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As the University of Delhi (DU) wraps up its hectic admission season, DU Beat wishes to take you on a ‘Journey of Reminiscence’ with the people who make the University the best in the country: Teachers
As you find yourself at the threshold of this journey that you will remember all your life, we aim to give you a glimpse of what has been. Even though our teachers may seem very intimidating, not relatable, and often distant, it is important to remember that they once were where we currently are, they were once students. They have dealt with heartbreaks, failures, deadline submissions, college flings, and everything else we are experiencing right now. Over the years, they have accumulated this experience and bundled it up in warm smiles, reassuring glances, and occasionally in the form of strict reprimands.

These staunch personalities have been inspirational figures for the students of Delhi University, and will continue being the source of light for thousands of graduate students. Not only do they propel students towards the path of success, their life lessons have prevented students from gloating about their achievements, and being gracious about the little things. Teachers, they’re just like us!

Here are the statements of a few teachers of Delhi University who share some fond memories of their college days and give valuable messages to the incoming batch of 2018-19.

“I have had the pleasure of studying in both the North and South campuses of DU. Few of the fondest memories from my college days are associated with the badminton courts of South Campus and the cafes in Kamla Nagar. DU sure has changed over the years and one of the most striking features is the makeover from rickety U-Specials to the swanky Metro rides which all of us enjoy today, but the heart and spirit of the varsity is still the same. DU occupies a significant place in the academic and socio-cultural scene in the country. That will not change for many decades to come.”

-Prof. Parikshit Sirohi

Campus Law Centre

“This University provides a platform where students from the length and breadth of our country can design their dreams and decide their futures, while creating a beautiful tapestry of culture. Each college is a microcosm with its unique opportunities and challenges and I wish to see students overcome those challenges and seize those opportunities. Academic rigor aside, DU is a cultural gold mine. You must extract as much as you can!”

-Dr. Saleem Mir

Department of Humanities and Social Sciences

Cluster Innovation Centre

“College memories are the sweetest memories that I cherish. In my first year our class had decided to bunk a particular lecture; as we were not prepared with our readings. Though we bunked the lecture but our leave was cancelled because of hostellers. I still remember how much we regretted our decision. College provides you with a lot of opportunities; make the maximum use of it. Stay focused, be member of societies that interest you. Go for an education which encompasses the holistic development of an individual and not just awards you with a degree at the end of three years. Hard work, dedication, and sacrifice are the keys to success.”

-Dr. Shachi Chawla

Department of Political Science

Daulat Ram College

“I did my graduation from LSR and I’ve spent some of my best moments in the college canteen. The Paneer Dosa with extra sambar on offer used to fill our days with pleasure. My class used to be an epitome of diversity. I still treasure the Manipuri Lungi that my friend from Manipur gifted me. DU is the place to be in if you want a well-rounded experience of college life. So enjoy each day, be it good or bad. You’ll cherish the good days and learn from the bad ones.”

-Prof. Sonali Chitalkar

Department of Political Science

Miranda House

“There is always something that stands out about each student. A few of them are perennially hungry and always show up to class with a bowlful of maggi while others stumble in their pyjamas for the early morning class, still groggy with sleep. The first day of college is your first step towards autonomy. Do not worry about your appearance. You don’t have to look like a student who has stepped out of a Karan Johar film. Wear comfortable clothes and a friendly smile. Here’s a pro tip, bring a few extra pencils or pens. You’d be surprised at how easy it is to break the ice with your classmates if you have an extra pen to share.”

-Prof. Garima Yadav

Department of English

Shaheed Bhagat Singh College

“During my college days, Valentine’s day had just emerged as a fad. As my friend and I attended our lectures that day, our fresh-in-college rebellious selves scribbled notes to each other, planning our coup d’état from the double lecture by sneaking out from the side windows. Owing to my horrible aiming skills, one of the balls of paper landed directly at the Professor’s desk. Incidentally, I secured highest marks in that paper and am still in touch with the said Professor. DU has much more to offer than just fashion, hip cafes, and politics. The hallmark of this institution is the vibrant spaces it creates for learning outside classrooms.”

-Prof. Rachita Mittal

Department of English

Lady Shri Ram College for Women

“Before anything else, the fresher’s must know that they are learning in an environment with zero judgment. In DU, you are safe to make mistakes. I understand that learning from mistakes isn’t always the best way, but sometimes it’s the only way. Second, even teachers are always learning. Students need to know that we are neither above nor beneath them. If we learn together, we’ll make a terrific progress. My fondest memory of teaching in this University is associated with the care I’ve received all these years. Every year on my birthday, my students get me a cake, sing me the ‘Happy Birthday’ song, and embellish the walls of the classroom with birthday decor.”

-Prof. Dhani Ram

Department of Commerce

Ramjas College

“College life is marked by a lot of freedom, so the students should make the most of it keeping in mind their limits. College life has a lot to offer to freshers: there are college societies, trips, and the eventual exam fever. I would just say that learn, grow, and groom yourself in the three years of college life.”

-Ms. Saloni Arora

Department of Commerce

Jesus and Mary College

Our professors happen to be a fascinating bunch of people. Having dedicated a fair share of their lives to academia and learning, they are able to think dynamically and creatively. Being surrounded by students, specifically the crème de la crème of students in the country, in a varsity that is the hot-bed of student politics, gives them a rare kind of insight. Their lessons and words of wisdom, both inside and outside the classroom are precious and deserve to be cherished. These snippets of knowledge come from a place of great experience and a fundamental desire to create change and are therefore, extremely valuable. The role of academia in the creation of a free-thinking society can never be over-estimated. It is easy to fear and be intimidated by our professors by virtue of their age and experience. In such moments, it is crucial that we look back at these anecdotes full of candour, vulnerability, and youthful mistakes, and remember that they too were once young, falliable, and insecure like we are.

 

Feature Image Credits: DU Beat.

Vaibhavi Sharma Pathak

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Meher Gill

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Fashion is dynamically subjective. Here are a few 90’s inspired outfits that will make a glamourous kick-start to your college.

 

The Denim Effect

One of the most iconic clothing revolutions and a must have in every closet, are denims. A nice pair of boyfriend jeans or wide trousers adds a lot of character to your outfit with little effort. Try incorporating turtle neck tops or graphic vintage t-shirts with cat-eye sunglasses to up your game along with denim skirts and jackets.

A light denim jacket ripped jeans, denim shorts, or cargo pants, maybe even accessorised with a denim wrist band for guys ensures comfort with style. The 90’s are famed for experimental fluorescents, neon, and stripes. With bold messages speaking your presence, or the classic Polos, you can never go wrong!

auburn image 2

 

Plaids

A pair of plaid of leggings over a solid top, or a flannel shirt over an LBD, with easy going sneakers perk up your outfit and provide the perfect comfort. A plaid shirt over a simple basic white tee is the perfect way to spice up an outfit for any guy. Or if you’re going for a monochrome outfit, be bold with your accessories and add a plaid patterned snapback.

 

Accessorise

If there is anything to be ever more grateful for are the exquisite style of sunglasses and boho rings from the 90’s which make your outfit perfect.

Try to incorporate oval sunnies or cat-eye frames or chunky hoops into your outfits.

To breathe chill in this heat, go for white sneakers. The other way around, go for solid combat boots.

Aviators: If Tom Cruise sets impossible missions to follow, this is not one. Add a chic pair of aviators in your outfits and ace your looks.

 

Slip dresses, pinafores and dungarees

Feeling a bit plain wearing simple jeans and a top? Revamp it. A black slip dress along with chunky hoops and a pair of comfortable flats, or a pinafore give the perfect boho-chic look to float through the day.

Dungarees add the carefree, effortless look on your outfits and make you look like a million bucks.

So roll that pant leg up and bridle yourself to beat this heat with comfort and glamor. Do not presume awkwardness, the best thing you have to wear is your confidence.
auburn image 1

Feature Image Credits: brackety-ack

Avnika Chhikara

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Kartik Chauhan

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As a fresher, you enter college with several expectations and dreams. Not to burst your bubble, but it is extremely important to get some reality checks early on, so that you don’t miss out on what really matters. Having said that, take cognizance of the following eventualities:

1. You may not make good friends on day one

You won’t necessarily gel well with someone on day one- you might even come back a little lonely. It is okay, every other student out there is lonely too. In your head, you might have already started comparing your college ‘acquaintance’ with school friends, looking for alternatives to replace them. Be prepared for heartbreaks and disappointments, as it takes a little while to create a meaningful bond.

2. Your freshers party may not be the best, and it’s okay

Your freshers party won’t be as perfect as you think, most probably. It is because there is only so much funds and freedom given to your seniors to organise your party. Furthermore, your expectations will most certainly differ from what they have in mind. Regardless of that, give them credit for all their efforts, and remember that one day your juniors will think the same for you. Click loads of pictures and pretend that the party was the best thing to happen to you, on Instagram.

3. Everyone else is as apprehensive and confused as you

We know you are cautious, nervous, confused and even judgmental of yourself right now. However, remember that every other fresher is probably feeling the same way! It is completely natural to feel this way in a new environment. One day, the same place which intimidates you, will feel like home and you’ll just laze around, comfortable with yourself.

4. Your branded clothes will not matter after a while

Buy as much as you want, for we love the shine in your eyes and confidence in your spirit that the clothes adorn you with. Having said that, this is a gentle reality check that you will be wearing your PJ’s to college henceforth.. The place becomes home, and you end up wearing all of those clothes you’d never thought would see the light of the day.

5. Taking a lead is always the best

Yes, life isn’t a race. You all are at college to learn together and help one another. However, don’t think that the first year is just a moment to relax. You have relatively lesser academic pressure, so take this time out to take the lead and boost yourself by beginning early. Relax all you want, explore, and have fun too! At the same time, start devoting time to constructive pursuits to get a head start in the corporate, fast-paced world.

 

Feature Image Credits: Afterschool
Khyati Sanger

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It was amidst a lot of apprehensions that the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) was introduced by the University of Delhi in 2016.

A Brief Background of its Implementation:

The Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) was introduced in the University of Delhi (DU) in the year 2016. As the University Grants Commission (UGC) moved away from the conventional marks-based percentage system, it aimed to introduce a credit system which could match the international educational pattern. It wanted to structure this system in line with higher education systems such as the Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (CATS) in the United Kingdom and similar credit systems existing in the US, Japan, and so on. It was argued that the previous education system produced young minds lacking knowledge, confidence, values, and skills. Many contended that there was a complete lack of a connection between education, employment, and skill development in the conventional education system. UGC argued that the percentage-based evaluation system restricted the students from studying the courses/subjects of their choice and limited their mobility to different institutions. As such, a complete transformation and redesigning of the system was considered to be necessary.

The ‘UGC Guidelines for CBCS’ state, “there is a need to allow the flexibility in the education system so that students depending upon their interests and aims can choose inter-disciplinary, intra-disciplinary, and skill-based courses. This can only be possible when an internationally acknowledged choice-based credit system (CBCS), is adopted. The choice-based credit system not only offers opportunities to learn core subjects but also exploring additional avenues of learning beyond the core subjects for holistic development of an individual. CBCS will undoubtedly facilitate us benchmarking  our courses with best international academic practices.”

 

CBCS: Its Merits and Demerits

The basic idea of this credit based system is to allow students to choose from prescribed courses, which are referred to as Core, Elective/Minor or Soft Skill courses, and Ability Enhancement Course (AEC). Unlike the traditional percentage-based system, CBCS evaluates the courses according to a uniform grading system. It helps the students to move across different institutions, within and outside the country, with ease.   CBCS also aims at helping the potential employers in assessing the performance of students. Further, it gives more freedom to students to choose subjects according to their needs and abilities.

CBCS  hopes to remodel the education system in keeping with the changing industry requirements, alternating  aspirations of students, and growing  expectations of society. When one observes carefully, an array of advantages and disadvantages of this system can be listed. CBCS encompasses a massive shift from teacher-centered to student-centered education. It focuses on the comprehensive development of students in addition to enhancing their personalities. By emphasising on classroom discussions, presentations, assignments, projects, and internal assessments, it creates a friendly learning environment. It helps them choose papers of their choice according to their interests, in turn aiding them to realise their full potential. Through its approach towards inculcating job-oriented skills in students, CBCS prepares students to face the competitive employment sector. CBCS also stresses the usage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in classroom teaching. Since it enables learners to pace their learning or course as per their habits and abilities, the anxiety and stress created by exams amongst students is greatly reduced.

On the other hand, it is difficult to measure or calculate the exact marks secured by a student in the examinations under CBCS. The workload of teachers keeps fluctuating. Maintaining compatibility between papers under the Core course and those under the Elective course, and simultaneously offering more than one programme of different nature is challenging. Extra burden is experienced by the institution as CBCS allows students the flexibility in choosing credits.  It poses problems in maintaining the cumulative record of every student. CBCS demands more infrastructure which is often missing in colleges. Besides hampering mastery of students over their chosen subject, it also hampers research work of the teachers as they remain occupied in administrative work.

 

Structure

CBCS works on the basic elements of semesters and credit system. The assessment is done semester wise, with there being two semesters in an academic year. Each semester has 15-18 weeks of work which is equal to 90 days of teaching.  The number of credits allotted varies for papers under the Core course, Elective course, and AEC course.  One credit per semester is equal to one hour of teaching, which includes both lectures and tutorials. Depending on the course, practicals may also be included which are usually 2 hours of practical work or field work. The total credits earned by a student in each semester is calculated by the sum total of lectures, tutorials, and practicals.

 

Outline

There are three main courses in a semester-core, Elective/Minor or Soft Skill courses, and Ability Enhancement Course (AEC). All the three courses are evaluated and accessed to provide a fair, balanced, and comprehensive result.

The core course includes the compulsory papers which have to be studied by the student. These papers, which may be different in every semester, are the basic requirement for completing the study of a particular discipline. Elective courses provide the student with the freedom to choose from a pool of options. These courses are generally offered for the students to seek exposure. They help the students in involving application of knowledge. The Ability Enhancement Courses (AEC) may be of two kinds: Ability Enhancement Compulsory Courses (AECC) and Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC). The AECC course offers two papers: Environmental Science and Communication. On the other hand, papers under SEC are value-based and skill-based.

Examination Scheme Under CBCS

The evaluation of each course consists of two parts- internal assessment and external assessment. The responsibility of evaluating the former is vested in the hands of the teacher teaching the particular course.

Each paper has an internal assessment component of 25 marks, out of which 5 marks are awarded for attendance. There is a credit for regularity in attending lectures, tutorials, and practicals in each paper. Assignment and class tests account for the remaining 20 marks. As per DU’s rules, a student must have at least two-thirds of attendance i.e. 66.67% attendance separately in lectures, tutorials, and practicals.

 

Conclusion

The process of implementation of CBCS was subject to intense debate and discussion for quite a long time. There was confusion among the colleges as to whether the syllabus, assessment procedures, and timetable were to be prepared according to the ‘old’ system or the ‘new’. In spite of all the difficulties and initial hiccups, DU  was successful in implementing CBCS within a short period of time. However, the assessment of whether CBCS has been able to

‘revolutionise’ the Indian education system, as the UGC had initially claimed, will only unfold and reveal itself in the coming years.

 

Feature Image Credits: The Indian Express

Anoushka Sharma

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Disha Saxena

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Maknoon Wani

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Want to be the Fuccha who is outgoing and energetic and makes new friends just in time for Freshers? Well here are a few ways to make it happen. 

Everyone is a little freaked out and jittery, at the start of something new. As you say goodbyes to hemline skirts and tiring ties college opens arms to you not only as a whole new set, but as a great exposure to seize and realize your ambitions. Most of us are nervous during the initial days of college,  especially for those who are new to the city. However, there is little to fear. If there’s one way to overcome your fears is to stand out and be proactive. Take the first step. Be the fearless person, and resonate.

Everyone in your class is new to college like you are.  So here are a few tips and tricks for the fresher’s as well as for the seniors to delve into a good interaction.

  • A hello goes a long way

A simple salutation, but has a vast vast effect. This was the same hello which you kept hidden from your crush in high school, or the hello which could solve old problems. Say bye to all of that now. A simple hello is a flag wave for initiation of a conversation. And since you have all been through the school and admission process think of all the small talk you can achieve on the first day. So don’t shy away from the opportunity of opening up.

  • Remember that it takes time 

Ever been insecure or slightly pained from that one classmate who the entire class adores or who is the sunshine of the class in just a matter of a few days? Well don’t be disheartened. Every individual has his or her own space and time to open up. Some do it faster, some lower. Take your time and embrace it and then let your wings spread and the magic glow. A little hint, don’t be the quiet and the mute spectator for too long! 

  • Be the first one out

Don’t shy away from approaching an introvert. A personal story from my side- when my college days began, I sat next to a classmate who hardly ever spoke to me. I felt quite reluctant and soon my hellos and greetings faded away, due to her shy response. What I did not realize was that she was an introvert. Soon enough I started initiating conversations and then those small talks became long conversations into love, friendship and life, and soon from strangers we became the best of friends.

  • Be positive and offer positivity

Ever seen a sunflower inclining towards the splashing rays of sunshine? Why? It radiates and gives a sense of warmth. Be as positive and as genuine as possible. People truly bind and appreciate your true-self. Be a person who welcomes every one and is proactive and understanding. Your compassion is your strength remember!

  • Don’t try TOO hard

We always stumble upon that classmate who tries to be a little bit too cool, or a little too loud? Well that’s the case when you try to showcase yourself as someone who you really aren’t.  Don’t try too hard and be someone who you really aren’t. It doesn’t take a lot of time to distinguish between what’s fake and what’s genuine. So try your best to not try to make people like you. Just be yourself and let the magic work.

Now as many of you will be interacting with the seniors, and this is for them also, likewise here are a few ice-breaker activities to release that awkward tension and to form a good bond. Ice-breakers are meant for a fun and relaxing way of conversation. To release any awkwardness or shyness and to make the next person more secure.

Here are a few ice-breakers which will help you:

  • Embarrassing memories

Probably a textbook move, but wait till you hear the details of it all. Yes no one really likes to brag about something unless its their ‘conquests’. Here’s a great way to start your bonding with your juniors.

Start by narrating an embarrassing incident which happened to you and then let everyone share bit by bit till you feel there’s time to move onto the next activity.

  • Two truths and a lie

It’s an interesting way to engage your audience and to make a good fool of others. Try doing this in groups of four or five. Start by narrating 3 incidents. 2 of them have to be the truth and one of them has to be a lie. The other participants have to guess which one is the truth and which one is the lie.

  • First Impressions

It might be a snarky pick but trust me it is worth it. It’s almost like a psycho-analysis for you. Start by indicating three traits that the person sees in you, and has to say it out loud, in front of everyone. It is interesting to see who makes it to the bubbly and who makes it to the snobby list.

  • Memorable Catchy Names

“Sassy Neha”, or “Sleepy Sid”, catchy nick names is a good way to engross and to ensure you get to know each other well. They can get as snarky as you want or as cute as you wish. 

  • Jive time

This counts for one of the last activities after you’ve all blended in with each other. A little jive session, to re-energize and to go bonkers for one last time before the next course begins. It’s a fun way to groove and show your moves and just basically have a lot of fun.

College is all about exploring, and giving your best way to accelerate and move forward.

Feature Image Credits: India

Avnika Chhikara

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Revaluation for semester results at the University of Delhi may seem complicated, but here is a guide to simplify the process.

University of Delhi (DU) has started to announce results for the academic session 2018-19. Revaluation is an effective tool for students who are dissatisfied with their results.The revaluation process was scrapped off by Delhi University in 2013. But due to continuous protests by the students and Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU), the administration re-introduced the system in the University in 2014.

According to the official Delhi University Information Centre, “Revaluation means to re-evaluate the paper of a particular subject completely. For this, a candidate has to completely surrender their original marks of a particular subject and accept the final result as declared by the University as a result of revaluation.”

The revaluation form can be downloaded from the University website, i.e., www.du.ac.in . It has to be filled by the candidate and has to be submitted to the Revaluation Cell Counter in the Examination Branch of North or South Campus between 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 1:30 pm to 3:00 p.m.. The revaluation fee per paper is Rs.1000/- and has to be duly submitted with the application form. The form has to be attested either by the Principal or the Head of the Department.

The rules prescribed by the University are as follows:

  1. Revaluation is allowed only for theory papers of non-professional courses, which have not been jointly valued.
  2. No second applications for the same paper shall be accepted.
  3. It shall be applied for within two weeks of the declaration of the result.
  4. The Candidate is required to produce a photocopy of their current Admission Ticket and/or statement of marks for verification of Roll No., marks etc., at the time of submission of application form for revaluation and also to attach self-address envelope of 9 x4 size with postal stamp worth Rs.5/- affixed, for sending revaluation result.  
  5. After completion, the new results will be uploaded on the university website, www.du.ac.in. under the results portal after four to five months.
  6. The revised result may entail either entail no change, an increase or decrease in the candidate’s marks.

Documents required for the same are as follows:

  1. Photocopy of the candidate’s current Admission Ticket and Statement of Marks.
  2. Duly filled and signed revaluation form.
  3. Entries in the form must be verified from the Principal of the candidate’s college. (Students may contact the Administration Office of their college for the same)

 

Feature Image Credits: Hindustan Times

Anoushka Sharma

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Nikita Bhatia

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On 12 July 2018, Hotel Taj Lands East stood firsthand witness to the much awaited annual battle of entrepreneurial action for college students across India; the Enactus National Competition 2018.

After a series of regional competitions, the qualifying teams competed for a spot in the Enactus World Cup 2018 by presenting their Business Ideas and showcasing their impact to an auditorium packed with not just students but also academicians and business leaders. The winning projects were those presented by Enactus Shri Ram College of Commerce, and the National Champions were felicitated by Arun M Kumar, Chairman at Enactus India National Advisory Board and Chairman & CEO at KPMG in India.

Enactus is an international community of student, academicians and business leaders committed to developing free enterprise outreach projects that transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world. The core philosophy driving these projects is; ‘Give me a fish and I will eat for a day; teach me how to fish and I will eat for a lifetime’. The focus is on sustainability; the project should continue even without the founding team. Enactus has gone from being a small organization at the National Leadership Institute in Texas, USA to a worldwide network of more than 70,500 other students who are each making their own contribution towards their shared mission of creating a better world.

This year, SRCC triumphed over the nationals, strengthening Delhi University’s long held legacy over this competition. The winning projects were Project Virasat, that endeavours to revive the UNESCO listed dying artform of brass and copper utensils through design modification, brand development and targeted marketing strategies, thus impacting 11 ‘Thathair’ families, and Project Asbah, that aims to provide clean drinking water to rural households and urban slums through contamination specific filtration mechanism.

In 2017, the team from Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies dominated the Enactus Nationals and was eventually named World Champion for Project Raahat, which aims to increase sanitation in slum communities of urban Delhi, and Project Udaan, an initiative that empowers women to operate computer centers in rural India to promote skill development and increase awareness of economic opportunities.

Arjun Goel, 3rd year B.Com.(Hons) student at SRCC and the President of Enactus SRCC is euphoric about the victory and aims to bring the World Cup back through his team’s innovative, impactful an invincible ideas. Sachin Natraj, 3rd year B.Com.Hons student at SRCC and Executive Member of Project Asbah says that this is more than a victory for their team – it is a road leading to the betterment of their projects and communities.

Amidst the titans, Enactus Kalindi College, which began just about 10 months ago, saw a meteoric rise amongst the finalists of Enactus Nationals. With a team of only 13 members, Enactus Kalindi was able to carve a niche for itself through Project Rehmat, which aims to protect manual scavengers and provide women scavengers with sustainable livelihood opportunities, like soap-making. Within a short time, Enactus Kalindi was able to beat out competition from 20 other colleges to battle it out in the finals. When DU Beat interacted with Srishti Sharma, the President of Enactus Kalindi, she candidly spoke of her experience of sharing the platforms with established societies like Ramjas and SSCBS, and hopes for an even better run the next year.

We wish the entire team at Enactus SRCC a heartfelt congratulations and the very best for the Enactus World Cup scheduled for October 2018 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, California, USA.

Living in Stanza Living residences is a wholesome and holistic experience in itself. Their only priority is the well being, comfort, and convenience of their residents, which they ensure through a host of facilities and services.

Here are the top ten reasons why staying at a Stanza Living residence is different from staying at your regular PGs:

You are their top priority: The people who will take care of you — all of them professionally trained to tend to each student’s need and requirements will ensure you have a smooth transition and settling down journey. Their aim is to provide you with a home, not a hostel. They will work around your time to ensure you come back to a bright and clean home.

High standard of living: All Stanza Living products are maintained regularly to look as good as new. Handpicked furniture, fittings and appliances, professional housekeeping and laundry services, 100% power backup and undisrupted Internet service are some of the services they stand by.
Good food=good life: The way to a student’s heart is probably through good food! And Stanza Living understands this like no one else does. They tie up with high-grade food vendors who use sanitary, high-quality ingredients and produce. Specific dietary requirements are also kept in mind while ensuring your belly monster is always satisfied.

Safety is not equal to restriction: Stanza Living ensures that you have a safe, hospitable environment in a new city and thus takes all necessary precautions like 24/7 CCTV cameras, security guards, biometric entry/exit for safety. As young adults, students often don’t like their movements to be curtailed or monitored. Stanza Living does away with age-old policies and wardens and gives students the freedom to a flexible entry-exit timing.

Listening is key: Sometimes negotiating with your PG owners can be difficult. However, Stanza Living is different. You can lodge your valuable feedback, opinion, complaints on the Stanza App and thereafter swift action is taken by their team.

Quality compliance matters: Stanza residences are ISO 9001:2015 compliant. They run the residences as a professionally managed service with compliance to statewide and central government regulations, including fair salary as per the Minimum Wage Act.

Being Social: They have an entire vertical called Stanza Social that enthusiastically organises year-round engagement activities, movie nights, run inter-residence competitions, celebrate birthdays with plans city-wide outings to give students the much-needed breathing space amongst all the academic pressure.

Planning for your future: Staying at Stanza Living PGs also means that your academics and career planning is also boosted. Stanza Springboard offers resume building and skill development training, hosts networking events across a spectrum of industries and also helps you find internships and placements.

Technology for People: Stanza Living fits in a technology-driven world with their Stanza App (available on Android and iOS) that can be used to pay your rent, register feedback and complaints and navigate across properties on their interactive map, check out the week’s meal menu, access their SOS button and much more!

Get Those Discounts!: Living in Stanza Living means that you will be a part of a Stanza ecosystem where their tie-ups with Zomato, UrbanClap, Looks Salon, Anytime Fitness as well as local cafes, restaurants, general stores, stationery stores and chemists means that you can get student discounts here with your Stanza Living IDs!

Sara Sohail
[email protected]

College admissions are marked by numerous decision making and countless bits of advice. While all of this sounds perplexing and stress-inducing, one must navigate through a number of factors to make that one careful and calculated choice of college selection. Here are some dos and don’ts for the same. 

Dos

  1. Learn about the college Faculty

It is important to learn about and interact with the faculty of a college before you take admission in it. Every renowned college may not have an amazing faculty for every course. Therefore, you must find out whether the course you want to opt for has a reputed faculty in the college. When you interact with them, you’ll also understand their demeanor. A friendly, knowledgeable, and supportive teacher is always better.

  1. Talk to students

It would positively add to your decision if you are able to talk to the students of the college doing the course you aspire to do. You will get to hear about first-hand experiences of what you are stepping into. You are allowed to talk about your priorities and apprehensions with them. There are some questions which they can answer more honestly than the faculty example, ‘Are the teachers understanding towards ECA students?’

  1. Visit and research about the college prior to taking admission 

Believe it or not, there is something about getting the ‘vibe’ of a college before you become a part of it. It is important to visit the college before getting admission there so that you can get a first-hand experience. However, prior to that, you must research the college. Some of your focuses must be its fests, library, Student Union, grounds, and auditorium. A good infrastructure and governing body will always make the college life easier.

  1. Get an unbiased opinion on comparing a college with other colleges available to you

It is important to compare a college with all the other options available to you. You must never look at a college as an isolated one. Comparing and prioritizing the different factors of two colleges is important. In the end, you must have a list of your preference of colleges. This should be done before the cut-offs are out as you may not have enough time to think it through in the middle of the cut-offs. To keep the list as accurate as possible, it is important to get unbiased opinions on different colleges.

  1. Take extra care for readying your documents and stationary

Once you are sure about a college, a day prior to the admission day, you must check every document that needs to be presented, twice. Furthermore, it is important to keep with yourself, a box of handy stationary like pens, pencils, staplers, glue, erasers, etc. While you are in the process of taking the admission, there will be a lot of confusion and little time on your hands. It is important to reach the college early and have everything ready in order to avoid the chaos.

Don’ts

  1. Become a victim of peer pressure

It is never wise to come under the societal pressures to decide which college to take admission in. You must, furthermore, never give in to the temptation of taking admission in a college because all your friends are there. Understand that your decision must be backed with reason and vision for the future rather than temporary comforts or social reputation as a priority.

  1. Ignore extracurricular activities

Your CV will not only be defined by the course and college you choose. It will also be majorly defined by the extracurricular activities that you get involved in. Your work experience and the positions you hold during your college life reflect on your abilities. These may overlap with your classes and can affect your grade point if the college isn’t supportive. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the college you get into gives you the opportunities and supports your presence in extracurricular activities.

3. Fear the long distance

Students travel up to two hours every day to the best college they can get. That is just how the culture is at Delhi University. It is wrong to leave a better college because it is so ‘far away’. Students are able to manage traveling and even find their ‘me’ time in the metro. At last, what counts is the name of the college on your CV and not excuses of proximity.

4. Let go of a college because of its stereotypes

Every college in Delhi University has a stereotype attached to it. Some are too ‘political’, others are full of ‘unsophisticated’ women. However, the truth is you will find all kinds of people, everywhere. The type of bonds you want to create with the type of people you aspire to be will shape you as a person. You will find all types, everywhere. Therefore, if you are getting a course and a college of your choice, you must not let it go because of the stereotypes attached to it. The truth is often, very different.

 

Feature Image Credits: Veritas Prep

Khyati Sanger

[email protected]

One of the most famous addas of North Campus is getting shut down, and the students cannot contain their grief. The Post Graduate (PG) Mens’ hostel canteen which the students fondly call Anna’s Canteen after the name of its owner, Shetty Anna is closing. It is located at Kamla Nehru ridge and is very famous for its fit-for-king South Indian food. It has about four types of rice, and serves a very renowned biryani. The canteen is all the more famous among those broke students who find Anna’s food very reasonably priced. It is also often visited by cats that are very active and play with the students there. However, the situation now seems grim as Anna has been asked to vacate the hostel before 30th June 2018.

Anna sounded bewildered while talking to a DU Beat correspondent and said that “I have no idea why such a notice has been slapped against me. All the students are my side and they don’t want me to leave. I am ready to make all the changes they want.” Further, Anna informed DU Beat that he has not even been given enough time to vacate the hostel, being only a week’s time after the notice was issued.

In a telephonic conversation with a DU Beat correspondent, Mr. Pujit, Cultural Secretary of PG Mens’ hostel said, “The hostel management has not been following proper procedure for eviction of Anna Canteen from the hostel campus. Students have not been consulted. Anna prepared the best South Indian dishes in the entire state.”

One of the main members of the P.G Mens’ administration, on the condition of anonymity, told DU Beat, “Anna’s contract with the hostel has expired and we have invited new tenders in which Anna himself may apply. Even the N.A.A.C. committee recommendations go against the canteen.”

Anna’s food is a must-try for anyone visiting North Campus. There is no doubt that everyone in campus will miss Anna and the cats dearly. His departure is expected to remain the talk of the town for a long time to come.

 
Feature Image Credits: NDTV
Khyati Sanger
[email protected]
Sandeep Samal
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