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September 2014

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When you have a choice of countless activities to be a part of in college, you don’t feel like missing out on any of the fun, specially when they come along with free attendance and marks. But being a part of a DU society isn’t as easy as ignoring Nicky Minaj’s music. Yes, being in a society in DU has its own perks… mostly positive (did I mention free attendance?) And if you’re a fresher and are the new one in a society, you have memories that last for life. Here are five things a fresher in a DU society can absolutely relate to:

1. You are supposed to know everything about everyone at every time:

Yes, you should know anything about anything. Specially if you’re a member of your college’s debating society or the quiz society, from knowing Nelson Mandela’s last words to what effect the Trade Facilitation Agreement will have ten years later, you’re supposed to know it all (Even if it makes no sense at all!) The phrase of Walking Wikipedia makes a lot more sense now. And if you happen to not know about something, be ready for the “oh-you-don’t-know-that!” look.

leviosa
Be it anything, you’ve got to know it all at once.

2. Put that poster there, bring that CD from there or just do all the leg work!

Remember the time you used to send your younger sibling to get a glass of water…every half an hour. Well, it’s karma’s time now. Be it putting up society posters on college notice boards or getting a duster for the black-board or writing a street play dialogue last minute, you’re the mule of your clan who can be given any work at any hour of the day. And the best (or worst) part is, you just cannot say no!

karma
Because ‘Karma’ has no deadlines, and it always balances all accounts.

3. Get ready to set your alarms at the most impossible hours of the day:

7:30 in the morning or 9:30 at night, it simply doesn’t matter. When duty calls, you have to…have to be there. Already tired of setting your alarms at painfully early hours? Brace yourselves for the DU Fests time and you’ll know what it is to work your a*s off (well, quite literally!)

alarm

4.They’re not your friends…they’re more of teachers:

They don’t really guide you as much as they teach you. Yes, seniors are your mentors, teachers, guides…anything but friends. That doesn’t mean that they’re particularly bossy or assertive, but you can go on trying hard to be a part of their group and turn out getting nowhere. But, at the same time, those chunks of advice are sure to take you a long way in your society. After all, you as have to step in their shoes at one point of time!teacher2

5. The high of being able to miss your classes for your passion:

Gone are the days when you had to let go of those dancing moves and music chords just to attend classes in school. ECA Slips come to your rescue. You can’t really have more of the best of both worlds, following your passion and get attendance for that. Life couldn’t be better for a fresher, could it be? The whole idea seems like an enigma even though eventually you’ve got to balance out your studies too.

high

Arushi Pathak for DU Beat.

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Featured Image (Tanz, Dance society of Miranda House) Credits: Gurman Bhatia for DU Beat.

 Gifs Courtesy: www.tumblr.com

Hello Moto!

In 1973 Motorola showcased the world’s first mobile phone, which marked the begin of “the revolution of hand-held telephony”. After reigning for almost two decades, Motorola was then outdone by the competition – first was Nokia, then came Apple and presently it’s Samsung who’s in front. Our poor King Moto was pushed down the ranks and even quality devices like the DROID series, couldn’t get it back up.  This was until last year.

In 2013, Motorola suddenly got its sheen back!  With its powerful Moto X & more importantly the affordable Moto G, followed by Moto E, Motorola became an efficient flagship killer – by giving more (features) in less (price :P)!  In India, Flipkart claims it has sold over 1.6 million Motorola devices in the past seven months!

And now it’s ready to roll again! Today, at an event in New Delhi, Motorola unveiled three devices – Moto G (2nd Gen), Moto X (2nd Gen) and Moto 360 (smartwatch). While the Indian pricing & availability is yet to be known for the latter two, Moto G (2014) is here. Available exclusively on Flipkart, can this Moto outdo its ancestor?

Moto G (2014)

(Debatably) It was Moto G that shifted the whole focus on ‘premium budget smartphones’. It offered hardcore specs at a killer price with a superior design .It got sold like hot cakes and received rave reviews along with excellent reception from consumers, critics and the media. Moto G soon became the most popular budget smartphone in its price bracket.

 

And after 10 months, it has a successor! The new Moto G has the same name with its launch year sufficed at the end in a bracket :  Moto G (2014) a.k.a Moto G (2nd Gen).  A 5-inch screen, an 8 MP f/2.0 rear camera (720p HD), 2 MP front camera and even a MicroSD slot (upon 16 gigs of internal memory) which we dearly missed, the new Moto G is a fair update over its predecessor. All the other specs are same as before – 1.2 GHz Snapdragon processor, a gigabyte of ram, 720p display, dust-water resistance  and a 2070 mAH battery.  The phone now features dual front speakers, a feature generally found on superior devices,  that makes the phone boom louder.

As far as the flaws are concerned, the phone kinda disappoints with a 720p camera, considering what the peers offer. Also, Xiaomi Mi3 gives much (MUCH) more at the same price (though it’s difficult to get one!). However, with Pure Android experience, Motorola’s brand name, update features and superb build quality, Moto G compensates for its limitations. The phone runs on KitKat and has a promised update to the next version  of Android (Android L). The phone now comes in white as well and supports colorful back shells as well.

Moto G (2nd generation)  is available on Flipkart for 12,999 and the sales will begin at midnight. Flipkart would also be giving special offers for the launch day.Since Mi3 has temporarily been discontinued and Asus Zenfone 5 is “Out of Stock”, Moto G  (2014) can achieve high sales due to its popularity and more importantly its legacy.

 

The Formidables

They take absolutely no nonsense from students and are quick to punish. Cross them once and you will definitely suffer the entire year, so beware and tread with care.

the formidables

The linguistically challenged

Even though these teachers have a good knowledge base, they don’t know how to put it into coherent sentences. Their use of ‘a’ and ‘the’ is twisted and they completely mess up tenses!

lingustically challenged

 

The Indian Shakespeare These are a rare breed of teachers commonly found mostly in the English department. Their lectures end up feeling stretched and often, their English sounds like French, especially when you’re not in the mood to study.

indian shakespeare

 

The Strategist Not only are they fully aware of your dire need to have a stellar attendance record; they are smart enough to use it in their favor. The unified answer to every attention related issue in class- ‘cancellation of attendance’

the stretegist

Illustration by Ambiso

 

In the present world, changes are inevitable, some of which are conventional while others are dreadful and unacceptable. In a corresponding way, the relationship between students and teachers has changed to a great extent when compared to guru-shishya relationship of the olden days.

In this day and age, the approach towards gaining knowledge and information takes different paths altogether, when compared to the yesteryears. Students, now have access to all the requisite information at the click of a button. When we want to clear our doubts, a Google search is all we need. Students often crosscheck and confirm what a teacher speaks in the class from the information available on the internet, which may, at times, lead them to suppose that the teachers are not-so-required. The place of a teacher is replaced by Google, in the minds of the students, and this motorized system has substituted human conduct.

However, changes have taken place, but I suppose that a lot of them are constructive ones. We have moved on to a more rational and curious atmosphere from an utter and tight-lipped approach. Today’s generation greets teachers with a ‘Hi’ instead of greeting them with a ‘Good morning’. The student-teacher relationship is not characterized by compliance and acceptance, but by questioning and scrutiny, acceptance may or may not follow depending upon the student’s analysis.

The prevailing situation has more teachers who have money-making and impersonal approaches and for whom teaching isn’t a vocation but a means of livelihood. There is a need of more teachers who join the profession by preference rather than by unconcern. To understand and come to terms with each other’s expectations is what this relationship should be all about. It is about having a very comprehensive rapport.

The inculcation of values that are considered as ancient, in the whole system, is necessary. On the other hand, no one can fail to notice the undying job of a teacher as a counsellor and guide in transporting and familiarizing information to a student. The restoration of the guru-shishya traditional relationship, with a contemporary tinge, is the need of the hour.

Image source: www.examiner.com

Shaily Sharma
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Fresher party is virtually the event that kick starts the fabulous college life of newbies in Delhi University. And what incorporates the element of surprise to the party? The theme of course! It is what keeps the excitement soaring as people go hunting for the perfect outfit to make the perfect impression in the most anticipated party of their lifetime. While some colleges think out-of-the-box with themes like ‘Traffic Light’ and ‘Chronicles of Harry-o-ween’, most colleges seem to go the old fashioned way with un-innovative themes recurring each year. Here are the top five over done Fresher’s party themes of Delhi University

1. Retro

The numero uno position goes to the theme recreating the past with probably the easiest look to accomplish. Girls in polka dotted or frilly shirts with high waist trousers or skirts accessorized with hair bands, puffed-up or mid-parted hairdos while boys decked up in suspender pants with back combed or strictly parted hair. Followed every year without break though in different colleges, this theme is the absolute favourite of the organizers undoubtedly.

retro

2. Bollywood

Ever wanted to be a look alike of Katrina Kaif or Salman Khan? DU provides this exclusive opportunity every year in one college or another at its freshers parties where you can dress up like Shanaya from SOTY, Hritik Roshan from Jodha Akbar or even the infamously popular KRK to add the fun factor. Miranda House in 2012, DCAC in 2013 and Dyal Singh in 2014 are the recent ones to keep the trend alive with Sanjay Dutt’s “Munna Bhai” and Salman’s “Dabangg” being the most common characters imitated.

3. Halloween/Angels and Demons

Red horns, Black/red outfits, wigs and fake nails; fangs and red contact lenses for the crazy-heads, these are the highlights of this sensational theme. Gargi last year and SSCBS this very year implemented this exciting, though tried and tested theme yet again.

Fresher Theme2

4. Neon

Dabangg styled shades are sure to come in handy to save your eyes from the glowing aura at these parties. Although on the list of “over done”, this theme has the potential to be ultimate fun and fascinating if complemented with zesty freshers.

neon

5. Black and Red/ Black and White

Correction! This theme beats Retro to win the title of the easiest theme to follow.Caution! Combinations are to be chosen wisely as over-enthusiastic behavior might end you up looking like a classy waiter or under worst circumstances, a degraded version of Santa Claus.

 

 

Ishani Rajkhowa

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Q. Dear Amma. I have a boyfriend whom I love very much and we have regular sex. It’s all good except the fact that he keeps buying ‘L’ sized condoms while in reality he needs size ‘S’. It makes the sex rather awkward because the condom keeps slipping off and he keeps blaming the companies for making lousy products. How do I make him see that the companies aren’t at fault? I have no qualms about his size, but I’m sure it’ll offend him if I told him. Help!

A. A disillusioned dosa is just what Amma loves! I have seen some really petite dosas in my time. It is so difficult to make men understand that size doesn’t matter just as it is hard to make women believe that beauty doesn’t depend on their skin colour.

My dear macchhi, you will have to bring him out of this illusion in order to bring both of you at ease during the boom-boom.

Tell him that these are just standards created by those evil people working in corporate firms so that their penis-enhancing products can be sold. He doesn’t have to be ashamed of buying a small sized condom. Not everybody roams around with an eight-incher; four or five inches are perfectly NORMAL. Just be loving and be prepared for some days of cold-shouldering, but know that it’ll be worth it!

 

As we all know, September 5th is celebrated as Teacher’s Day (now also refered to as the Guru Utsav) in India, which marks the birth anniversary of the second president of India, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan.

There are two things I shall be primarily discussing in this article. First, the notion of soft power, and second, the imposition of the state’s ideology over the public mind.

While development and related topics might be the propaganda tool of leaders today, power does not merely operate at the level of hard, tangible power. It also brings along with itself a set of discourse that plays a significant role in shaping the mindset of the civil society at large. Power structures are not restricted to legislation and administration, but are also key shapers of the ideologies of the people subjected to the rule.

Through his speeches (and I would say ‘only’ speeches and not work, because 100 days is too less a time to assess) Modi has managed to make the population visualize an Indian utopia where the youth is not unemployed, where India doesn’t beg for loans from the World Bank, where our cities are world class and a thousand and one other such things. Interestingly, this India is devoid of any class/religious/gender conflicts, and the center of the mission remains the highly glamorized word ‘development’.

The question is, ‘Who’s development?’ Of the richest creamy layer of the society or probably the one’s in power? Whether its Manmohan Singh or Modi, the rikshaw wala will still take Rs.20 to take you from Visvavidyala metro station to Arts faculty. How is he developing? The unequal distribution of resources is so deeply entrenched in us that we’ve almost started taking it for granted. Modi has not risen above the religious/class conflicts, he has chosen to ignore them, in order to satisfy the capitalist model.

It is his soft power that derives it strength from his overwhelming hard power. The right wing politics has assumed new strengths in his rule and are permeating the civil society through modes like the speeches. While the idea of speech is not my problem, it is the fact that it’s in Hindi and that it’s being called Guru Utsav is what I have a problem with.

Going ahead with the belief that India was and continues to be a land of  ‘hindus’ and everyone else is hence an ‘outsider’ and apparently needs to be subsumed within the dominant Hindu discourse is a big problem. BJP was founded on the idea that India is a Hindu nation, Hindi is our national language, and the Hindu aspects of history constitute as national heritage while our aspect of Indian history is just history of the invaders is highly erroneous.

It is only an extension of this ideology that everything pristine has to accommodate itself in the larger Sanskrit linguistic (hence, Guru Utsav) and the way to create an imagined sense of togetherness among people is to unite them with the language of the dominant class- Hindi.

Though officially we maintain that English and Hindi are our official languages and we have no national languages, Hindi continues to operate at the level of the soft power, and conversations in English invite the criticism of rightists who believe we’re belittling our own culture.

I understand that English also at one level has been the language of the colonizer, but at the level of communicating to a nation which speaks multiple languages; English becomes a comparatively less biased language. The over emphasis towards learning Hindi, points towards our obsession with formation of a national culture that is largely secluding in nature and seeks to establish the rule of the dominant class and therefore needs to be subjected to critical analysis.

Sri Aurobindo College (Morning) was established by Delhi University in 1972, which was the birth centenary year of the philosopher, patriot-poet, Sri Aurobindo. The college is a constituent part of Delhi University. It inculcates the ideals of Sri Aurobindo and believes that an active commitment towards excellence is fundamental to the process of education.

Sri Aurobindo college ‘Morning’ (as carefully specified in every college brochure) finds itself placed at the tail end of the residential lanes breaking into rather punctured and monsoon-inflicted roads. The green shades lying adjacent are the then reminiscent of some poetic times fulfilling the name of the famous poet-philosopher Sri Aurobindo.

auro3
The lush green campus of Sri Aurobindo College, Delhi University.

And if we are indeed talking about natural green shades and poetic inspiration, the college does not provide any glamorous touch to the heavy notion of ‘institute of quality education’, instead it delves seamlessly into its surrounding, allowing stray pups now and then. But you would be indeed mistaken if you imagine it as an isolated area.

For it is South Delhi we are talking about where students find themselves rushing towards hangout points such as PVR Saket (which is considerably 15 minutes from the college), Select city mall or the Giani’s famous ice cream parlor.

select

The  Malviya Nagar market packed with different varieties of street food stalls is also a famous alternative and not to forget the much homely CCD which even Kangana Ranaut couldn’t miss.

Evidently, a few heartbreaking scenes were shot inside this coffee shop as a crying Rani (Kangana Ranaut in the movie Queen) is shown to burst out of cafe while one can notice premises of the college or more specifically its entrance gate in the background of the shot given that the CCD stands almost exclusively, right in front of the college entrance and is successfully, a second home to the students.

 

But the Bollywood connections are not limited to sets and camera shots. Rather, the college has been glorious in carving out the very platform of inspiration for its students.

One of the most popular alumni of this college includes the famous director and writer- Neeraj Pandey (Indira Gandhi Award winner for the best director) who directed movies like A Wednesday, Special 26 etc.

The college has a decent canteen although the options available are restricted. The library offers a wide range of books for all readers.

Further, the college also takes pride in their dance society called ‘Crunk’, which has won numerous competitions at IIM Rohtak PGDAV (E), Lady Irwin College (DU), SPM College, BCAS (DU), SAC (DU) as well as Ramjas College (DU).

Sri Aurobindo College
Conduct of numerous dance and music events at Sri Aurobindo College. Image Credites: The Official website of SAC.

‘Moksh’ the dramatics society on the other hand won many awards at places including  Gandhi Bhawan (DU). Among the other prominent societies, ‘Salvation’ stands active on its fight on social causes and awareness. The ecological club of the college is equally active and has organized campaigns like ‘Green walk to the Pink City’ in the past.

Allegro, the Western Music Society of Sri Aurobindo College has won hearts all around Delhi University with their melodic vocal harmonies and frank performances. (Read more about Allegro, here.

The college also attracted large masses of students last year for its fest ‘Mehak 2014’ where famous Punjabi singers like Indeep Bakshi and Soni B became the spotlight. (Read more about this, here.)

indeep

 

Priyanka Kapoor for DU Beat.

([email protected])

Featured Image Credits: www.panoramio.com

Bipin Chandra, it wasn’t the first time we had heard the name. In almost every Indian history lecture the name was repeatedly announced for the authors we needed to consult. Without actually knowing the iconic historian all students of history knew him for all the help his books had been in the last minute finishing up of assignments.
Born on 27 May 1928, Bipin Chandra bid his final goodbye to the world of history on 30th August 2014.
Bipin sir had not just one but many achievements under his belt and even after his departure he would continue to be a huge part of the history world for teachers and students alike.
He had completed his Ph.D from the University of Delhi after completing his education at Stanford University.
For many years he graced Hindu College as a lecturer and then a reader and one of his students and current professor at Hindu College, Mrs. Suchitra Gupta talked about his good old professor days and his passion for history at a condolence meeting organized by the history department of Hindu College on 1st of September. He then joined the Jawaharlal Nehru University as a professor of history but his career did not pause there. He was also the General President of the Indian History Congress in 1985 along with being a member of the University Grants Commission in 1993 and the Chairman of the National Book Trust, Delhi from 2004-2012.
In 2010, he reached heights by winning the Padma Bhushan Award. Bipin Sir carved a niche for himself in the historical world and while his body won’t be around anymore his ideas through books like Making of Modern India, In the Name of Democracy, Essays on Contemporary India, India’s Struggle for Independence 1857-1947 among many more will stay with us forever.

University of Delhi is gearing up for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections of 2014-15. With roughly two weeks to go for the election day, officials for monitoring and facilitating the conduct of elections are hard at work somewhere amidst the much visible election fever.

Prof. DS Rawat of Department of Chemistry has taken over as the Chief Election Officer for the elections scheduled to be held on 12th September 2014. In conversation with our correspondent Iresh Gupta, Prof. Rawat talks about his plans and expectations from this edition of elections to elect the office bearers and members for the Central Council of DUSU. Contradicting the view of students who call this election a drama, Mr. CEO feels that elections involve certain amount of learning. He also tells us about the actions to be taken with the help of Delhi Police against the candidates violating the norms.

Iresh: Hello Sir. With less than two weeks remaining for the DUSU elections, what is the plan drafted by you and your team? Prof. Rawat: Honorable Vice Chancellor and myself have issued  a notice to all the students to participate in the elections. We request all the students to take part in this democratic process.

Iresh: For the elections of 2013-14 you were working as the Chief Returning Officer, and this time you took over as Chief Election Officer, what changes do you personally wish to see? Prof. Rawat: The candidates have been given DU community radio and DU website for the Campaign and we have issued an advisory to the students to make use of it.

Iresh: Each year the university witnesses the same election ‘drama’, as students choose to call it, do you think that is how the elections should work, dramatically I mean? Prof. Rawat: I don’t think it’s right to call the democratic process a “drama”. In fact the youth must use this as a platform to learn the power of democracy.

This year, we will not hesitate to cancel the nominations if someone violates the code of conduct. Videography will be done, and strict action will be taken against the people who violate the code of conduct.

– Prof DS Rawat, Chief Election Officer, DUSU Election 2014-15

Iresh: Usage of paper pamphlets is at peak during elections even though such campaigning isn’t allowed. Walls of the University are also plastered with these posters. What is being done? Prof. Rawat: As of now no one has filed for nomination, so we can’t take action against anyone. Delhi Public Defacement Act is in place and police should take a motto as cognizance and file case against the guilty. In fact I have written to the Commissioner of Police-Delhi to file cases against those who have defaced the public property.

Iresh: Do you think giving free movie tickets and throwing parties affect the results of elections? Prof. Rawat: I have no idea about this kind of activity, so I cannot comment on that.

Iresh: What about the interests of the students? How much do you think these parties offer them? Also, these days the campaigning is done is colleges disturbing ongoing classes. Isn’t that against the lyngdoh committee’s rules? Prof. Rawat: Only five students including the candidate can do the campaigning in the colleges, and all the college Principals have been requested to implement the code of conduct. If anyone violates this, he/she will be liable for action under the rules.

[caption id="attachment_25588" align="aligncenter" width="604"]  Lyngdoh Committee rules for University elections Lyngdoh Committee rules for University elections[/caption]

Iresh: The trend is noticed that the DUSU elections are mostly male dominated. What can be reason for this? Prof. Rawat: I think many female contestants had fought the election last year and one of them won the election as well. We encourage females to come forward and take active part in these elections.

Iresh: Finally, what results are you expecting by the plans drafted by you and your team? Prof. Rawat: I request all the participants to adhere to the code of conduct and don’t use paper and excessive vehicles. I feel, we will be able to hold these election in the spirit of the code of conduct.

 For more on Lyngdoh Committee Rules for University Elections click here.

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