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A Tête-à-Tête with the Chess Champs of DU

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“All I want to do ever, is to play chess.” Bobby Fischer said it, and these kids seem to happily reiterate it. (For the uninitiated, Bobby Fischer was a former World Chess Champion).

These wunderkinds started playing the game at the incredulous age of seven and eight, an age when all that we could strain our brain cells for would have probably been the discovery of a new hideout for hide-and-seek or an attempt to tie the shoe-laces!

Shreyansh Daklia, a student of SRCC, in his third year of B.Com (Hons), can easily pass by as the most unassuming lad on campus, but just get that checkerboard out and he’ll amaze you with some of those lethal moves he keeps, neatly tucked under his belt. Shreyansh holds an international rating of 2216 (in chess, the higher it gets, the better it is ), and has 3 International Master norms to his credit, a title given to chess players. Also, he has received prestigious awards and scholarships like the Shaheed Koushal Award from Chhattisgarh Govt. in 2010, and scholarships from the Airport Authority of India.

Here I am in a conversation with him:

Q. When and how did you start?

A. I started when I was 7. My dad happened to visit a stadium the other day, and he saw small kids getting prizes, came home and told us, “Tum logon ko bhi aise hi prize jeetna hai.” We went on to attend a summer coaching, then participated in the district tournament (under 7). Once I became a State Under-7 Champion, there was no looking back.

 

Q. Has chess helped you evolve your mental faculties in any way?

A. It surely has, to a great extent. Chess has helped in improving my concentration, patience and logical reasoning.

 

Q. Who do you think are better at chess, boys or girls?

A. Statistically, boys are better, personally also, I think they are better. After all, fighting is in their genes. (laughs)

 

Q. What are your future plans for chess?

A. I’m confused between preparing for MBA, looking for placements. I’ll think I’ll complete my MBA, and then continue with Chess.

 

He’s not making these moves alone. We also have Kanika Saxena, another student of SRCC, in her second year of Economic (Hons). You’ll find her wheeling around the campus with the most endearing smile etched on her face but engage her in a game, and she’ll bare the most devilish grin as she knocks down your pawns and rooks. Kanika has an international rating of 1600, has participated in the Asian and Commowealth Games for chess and is the founder of the girls’ chess team in college.

This is what she had to say:

Q. How did you start with chess?

A. When I was in class 2, I used to watch my grandfather play. That s how I got intrigued by the game, pursued it at school level and started training under one of Delhi’s best chess coaches, V.S Negi.

 

Q. What role has chess played in your life?

A. It has certainly made me more cautious about things, makes you a bit calculative. I had to discontinue playing after class 10, due to studies and personal reasons, but Chess still holds a dear place in my life, and I hope I’m able to come back to it once I’m settled.

 

Vatsala Gaur
[email protected]

 

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Features

SAFE Delhi – Improving the Sorry State of Women’s Safety

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SAFE Delhi is a movement aimed at refining the current state of women’s safety in the National Capital through awareness, action and communication. It started out in March and a subsequent online campaign really got people talking about it. Today it is quite a rage on Facebook with its page having upwards of two thousand likes. SAFE Delhi has been inspired by initiatives such as change.org.

Rape and molestation cases have been on the rise for quite sometime now. These problems can’t be addressed and resolved over a cup of coffee. They demand action and SAFE Delhi are looking to do just that. They already have a plan but they need your support (moral and in the form of any connections that you might have). If you feel that a united youth front demanding concrete actions towards making Delhi a safer place stands a chance at success, join SAFE.

SAFE Delhi deems the following as absolutely necessary for ensuring the safety of women:
1. Monthly review of police complaints regarding harassment, molestation and stalking from each locality’s police post. 2. Monthly reviews to be made public. 3. Mandatory presence of female constables in all PCRs patrolling at night. 4. Rape trials to be fast-tracked with a special bench in charge of these cases. (Similar to consumer cases) 5. ‘Community Service’ to be a form of punishment for offenders of harassment, eve-teasing and molestation.

SAFE Delhi are open to ideas and suggestions on this issue. Further, SAFE have proposed the following course of action to be taken by the movement:
1. Getting local support through RWAs. 2. Target DU. Unite North Campus and South Campus on the issue. 3. Get the NSS and WSDCs to support SAFE.?4. Contact youth forums like MAD, AISEC, YP Foundation etc. SAFE needs to be a popular campaign with massive public support before it can attract the media.?5. The ultimate aim is to serve the concerned authorities with a petition which will be backed by SAFE Delhi members.

You could visit their Facebook page for more details, http://www.facebook.com/SAFE3DELHI

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Campus Central

Sigh of Relief for Unmukt

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Latest cricket sensation Unmukt Chand, captain of the Under-19 Indian cricket team, might have garnered heaps of appreciation for his striking innings in the Under-19 Cricket World Cup, but barely had he the slightest of idea that it would also trigger off a countrywide debate.

Apart from being an incredible cricket player, Chand is also a student of B.A. (Programme) in St. Stephen’s College. However, his association with the college has been rather hostile. Earlier this year, following the denial by the college authorities to issue him the admit card for final exams on the grounds of inadequate attendance, he decided to approach the High Court and filed a petition in May stating that since he had got admission under the sports category, a certain relaxation in attendance criteria should be given. Although, with the involvement of the court Unmukt was able to seek permission to appear for exams; he didn’t approach the court on time and consequently could appear in only two exams out of four thus failing to clear the same.

However, in what appeared to be a favourable turn of events for this talented youngster well-known sports personalities decided to pour in support and speak in the matter. From the former national-level cricket player Kirti Azad, also a Stephanian, to current captain of the Indian national cricket team Mahendra Singh Dhoni, lot of people raised questions about the harsh treatment meted out to Unmukt. The Principal on his part was caught in a no win situation as he would receive flak both for abiding by the rules and subverting them.

Apparently, Union HRD minister Kapil Sibal and sports minister Ajay Maken also stepped in and spoke to the Vice Chancellor Dinesh Singh who assured them to resolve the matter on priority basis. While responding to the letter written by Maken in this regard, VC said that they have asked the St Stephen’s College Principal to forward them all the necessary papers so that they could help Chand, who led India to U-19 World Cup win.

In his letter to the VC, Maken wrote, “You would agree that fostering and development of a vibrant sports culture in the country which would ultimately lead to our better performances at the international arena is hurt precisely because of such systemic bottlenecks that only discourage young people from taking up sports but also stifles their career mid-way.”

Finally, after much hullaballoo, with the intervention of the Vice Chancellor, Unmukt Chand has been promoted to second year at his college but he will have to simultaneously clear his first year exams as well.

Moreover, Dinesh Singh also indicated that under the proposed structure — that is expected to be placed before the Academic Council in a couple of months — participation in sports activities will be accorded credit towards regular Daily Programmes and the students will have the choice of replacing some of the academic courses with a structured recognition of participation towards his/her degree.

 

Vatsal Verma
[email protected] 

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Juxtapose

Can World Cup Buy a Promotion?

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An exuberant Indian under 19 cricket team recently conquered the World Cup under the leadership of Unmukt Chand but the debate that followed did not centre on Unmukt’s potential as a cricketer. Instead it was the controversy regarding his promotion (orinitially detainment) in college that monopolized the media space.

But surely Unmukt deserves a little leniency after having made the nation proud in such emphatic fashion. Add to that the rigours of cricket practise and one can understand his predicament. On the other hand, the very object of exams is to gauge the progress made by students in their chosen field of study and Unmukt has equivocally made none. Is it then not fair that he be made to repeat the semester?

This week Juxtapose poses the simple question whether a world cup can buy a promotion?

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Sex Amma

Sex Amma

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Amma,
My boyfriend and I have been dating each other for 8 months now. We are very open to each other when we talk about physical things like sex and all. However he knows more about sex, foreplay, positions and other things. Sometimes i feel i don’t know how to have sex. What a girl should know about sex, protection, foreplay, types of kisses, making out  etc. Sometimes i don’t even know what a girlfriend should do except the emotional part like talking to your boyfriend,  please give me some advice on this so i don’t feel lost when i have sex in the future even if it after marriage.
Thank you

 

My poorest macchhi why be so hard on yourself? So what if your partner knows how to steam the idlies right? Most girls, unlike you would be overjoyed by this fact! But Amma must compliment you on the fact that you two are open with each other. And this should help you be honest with him. Also there will come a point when he runs out of this knowledge- I hope not though!!

But then there are those days when you want to climb to the top of the conversation coconut tree, for those times Amma suggests you research the internet. Look for specific topics such as foreplay or casual making out. Cause if Amma starts writing about each of those topics, she could go on and on like the backwaters of Alleppey!

Unlike the word Malayalam that sounds right no matter how you read it, your problem is not much of a problem as it is somewhat of a complex you have, which can easily be overcome once you talk it out with your partner. Till then yenjoii your partners knowledge stash of naughty tricks!

 

You could mail Amma your queries on the ‘hush hush’ topic at [email protected].

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Features

The First Step to MUNing

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What happens when you put together the Internet (in a time when browsing it is at the top of people’s everyday ‘To Do’ lists. Scratch that. They probably make their lists online) and MUNing (a most sought after activity by a large number of youngsters today) and create a virtual platform for MUN lovers? The Brainwiz MUN network has done exactly that. By creating a website for the country’s most experienced as well as potential MUNers, it enables one to socialize, create a profile featuring one’s academic and MUN related information, and track upcoming MUNs. If your college or school has an MUN society, there is a feature to register that as well.

The possibilities are endless. For newcomers who have always hesitated to start MUNing due to lack of information, resources or plain lack of confidence- Brainwiz MUN network provides ample opportunity to get acquainted with the process, to interact with the seasoned MUNers on a shared forum and start MUNing. For brilliant minds, there will always be room everywhere they go; this is especially true for an MUN where talentless experience can only get you so far.For people who have already MUNed before, the sitepromises a systemized way of keeping in touch with future MUN events, thus enabling them to continue the love affair.

The website also has an “Applications” tab to facilitate one to apply online for BrainwizMUN ’12. Brainwiz MUN is a simulation of the most powerful body in the most enigmatic way organized by the Brainwiz Organization, featuring on the 6th-7th October at a location as splendid as the campus of TERI University. Applications for the conference are rolling in at a thundering speed, and why wouldn’t they, with an application process as convenient, accessible and user-friendly. In a crisp manner are introduced the various committees to be simulated in the conference, along with the background guides. The server even recognizes you as having “applied” after you done so- making the entire process very quick and efficient.

So if you want it easy (and why shouldn’t you?), BrainwizMUN is the place to be!

 

-Menka Ahlawat

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Uncategorized

AIESEC YOUth Carnival

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Words just don’t do justice to the colourful and vivacious spectacle of the youth carnival, which saw visitors arrive in droves to join the cultural extravaganza organised by AIESEC in collaboration with RC Cola on September 1st.

The pinnacle of the event was the GLOBAL VILLAGE; an international carnival where Foreign graduates and post graduates from the AIESEC fraternity of about 110 countries and 2100 Universities expressed themselves.

“This kind of interaction and cultural exchange is be a step in the right direction. AIESEC should be congratulated on organising this and I would also like the interns who have come to our country to experience the diversity of our culture”, said a fresher.

The carnival kicked off with some really innovative and fun filled activities like battle of bands, AIESEC artist’s day, hog-athon and floor canvas. The fashion parade was all glam and glitter for onlookers with participants donning costumes from across the world. Budding artists who consider graffiti a powerful tool of expression, spray-painted to their hearts’ content in the graffiti wall session. The street play was received with much enthusiasm by the audience as the artists splendidly put forth a social message through their sharp dialogues and brilliant acting. Following this, Jasleen Royal’s impromptu performance made everyone sing along with her.

They had definitely saved the best for the last as Parikrama brought the house down with its vibrant signature music. It was truly a carnival that celebrated youth.

-Sakshi Gupta

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Campus Central

International DreaMerger 2012 at St. Stephen's

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 On Thursday, 30th August 2012, The Finance and Investment Cell of St. Stephen’s College organized the preliminary round of ‘International DreaMerger – 2012’. In its 6th edition this year, the mergers-related case study competition continued to show tremendous growth. For the 6th year running, the competition managed to double its participation. The 2012 co-ordinators for the event were Anoothi Kumar and Urmi Uppal, both from Economics Hons. IInd Year. The participation this year tripled from 500 participants last year to over 1200 participants this year (1000+ on the spot, and 250 nationals). The case study this year was themed around Bollywood, and elicited quite a few chuckles for its funny style of narration. The teams, after the delayed registration (due to the unexpected number of participants) were presented with the case study and given two hours to solve it. The competition’s objective was to test the student’s creativity and logical thinking. There were many confused faces in the crowd who were unaware of what a case study competition involved. However, frowns turned to smile when it was announced that the event had been won by first year students in the previous two editions. Over 320 teams participated from colleges across Delhi University including 250 students from SRCC, 250 students from CBS and 100 students from Hansraj. The event now claims to be Delhi University’s largest stand-alone event. The infrastructure crunch was visible when the college’s large auditorium was filled to capacity and the organizers had to think on their feet. However, rooms were quickly arranged for and all participants were made comfortable. The results of the preliminary round are expected to be released within 2 weeks. The organizers promise full transparency and fairness in the checking of the transcripts. In a system which is reminiscent of the Class 12th boards, registration slips were handed over with unique roll numbers. As Souvik Mandal of Motilal Nehru aptly summed up the contestant’s feelings, “Totally a brain straining experience, but not a bit of it went in vain.”   Arnav Das [email protected]]]>

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Campus Central

International DreaMerger 2012 at St. Stephen’s

By

 On Thursday, 30th August 2012, The Finance and Investment Cell of St. Stephen’s College organized the preliminary round of ‘International DreaMerger – 2012’. In its 6th edition this year, the mergers-related case study competition continued to show tremendous growth. For the 6th year running, the competition managed to double its participation.

The 2012 co-ordinators for the event were Anoothi Kumar and Urmi Uppal, both from Economics Hons. IInd Year. The participation this year tripled from 500 participants last year to over 1200 participants this year (1000+ on the spot, and 250 nationals).

The case study this year was themed around Bollywood, and elicited quite a few chuckles for its funny style of narration. The teams, after the delayed registration (due to the unexpected number of participants) were presented with the case study and given two hours to solve it. The competition’s objective was to test the student’s creativity and logical thinking.

There were many confused faces in the crowd who were unaware of what a case study competition involved. However, frowns turned to smile when it was announced that the event had been won by first year students in the previous two editions.

Over 320 teams participated from colleges across Delhi University including 250 students from SRCC, 250 students from CBS and 100 students from Hansraj. The event now claims to be Delhi University’s largest stand-alone event. The infrastructure crunch was visible when the college’s large auditorium was filled to capacity and the organizers had to think on their feet. However, rooms were quickly arranged for and all participants were made comfortable.

The results of the preliminary round are expected to be released within 2 weeks. The organizers promise full transparency and fairness in the checking of the transcripts. In a system which is reminiscent of the Class 12th boards, registration slips were handed over with unique roll numbers.

As Souvik Mandal of Motilal Nehru aptly summed up the contestant’s feelings, “Totally a brain straining experience, but not a bit of it went in vain.”

 

Arnav Das
[email protected]

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