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Virtual Classrooms: Teaching Online during the Coronavirus Pandemic

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The viability and details of online classes in Delhi University (DU) after a massive worldwide educational disruption due to COVID-19 pandemic, with insights into the pedagogues employed by professors in India and abroad.

As colleges across the world pivot online on very short notice, there are a host of complications — from laptops and Internet access to mental health and financial needs. According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) monitoring, over 130 countries have implemented nationwide closures, impacting over 80% of the world’s student population. Several other countries have implemented localized school closures and, should these closures become nationwide, millions of additional learners will experience education disruption.

A combination of methods is being used by teachers of Delhi University to ensure that syllabus completion is done on time. Satviki, a student at Miranda House said that the professors are conducting classes using Zoom, as well as sending voice notes and PDFs on WhatsApp to students. Various readings and test syllabi are being continuously uploaded for the students to access. At Kamala Nehru College, an official notice has been released by the administration instructing teachers to mail e-content to the official college email id, from where it will be retrieved by the College’s computer staff and uploaded to www.knc.edu.in for students every day. Meanwhile, Priya, a History student at Miranda House raised the issue of the internet connection being a hindrance for students to access online classes. Students residing in places devoid of high-speed internet have trouble using apps like Zoom and Skype, an issue especially faced by students of Kashmir. Attendance, however, is accounted for in every online lecture- further raising the question of access.

While the practices described are commonplace for most universities in India and abroad; they do differ in terms of consistency of output, quality of learning and pedagogues being employed. Aarnav Gupta, a student of the City University of Hong Kong talks about the importance and technical achievement of the university in implementing the transition to online classes so well, “Few professors were impressed by the resultant learning outcomes of online classes and felt it was better than offline ones since students paid more attention in the former one. Also, universities across Hong Kong have subscribed to their students and teachers to the Zoom app, which serves as a great unifier when it comes to learning.”

Even though the focus can sometimes be on technology, tools, and logistics, Sean Michael Morris, from the University of Colorado, Denver, says that what is required from professors at this time is compassion. “The real skill required right now is sort of critical compassion, if you will the ability to look at the situation as it is. Figure out what’s going on, how you can operate within that, and how you can be compassionate in that as well.”

 

Featured Image Credits: LA Johnson for NPR

Paridhi Puri

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Campus Central

DUTA Strike Called off Amidst COVID-19 Outbreak

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Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) has decided to call off the protest demanding absorption of ad hoc teachers as the global pandemic COVID-19 has made the country come to a standstill.

The protest which has been going on since December last year was staged in front of the varsity Vice Chancellor’s house. DUTA President, Rajib Ray informed about this development on Saturday. 

The strike was called off after a team of doctors from the University, visited and examined the site. After doing so they concluded that the site was lacking necessary measures and hence the team advised DUTA to call off the protest for the time being.

DUTA strike 1 by Uru Yadu Ushanandani

Image Credits: Yadu Ushanandani for DU Beat

In a letter addressed to the members of the faculty body, Mr. Ray said, “The responsibility of sustaining such action programmes cannot entirely fall on a few and today, as a collective, we cannot risk the lives and health of our members and their families. I wish to assure all teachers, that we will collectively rebuild our agitation on our key issues. It is my duty to share the information that during the inspection by a team of doctors and other officers from the MCD, at the university on March 20, the doctors raised alarm at the conditions of the tents. The doctors inspecting the site concluded that the safety and hygiene standards were not adequate, given the present situation.”

Saikat Ghosh, Teachers’ representative at the University Academic Council, said, “ We had decided to call off the protest as it’d have been irresponsible on our part to risk the lives of the teachers involved. Apart from this we are following all the directives given by ICMR (Indian Council for Medical Research) and the government. DUTA will be deciding the future steps to be taken after this outbreak of COVID-19 has been fended off.”

Till now the protest has resulted in the commencement of the formalities regarding issues related to promotions and permanent appointments. However, groundwork by the University administration is yet to be seen.

 

Feature Image Credits: Yadu Ushanandani

Aniket Singh Chauhan

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News

Three Police Officials Attempt Sexual Assault Alleges Woman from Uganda

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Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault

On 20th March when the entire country was celebrating Nirbhaya case verdict, a twenty-six-year-old girl made a complaint against three policemen accusing them of sexual assault and attempt to rape. The Police offered no support and even refused to file any complaint.

A young woman, officially a citizen of Uganda visited India to attend to her father admitted to a hospital for medical treatment. She claims that three policemen attempting to rape her near a cremation ground at Arjun Nagar/Green Park area on the intermediary night of 20th/21st March. Mentioning the names of the two of the three accused as Mr. Naresh Kumar and Mr. Ashok Kumar, to the best of her knowledge, posted at Safdarjung Enclave she questioned their duties as policemen.

In the complaint published on Facebook, she stated on the night of 20th March, she came to Green Park to meet an acquaintance, waiting for her outside a 24×7 store, two policemen, Naresh Kumar and Ashok Kumar came to her on a bike. While the driver of the bike went inside the store the other unreasonably began beating her with a cane. On asking an explanation the two officials pushed her inside a nearby parked police car. They stopped the car near a police barricade on Green Park road and shifted her in another car and claimed of taking her to a police station.

The complaint read that the second car had only the driver while the two policemen kept following on their bike. The driver and the two officials stopped near the cremation ground and forced the female to get out, restraining her hands behind her back they snatched her phone, scratched her face, removed her clothes and attempted to molest her sexually. She somehow ran and managed to reach the main road, where she tried taking help from a lady in a passing car. Hearing all the noises Mr. Shahab Ahmed, resident of a nearby society came down to enquire.

“12: 15 am I came out of my apartment intrigued by the cries and chaos, I saw three policemen and furious naked women crying. I asked why this woman is naked why there is no action being taken. The victim was shouting and pointed the officials claiming them as monsters for raping her. There were no female officials at the site, it was only after twenty minutes that a female official, Ms. Priti arrived. There was no support from her, despite me repeatedly asking for the reason of not yet filing a FIR she kept ignoring and failed in providing any assistance or even a satisfactory answer,” said Mr. Ahmed.

Ms. Swati, a lady from the crowd took the victim along with the cops to the police station. “Once we reached the police station there was no cooperation. There was no attempt made to file a complaint. There was no investigation, the questions she was asked were why she was there at that time of the night. She was never asked what exactly happened with her and what all she went through,” stated Swati.

She further claims the police never returned the victim’s phone. “Whenever any inquiry regarding it was made it was either ignored or tossed around,” she stated.

The complaint mentions the cops intimidating, threatening and verbally abusing the victim with sexist slurs. “There were abuses harassment, threats, references to her as prostitute continuously for five hours in the police station after her MLC was done,” informed Mr. Ahmed. The complaint also mentions SI Brijesh Kumar threatening to get the female put behind the bars on the fabricated charges of illegal immigration, sex work, and extortion. He even denied knowing nothing about the whereabouts of the victim’s phone. Pinjra Tod, an autonomous collective of women students even called for a Twitter storm with #delhipolicefilefir, #delhipolicesharmkaro and others seeking justice for her.

Featured Image Credits: Times of India 

 

Kriti Gupta 

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Arts & Culture

The Kebabs, tikkas and India

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Amidst Coronavirus pandemic, let’s take a look at India’s unconditional love for meat.  


‘Meat is not a part of the Indian culture!’ you must have heard this statement over and over again during recent times. Be it the so-called ‘Gau rakshaks’ or be it the various ‘religious’ organisations that have time and again reiterated that meat is not a part of the Indian culture. It instead is a western idea thatpromotes bad thoughts and makes a person barbaric. But is this true? Read on to find out.

It turns out that you have to look no further. The very religion these people claim to be defending provides the answer and the counter to their arguments itself.

 Vedas, the scriptures that have guided the values of Hinduism for more than 3000 years now (The reason many love the Vedas 3000), divide the food that we eat into three different categories. These categories are called Rajasic, Sattvik and Tamasik. The food that fall in these categories have different effects on the mind and the body. Hence are suitable for different types of people and professions.

 Vedas prescribe Sattvik food to anybody who is involved in activities like yoga and meditation. And is a part of a psychological or a philosophical activity. It is believed that Sattvik food helps the mind to be clear and more peaceful, it helps the body to be energetic and it makes the person more harmonious. Examples of Sattvic foods are seasonalvegetables and fruits, water, ‘humane’ dairy products, natural sweeteners, grains, legumes, etc. That is why people eat Sattvic food during fasts and during religious periods like Navratras.

 The second classification of food is the Rajasik food which is associated with ambitiousness and competitiveness. This type of food is prescribed to anyone who is doing heavy physicalactivity which requires a lot of energy and spontaneous thinking. The Rajasik diet suits professionals like athletes, soldiers, entrepreneurs, etc. Foods in this category includes food from onion, garlic, radish to pepper, wine, caffeine drinks and eggs, chicken, lamb, etc. Apart from this the Vedas say that if a person isn’t a part of any heavy physical activity then they should avoid Rajasik food as it will cause unwanted energy in the body which may result in destructive thoughts. This idea is what many leaders misuse to flag non-vegetarian as unholy altogether.

 The last category is Tamasik food. According to the Vedas,this food category is suitable for the men of inertia and induces laziness. Procrastination and sleepiness also are characterstics. However, the Vedas also mention that Tamasikfood is allowed in small amounts to a sick person as these foods appeal to one’s appetite. These include leftover and stale food, preserved meats like pork, ham, beef, bacon, etc. Apart from this fermented dishes, mushrooms, alcohol, drugs, deep fried and canned foods also are a part of this category. So the time ate the good old Chhole Bhature or Dosas and felt sleepy you were under the influence of Tamasik diet’s after-effects.

 The Vedas though advise these diets but at the end leaves it onto the wisdom of the person who is consuming the food. Also at no point do the Vedas forbid eating meat, however, it is also worth mentioning that many Hindu scriptures including the Vedas ‘discourage’ and not ‘prohibit’ the eating of beef.The reason being that cows are holy animals to the Hindus and eating them may cause discontent among them. Similarly in Islam pore is considered to be unhealthy for humans and is considered to be ‘haram’ or forbidden. Similarly if someone eats pork, a Muslim may find it offending as it is connected to his or her faith and culture.

 Coming to the data, one can find an even more surprising picture about meat and Indians. We are the second largest exporter of beef, more than 95% of goat meat produced in India is consumed locally and we are the inventors of world famous meat based dishes like biryani, chicken tikka and butter chicken. Chicken is the most popular type of meat owing to its less price and absence of religious inhibitions against it. However we also are a vegan’s paradise (India being the best, again)

Geographically South India has more non-vegetarians than the North of India. North India likes non-veg food, owing to two main reasons. The first is a cooler climate which prevails in most of the northern India (and is complemented by heat providing meat dishes) and the second is the extensive Islamic influence over the northern part of India which led to the birth of various cuisines such as the Awadhi and the Nawabicuisines.  While in southern india continued Hindu Brahminical ascendancy and tropical climate led to many vegetarian food choices, however, due to coastal proximity non-vegetarian food is still very popular in southern India. Onto the Eastern part of India, due to continued dominance of tribal culture the cuisine itself is unique and embraces both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian dishes. The west of India is largely vegetarian. A surprising fact is that Punjab, despite being home to the most lip-smacking meat dishes, is majorly vegetarian. Actually in total only 20% of all Hindus and 28.85% Indians are vegetarians. Apart from this only five Indian states, i.e. Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are the ones where vegetarians outnumber non-vegetarians. On the other hand 98% of Telangana loves animal based diets.

 This leads me too you say that in reality the Indian culture in particular does not discourage or prohibits anyone from eating the food of their choice. The ideology that non-vegetarian food is a western philosophy is just a political agenda. Such groups use these ideas to get on the rightist ideology bandwagon just because right wing politics is on the rise and popular right now. This also leads me to say that the Indian culture since ancient times was a culture where everybody was free to do things and activities according to their wisdom.Therefore we should not be fooled by any of the so-called ‘protectors of religion’ who start owning and treating a religion or a culture as their personal property. And when we start associating a whole religion or a culture with just a single political identity, we are letting these sanctimonious people triumph. Just like in present we are letting Hinduism to be attributed to just one party and the same goes for Islam, Christianity, other ethnic communities, etc. this is where we are as citizens are being vanquished. Food is very simple yet it is very complex and it is the food which has connected Indiato the world and the world to India for ages. We are home to Hindustani cuisine which includes dishes from places like Afghanistan, Iran, China, South East Asia, Arabia, etc. This diversity is what makes Indian cuisine so unique and this diversity is what makes India so unique. If we lose this our diverse soul we also lose the spirit of India.

 Feature Image Credits: India Bazaar

Aniket Singh Chauhan

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Arts & Culture

Language and Patriarchy: The Case of Gendered Languages

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Language creates a link between gender binarism and the system of patriarchy. The existence of this bridge has been internalized by societies that are thriving towards progress.

Like other social systems, Patriarchy is also created by humans. It becomes rigid when something as absolute as patriarchy pierces into the most basic thing related to human behaviour, language. It then becomes a tool used by a group of social animals to assert and maintain their dominance in culture.

The structure of patriarchy is woven in a manner that sustains itself through deep-rooted sociological patterns. Language, which acts as the primary medium for communication between people, is one of the breeding grounds of the system of patriarchy. Women being subjected to certain roles is a product of gendered languages, and thus the way we speak reveals many facts concerning human behaviour.

Conversations become important to break societal structures. But if the tool itself is based on a gender binary, then it is the status quo that perpetuates. Almost 75% of the world’s languages employ a sex-based system, which also indicates the sheer usage of male pronouns. These pronouns clearly display gender binarism, which classifies gender into two distinct forms, thereby ignoring the existence of many other genders which should be recognized by the social system.

One’s gender can be communicated with the use of pronouns. These pronouns have a power that goes beyond these societal structures. Articles that a person reads have capabilities of bringing out the biases within people. Many such articles with heavy usage of gendered language go unnoticed by the people. The use of terms like ‘chairman’ ‘fireman’ suggests two things. One, that these positions were believed to be reserved for men only, and women were not allowed to take such jobs. Two, that the existence of many genders was disregarded in society.

A lack of representation has fueled the existence of such languages. Most of the editors of the Oxford dictionary have been men. Websites like Wikipedia and Reuters are dominated by men. The community of authors around the globe largely consists of men, most of whom lack the understanding of the implications associated with the use of language in such a manner. Patriarchal values are thus maintained by the structure itself. It is a vicious circle.

To bring about inclusivity, gender linguists suggest three things: Re-building language, using words differently, and creating new words. Such new words include ‘mansplaining’, which refers to a man explaining something to someone, in a condescending manner, to assert his influence. Use of pronouns like ‘they’ ‘their’ can help to build a discourse that would aid the society at large. While some may have an issue with ‘they’ being used in a singular context, many others argue that ‘they’ should be adopted as English’s standard third-person, gender-neutral pronoun.

Language is a mirror of society and its beliefs. Gendered languages, therefore, reflect how society has failed to progress in a way it should have. Waves of feminism have appealed to linguists around the world, to create languages that are inclusive and non-binary.

When a society progresses, each element has to cope up with this progress. Language is one such element. With the inclusion of a multitude of identities and genders, the world is moving towards an era of inclusivity and structural reforms. These words are a product of thought. Thought can be altered through conscious effort and reasoning. Gender-neutral words and pronouns can bring about change in society. Thus the power to create a discourse lies in our hands. Change lies in our hands.

 

Kuber Bathla

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sex amma

Sex Amma: Busting Top Sex Myths

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Hello readers! Amma has been noticing that you are resorting to unsolicited sex advice from the books you read, shows you watch and your friends sharing their one night stand horror stories. You do know that regardless of your sexual experience, only awareness and knowledge will allow you to take control and feel empowered, right? My dear machhas and machhis, allow Amma to help you sail your boat. 

The first-time 

If you feel that your first time is going to be painful and hurt like hell especially my little idlis, you need to calm down and stop overthinking. The right amount of foreplay can lessen the potential pain. Relax, communicate and use lots of lube for a good time.

Also Amma believes that your first-time can be just a taster and take the awkwardness out, so you know what you’re doing when the right one comes along. After all you need to try the different mirchis to find what suits you best. While there’s nothing wrong with waiting for the right spice, if you want to have sex with someone you’re not head over heels for, it’s perfectly fine. Just always remember that consent is the key to your uttapam’s heart.

Pleasure beyond penetration

Amma feels penetration is overrated, mainly because it doesn’t include the experiences of my gay and queer chutneys. Oral sex, erotic massage, sexting, hand jobs, mutual masturbation, petting and tribbing are a few non-penetrative options for you and your uttapam to consider. Amma advocates that you define your own pleasure.

Oral Sex

While one cannot get pregnant from oral sex, diseases like herpes, HPV, syphilis, HIV and gonorrhea can be commonly acquired via mouth. Because it’s easier to prevent the sambhar from spilling than to clean it later, Amma advises you all to use condoms even while indulging in oral sex. For all the unaware dosas and vadas, condoms are flavored for this very reason. 

Like the movies

Sex in movies is actually opposite of what might happen in real life. Get it straight – no one rolls around the bed with such grace and smoothness. Those scenes are staged and hopefully yours aren’t. Amma loves playing through moaning and foreplay, you should try it too! Don’t be bummed out if you are unable to switch positions that effortlessly. 

At the end of day all that matters to Amma is that her lovelies are safe and having fun. Make sure you’re communicating with your uttapams and educating yourself about sexual health for better consensual experiences! 

Write to me your sex related queries and Amma will sort them for you!

Sex Amma

[email protected]

 

 

 

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Arts & Culture

To Protest Or Not To Protest?

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Does your bemused self stand at crossroads, indecisive of whether to join in on vocalising dissent amidst the palpable protest culture or not? Read on to find about the battle that ensues.

You might have been a busy bee drenched with assignments, deadlines, society commitments, parties, tinder dates, self quarantines (if you are introvert) and other youth culture activities, but simultaneously there has been a turbulence which led to class suspensions, teachers’ strike, mass harassment, violent riots and police crackdowns which in turn made ‘Inquilab’ strike a crescendo.

What one may find sudden and superious is aftermath of staying passive and not challenging the existent discourse.

“Without deviation from the norm progress is not possible.” The underlying construct of this quote by Frank Zappa is evident in every little rebellious thing we do. To say someone has never protested about anything in life seems far from veracity. There are no shortages of elements which challenge the social, political, economical and cultural cloak which blankets our existence of being. We don’t dwell in Utopia. This leaves us with the current state of affairs which are results of unchallenged perpetuated norms of behavior.

But is it right to put the onus on small fragile shoulders of people who are unfazed with oppressions, are cocooned in comfort, enmeshed in apolitical stances and have sorted priorities?

These are some of the many reasons also labelled as excuses by active participants of protests. Arunima Tripathi, a B.A. (H) Political Science, first year student from Kirori Mal College expressed her dismay over privilege shaming and said,”Keeping my privileges and political leanings aside, I join in on protests because it comes from my conscience and common sense.” 

There are some who wish to be vociferous but silence themselves from the fear of their parents and society. Some fear safety amidst police crackdowns. Priyanshi Sarraf, a first year B.Com. (H) student from Hansraj College said,”I feel guilty about not being able to mobilise for protests because of restrictions from my parents who fear for my safety, but I try to be active on social media and voice my opinions where I feel relatively safer. I do receive flak sometimes but it’s my space after all.”

Online activism emboldens the cause without any doubts. Protesting is not just mere taking to streets but also cultivating a sphere which encourages more voices to follow. Those active ones continuously try to get the attention of maximum people possible to join in on the mission. This helps in keeping the discourse on the table for discussions and engagement rather than losing it in the winds of oblivion.

Political correctness is ideal when going in protests. There are instances where people are not aware of the anatomy of the protests. Brut India’s short video surfaced which showed a woman alleging her husband and kids who forced her to sit in Shah Jamal demonstrations in Aligarh in the wake of protest tide against Citizenship Amendment Act. Such accounts of incidents weakens the stride of the movement. Pro or Anti, if you feel like you have something to say remember it’s your right to do so and if you sit in silence nothing is going to change the frosted dynamic.

To protest or not to protest is a matter for your indecisive conscience but it also is an obligation to the ones to who have the potential to act in times when crisis befalls. As Martin Luther King Jr said, “There comes a time when silence is betrayal,” you have to be wary of which side you pick because that winter of the times sure has come!

Feature image credits: DU Beat 

Umaima Khanam

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Auburn Umbrella

Everyday College Fashion: Minimalist and Affordable

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When it comes to dressing up for college, what a student looks for is something that’s easy but also cool, classy, quick and inexpensive. Minimalism is just that. 

A minimalist closet is one of the most effective ways to save time and money when getting dressed. It refers to paring down your closet, full of essentials until you have a whole host of easy-to-recreate outfits at your disposal. Online fashion communities use a fancy term – capsule wardrobe for such a versatile collection of clothes that can be used on an everyday basis.

A plain or graphic t-shirt, simply styled with black jeans and white/black sneakers is so effortlessly stylish. While girls can experiment with knots and tucked-in styles, guys must try pairing a cap or bagpack. Minimalism fashion is often misconceived to be all about black, white or grey shades. Whilst these are the go-to palettes for a minimalist look, it is not always the case. Even bright colours like yellow, pink, orange, blue or red can work well when they are simple in design or similar in tone. Tone-on-tone, as they call it, is a more exciting way to explore the trend of minimalism. 

White works as a good base for all colour palettes. Credits: Komal Pandey, Ranveer Allahbadia via Instagram
White works as a good base for all colour palettes. Credits: Komal Pandey, Ranveer Allahbadia via Instagram

Here is a list of clothes that you should have in your wardrobe and not stress about what to wear to college everyday because it’ll be just enough. These are very basic pieces available across online and offline shops for cheap and affordable prices. Remember to not over hoard.

Kurtas

Kurta and jeans is not a new revelation, it is literally the OG Dilli University style statement. For boys, kurtas over pants, jeans and even pyjamas does the thing. Similarly for girls, kurtis of all kinds – short, peplum, solid or printed look so effortlessly pretty with bottoms of all kinds – palazzos, pants, skirts and even shorts. 

Shirts & T-shirts

T-shirts and tops are probably the most comfortable piece of clothing one can own; perfect for everyday wear. Have a bunch of these and wear them interchangeably! You can find a variety of colours and fit at Decathlon stores. 

From formal college presentations to wearing it casually, shirts can be used more often than you think. Checked shirts never go out of style; they’re a classic and come in million variants. Boys, most simply can wear them with denims or pants, and even open-buttoned with a plain tee inside. For girls, a white shirt especially, layered over a printed tank top or tucked into a chic skirt, goes a long way. 

Dresses and Skirts

Girls out there, a dress is literally the laziest thing you can wear and still look amazing! It is a one stylized item that you can throw on and look instantly put-together. As for skirts, find what’s comfortable to you and experiment with prints and textures. These are two pieces that can survive your day-to-night look. Dress down with a pair of sneakers for the lecture and dress up with heels or boots for a party. 

 

Skirts and dresses are the go-to for girls during summer months.Credits: Jenna Jacobs via Instagram
Skirts and dresses are the go-to for girls during summer months. Credits: Jenna Jacobs via Instagram

Jeans

This is the most obvious but necessary item for every college going student. Invest in one or two solid pairs of jeans because they can go with literally everything. Boyfriend jeans are the ideal denim choice due to their comfortable fit. They look absolutely chic and casual on girls when paired up with feminine pieces like printed blouses or simply tank tops. 

Perfect for university, here are a few tips and tricks to ace your style game with the bare minimal clothing items in your capsule wardrobe. 

Bag

This one’s a no-brainer. You need one bag that is sturdy to carry your load of books and other college stuff. Tote bags are pretty comfortable and fashionable too. 

Layering

Layering is no more a season specific trick. Pairing up jackets or shrugs (denim, khaki or textured) with a basic inner layer is so effortless. A patterned or solid shirt is a great alternative too. Use the scarves, dupattas and stoles as add ons!

A still from Piku, effortless and comfortable outfit idea for college. Credits: Bollystyle
A still from Piku, effortless and comfortable outfit idea for college. Credits: Bollystyle

Accessorize

Accessorizing for boys can include watches, caps, scarfs etc. You don’t need to go extra but wear these casually. Experiment with colours, go beyond the darker shades. 

For girls, dainty or junk jhumkas, neckpieces and bindis are ever popular accessories that can add the bling to your outfit. And not just jewellery, you can play with caps, baker boy hats or bandanas to edge a regular college look. 

On your feet

Sneakers, low-top shoes, converse and sliders are a few comfy yet edgy footwears that you can wear to college. Do not go for all of these, pick what’s most comfortable for you since you will be on your toes throughout the day. 

 

Outfits curated with very basic pieces, for all kinds of days at college. Credits: Saurav Nagar via Instagram
Outfits curated with very basic pieces, for all kinds of days at college. Credits: Saurav Nagar via Instagram

 

Look effortless and edgy, it’s all about feeling yourself. Credits: Sejal Kumar via Instagram
Look effortless and edgy, it’s all about feeling yourself. Credits: Sejal Kumar via Instagram

Incorporating minimalistic pieces like these in everyday fashion can make one look effortlessly good, for it is all about comfort, lightweight materials, easy-throw-on pieces – just simple basics with a tiny twist. When it comes to everyday fashion, less really does say more. 

Feature Image Credits: Pinterest 

Aishwaryaa Kunwar

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Arts & Culture

Cries of Kashmir: 200 Plus Days

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Upon being caught up in a storm of charged communal and political disruption in parts of India, it is imperative to not succumb to oblivion of the Kashmir Coercion continuing for 200 and counting days.  

If anything other than Pakistan bashing validates the pro establishment notion of nationalism, it is the state of Kashmir (among other ‘verified’ indicators of course!) Kashmir has surfaced with enough frequency to be made into a cliché. It’s not actually clichéd but normalised to make it an acceptable norm for the state being the land of violence and turbulence of peace. This is in antithesis of what Hazrat Amir Khusrau saab would reckon:

“Gar firdaus bar-rue zamin ast, hami asto, hamin asto, hamin ast,” which translates to, “If there is a heaven on earth, it’s here, it’s here,” 

Amit Shah's tweet post the abrogation of Article 370, via Twitter
Amit Shah’s tweet post the abrogation of Article 370, via Twitter

Contrary to this landscape of heaven is now a hellhole for mothers and fathers who ache to unite with their children- taken away from them and booked under Public Safety Act (PSA) post the 5th August 2019 contentious step of the government to revoke Article 370 in the valley. The act allows detention without any bail, trial or charge for upto two years. A report published by Al Jazeera claimed the number of detainees totalling to 500. According to sources they have been shifted out of Kashmir owing to a space crunch in prisons.

Atiqa Begum's quote given to BBC via @withkashmir on Instagram
Atiqa Begum’s quote given to BBC via @withkashmir on Instagram

Begum is a mother of 22-year-old Faisal Aslam Mir who was separated from her and charged under the “draconian” PSA amidst the clampdown. She claims that he left the house to purchase medicines and never returned. She received the information that he’s detained in a jail in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. She can’t afford to pay for the distance and just curls up in cries and duas to meet him. Another ballad is that of the father of Aqib whose son was disabled due to pellet injury and levied no mercy under the PSA.

144 detainees are identified as minors including a nine year old, as checked by the AFP in a police list, however post the 2012 amendment in the PSA, it’s prohibited to detain a person below the age of 18.

Brutality by administration has been registered in Delhi itself in the midst of protest tide against the regime. How are we to even contemplate the brutality that has been unleashing upon Kashmiris under the closed doors when they decide to speak against the power which has failed them? 85% of pellet victims examined after 2016 uprising fall victim to psychological disorders (Source: CMC Srinagar).

College students teaching children in Kashmir, via Reuters
College students teaching children in Kashmir, via Reuters
Text on Kashmir via @rhiyad_e_dehr on Instagram
Text on Kashmir via @rhiyad_e_dehr on Instagram

For seven straight months there was an internet blackout among other things, with intermittent conditions levied to operate it. The Supreme Court has already dubbed the internet ban as “unconstitutional.”  On 5th March 2019, finally it was restored but only up until 17th March. There are worries over IP address tracking if voice meets dissent and reverberate on social media against the power. This shutdown has resulted in the aftermath of the economy taking a slump thereby uniting it with India’s economy as a whole taking a tailspin. 150,000 jobs were lost as registered by Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Difficulties are faced by children attending schools and colleges. There’s an introduction of the new curriculum whereby students will learn about the ‘reorganisation’ of the state into two union territories with omission of incidents of clampdown, shutdown and communication blockade.

Skepticism arises on the construct of education as a reform when it’s orchestrated to take sides so blatantly. Generals talk of youngster’s abode to ‘deradicalization camps’ and slogans of freedom when hurled lands you to sedition. The partisanship of military swifts a silence and normalisation of control perpetuates. Entire Kashmir is in darkmode and uncertainty of prolongness of this truth is haunting.

“In the dark times

 will there also be signing?

Yes, there will also be singing

about the dark times.”

-Bertolt Brecht

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B86Z-BhFJA_/?igshid=4k2c2tk37u6b

Feature image credits: @inkblotsandverses via Instagram

Umaima Khanam

[email protected]

 

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Campus Central

DU To Establish New Women’s College; Invites Name Suggestions

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Delhi University (DU) is taking suggestions for the name of the new women’s college that will be established in Fatehpur Beri village on Gram Sabha land located in South West Delhi.

Delhi University’s upcoming women’s college will be established specially for women from rural areas belonging to the outskirts of Delhi and NCR. The college will be constructed in Fatehpur Beri village, and the Varsity has formulated a special committee to recommend suitable names for the newly proposed college.

The committee held a meeting on 11th March, and the agenda for the same was to invite suggestions from the public for probable names for the proposed college. Delhi University issued a notice on its official website that mentions the details for soliciting name suggestions for the women’s college. Name recommendations may be shared with the committee via [email protected] within 15 days, that is, till March 26.

After a careful selection of the name for the upcoming college, the committee will further work towards devising a proper structure for the college, which includes the courses to be offered, teaching and non-teaching staff, admission procedures, and other spheres of information.

The 40 bigha land was recently allotted to the University by the Government of NCT, Delhi, for construction of the women’s college. This educational institution will essentially help women from the outskirts of Delhi.

With the recent declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic, the Varsity has suspended classes, conferences, and other events till 31st March. It was notified on the official website of Delhi University that study material will be made available through its website. All internal assessments will be held after 31st March. These preventive measures were taken by the University to drastically reduce footfall on the campus to avoid any plausible conditions that may lead to the spread of the Coronavirus. However, the site is still available for sending name suggestions.

Feature image credits- DU Beat Archives

Suhani Malhotra

[email protected]

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