December 2014

The difference between the meanings of Christmas Spirit is set out clearly for different kinds of ‘Christmas people’. While some core believers decorate Christmas trees and celebrate the ‘chilled’ out festival, a few satisfy themselves with usual day and night routine. For me this Christmas spirit means sipping on hot chocolate as Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen on TLC develops the habit of repeated runs.

A few party to relive the lost Christmas memories whereas others really don’t care about Santa. The ones who care are always pondering upon the fact of Santa being a celebrity whom nobody has ever met. I always wonder though, what if Santa was real? What if the cookies and milk you kept on the table were actually not there the next morning and those beautifully wrapped presents were actually gracing your living room sofa or the Christmas tree?

What if Santa was real? There is of-course a list of bizarre and unrealistic demands that people will make.

Delhi University kids first, would be probably wishing for the semester exam results to not be declared on Christmas day since the rumours have already started. Howsoever lame this wish maybe but its non-fulfillment also won’t bog down our spirits for Christmas.

Smriti Irani in the meanwhile would hold a meeting with Santa with agendas on setting up the very first international IIT in North Pole. Narendra Modi would probably ask for another foreign visit to the North Pole and hold talks about collaborations for the Swatch Bharat-North Pole Abhiyan (because he can’t get enough of them already). Arvind Kejriwal who is always fighting his problem of feeling cold, will ask Santa to gift him a heater and help him get rid of his title of ‘mufler man’.

Navjot Singh Sidhu would probably crack a Santa Banta joke and shoo him away whereas Rajnikanth who supposedly has all the powers to make his wishes a reality won’t ask for anything from Santa.

If Santa was real, a few others won’t let him go before taking a ride on his sleigh (because if Santa is real, he has reindeers and a pretty sleigh). We would also demand evidence in the form of a million selfies followed with a billion hashtags.

Last running to touch the boundaries of unrealistic demands; these people would want to spend an entire day with Santa. Imagine yourself booking a train ticket on IRCTC and entering the second name as ‘Mr. Santa Claus’, which maybe isn’t his real name.

What if you see your friend just casually walking around with Santa? He is found sharing lame and funny conversations with him, high-fiving him or taking those occasional selfies.

Kids would highlight their wishes around Disneyland and toy-guns whereas old people would just ask Santa to spend a little time with them, a wish that is not bizarre at all. Go visit your dadu’s room, maybe you find your grandfather hugging Santa and asking for this little treat without getting cheesed off by his half sunken mask and nonexistent belly (that’s how most of them look here, right?)

So enjoy around this world of imaginations and have a Merry Christmas 🙂

Image credits:blogs.wsj.com

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Best and worst of TV commercials in 2014

By Ishani Rajkhowa December 25, 2014

2014 is almost out of sight and we are busy enjoying the last and coldest days of the year. What better way to spend the chilly days than staying under the blanket watching TV. Let us look back at some of the best and worst commercials of Indian television.

Here are some of the best commercials of 2014:

Hero Indian Super League

This commercial successfully delivers the message of ISL that is to unite the diverse culture of India through the medium of football and to create a platform for the younger generations which will trap and polish their potential in the game. Don’t miss the climax of the ad!

CEAT Bike Tyres
This commercial speaks the mind of every individual who drives a vehicle on the Indian roads. We certainly agree that such tyres will be immensely helpful. We sincerely await the invention of CEAT Car Tyres as well.

Bournvita – Tayyari Jeet Ki
An intelligent take to advertising which will make us ponder on an aspect of parenthood. This commercial is engrossing as well as appropriate for a health drink.

ENVY 1000 Deodorant
A spray here, a spray there and girls falling in from all directions! We all know that stuff is not real and yet this formula is used by almost all deodorants for advertising. Envy 1000, along with the humorous Irrfan Khan has used the same formula to speak the truth behind it.

Idea 3G
This commercial provides a technological solution to the problem of overpopulation. Don’t start thinking yet! It is actually one of the funniest ads on Indian television.

Five Star
They are popularly known as the “Ramesh-Suresh” ads. They are so funny you would not even care about it being unrealistic. Here is the latest addition.

The lamest ones:

Kinley
However cute the sentiments may seem, they definitely cannot be arisen by the consumption of mineral water, whichever brand it is! Also, be prepared for house-arrest if any of you out there plan to give it a shot.

Rupa Frontline Vest
A vest can take you ahead of a minister (even on the road)? Seriously? Need I say more?

Snickers
This commercial alleges that hunger causes heroine-like tantrums in humans which can be subdued by consumption of a particular chocolate bar. While researchers are busy finding scientific evidence for the theory, you can test it for yourself through a day long hunger strike. Do grab a ‘Snickers’ after it!

Dove
In a country struggling with issues of hunger and poverty and animal rights activists pleading for Veganism, why should someone waste milk for bathing?

MDH Masale
After Canada, US and the Gulf countries, MDH masale has made it to our list as well, purely due to the bad animation.

Honda Mobilio
The car may be good but the ultra-cool family in this ad is enough to make the sales go in losses.

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News

Delhi University cultural festival Antardhvani 2015 to be celebrated in February

By Shaurya Sahai December 25, 2014

The Vice Chancellor of Delhi University, Prof. Dinesh Singh has finally revealed the dates, names of the committee members and other details of Antardhvani ’15. The fourth edition of this annual cultural festival will take place from 20th to 22nd February.

Various food plazas, cultural competitions and the light and sound show will be a part of Antardhvani this year, too. Beside the previous year’s attractions there also have been new additions to the fest. University’s ongoing initiative of the ‘Award of Good Practice’ would be witnessed at this year’s fest under the theme, “University of Delhi: Meeting the challenges of India”. Various colleges are supposed to display their achievements related to the topic and hence, take part in the final competition for the awards.

There will also be an Innovation Plaza which will showcase different undergraduate research projects. It has also been said that efforts will be made to start projects for Business Incubation and Interface Industry. Along with the Innovation Plaza, the fest will also see an International Plaza which will help in making the audience familiar with diverse histories and cultures.

The Vice Chancellor has also formed a Committee for proper planning and execution of the annual fest. This committee has Prof. Malashri Lal, Dean, Academic Activities and Projects, as the chairperson. It consists of around 35 members which includes Deans and Dy. Deans of different departments, registrars, proctors and various other members of the administrative department.

Featured image: www.dukhabar.com

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A winter adventure: Themed amusement parks in Delhi

By DU Beat December 25, 2014

Amusement parks are often looked up to as places for both the young and the old. While the kids seem to be enthralled by the sight of adventure and water rides, the adults look at it as a gateway to their childhood memories. Delhi, along with the National Capital Region, has myriad amusement parks in its envelope. The city proudly boasts of being the location of India’s first and oldest amusement park- Appu Ghar. We bring to you a list of must-visit amusement parks across Delhi-NCR.

Adventure Island, Rohini, New Delhi- Probably one of the most popular amusement parks in Delhi, Adventure Island is a theme amusement park. It’s one place you’re likely to find something to suit every interest. From a small water park to the thrilling adventure rides, from indoor games to rope climbing; the park caters to everyone’s expectations. A reasonable entry fee of 500 bucks promises you an amazing time of fun and frolic. So where’s the next outing you’re planning?

Just Chill Water and Amusement Park, Delhi- As cool (and funny) as the name may sound, Just Chill water park is located on Main G.T. Karnal Road. Essentially a water park, it also has amusement rides for the fans of adventure rides. Bagging the best reviews and ratings on the internet, Just Chill water park sounds like a chilling experience for everyone who visits it. With indoor and outdoor games adding an icing to the cake, the park is a complete package of amusement.

Fun ‘n’ Food Village, New Delhi- Located on the Old Delhi-Gurgaon Road, Fun ‘n’ Food Village is another very famous and much-loved amusement park. This park has as many as 21 amusement rides and 22 water rides. One can only imagine how much fun this place promises. The park has a food court in its premises which makes it all the more apt for picnics and outings. Food, Water rides and Adventure rides; all within the same boundary. What else do you need?

Jurasik Park Inn, G.T.- Karnal Road, Haryana-“North India’s largest water-cum-amusement park.” How does that sound? Yes, Jurasik Park Inn, Sonipat is a paradise for amusement park lovers. As the name hints, there are dinosaurs such as Velociraptor, Carnotaurus, lguanodon and Parasaurolophus everywhere inside the park –in fact, the large Theropods at the entrance of the park promises a very eventful journey inside! Prepare your vocal cords to scream in thrill and joy as you take your adventure wagon through the rides of this park.

Worlds of Wonder, Noida-Heard the name too many times? Well this is another reason why your next amusement trip should be to Worlds of Wonder, abbreviated as WOW, Noida. Located right next to The Great India Place (yes, shopaholics have an incentive to visit this park too!). WOW is one of the largest amusement parks in Asia. Having additional ventures like rain dance, DJ and mouth watering restaurants, Worlds of Wonder promises you a joyful bunch of memories as you walk through its gates.

Featured image: shopping-mall-in.blogspot.com

Arushi Pathak

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Campus Central

Best of Delhi University in 2014: Personalities who visited DU this year

By DU Beat December 24, 2014

Delhi University in 2014 witnessed journalists, social activists, politicians, comedians, singers and Bollywood actors visiting the campus. With the purpose of visit ranging from motivational talks to movie promotions, visits by personalities have always attracted a lot of crowd. We take a look at all these visits of 2014:

1. Arnab Goswami attends Hindu Youth Summit Conference February 2014

The Times Now Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami started the summit by his speech on “Who has created the present day India?” The profound journalist spoke about what the media is all about in reality and how the youth is a powerhouse for the nation. Many other eminent personalities from various fields were present to grace the event and speak to the young audience.

Read full article here.

[caption id="attachment_28265" align="aligncenter" width="300"]

Arnab Goswami at Hindu College[/caption]

2. His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama visited LSR and SRCC March 2014

Dalai Lama addressed the students of LSR and inaugurated the new academic complex of the college. His Holiness talked about universal love and compassion, tolerance of all religions and faith, power of introspection and the idea of a happy and contented world. His Holiness also graced the 88th Annual Day of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) with his presence. In his short speech, his Holiness stressed on engendering an educated, healthy and compassionate community for the well being of our society. His speech was followed by the prize distribution ceremony.

Read full article here: LSR | SRCC

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Dalai Lama at SRCC[/caption]

3. APJ Abdul Kalam at Delhi School of Economics, DU April 2014

Renowned scientist and former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, graced the 3rd Annual Commerce Convention organised by Department of Commerce of Delhi University. Dr Kalam talked about the vision of an economically well developed India by 2020, addressing all the academicians, researchers and students present there. He also stressed on including all sections of society, especially the less privileged strata of population in order to make sustainable development system a success.

4. Arun Jaitley attended SRCC Youth Conference August 2014

The Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Shri Arun Jaitley, an alumnus of SRCC, was cordially invited to the Youth Conference organized by the college. Mr. Jaitley enlightened young minds through his speech wherein he spoke about India’s rising standards in education, our potential in the power sector, healthy intervention of the state in various areas of governance and lastly about how the political system abroad is influenced by their educational institutes.

Read the full article here.

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Arun Jaitley at SRCC[/caption]

5. Boman Irani attended Youth Confrenece at SRCC August 2014

Boman Irani impressed the students with his inspirational story of how, from a waiter in Taj Mahal Hotel, he took on the journey to become a well known actor in Bollywood. He entertained his young audience with a good dose of witty humor. The question and answer round between him and the students proved to be a great success as he took his audience through his best and worst moments about the struggle he faced.

Read the full article here.

6. Rajat Sharma at Youth-o-tics in KMC September 2014

Rajat Sharma, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief at India TV, an eminent journalist and news anchor who is popularly known for his show ‘Aap ki Adaalat’, addressed an audience of about 250 students at the KMC seminar. He spoke candidly about the evolution of the media of today and praised the youth for being the driving force in the betterment of the society. In his 45 minutes speech he also focused on the fact that the role of the youth in any country’s political system is significant.

Read the full article here.

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Rajat Sharma at KMC[/caption]

7. Kiran Bedi talks about women safety at LSR October 2014

Dr. Kiran Bedi was invited to address the students of LSR on Women Safety and Security. The event was organized by the National Service Scheme (NSS) Society of the college. Dr Bedi expressed her views on physical as well as mental and emotional security that needs to be provided to women by the society as a whole.

Read the full article here.

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Kiran Bedi at LSR[/caption]

8. Bollywood at DU

Delhi University was star struck as famous Bollywood personalities paid the colleges a visit and interacted wholeheartedly with the enthusiastic young crowd. Parineeti Chopra and Aditya Roy Kapoor visited Miranda House and Hindu College while promoting Daawat-E-Ishq as a part of the ‘Food Yatra’ at Delhi University. Boman Irani shared his experiences as a struggling actor in the SRCC Youth Conference.

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While these stars came to DU irrespective of fests, we saw umpteen other film stars enjoying themselves thoroughly with the crowd of DU during the ongoing fests. We had stars like Varun Dhawan, Ileana Dcruz, Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor who came to KMC’s fest. Vidya Balan and Frahan Akhtar promoted their film ‘Shadi Ke Side Effects’ at SRCC, while Imtiaz Ali and Alia Bhatt visited Miranda House to promote Highway.

Apart from Bollywood actors who routed their movie promotions through the platform of these fests, Indian and international singers also visited the University for star night performances.

Check out the full timeline of Delhi University fest season here.

Surbhi Sharma [email protected]

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Campus Central

Beyond The Obvious: Hansraj College

By DU Beat December 24, 2014

I very distinctly remember the first time I set foot in North Campus. It was in the month of May. The CBSE board result for my batch was yet to be announced. As we waited with baited breath, my parents had the bright idea of surveying the place where I was to spend the next three years of my life.

I was completely blown away by the electric atmosphere of the place. There is something in the air there that mesmerises you. Delhi University is the most reputed university of India, and North Campus is its pride and joy. Wandering through its lanes and avenues, I kept praying to God, asking him to bless me with a percentage good enough for getting admitted into one of North Campus’ elite colleges.

The day was hot, and we were on foot. Therefore, we were able to see only the initial few colleges: Miranda House, St. Stephen’s, Hindu and Ramjas. Three months later, I got admitted to Hansraj College. It was only then that I realised that during my previous visit, I had completely overlooked the best part of North Campus- My College.

Hansraj College is a D.A.V college which was founded on July 26, 1948 in the memory of the prominent Indian educator and nationalist Mahatma Hans Raj. Started as an institution for men, the college became co-educational in the year 1978. For the past many years Hans Raj College has constantly been ranked among the Top-10 colleges of India in all three disciplines.

The college is situated at Malka Ganj Chowk. Ask anybody and they would tell you that the college has the best location in campus. Its hostel gates directly open into the famous Kamala Nagar Market. Across the road from Hansraj, you have popular eateries like Mad Over Donuts, Al Zaitoon, Dominos and Dunkin’ Donuts. To say that Hansarians are spoilt for choices would be an understatement.

The college campus is spacious and beautiful. Within the campus walls, you have one block for Science, another for Commerce and Economics and a third for the Arts. There is also a boys hostel, which very famously was featured in the movie Band Baaja Baarat as Ranvir Singh aka Bitoo’s hostel.

But even more well-known is the ‘Lover’s Point’. This refers to the open sitting area outside the college’s pocket-friendly canteen. There is an interesting history behind its name. Apparently, it is here that Shah Rukh Khan proposed to Gauri Khan. Today, LP is the centre for all student activity, be it for society meetings, political propaganda or simply a hub for chilling with friends. The college also has the only electronic shooting range in the University of Delhi.

I’ve spent four months in Hansraj College and I can safely say that I already love my college. Everything about it fills my heart with pride. I love it when I tell people that I’m in Hansraj and they look at me with awe in their eyes. I love my brilliant faculty, my wonderful group of friends, my extraordinary society members and the general buzz at Hansraj, which is the envy of every student at North Campus.

– Kriti Sharma

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Campus Central

Best of Delhi University in 2014: University and Faculty achievements

By DU Beat December 24, 2014

1. DU Chancellor Dinesh Singh honored with Padma Shri January 2014

Professor Dinesh Singh, Vice Chancellor of Delhi University was honoured with the Padma Shri award this year. Dinesh Singh has been responsible for the implementation of the Four Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) last year in Delhi University. He also led the shift to the semester system and introduction of Antardhvani – the annual cultural fest of DU and the Cluster Innovation Centre.

Read full article here.

[caption id="attachment_28239" align="aligncenter" width="620"]

Vice Chancellor Dinesh Singh[/caption] 2. Three other personalities from DU also receive Padma Shri January 2014

Shri Keki N Daruwalla, a renowned poet and leading literary scholar.He has been a visiting scholar for a few months at South Campus, University of Delhi. Rehana Khatoon who is a retired professor at Department of Persian, University of Delhi also received the award in the field of Persian Literature. Dr. Mahesh Verma, working as a Director of Maualana Azad Institiute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS) recieved the award for Dental Sciences. Mahesh is the alumnus of Faculty of Management Studies and now teaches healthcare management at FMS.

Read full article here.

[caption id="attachment_28238" align="aligncenter" width="615"]

(Left to Right) Dr. Mahesh Verma, Rehana Khatoon, Keki N Daruwalla[/caption]

3. DU Professor Nayanjot Lahiri felicitated with prestigious Infosys Prize February 2014

Nayanjot Lahiri received the award for her contribution in the field of Archaeology, and her work that focuses on the integration of archaeological knowledge with the historical understanding of India. Her areas of specialisation are proto-history, Indian Archaeology, Archeological Theory, Heritage Studies and Ancient India. The Infosys Prize is given annually to promote scientific research and honour outstanding achievements of contemporary researchers and scientists by the Infosys Science Foundation. The award, carries the prize of a gold medal, a citation and a purse of Rupees 55 Lakh.

Read full article here.

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Prof. Nayanjot Lahiri[/caption]

4. Prof. Dinesh Singh received honorary doctorate from the University of Edinburgh June 2014

Delhi University’s Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dinesh Singh was conferred with an honorary doctorate by the University of Edinburgh. He was given this doctorate in order to felicitate, ‘his inspirational leadership of University of Delhi’. This achievements were met with mixed reactions with some people feeling that this wasn’t justified.

Read full article here.

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Dr. Sunil Kumar[/caption]

5. DU Professor wins Global South Award at World Congress 2014 August 2014

Dr Sunil Kumar, winner of the prestigious Global South award is a political scientist and an associate professor in political science at Shyam Lal college (Evening), University of Delhi. Not only does he hold an outstanding academic record, he is also a Gold Medalist from University of Delhi (1990), a post doctoral fellow from Tel Aviv University, Israel (2002-03) and a Commonwealth fellow at the Oxford University, UK (2011).

Read full article here.

6. DU ranked number one in India by the QS World University Rankings September 2014

According to the QS World University Rankings for the year 2014-15 released on September 16th, Delhi University has been ranked number one in India in terms of ‘Employer Reputation’.The QS World University Rankings consider many factors while compiling its annual list of world’s top universities. These factors include research quality, graduate employment, student-staff ratios, teaching standards and number of international students with major importance given to academic reputation.

Read full article here.

7. English Department of DU Ranked Among World’s Best September 2014

The English Department of DU was ranked among the top 100 places to study English, by the QS World University Rankings. Ranked in the 51-100 group in QS’s annual survey, DU happens to be in the same league as Durham University, Dartmouth University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Sussex and the like, having beaten the likes of Nottingham and Purdue.

Read full article here.

8. Hindu ‘most trusted education institution of India’, says a study by TRA September 2014 According to a recent study conducted by TRA (previouslyTrust Research Advisory), University of Delhi’s Hindu College is the most trusted education institution of India. The study was based upon the opinion of almost 8000 respondents over three dozens of cities of India. The respondents include students, teachers as well as parents who were quizzed on 700 ‘thinking’ questions related to the education system and education institutions of India.

Read full article here.

Ishita Sharma [email protected]

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Flicks

Once was enough: 5 Bad Hollywood Movie sequels

By Kritika Narula December 24, 2014

If we were to analyze what ingredients go into the making of a bad sequel, the lack of a concrete plot would top the list. Other reasons will include some pivotal characters (or the actors who played them) conspicuous by their absence or repeated and unoriginal plots, stunts and in some cases, even the dialogues.

Even if a sequel qualifies as relevant, the direction and execution of the idea and plot is sometimes so bland that it leaves you wondering, ‘What on earth had been so special about the first installment that I dared to turn up for the next?’

In a movie famous with its own set of sequels, Jurassic Park, there is a witty dialogue, “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” For the sequels listed below, the same goes for the producers and writers and the whole cast and crew. They were so engrossed in recreating a masterpiece and banking on the success of the predecessor that they forgot to do the preliminary research of whether the audience was REALLY asking for more!

1. Jaws 2

No one can so much as dare to think that the magic of Steven Spielberg can be recreated. It must have taken a lot of courage to actually think of competing with the gigantic wonder and phenomenal success that Jaws was. Jaws 2 suffers with the drawbacks of playing safe- you cannot expect the audience to be excited and awestruck by a mechanical shark upturning sailboats or breaking bones as they had been by the originality of the concept in the first movie. When an audience turns up to see the sequel, they come to watch a story above and beyond what they were told in the preceding part, not for some rehash!

2. Son of the Mask

This one suffers from a variety of illnesses like the absence of Jim Carrey, who had driven the libidinous hit comedy The Mask with his hilarity. In his portrayal of a socially-inept, cartoon-watching lowly bank employee and the transformation into a semi-cartoon, Carrey managed to carry the insanity in a way that makes it endearing and not creepy. But alas, in this movie the mask of Loki has fallen into wrong hands. And to be honest, it was not just the mask, the script as well! There can possibly be no other explanation to the insipid script.

3. Speed2: Cruise Control

We all love Sandra Bullock-her acting, prowess, her personality. But this movie had us questioning her credentials and that of the whole team. It was pretty clear from the beginning that this won’t work! Maybe, Jason Patric was not the problem, but he wasn’t the solution either!

One, Bullock is not cut out to play feeble or frail roles. Two, the assortment of the supporting cast does nothing to elevate our anger. Three, you can keep waiting for 110 minutes in anticipation of a stunt that never really hits the screen. Maybe the makers had a thrilling sequence planned but decided to go for a ridiculous conclusion instead. Bad choice!

4. The Hills Have Eyes 2

Described across review sites as ‘shoddy piece of corporate horror’, this film has no reason for its existence. The first part was a treat for the fans of hardcore horrors. Panned by critics and dismissed by viewers, this depiction of teens fighting inbred cannibals is a classic example of lazy filmmaking. So unless your laziness and impunity matches theirs, do not watch this flick.

5. Batman and Robin

Are there awards for attempted film-slaughter? If there are, you know whom to award it to. If I say that a superlative film was followed by a fiercely mediocre one, it would be unfair because I doubt if ‘Batman and Robin’ was even mediocre. Subsequently, Warner Bros. cancelled the unproduced Batman Triumphant. Even George Clooney couldn’t save the day!

Here’s some friendly advice, when making a sequel, you are already walking on thin ice (and a lot of expectations!), don’t take uncalculated risks, but don’t play safe either. Don’t repeat the plot, but don’t twist it inexplicably either. Know your audience well!

Kritika Narula
[email protected]

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DUB Speak

Christmas past and Christmas present: Reliving childhood memories

By DU Beat December 24, 2014

The alarm is set for 6 am but you’re already up before that. You throw off the covers and rush to wake your parents. From the moment you wake up you’re filled with this warm, joyous feeling. The front porch is decorated with wreaths and a large light in the shape of a star is hung overlooking the street. It’s Christmas. It’s Santa. It’s the season of carols and hymns. It’s the time of the year when we wait eagerly for our gifts and look forward to spending time with family. Its one of those rare occasions when you’re given free license to pester everyone with charming questions like, ‘’ Why does Santa use the Chimney?’’ and get pretty decent answers too. Every joke cracked ends with a typical hohoho.

Christmas Past

At school, on Christmas Eve, there would be a grand function where the teachers would distribute chocolates and someone dressed up as Santa, usually one of the teachers a bit inclined on the ‘healthier’ side, would give gifts to the kids already tugging at his clothes. And afterwards everyone would gather together and prayers and hymns would be sung.

At home, children would excitedly recite to their parents what they want from Santa this year and hang empty stockings on the windows in the belief that Santa would fill them with gifts in the morning. And our parents would fulfill our Christmas wish list, without us knowing of course. Christmas night always witnessed friends and relatives coming over and there would ensue an exchange of gifts followed by shrieks of excitement from the kids. The radio stations would play Christmas music, Christmas specials aired on every other show on TV (favourite cartoons on repeat!), family visits, lots of hugs and cuddles accompanied with of course, the yummy food.

Children would remain awake in the hope of seeing Santa but ultimately succumbing to sleep as always. Remaining ever hopeful that one day we would catch Santa coming down the chimney was what kept alive the spirit of Christmas for us as kids. The excitement of believing in Santa Claus gave Christmas a magical thrill. Which kid won’t love the idea of a magical being on a sleigh pulled by reindeer that can FLY comes down all the way from the North Pole, slides down the chimney and leaves the gifts that you had asked for?

Palpitating excitement was what drove us. From putting up the lights and decorations to helping mom prepare mouth watering favourites while going ho ho ho, everything had a christmassy feel to it. Bubbling with excitement many days before Christmas, every chore was driven by a contagious peppiness.

Christmas Present

Then suddenly, one morning we wake up and the magic is gone. Lying in for a few more minutes feels more satisfying as opposed to when we were younger and sheer excitement woke us up earlier than the alarm. We know what to expect. The Christmas tree will be in the living room and the decorations will be put up like it is every year. It’s just another holiday. Those new headphones that we asked for last week or those brand new shoes that we had your eye on are wrapped and ready for us to open. We know it. We don’t exclaim with happiness upon opening gifts. There is just no mystery anymore. That magical presence that filled Christmas mornings is replaced with a dull certainty about what will ensue. That childlike peppiness has vanished and we know that we have grown up. Dad gets busy with the usual decorations, mom starts preparing the holiday feast which she dishes out every year. We no longer pester our parents with demands to meet Santa nor do we tauntingly ask them to guess what we have for them this year. Our doubts on the existence of Santa or his identity have vanished. The magic of Christmas Past has been left behind in the past.

So now that the veil of fantasy has been lifted, what do we do? We still do the same things but not with that level of emotion. We don that Christmas cheer and carry on the traditions. Traditions which are important. Just as we lost the magic of our childhood, our parents came to terms with the same long ago. Their happiness stems from reliving some of that magic through us, vicariously. And that is what Christmas is all about. Its about keeping alive the traditions even though the magic has been lost. It is not just about traditions; it is also the celebration of love. So no Santa Claus does not make for any less of a Christmas. There’s always food. Ho Ho Ho. So let the festivities begin and a Merry Christmas! Have fun!

Feature Image Credits: bethanylcsermons.blogspot.com

Arindam Goswami
[email protected]

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Flicks

Movie review: PK

By Geetika Varshney December 23, 2014

After watching the latest collaboration of the famous duo Raj Kumar Hirani and Aamir Khan, three words came to my mind, ‘Oh My God!’. No, I am not expressing my excitement about the movie; I am talking about the Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar starrer film. There was a lot common in between these two movies. Yes the story line and the presentation were very different but the concept was exactly the same: Who is god?

The story is about an alien from an identical ‘gola’ as earth whose spaceship drops him in Rajasthan for unknown reasons and there he loses a remote control which is the only mean of communication back to his planet. In a mission to find this remote, we follow the protagonist (PK: not his original name) on a journey where he tries to understand the human behavior and the rules and norms that operates in this society. Through series of events, PK raises some serious questions related to religion and faith and how we are divided and discriminated on the basis of religious conviction. Enter Jaggu (Anushka Sharma) who successfully leads PK on a journey where not only he becomes a TV celebrity but also gets his remote back from ‘not-so-legit’ baba (Saurabh Shukla).

The movie raises a very serious issue about how we put all our faith on clay made murtis and rather than solving the problems ourselves, we wait for some miracle by god. Yes it is true that in this world of suffering and hardships, putting our trust on a superhuman does give us sense of relief but is it the only solution to our all problems? We are divided by our religion and who we worship, Yes! But aren’t we all the same in the end? The film answers this question with honesty and simplicity.

The first half is brilliant with some funny gags here and there which surely brought the house down. Aamir Khan is an acting ninja and this is safely one of his best performances yet. Saurabh Shukla played the role of antagonist perfectly. Anushka Sharma made her mark in this movie with her exceptional acting skills even after sharing the screen with Aamir Khan. Raju Hirani uses Indo-Pak relations, a bomb blast and media to strengthen the story line.

I admit that I walked into the theater with a lot of expectations after reading impressive tweets and Facebook posts but all in all I wasn’t satisfied in the end because of the sterling resume of Raju Hirani and Aamir Khan. This movie definitely didn’t meet the bar.

Final Verdict: If you are walking into the theater to watch a genius movie like 3 idiots or Munna Bhai, well get ready to be disappointed because this one is not even close . But it is definitely a treat for all Aamir Khan Fans.

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