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The Science of Binge

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Bingeing means having a period of excessive indulgence towards an activity. Today, the term is most frequently used in terms of eating and watching shows or movies continuously for a period of time. Let’s explore why we binge…

Till recently, the term “bingeing” had little use in daily life. It is psychologically associated with Binge eating disorder, where the patient eats excessively in order to cope with negative feelings. However, the word has gained currency after being used in the context of excessive T.V. watching, brought about by the rise of streaming services like Netflix.

T.V. shows that are downloaded via torrents or streamed, allow users to watch episodes without waiting another day or week. There is continuous consumption, much like with binge eating. But why does either take place? Or any kinds of excessive behaviour, like shopping needlessly? Bingeing takes place with activities like eating or watching a show one likes, which leads to happiness. This releases dopamine and serotonin, which are chemicals that result in a high feeling. By continuously watching a show or eating junk, there is a simulation of being joyous. Often, just as Binge eating disorder patients run towards food upon feeling stressed, depressed, or anxious, T.V. show watchers or compulsive shoppers run to their familial place of comfort upon the onslaught of negative emotions. Bingeing of any form is basically a kind of avoidance, a delusion of happiness. With easy access to T.V. shows, food delivery at our doorsteps, and the lack of restrictions for most of us encounter as we enter the supervision-lacking world of college, it comes down to us to develop self-control. While people generally report feeling happy while indulging in bingeing, the end of the whole episode (pun intend) leads to feelings of guilt and shame. Not just that, but overindulgence of anything is harmful to one’s physical and mental well-being.

It has been suggested that bingeing can be controlled by setting strict limits on consumption and getting better at self-monitoring. If you understand why you’re running to something and find out its root cause, then maybe you can work on eradicating the cause, rather than continuing on with the vicious cycle of bingeing and feeling low. It’s necessary to gain control because only that can save us from the attractive world of delusion.

 

Image Credits: Herb

Rishika Singh

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News

DUSU President Appeals for the Suspension of Classes Amid Pollution

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Rocky Tuseed, the President of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU), appealed to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Delhi (DU) to suspend all classes till Sunday in the wake of alarming levels of pollution in Delhi.

In a letter to Mr. Yogesh Tyagi, Tuseed expressed concern over the effect of the pollution on the health of the students, especially as the semester examinations are about to begin. He also referred to the Lt. Governor’s order that demanded restricted entry of trucks, cessation of all construction activity, and the shutdown of schools in the city till Sunday, saying that a similar order needs to be in place for the DU students. A request for a joint meeting of the administration and the student body was also made in the letter.

Pollution has hit a record high of 478 on the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi. The return of the odd-even scheme is also being contemplated by the state government, which was to be resumed only if the AQI exceeded 500 points. However, the severity of the current situation has prompted the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to advice the government to re-start the scheme. So far, the call by the Indian Medical Association to declare a public health emergency has also been resisted, despite the problems caused by the smog in terms of vision and respiratory issues.

It is absolutely imperative that keeping these short-term fixes aside long-term policy actions are taken by the government to improve the state of the city’s air. The general public needs to give its full and unequivocal support towards making the city better for all of us to live in. It is truly infuriating that it has taken a crisis of such a scale for people to realise that the environment we live in needn’t be annihilated for satisfying human greed.

 

Image Caption: Record high levels of pollution have already led to the shutdown of schools.

Image Credits: India.com

Rishika Singh

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DUB Speak

The Wonders of Right Attitude

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Attitude is defined as the way you think or feel about something or someone. Plain and simple isn’t it? But it is one of the essential characteristics of a person. All of us have heard or read about how important having the right attitude is and how important it is to keep a good attitude towards people. It is regarded as an asset held by people to gain success. So what is right attitude?

Let’s start with the definition. We experience something. Any event or incident or maybe any conversation. Let’s say we feel bad about it. Now our interpretation of the occurrence becomes negative and as a result, our brain starts getting filled up with bad thoughts and hostile contemplations. And because that particular event is dubbed negative by us, we will want to avoid the circumstance and the people who cause it. This chain reaction which started with a tiny bit of interpretation lands up making immense conclusions full of negativity. It might the opposite case as well i.e. positive.

Having the right attitude would mean that the negative instance we underwent would demand more from ourselves as a person so that we deal with the situation in a positive manner. Understanding or feeling that whatever we experienced is something we didn’t like would make us ask questions. Wait, this is important. We would “question” our interpretation as to why do we not like it. Was it really the circumstance or was it a mere conclusion out of our dislike? The ability to question ourselves is a must have and we need to use it more often.

The trait that would follow questioning ourselves would mean that we would accept the situation the way it is. Irritation and anger is a reaction due to helplessness and feeling powerless to have an influence over the situation. To accept would mean that we would be at peace with the situation and that would save us a lot of stress. The final and the foremost step would then be to find a solution for it. This willingness to find a solution would not be possible without the preceding steps. And it’s hard to have that kind of willingness too. To accept that the situation we are in is a difficult one and to be mentally strong enough to strive for finding a solution is no less than an achievement.

Seems a bit too old and an extension of the same thing we have been hearing time and again isn’t it? Recently Kasper Rorsted, the CEO of Adidas Group opened up about his journey to the top. Things got sour for him when he was fired from Hewlett-Packard back in 2004 where he had 40,000 employees under him. The sole reason for his expulsion was a bad attitude. “It undoubtedly made me a better person.” he quoted as per www.time.com. Realizing his mistake and having the right attitude to deal with his problem he finally landed his dream job at the Adidas Group a year ago.

Well, old is certainly gold it seems. Kasper Rorsted is an example of how right attitude not only helps to deal with the situation but to overcome hurdles back to success. Keeping things plain and simple doesn’t mean we are missing something. It just depends on whether our execution is correct or not. Winston Churchill wrote, “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” This line sums up the entire math of right attitude. I hope we now know what we need to do, don’t we?

 

Image Credits: Dreamstime.com

Karan Singhania

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Events

Ashish Shakya and Karunesh Talwar Call An End to Oasis’17

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The fourth and the last day of Oasis’17 commenced with Pitch Perfect, the a capella event, wherein seven teams competed singing their out of the box melodious harmonies. Students from different colleges of University of Delhi – Miranda House, Jesus and Mary College, Delhi College of Arts and Commerce, Kamla Nehru College, and Sri Venkateswara College faced students of Shiv Nadar University and Pearl Academy as they vie for the title. The winners of the event were Synergy, the western music society of Shiv Nadar University, and the second position was bagged by Zyphr, the western music society of Kamla Nehru College.

The FashP: Pilani’s Next Top Model finals were conducted with Swati Mehrotra, an esteemed personality and maker of the Swati Modo collection, who has taught the inmates of Tihar Jail the art of shoe-making and has won awards by the President of India for her reputable work in the field of fashion. Fashion societies from several colleges including BITS Pilani, College of Arts, St Xavier’s College Jaipur, Lady Irwin College, Bharati College, and College of Vocational Studies bewitched the audience with their enchanting fashion parades that revolved around the theme ‘Realms of Fiction’. The winners of the event were- Manthan, the fashion society of College of Vocational Studies (CVS), won the award for best theme and Elantre, the fashion society of Bharati College was awarded Best Wardrobe.

Before Oasis’17 brought down the curtains, the event N20 entertained the audience with the performances of stand-up comedians Aman Deep, Kajol Srinivasan, Shamik Chakrabarti, Nasif Akhtar. Karunesh Talwar and Ashish Shakya.

 

Feature Image Credits: Vansh Sabharwal for DU Beat. 

 

Kinjal Pandey

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Niharika Dabral

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Radhika Boruah

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Saumya Kalia

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Cultural Festivals

Musical duo Vishal-Shekhar serenade on Day 2 of Oasis’17, BITS Pilani

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The day two of Oasis, the annual fest of BITS Pilani, started with the resuming of the stage play competition, where the remaining four (out of seven) teams showcased their productions. Out of all four performances, Abhivyakti, the dramatics society of Maitreyi College received the most cheer.

In the street play competition Jesus and Mary College emerged as winners for their thought provoking and touching play, Dua, which was about Indian Transgender community. Choreo Finals, the contemporary dance competition finals, also took place. With graceful movements and physics-defying stunts, the participating teams thrilled the crowd.

The Night Watch: Stargazing was an event organized by the Astronomy Club of BITS Pilani. It was an event held on top of a huge terrace where students gathered to use telescopes to look at the stars. A small tour was also given by members of the Astronomy Club to visitors. The highlight of the event was seeing the craters on the moon through the high-definition telescope that the club used. Mattresses were laid out on the terrace and visitors watched documentaries along with odd episodes of Rick and Morty playing on a screen. In an enclosed space on the terrace, were posters of science-fiction films, decorated with fairy light and other props which acted as a warm photo-booth.

The Photography Exhibition was organised by the Photography Club of BITS Pilani, where entries were exhibited for public viewing. Entries were submitted by members of the Photography Club of BITS, and themes like absence, eyes, and psychedelic were seen in the exhibition. The photographs were dramatic and thought-provoking. The dark-room, which is an exhibition of photography in the dark, is also now complete and open for public viewing. The beautiful photos resonated with the audience and the comments board received immense positive feedback.

Day two also saw Dastak, an impactful play by on harassment and violence against women in society. It was presented by Sukhmanch Theatre and renowned theatre personality, Shilpi Marwah. Despite the venue for the play being changed last minute due to technical issues, the performance attracted a wide audience. The play which talked about the role of problematic lyrics in building up a culture that objectifies women, eve-teasing, catcalling, rape, and slut-shaming, astounded the audience and managed to move the audience.  

The preliminary round for Razzmataz, the group dance competition, was held on the morning of 2nd November, and teams from many colleges performed their pieces to qualify for the final round which is scheduled to happen on Day 3. The following teams qualified: College of Vocational Studies, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College(M), Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, Ramjas College, Moti Lal Nehru College, Miranda House.

Swaranjali, the group and solo singing competition, was adjudged by students of the Music Society of BITS Pilani, where different group showcased their musical talent. Deshbandhu College emerged as winners in the group singing category.

Day 2 of Oasis’17 ended on a high note with the musical duo, Vishal-Shekhar, putting up a thrilling show, performing hit numbers like Malhari and Balam Pichkari, and singing throwback sings like Jee le Zara.

They actively engaged with the audience and also spent time to share two important messages. While Shekhar talked about the importance of not giving up on hope to young students under immense academic pressure; Shekhar talked about the importance of recognising how problematic harassment and objectification of women is.

 

Feature Image Credits: Photo by Vansh Sabharwal

Kinjal Pandey
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Niharika Dabral
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Vijeata Balani
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DUB Speak

MUNs: Lost Somewhere Between Awards and Unnecessary Yelling!

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The art of debate involves mastering skills of obvious intrinsic value: the confidence to speak in public, the construction of a logical argument; and, perhaps most importantly, the willingness to hear others’ arguments and to respond to them. Model United Nations (MUNs) started off as a simulation of the workings and functioning of the United Nations, which gave young students from school and college the opportunity to discuss complex world issues, understand political conflicts and think of proactive solutions. In status quo, however, it has been reduced to a commercial competition, where students are solely motivated by the big cash prize, rather than looking forward to participate in a constructive debate and increase their knowledge.
When the MUN culture started, students would show up to the committee rooms dressed in loose formal clothes carrying big research binders that contained several printouts or handwritten articles from various charters and reports relevant to the agenda. The debate was constructive and followed a precise pattern, it was more about solving the problem rather than spending most of your speaking time alleging other delegates and creating unnecessary conflict. The awards were decided on the basis of how well a delegate understood the agenda and contributed substantially to the debate rather than a number of times they spoke in a committee. Lobbying in an unmoderated caucus actually meant displaying diplomatic behaviour rather than trying to assert your dominance by shouting. ‘Fake CV’s’ was a concept unknown to the world of MUNs and the participants did not actively look forward to getting a new profile picture after the conference.
The purpose of a MUN conference, ideally, is to research and arrive at a solution through negotiations, deliberations and cohesive decisions. In many cases, it has unfortunately been dumbed down to belittling the ‘opponent’ to bag the cash prize. With an overabundance of MUNs being organised in the circuit, many of bizarre committees and staggeringly high delegate fees in many, it’s a certainty that the culture has seen a significant shift over the past years.

Regardless of anyone’s motive for attending a MUN conference- be it to improve on spoken skills, an upgrade for the C.V, to attend the social events, or to simply get a new Display Picture clicked for Facebook; MUNs have left an indelible first mark on many young debaters. Those who have kept a traditional MUN’s sanctity intact should be lauded, and the ones who strive to indulge in meaningful learning experiences through a dialogue of relevant facts are praiseworthy examples. These conferences have been a stepping stone for a career in diplomacy and International Relations for many young speakers and enthusiastic research-oriented students. It hones speaking skills, encourages political awareness and develops leadership skills, and teaches the art of negotiation to students. Reducing it to just another competition undermines the value of this unique concept, and ensures the money-making part overshadows the learning experience gained. The question of its improvement begs to be a rhetoric, but there are plausible solutions nevertheless. Restricting on ‘socials’ and inviting only the serious candidates can easily be achieved by any organiser. The rest entirely depends on the delegates; their willingness to learn through constructive debating and greater emphasis on research can define newer, better paths for this concept.

Feature Image Credits: United Nations

Bhavya Banerjee

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Vijeata Balani

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Fashion

Auburn Umbrella: Steam Up This Winter

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Winter is the best time to look runway ready and sophisticated without much effort. Here’s how you can make the most of this opportunity and not jeopardise your sense of style till the next spring.

With the Diwali diyas flickered out, we hereupon commence for winters. This is when reality dawns upon us – our wardrobes shall alter altogether now. We are again faced with life’s most renowned dilemma- “What to wear and how to look stylish?” To up University of Delhi’s fashion quotient and to not look frumpy with a hundred layers, here are all the fashionista approved layering tricks to make you look cool during the cool season-

  1. Put on your Midi Coats-

Invest in a midi coat this winter to feel warm and toasted. Midi coats are not only for girls but are also available in varied designs for boys. Girls can vouch for a midi dress as well, if not a coat.

  1. Mix up your neutrals-

Blacks, taupes, and greys are the easiest and most convenient for the ‘mix and match’ game.  Any of their combinations would be just perfect, no matter how many layers you pile on. For boys, grey/black chinos can be worn this season. Girls can throw on a belt to emphasise their waistlines and not let their body shape get lost in one of those versatile gray/mauve overcoats.

  1. Stack up on one colour-

Piling up shades of the same colour is not only daring, but it is also never over-the-top. It looks casual and something a college student would wear.  In addition to this, if you go the hoodie route, nothing like it.

  1. Never forget your basics-

If you’re Getting late for an 8.30 a.m. lecture, remember that bold is better and an all-black outfit may not seem like an endless sea of fabric, if you just add on a plaid sweater of any other colour and put your style front and centre.  Knit sweaters will always remain the in-thing and long, oversized cashmere cardigans can set you for the winters just right.

  1. Boot, socks, and caps are the essentials-

Yes, winter is the time for some expensive shopping because you can catch a cold with poor quality, less costly hogwash. Spend a little more money to go for cashmere, ribbed crew socks in taupe, dark green and associated colours. As far as footwear is concerned, an ugg, an Emu, or a biker boot can work wonders, and you won’t regret it. For the best woollen caps, have beanies, striped pom -pom, slouchy minions’ winter hats and all other trooper trapper hats ready in your closet.

Therefore, this winter, do not forget to experiment and be creative. Be comfortable in your own skin and keep it simple always.

 

Feature Image Credits: Lyst 

Oorja Tapan

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Arts & Culture

5 Habits of College Life Which Need to Be Done Away With

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They say, “College is the most happening time of your life”. You may choose to agree or disagree on this. But, one thing is a fact: All of us acquire/grasp/inherit/inculcate various habits to which in actuality, we should not be habituated to.  So, if you are in your freshman year, beware of these (or you know what, add some more to this list, because ‘Hey! College should be fun!). Dear seniors, you may have partied, cheated, stayed high, or slept your way throughout, but very soon, within 6-7 months, you will be out of the rat maze some call college. Yes, all of us by the end of our graduation turn into unkempt, irresponsible, I-can-do-whatever-I-want creatures.

So, instead of going under shock-therapy after college, let’s look at some of the habits which should no longer be swept under the rugs once you enter the big, bad world and leave the sheltered cocoon of college.

(Disclaimer – The list has been made with only good intentions and yes, we are not trying to preach. It’s all up to you. But please, be open-minded and less defensive).

  1. Not taking a bath everyday

Let’s not pretend. We all spend a lot of money on deodorants because of this very specific reason since we do hardly take a bath for an 8.30 lecture or a 9.30 lecture or even a 10.30 one as well. If you think you can waltz to work looking (and probably) smelling like a mix of rancid onions and sweat and perfume, then you need help! Its basic hygiene and you NEED to bathe. Every day. Period.

  1. Maybe you could snooze through class, but that crap will no longer fly

Having a proper night’s sleep is imperative, essential, unavoidable, mandatory, and the prerequisite (hope you understand it’s value with the number of synonyms of the word ‘necessary’ we have used). Staying up all night and tagging your friends in memes, sending Snapchat stories, or even just staring at the phone screen all night long will lead you nowhere in future. Also, kindly get rid of your habit to snooze your alarm, because your professor could be senile or lenient. Your boss will not be.

  1. Eating junk and having zero interest in basic cooking

In future, you will no longer be 18 and will have to stop hogging anything and everything in indefinite quantity. We are not asking you to count calories associated with every food item once you get out of college, but a balanced diet is a must. Also, there will be no hostel mess in future where cooked food will be served to you and you cannot always eat out. So please, start entering the kitchen and learn basic cooking.

  1. Throwing on whatever clothes you find

Of course, every one of us will not land up in a corporate job and so there will not always be the need to be all decked up in formals. But like college, you cannot go to work like someone who just rolled out of bed. Appearing presentable is not that hard.

  1. Procrastination is the death of you and trust me, there are plenty of people smarter than you

Studying for an internal in all-nighter works in here but when you grow old, please, working at the twenty-fifth hour is a big no-no. You need to be innovative and do what was previously thought to be undoable. Procrastinating only ever produces results that are “good enough.” Good enough will not be good enough anymore.

Another thing, there is a big difference between the knowledge you learn in a classroom and the knowledge life teaches you. The world doesn’t always work the way that you assume it does. If you top the class right now, please don’t assume that you will always do so in life. Confidence is good but over-confidence is not. No matter how smart you believe yourself to be, there are plenty of people out there that are smarter than you. Heed the words of your superiors and those that have been on their own for longer. You will be in a dog-eat-dog world once you get outside, so get off your high horse and be humbled.

So, enjoy as much as you can in college and just chill. But once you get out of the cocoon,  beware!

P.S. The author is not a saint and is also a victim of all the above habits.

 

Feature Image Credits: ScoopWhoop

Oorja Tapan

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Events

The Unveiling and Beginning of Antaragni 2017

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The 52nd edition of Antaragni, the annual fest of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur was  inaugurated on the evening of 26th October by Mr. Rajiv Garg, National Sales Head of Jindal Stainless Ltd. On this occasion, Mr. Indranil Manna, Director of IIT Kanpur urged the students to go beyond the limits of textbooks and contemplate and strive for all-round personality development. The inauguration was followed by electrifying performances by different DJs. The most awaited DJ KSHMR filled the crowd with enthusiasm who couldn’t resist grooving to the beats. After the EDM night, the Ritambhara fashion show prelims were conducted. Several other social events were organised which included ball dance and poker.

On the second day of Antaragni, the participants were all set to deliver their best in the competitions. The stage play societies of the numerous colleges of the country captivated the audience with their myriad themes ranging from oppression of the girl child, domestic violence, mental illness, the Kashmir issue, and more. The actors kept the audience glued to their seats. The nukkad natak prelims were conducted in the events ground and the jury consisted of eminent personalities the likes of Rajesh Sharma and Prithvi Zutshi. The performers enacted plays which highlighted many social and emotional issues and forced the audience into deep contemplation.

In Synchronicity, the musical event, bands from different colleges battled it out to emerge victorious. Highway 69 and Submarines were the bands which were declared the winners. Nrityangana, the classical dance competition, witnessed several forms of classical and folk dances from different parts of the county. The audience was in awe of the graceful steps staged by the dancers. Nimisha Devi from Janki Devi Memorial College won the first prize. Raghav Monga of Sri Venkateswara College and Arundhati Roy of Jesus and Mary College bagged the second and third positions respectively.

General Subrata Saha began his speech by joking about the chaos at IIT Kanpur’s fest which is similar to the chaos at the battlefield even after a lot of deliberation. He shared his stories of friendship and mischief from his military school days. He narrated incidents of the past where he risked his life and saved his fellow comrades, which resulted in lifelong camaraderie. He ended with the quote “If you want to do the possible, think with your mind and if you want to do the impossible, do it with your heart.”

Mr. Ashutosh Gupta opened his talk by engaging the students on their opinion of politics and the politicians they elect. In response to the questions put up to him, he taught the students that one shouldn’t vote on the politicians’ oratory skills but rather on their ideas and ideologies. He motivated the students aspiring to be future journalists to have the guts to write and speak about whatever is wrong by being fearless. He also engaged the students on the heated debated of patriotism and anti-nationalism.

The fun-filled night is yet to unfold as several other events are still lined up for tonight which includes performances by Euphoria and a comedy night.

 

Feature Image Credits: Hemant Goyal for DU Beat

Sandeep Samal
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Prachi Mehra
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ABVP’s Mahamedha Nagar Writes to the HRD Minister Urging Free Education for Transgender Students in DU

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Mahamedha Nagar, an Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activist and the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) Secretary, has written to the Minister of Human Resource Development, Prakash Javadekar, urging him to make education for transgender students free in the University of Delhi (DU). The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and Jamia Millia Islamia’s distance learning programmes have already made education free for transgenders. Manonmaniam Sundaranar University (MSU) in Tamil Nadu has also made all courses free for transgender students.

Mahamedha told a DU Beat correspondent what compelled her to write this letter. She says, “I’ve always had interest in knowing more about transgenders. One night, I was generally watching this documentary on YouTube after which I came up with this idea!” If we talk about transgender students specifically in DU, in 2015, students were allowed the option to be recognised in the male, female, and other category. What is problematic though is that not a single student who identified as transgender took admission in DU (research by DU’s Adult, Continuing education. and Extension department).  In an India Today piece published in 2016, transgender students in the varsity talked about being openly discriminated, harassed, mocked, and humiliated. Rules and one-off events are not enough to make an impactful enough change, everyday realities need to be taken into account as well. It is important that our education actively rejects the gender-binary, and programs to sensitise students and faculty towards gender-minorities be introduced. In 2016, no transgender student took admission in regular colleges and only 18 students took admission in the School of Open Learning (SOL).

Therefore, the idea of making education free for transgender students may sound like a noble one, its impact will continue to be miniscule as long as there are only 18 transgender students in the University. Scholarships are an extremely effective incentive to ensure greater participation of minority groups in the education sector, but they alone are not an incentive enough to promote participation of transgender students in the educational sector.

Amongst Indian states, Tamil Nadu and Kerala have been bearing the torch in creating a more inclusive society, especially in the context of transgender rights. In recent times, we have read heartening pieces of news like the first transgender person becoming a Sub-Inspector in Tamil Nadu police or the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation’s decision to allow transgenders to use public toilets of their choice, it is important to remember that these are still marginal victories. Nagar, by writing to the HRD Minister regarding transgenders, has sparked conversation around trans rights in the education sector and has successfully brought to the forefront a neglected topic. Major societal changes are born about the youth through the tools of education and dialogue. Therefore, it is important the message behind this this initiative be respected and transgender rights and rights of minorities be taken more seriously.

 

Feature Image Credits: DNA

Kinjal Pandey
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