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Admissions 2013

Delhi University releases sixth cut-off, general category seats still vacant

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The sixth cut-off for Delhi University college admissions is here and with that is the news of several vacant seats for General category students.

Commerce is still available for the general category in 16 colleges as compared to 23 colleges during the fifth cut-off. The number includes popular colleges such as Hans Raj and Gargi as well. Hans Raj still confident about its previous cut-off sticks to 96.5-98 for Commerce for the four times in a row.

In terms of B.Tech courses, while most courses are closed, Hans Raj and Keshav Mahavidyalaya are still offering B.Tech in Electronics. Computer Science at Hans Raj is finally closed after 5 cut-offs.

History at LSR is now closed while Hindu is still offering admissions in Sociology. Journalism and Mass Communication aspirants might have a reason to rejoice with Kamala Nehru College re-opening admissions for the course at 92.5-94.5. The course is also open for admissions at Delhi College of Arts and Commerce at 91.5.

Reserved category cut-offs still seem to be gaining momentum in colleges such as DCAC and Miranda House with several courses still vacant.

With colleges slowly bringing down the cut-offs in order to avoid over-admissions, general category admissions lasting till the sixth cut-off in popular colleges is an unusual affair for Delhi University. With what seems to be going on, it can be expected that a few colleges will also go on till the seventh.

Admissions for the sixth cut-off will last from Monday, 15th July up till Wednesday, 17th July. The seventh cut-off is scheduled to be out on Thursday, 18th July.

Links to cut-offs: Arts and Commerce | Science | B.Tech

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Sounds

Music Review: Mind your Manners by Pearl Jam

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After their 9th Studio Album- Backspacer- being acclaimed by many as their best work yet Pearl Jam after almost a 4 year long break have given us a sneak peek into their upcoming album Lightning Bolt. This preview comes in the form of the song Mind Your Manners, released over the internet 2 days back. Let us dig right into the striking features of this Lightning Bolt then:

The song starts off with a guitar progression that is quite punchy, yet the tone is rounded off well, making it a rather easy way in. And then the vocals hit you, if you are not a regular to PJ’s music (like me) then it’ll take you a moment to realize that it still is Eddie Vedder. He doesn’t look or sound like the guy in Alive or Jeremy, but is amazing nevertheless. The style of vocals complements the lyrics and in turn the title of the track. The lyrics are cloaked in religious references and so is the cover art for this track- we saw some resemblance to the cover art of Warren Zevon’s Excitable Boy here.

About halfway through the song the masterstroke comes in, the guitar solo. Sadly this is short lived, however, by now one can realize that not only is the final sound impeccable, but PJ has played around with the soundscape a bit more. It is safe to assume that the band must’ve had a lot of fun during the production.

In so many ways the song is similar to the PJ sound (case in point- Spin the Black Circle) but in many ways different and a leap forward. If this song is the centrepiece of the album, Lightning Bolt will be one album to look out for.

So Sailors, Mind your Manners!

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News

Delhi University fumbles with final year results, 200 marks go missing

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In what might be another notch on the its list of mishaps, Delhi University allegedly fumbled with results of the final year students of Journalism Honours. Apparently, the University forgot to add 200 marks to the final score.

According to the current syllabus being followed, the VI semester of the three year Journalism course has two papers -Seminar on current affairs’ and Human rights, Gender and Environment both conducted for the first time in 2013, along with the usual dissertation. The addition of these papers led the total marks to be earned in the VI semester to 400, in comparison to the 200 prior to that. The aggregate marks at the end of the degree now became 2400 but the results which were released on 12th July show the students to be marked only out of 2200, which created a situation of panic among some of the hopeful graduates.

At first, the students assumed that the dissertation marks had gone missing. While many distressed students were confused whether to consider themselves as graduates or not, Journalism students of Kamala Nehru College remained calm about the situation. “The best part is we already know are dissertation marks, so we can include them in ourselves” remarks a student, wanting to be unnamed. Students of other colleges did not share the same fate as their dissertation marks were not disclosed to them.

Later on, as Kamala Nehru students who already knew their dissertation score analysed the 2200 with the marks of their previous semesters, what came into notice was the fact that DU had included the marks of the dissertation but left out the scores of the other two papers.

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While, it is yet to be confirmed from any University official if an error has actually occurred, a faculty member of the course attested to the oversight on the University’s part stating that the University did forget to add the 200 marks and that a new result sheet would soon be uploaded.

The sudden bouts of high blood pressure amidst the students, led to several students using social media to share their worries and their anguish over the result.

Errors in examination results is surely nothing new for the students of Delhi University. Earlier this year, students had reported of over inflation of marks with students scoring 102 in a paper of 100.

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Admissions 2013

Is Delhi University’s Modern Indian Languages policy discriminatory?

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The hastily prepared syllabus for the FYUP has encountered yet another sandstone. The present Modern Indian Languages (MIL) policy is witnessing protests from different regions and organisations on the grounds of being discriminatory and danger for national integration.

The Punjabi community along with representatives of other regional languages have gathered in rebellion stating that the new MIL rules put regional languages and culture into jeopardy.

The Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has been protesting against recent MIL provisions. As per the new system, for four-year graduation course of DU shifts Punjabi, Urdu and other MILs, to the second year (third semester). Earlier, these languages were introduced from the first semester. Students and DSGMC are claiming that the move is discriminatory towards regional languages.

It is being said that the Applied Language Courses that are a part of the foundation courses are a farce and the quality of the curriculum for the same is questionable. While several regional languages are available as a part of Discipline Courses- II, the ambiguity amidst the method of choosing a minor subject also acts as a problem in such a scenario.

Punjab minister, Prakash Singh Badal has insisted PM to intervene and scrutinize the move of DU in devaluation of Punjabi language since only 3 colleges have been allowed to teach Punjabi as main subject in FYUP. Earlier it used to be taught in 15 colleges.

An 11 member committee comprising professors of Urdu, Punjabi and other languages will jointly work to restore the pride of regional languages. Various language groups believe that the move is a strategy to slowly wipe away the relevance of the MIL department of the University.

On the other hand, Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) has accused the Delhi University  of introducing Hindi and other Modern Indian Languages (MIL) without assessing the capacity of the faculty on MILs. They also called it to be following Tuglaqi Policy, under which non–Hindi speakers will be discriminated as Hindi is the only subject with adequate faculty strength.

As per the previous semester system, students taking admission to Delhi University were allowed to take any other subjects instead of languages if any student has not studied MIL at the higher secondary and secondary school level.

However, with the introduction of the FYUP, a committee set up by the DU has made it compulsory for all students to opt for either Hindi or 22 other Modern Indian Languages in the graduation course of the University.

Mr. Suhas Chakma (Director ACHR), filed RTI application  with the Deputy Registrar of Delhi University on 5 April 2013, among others, seeking the names of the colleges under Delhi University where MILs are taught and list of MILs taught in each college; and number of faculty members for each MIL in each college under Delhi University.

In reply to the RTI application received, the Deputy Registrar, Delhi University stated that it has no information about the number of staff teaching MILs in Delhi University and instead directed to seek information from individual colleges.

ACHR insisted the University Grants Commission to intrude with Delhi University AND to stop the four year undergraduate programme and not to introduce compulsory MILs without assessment of faculty strength and without addressing the needs of students who do not study MIL at the qualifying level.

Mentioning problems of northeast students, ACHR stated there were hundreds of languages in northeast India but only three languages — Bodo, Assamese and Manipuri – were recognised as MIL.

As students are taught MILs but not their languages, they will be easily kicked out from the Delhi University. Moreover, not a single college under DU has the faculty to teach Bodo, Assamese and Manipuri.

“This step is nothing less than cultural chauvinism on the part of DU directed against the northeast communities,” said a statement issued by the North-East Forum for International Solidarity.

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Events

AIESEC in Delhi University conducts a successful Udaan ’13 pre-event

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On July 9, another UDAAN pre-event was conducted by AIESEC in Delhi University at the Nehru Planetarium and Memorial. Around 200 children from NGOs such as Katkatha, Bal Sahyog and Akshardham were taken to the planetarium.

The event began with jives and some activities for the children. They were then taught about the solar system and were shown around. A short film was also telecasted for the children. The volunteers played games with the children and everybody had a nice time. Named after a great freedom fighter who was famous for his love for children, the venue couldn’t have been more appropriate. Our food partners, Cossenuire Frozen Foods (Delish) provided the kids with food.

With another pre-event conducted so successfully, preparations for UDAAN have begun in full swing. One volunteer shares his experience, “Udaan’13  lets you be the impact by touching lives of deprived young minds by creating memories and experience of a life-time for them”. To volunteer for UDAAN, register at http://goo.gl/bpLMO

-AIESEC Delhi University Press Release
Connect with them https://www.facebook.com/aiesecdelhiuniversity | https://twitter.com/aiesec_du

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Biblio

Book Review: And the Mountains Echoed

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So, then. You want a story and I will tell you one.

Anyone who has reconciled themselves to the fact that Khalid Hosseini has already  exhausted the stock of their emotions, especially sheer despondence, ought to seek his latest offering to experience the intensity all over again.

Pari and her elder brother, Abdullah share a bond that can only decay in death because for Pari, her “Abollah” is no less than a parent and for Abdullah, Pari is just like the fairy her name translates into. Their young minds do not even waste time to contemplate their lives without one another. However, a ruinous journey of the two siblings with their father to Kabul culminates in the event that changes their lives once and for all.

‘And The Mountains Echoed’, the third book by the best-selling author Khalid Hosseini, is a peregrination across time and places with the reader finding oneself in circa 1952 and Kabul at one point, and circa 2010 and Tinos at another. With the decent shovel of a pen, the author has dug across boundaries and unravelled more haunting elements that remain invisible and, yet, are present around each one of us.

The story is a multi-generational family saga narrated from the perspective of several people which might force the readers to reluctantly lose a particular streak, though in the end the details merge to give us a clear image. Whether the book will be perceived at par with the previous ones is not known as of now because an inevitable comparison with its predecessors tells us that the book could use a more dense and prolific conclusion, a point that the previous books do not lack.

But above the grim reality that the author has introduced us with, he has told us a story because we wanted him to tell one.

But just the one…..

3.5-ratingRating: 3.5/5

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Admissions 2013

Aid for the Visually Impaired under FYUP

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Delhi University has faced a lot of flak for the ‘relentless’ implementation of the four-year undergraduate program despite severe opposition. The University, however, is doing its part to make education accessible to all, including the visually impaired students.

DU is doing everything in it’s power to ensure that the visually impaired students do not lag behind or suffer in this newly minted curriculum. To aid the 362 visually challenged students admitted so far, DU will provide them with laptops having a Non Visual Desktop Access (NVDA) software pre installed in them. Also, these students are being given all kinds of fee exemptions, 50 % rebate on mess charges and free metro services so that their education is not hampered.

Another problem that these students were to face was that they have been taught Mathematics and Science only till the 8th grade (and 10th grade, in some cases) and these two are a part of the foundation courses being introduced in the first 4 semesters from this academic year. Responding to this issue, the new curriculum will offer these students a choice between Core Maths and ‘History of Maths’ and Core Science and ‘History of Science’ depending on what they’ll like to pursue.

All these measures were brought to light after an NGO called Shambhavana filed a PIL stating that the FYUP was acting against the interest of the visually impaired and that these challenged students cannot adjust to the new curriculum. In response to this, the high court ordered the formulation of an empowered committee, on whose recommendations all these changes have been made.As per DU counsel Pinky Anand, the University has allotted a sum of Rs. 1.8 crore towards facilitating smooth education for these students and visually impaired teachers in all colleges are being consulted on any suggestions to make the course more amenable to the needs of these students.

Even before this, DU has been playing a proactive role in supporting the universal right to education. Assistance is given to disabled students in every aspect from relaxation in the admission requirements to financial help. The Equal Opportunity Cell established by DU undertakes measures for enable theses students to function as well as possible. Braille texts, audio books, special funding etc. are being provided to them. In addition to this, the University Grants Commission is also supporting selected university departments and colleges to offer specialised education, with financial assistance available under the programme of ‘Integrated Education for Disabled Children’ by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India.

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DUB Speak

A Summer in Canada!

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View from the CN Tower.

After 18 hours of air travel and a completely messed up body clock, a breath of fresh air is like heaven and when it’s in a country like Canada you can’t help but feel elated. The car ride from the airport to home was my first introduction to Canada. I landed at 7 30 pm at Pearson International Airport, Toronto in broad daylight. The sun doesn’t set before 9 30 pm which leaves you with a false feeling of 6 pm!

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Notre-Dame Basilica
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CN Tower

Even though Toronto isn’t a city with a checklist full attractions but it still has plenty to offer. The Lake Ontario spreads endlessly over acres, mesmerizing and beautiful. The sunlight reflects off the water and changes the water’s colour to various shades of blue. One of the more popular tourist attractions is The CN Tower; the second tallest building in the world offers a spectacular view of downtown Toronto and the Toronto Island.  The CN Tower opened the EdgeWalk in 2011, an amusement in which thrill-seekers can walk on and around the roof of the main pod of the tower at 356 m (1,168.0 ft). It is the world’s highest full-circle, hands-free walk. However, people are harnessed and it is safe. Nonetheless beware! Your heart will be in your mouth.

Montreal is a French speaking city, second only to Paris, situated in the province of Quebec. One step into the city and you get transported to Europe. It is a miniature Europe in America. The same narrow cobbled streets, road side cafes, street artists and exorbitantly expensive food! Archaic buildings, churches and souvenir shops are the three most common sights one gets to see. The highlight of the city is Notre-Dame Basilica. The church’s gothic revival architecture is among the most dramatic in the world; its interior is grand and colourful, its ceiling is a collage of deep blues and decorated with golden stars, and the rest of the sanctuary is a polychrome of blues, azures, reds, purples, silver, and gold. It is filled with hundreds of intricate wooden carvings and several religious statues. It’s beautiful and a must visit. However if you don’t know how to speak French, you’re in for a tough time because even cult brands like McDonald has its menu written in French!

‘The’ place to go to when visiting Canada is definitely The Niagara Falls. They are 165 feet high and 2,600 feet wide. The combination of the height plus width is what makes them so spectacular. It is a sight to die for and a living proof of how nature can be stupendous. The Maid of the Mist is the boat tour of Niagra falls. The boat starts off at a calm part of the Niagra river, near the Rainbow falls, and takes its passengers past the American and Bridal Veil Falls, then into the dense mist of spray inside the curve of the Horseshoe falls. The impact with which the water falls is so great that the spray generated is blinding. The view from the boat is unparalleled and absolutely nothing can match up to it. Standing so close to the falls, listening to the roar of the falling water with the spray drenching you, the experience is out of the world.

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Niagra Falls

The town is also known for its night life and has tons of casinos. The place is surely a gambler’s delight!

In terms of food, the variety this country offers is not even funny. Food maniacs will find all cuisines ranging from fast food, Greek, Mexican, Afghani, steaks, Mediterranean, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and of course Indian. Toronto has a whole street called Jerard Street dedicated to Indian food which has everything from south Indian food to biryanis. The street even has a ‘pan ki dukaan’! The shop has that exact same Indian feel, tiny shop, sweaty man making pan asking you if u want gutka in it! The street is like a little India in Canada.

There is no concept of home cooking there. Everything is available packed, tinned or frozen. However, food is not cheap but quantities sold are massive.

Canada is pretty as a picture and inhabits people who are way too polite. Be it a waiter or a cop they would begin by asking how you are even if the cop wants to fine you! Unlike Indians, Canadians are over enthusiastic helpers. Pedestrian is the king and no matter where you cross the road from the traffic will stop for you. Every coffee shop, mall and restaurant has unlimited free Wi-Fi.  The air is supremely fresh and the country clean. Spending a month in Canada spoils you. The pollution, traffic and the filth of India hits you in the face. But as the saying goes, there’s no place like home!

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News

Delhi University to start an online museum: Report

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In what seems like the year of revolutionising the Delhi University, we bring to you the next “big thing” to be added to the plethora of changes already in place. So what is this halla baloo all about?  Well, this time around the University seems to be working around and formulating the proposal for coming up with an Online Museum likely to be introduced with the start of the new session from 23rd July.

The project is directly being spearheaded by the Vice Chancellor; the essence seems to be to make the students aware of the historical significance and the cultural importance of the structures they see around them every day. The University houses some of the magnificent structures from the colonial era and has witnessed some landmark historical events like the Gandhi-Irwin pact and the trial of Bhagat Singh in the Delhi Bomb case. Additionally, it would also benefit the correspondence students who don’t come to college that often. In order to throw light on the same and create an enriching environment for the students of Delhi University, the objective of creating such a museum has been formed. There are also plans of putting screens around the campus as display centers of the portal.

One of the officers  from the University was quoted saying , “We are making the audio visual material, related videos for the portal and hopefully will be able to finish it before the new session starts.” Hence, if multimedia is taken as an educational approach in this case, it might be interesting to see how the project spans out in the end.

But what remains to be seen in the days that follow is the befuddling question that accompanies all these never –ending changes. However well-meaning in their intentions, the effective implementation of these plans still continues to bother  and remain a cause of worry for many.

[via Deccan Herald]

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News

DU Mathematics Students Visit King’s College and Newton Institute, UK

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The University of Delhi had hosted a Mathematics competition, as a part of the Legacy of Srinivasa Ramanujan Conference, in December 2012 . The fourteen winning undergraduate students visited King’s College, London and Newton Institute in Cambridge, in cohesion with the award which allowed them a trip to the UK to visit eight Universities. They were hosted by the Department of Mathematics.

The students and their academics were given a tour of King College’s Strand campus, delivered by Max Wells, a first year undergraduate Mathematics student, accompanied by Dr Alexander Heinz, Deputy Head of International Programmes and Dr Alexander Pushnitski, a Reader in the Department of  Mathematics.

The School of Natural & Mathematical Sciences, looking forward to working closely with Delhi University in the future, was delighted to welcome the students and academics.

More recently, the winning team also visited the Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences in Cambridge, a national and international visitor research institute which runs research programmes on selected themes in mathematical sciences and attracts leading mathematical scientists from the UK and overseas to interact in research over an extended period.

The students from Keshav Mahavidyalaya, Ramjas College and St. Stephen’s were guided on the tour by Dr. Sachi Srivastava, Associate Prof. of Mathematics and Lt. Parminder Sehgal, Dy. Proctor. They met faculty and learnt of the various programmes at both the institutes.

[via Delhi University official website]

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