‘Technologically advanced tuck shops..to help students meet their basic necessities’. What kind of facilities are you talking about? Can you elaborate on this?

Yogit: If you look around you will notice that our college, in spite of having a photocopy shop, does not have a stationery one, which many colleges have and is a necessity. For various reasons the students have to take printouts, browse the internet and have a basic need of stationery items. The purpose of a ‘Tuck’ shop is to provide all these facilities within campus grounds.

Arindam: Another interesting thing you have mentioned in your agenda is setting up an ‘Analyst Programme’ and ‘introducing a new software’. Can you explain further?

Yogit: This was an idea that came up amidst all the centennial fervor. The idea was, to create a link between the Ramjas college library and the university library which would be further connected to all the central universities in the country. I realise it is a big dream to have and would need  lot of work but it is not impossible. The principal has promised to consider this proposition once the centennial celebrations are over.

Arindam: That is a big project. Good luck with that! Now for my last question. You have made a lot of promises and it seems with the centennial celebrations and faculty and staff working around the clock, you might fall short of adequate resources or time, to deliver on your word. How, if this comes to be, are you planning to tackle this?

Yogit: The centennial team has a lot of students to handle with organising the celebrations but I believe for our goals to be reached we have all the resources we need. It would take time but I plan to involve all the class representatives (CRs) from ach department, to make it a more unified effort. If each department chips in, fulfilling all the agendas will be no hard task!

Image credits: Mr. Yogit Rathi

Arindam Goswami

[email protected]

Ramjas college, in lieu of completing a hundred years has been alive with celebrations and events, keeping the cheer in the air, all year round. Recently the college came with another extravaganza, the Grand Centennial Carnival which was a two day show in the campus. Bringing out the voices that often go unheard and sharing the joys of the centennial year by supporting the artists who need it, was the spirit of the Carnival.

 

DAY ONE – OCTOBER 25th, 2016

The Two-day Carnival commenced with the inauguration of the Centennial Parade by the Chief Guest, Shri Raj Kumar Gupta, chairman, Managing Committee, Ramjas Foundation, led by Acid-Attack Survivors. It was led by transgenders, bagpiper bands from Patiala, jugglers and acrobats, stilt-walkers, folk performers – all belonging to Purani Delhi. The parade portrayed the ethnicity of each state and culture, concocted by dhol and nagada beats. Teens, from the NGO Sankalp Foundation, ranging from the age of 12-14 presented a mind- dance performance. The foundation aims to uplift the social status of the students and supports them economically and emotionally.

An exquisite Mughlai cuisine was served at the food court: Zaika-e-Dilli with delicacies from every corner of the capital: Shahi-Tukda to Kebab, from lachhedar-Parathas to Rabdi and Kulfi Faluda to devour on. Biryani, chicken korma, kheer, chicken tikka, khamere roti, kebab roll topped the list of mouth-watering platter of various cuisines.

Sanchit Mahajan, founder of start up ‘Artysan’ and also an alumnus of the college, went ahead with the graffiti works, to paint one of the 40 feet long walls of the college. The event was in collaboration with the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) and Community Against Drunken Driving (CADD).

The fun didn’t stop here, Life-sized Games (Ludo and snakes & ladders), rides and paintball, laser tag were some of the most indulged-in by the students. Ramjas was a host to students from colleges like Lady Shri Ram, Miranda, Hansraj, Hindu, Stephens, SRCC, Gargi, PGDAV and many more.

World-famous Sahitya  Academy awardee Puran Bhatt presented a Life-sized Puppet show that left the audience mesmerized .The First day culminated with dazzling Street Performances by fire-dancers and acrobats who enthralled students and teachers alike. Day one ended with the promise to keep the same level of energy, fun and enthusiasm going strong the next day.

 

 

DAY TWO- OCTOBER 26th, 2016

The second day of The Grand Centennial Carnival began with the speakers blaring up high to the final stride of Youthoria: a series of open-street fitness drives, with the zumba trainers giving it a kick start. It was followed by a skit presented by the students of RVS-4, Roopnagar spreading   a wonderful message of a pollution free Diwali  which was well received by the audience. Inauguration of Life-sized games by the chief guest commenced the board games and the adventure camp where students got an opportunity to escape the approaching exam stress and to showcase their best foot in Paintball, life-sized Ludo and snakes & ladders.

Extravaganza – a club of slam poetry session by Wordcraft – The Literary Society, was held which took everybody on a poetic tour of refreshing thoughts and memories which was followed by a jaw dropping performance by the dance society of Ramjas College: in step.

Fashion Show by Transgenders in collaboration with Ramjas Chapter of Enactus, was an inspiration to the crowd showcasing the confidence that the LGBT society has in itself. The show went on merrily, with the promise that Ramjas will never step back from its support towards making the country a transgender friendly hub. The rainbow flag, representing the desires and dreams of the neglected transgender community, was hoisted by Ramjasites,  giving it all a powerful boost. It was urged to be a reminder of the Ramjas alumnus, Justice Ajit Prakash Shah’s verdict on section 377 of the Indian Penal Code.

Mystery painting followed by Sand Art, by a collaboration of Artysan and Melange: The fine Arts Society reminded the audience of the sacrifices of the untold stories of the heroes at the border-front.

After this came the much awaited part of the day, Dandiya Night – the main highlight of the day. It witnessed a foot-fall of 4638 students from all over the university. Celebrating ethnicity and cultural heritage in the most colourful way, everyone grooved to the dandiya mixes of Bollywood.

The Carnival culminated with the release of fire-lanterns symbolising ever-burning light and knowledge. The celebrations in Ramjas lit up the whole college and took everyone in its stride.

 

Image credits: Ramjas Centennial Team

Arindam Goswami

[email protected]

Someone has rightly said, “You don’t need a silver fork to eat good food!” and being a DU student which epitomises the availability of economical lip smacking food, we couldn’t agree more with the statement! Take a look at some of the canteens across DU and their signature dishes loved by the students.

1. Maitreyi College

Fried Rice and Manchurian (Maitreyi)
Fried Rice and Manchurian (Maitreyi)

Maitreyi College has a canteen which provides a great range of lip smacking dishes and nutritious drinks that wouldn’t make you feel the need to step outside to fulfill your appetite. In summers, a chilled glass of freshly squeezed mosambi juice (Rs.20) with a little chaat masala is exactly the kind of refreshment every student needs. A plate of wholesome Rajma Rice (Rs. 40), which finishes within only two hours of its complete preparation has a perfectly balanced, rich sweet and spicy flavor and one that is bound to make you nostalgic about your ghar ka khaana anytime. The second most sought after dish would be our Vegetable Manchurian and Fried Rice (Rs.28). This heavenly combination of its tangy and juicy gravy with soft sticky rice can be proudly chosen over any Chinese restaurant’s dish. If you try the Honey Chilli Potatoes, they will not only leave you thirsty because of the fiery heat from all its spices but also wanting for another plate because of its sweet flavorful veggies and amazing relish.

Rajmah Rice (Maitreyi)
Rajma Rice (Maitreyi)

-Shagun Marwah, 3rd Year student, Maitreyi College

2. Kamala Nehru College

KNC Canteen
KNC Canteen

Having a regimented timetable with almost no breaks and early morning classes, the little ‘dabba’ that my mom packs in the morning gets finished within the first hour of college. However, KNC’s canteen becomes the ultimate saviour for mid-class hunger pangs. A plate full of Pav Bhaji (Rs. 30), Macroni (Rs. 20) and a cup of Cold Coffee (Rs. 25) is the most filling meal that the canteen offers. The Rajma Chawal are to die for too!

-Riya Chhibber, 3rd year student, Kamala Nehru College

3. Ramjas College

Chilli Potato (Ramjas)
Chilli Potato (Ramjas)

Ramjas canteen recently changed its catering staff and a few new items like chilli potato (Rs. 50), potato manchurian (Rs. 50), egg and bread combos( Rs. 30 for 2 eggs) and fried rice ( Rs. 40) were added to the menu. Chole Bature (Rs. 30) is a hot seller and is claimed to be the best item. Apart from that juices (Rs. 20), tea/coffee (Rs. 10) and bottled drinks like coke maaza and sodas are also available at MRP. The best things about the canteen are that we can eat in the open and the new amphitheatre being constructed beside it.

-Arindam Goswami, Final Year student, Ramjas College

4. Hindu College

 

Shahi Paneer (Hindu College)
Shahi Paneer (Hindu College)

 

Facing an avid competition from various eateries in Kamla Nagar and Hudson Lane, the Hindu College Canteen still outshines others. Catering to the college students seeding all around North Campus, here you can munch delicious food at reasonable prices, leaving you not only with a filled in belly but also with satisfied taste buds. The menu lists various delicacies from North Indian, South Indian and Chinese cuisines along with a few anytime snacks. Chhole Bhature, Dosa, Shahi Paneer served with Butter Naan and Pav Bhaji must be tried. So do grab a bite here next time you’re around the campus. Shaahi Paneer with Butter naan ( Rs. 45) and Dosa (Rs. 25) are a delight to the taste buds.

-Hardik Kakar, Hindu College

5. Sri Venkateswara College

Dosa (Sri Venkateswara College)
Dosa (Sri Venkateswara College)

Sri venkateswara college canteen reminds one of Amma’s canteen in south. With the indistinguishable delicious sambhar and inexpensive south indian dishes it provides a complete package for foodies. ‘Mysore masala dosa’  with the special south indian spicy touch is able to make a  mark on the student’s tongue. Its eccentric location and chilled out atmosphere makes it the most popular hangout place for students. The graffiti walls beside the seating arrangements ups the ambience level. Despite being a new canteen students have found their love and reasons to stay at college than preferring Satya lounges.

-Gerush Bahal and Lakshya, DU Students

6. Jesus and Mary College

JMC Canteen
JMC Canteen

The canteen of Jesus and Mary College is one of the most popular ones of the varsity. With a diverse food menu, consisting of South Indian, North Indian, Italian and Chinese dishes among others, the level of hygiene is also decent. Though the taste of various food items seems average, yet few dishes do attract students of the neighboring colleges to the place. With the price being slightly higher than most of the other colleges, Dishes like Bhel Puri, Sev Puri and Chowmein/Fried Rice captures the hearts (and obviously, the stomach!) of all the JMCites. The favourite dishes – Bhel Puri and Fried Rice, cost 40 rs each.

Fried Rice (JMC)
Fried Rice (JMC)

-Lovleen Kaur, Jesus and Mary College

7. Miranda House

Dosa (Miranda House)
Dosa (Miranda House)

At Miranda House, a satisfactory quality of food is maintained across the menu. From the honey chilli potato (Rs 40) to the chicken manchurian (Rs 50) and masala dosa (Rs 30),the canteen churns out quality food at affordable prices. The fresh juice stand is also a favourite amongst students. To the dismay of many students however, the ‘momo-bhaiya’ has quit his job this year, and chicken momo is no longer on the menu. Come back Bhaiya !

The level of hygiene maintained at the  Miranda House canteen sets it apart from other colleges. A committee of faculty members carries out regular inspections to ensure that cleanliness standards are maintained.

Miranda House Canteen
Miranda House Canteen

-Swareena Gurung, Student, Miranda House

Compiled by Riya Chhibber

[email protected]

In a performance that lasted a whole of 10 mins, Akshay Labroo and Nikhil Saha of Ramjas College delivered speeches that made them the winners of a one-week sponsored tour in the UK, which includes visits to historical sites, academic institutions, cultural events along with peer group interactions. The Great Debate, organised by the Delhi University in collaboration with The British High Commission  was witness to  participation of 46 teams of the 54 that registered.

In an interactive session on 8th January,2014 at the the British High Commission, Paul Rennie, Head of Political and Bilateral Affairs released the motions for the debate to the participants while , the coordinators of the debate Ms. Suchitra Gupta and Ms. Sumitra Mohanty explained the rules and regulations . Present at the event was Ms. Priti Patel, Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom who encouraged the participants to visit the country.

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The debate was divided into two rounds with the first being held on the morning of 9th Jan, 2014 and the final at 3 pm at the Viceregal Lodge, University of Delhi. The five teams that made it to the finals were Dayal Singh Collge, Janki Devi College, Miranda House, Ramjas College and Sri Venkateshwara College. The teams debated on the motion, “This house believes that it is the best time to be young” and were  judged by a panel of eminent judges including Ms. Ktty Tawakley, Deputy Head Press and Communications and Mr.Stephen King,General Manager Virgin Atlantic which had partnered with The British High Commission to sponsor this debate.

The Vice Chancellor Mr. Dinesh Singh and Sir James Bevan, UK High Commissioner joined the participants a little later in the session. In his speech ,Sir James Bevan listed the top ten reasons on why an Indian student must choose UK as the place to continue their studies over its other competitors. As for the amount that goes into sponsoring a UK education he said, “Studying in the UK is not cheap. But in life you get what you pay for,quality costs money and the cost of a UK education is possibly the best single investment you can make in your own future”. In his speech the Vice Chancellor regaled the the history of debating in India with the example of Mahatma Gandhi and stressed on the importance of form and matter in a debate.

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While everybody enjoyed the debate and the opportunity it presented,the participants were made to wait a long time before the declaration of the results of the preliminary round. At the feedback session, the coordinators were suggested to have an award or recognition for not just teams but also speakers individually, which they promised to include in the next season of this debate.The organisation of the programme under Pradyumna Bora was well performed and managed to resolve issues of late participants and disqualification of a team timely.

imagecourtesy: British High Commision

For more photos visit : http://www.flickr.com/photos/ukinindia/sets/72157639548562095/

For the transcript of Sir James Bevan’s speech :https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/uk-education-the-best-for-the-brightest–2

The Fine Arts Society of Ramjas College, Mélange, ardently aspires to motivate the ingenious minds in exhibiting their wonderful talent, by invigorating to engage in competition and make every effort to color the world around them with the zest of creativity. Mélange flagged off its year by holding its two-round auditions for ‘Ramjasians’ in the last week of September. Enthused by the new entrants, the society commenced its year with a family of thirty Creative Heads. The following office bearers were selected for 2012-2013 session: President –Pratiksha Agarwalla, Vice President – Surabhi Chopra, Secretary- Riya Marya and Treasurer-Hitesh Athwani. A string of constructive workshops about sponge, sand and charcoal painting and animation were conducted throughout the year to enhance the artistic skills of the members. The society has, as always, an impressive list of wins to its name in events like T-shirt painting, Poster-Making, Tattoo Designing, Rangoli making and sketching. It bagged the first prize in Hansraj, Deen Dayal Upadhya, Janki Devi, Gargi and Shaheed Rajguru College for women. Their annual festival – EXPRESSOEZZ-13, which will take place on 5th and 6th March, provides an excellent platform for students to react, interact and mingle with the wonderful world of budding artists, leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. It helps enhancing awareness, recognition and hence inspires everyone to be a part of Mélange-one of the most eminent fine arts societies in the entire Delhi University. The society gained immense appreciation for last year’s fest, EXPRESSOEZZ-12’s exuberant, effervescent, and vibrant art work as well as the collective endeavor which made the fest a grand event altogether. In a nutshell, a splendid performance by Mélange has set a benchmark to strive towards excellency. Visit their Facebook for more details http://www.facebook.com/exp12     Fine Arts Society Ramjas College]]>

The inter-college Delhi University Men’s Volleyball Tournament was hosted by Ramjas College this year. Starting on 25th February, this week long tournament will end on 7th March. The matches take place in the sports complex of the college, from 9-30 am and go on till 5 pm. Last year, the tournament was won by IGI and was hosted by PGDAV. With 33 participating teams this year and referees from the Delhi Volleyball Association, the tournament promises to be competitive to the core. Although it is a DU event, Ramjas has decided to give away trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions since it is the host college. One of the participating teams has commented that the event is so well organised that it “feels like the nationals”. This is credited to Dr. M. Chakravorty, the Sports Head of Ramjas. It is because of her that the condition of sports in this college is much better than in the others. Apart from the courts and lawns being well maintained, Dr. M. Chakravorty organises many more competitions. On 1st March, there is an athletics meet for the visually challenged. The notice on the notice board was also in Braille. The event includes various races, tug-of-war and throw-ball. Table tennis and chess intra-college tournaments have already taken place and after the mid semester break, there will be football and basketball events. Dr. Chakravorty says that these children are all her students and she loves to do so much for them. Her passion is quite evident in the way she was telling us about the different types of races she had structured in the college. To name a few, there is a tortoise race, a ‘mummy’ race, a ‘pagdi-bandho’ race and a banana race. The participation is by both students as well as teachers. This dynamic woman has definitely changed the outlook of sports for the students of Ramjas College.   Surbhi ([email protected])]]>

So, who doesn’t fancy a little drama in their life? At the risk of sounding slightly presumptuous, I would have to say that most of us do. For those who prefer their dose of it on stage rather than off, Hindu College’s annual theatre festival—Masquerade—was the place to be.

The two day event hosted by the English Dramatics Society, ‘Masque’, saw some of the finest colleges of DU showcasing their acting prowess. On day 1 of the fest, IP College for women, LSR, St. Stephen’s and SRCC proved their mettle as masters of nuanced expressions; while on day 2, Kirori Mal College, Hindu College, Sri Venkateswara College and Ramjas College gave them a run for their proverbial money.

To judge the participating teams were two distinguished members of the theatre fraternity. Ms. Amina Sherwani, a distinguished theatre person, journalist and sculptor. She has vast experience in people’s theatre and has performed all over the country as scriptwriter, director as well as light and set designer and has produced and directed over fifty plays. Mr. Milin Kapoor, renowned cinematographer and special effects editor. He has more than 28 years of experience in film, video design, interactivity and cyber space. He has worked on over 400 productions and with some of the biggest names in the Indian film industry.

 

The most striking performances on the first day were that of LSR and SRCC; wherein SRCC stole the limelight with their witty mystery piece titled ‘Three Blind Mice’. While each member of the SRCC team did a commendable job; it is noteworthy that the IP team consisted of only three members and their dedication was par excellence. Their play ‘Sonata’ explored the world of a writer as the events of one night that occur in the lives of these women are penned down. LSR presented ‘Skeleton Woman’, a story about two people who defeat fantastical odds to be together. St. Stephen’s had put together a play that dealt with the phenomenon of False Memory Syndrome called ‘Anna Weiss’.

On the 22nd of February, Sri Venkateswara college mesmerised the audience and the judges with their play ‘Pulp’, a  comical journey of two playwrights and their rushed attempt to churn out one decent play after another, in order to pacify their producers. Hindu College won many accolades for their production ‘Dead Man’s Testimony’—an adaptation of Ayn Rand’s ‘Night of January 16th’, although they did not compete. KMC presented ‘Line’– a story about five people attempting to reach the front of a queue using all kinds of strategies and Ramjas told us what happens when a joke goes awry in ‘Mr. Kolpert’.

 

The results declared were as follows:

1st place – Sri Venkateswara College for ‘Pulp’

2nd place – LSR for ‘Skeleton Woman’

3d place – KMC for ‘Line’

Outlaw Award (For the team which did something different)  – St. Stephens for ‘Anna Weiss’

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, February 10, 2012. This date will be marked as one of the darkest pages in the history of  DU. In an incident that is nothing short of frightening, a terrible stampede at Ramjas College injured several students. The college was hosting its annual fest and a certain singer, who goes by the name of Honey Singh, was to perform there at 6.30pm.

At 4pm, the traffic intersection between Delhi School of Economics and Ramjas was in a state of complete chaos with police vans speeding towards Ramjas from all sides. The rumours and panic that spread among the students who were on the road at that time, did little to help the already grave situation. The speculations soon became wild and reached all the way to Vishwavidyalaya metro station where stories of a possible death were doing the rounds.

Fortunately, there have been no reports to indicate that any lives were lost. However, a girl (rumoured to be a student of Dyal Singh College) allegedly fell in the stampede and was so severely injured by the rushing crowd that she had to be admitted to a hospital and is still in ICU. “ It was a nightmare, there is no other way to explain it. I regretted going there so badly that I was almost in tears,” said a student on the condition of anonymity.

The college authorities are underplaying the incident because the blame for the entire fiasco is being pinned on them. Students were initially entering one by one in an orderly fashion when the college decided to throw the gates open to make their job simpler. “ We decided to open the gates at 3pm because a very large crowd had already gathered by then. A girl felt slightly uncomfortable and was rushed to a hospital,” said the Principal of the college.