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Farewell

Is it Even a Goodbye Without Looking Back?

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You all remember the good parts of DU but what happens to the unpleasant ones? Here’s to
remembering the experiences that made us grow.

As a high school student, I only dreamed about getting into Delhi University (DU). Little did I know
back then that this place would not just be another academic choice but would slowly merge with
my very existence. Walking through the gates of my college on that odd day of February 2022 to
today when I walk through them for one last time, it was not a journey about just growth and
achievements, but it had more to do with the person that I am today. The transitions and
experiences, coloured in both black and white, did leave a sweet and sour touch in my mind. And as I
write this, it makes me more grateful for the bitter notes. So, here’s to taking you through a memory
lane and if you call yourself a student journalist, hang in, for it’s worth the wait.

Journalism for me was going to be something that I study within the four walls of my college but
thanks to DU Beat, I was acquainted to the realities rather than believing in the “coloured” reality
that is taught in colleges. As a first-year student, all I really wanted to do was go on the field, do
ground reporting, and write a copy that my editors would appreciate. However, from watching the
iPhone using protestors (irrespective of their political orientation) to experiencing the horrors a
student can inflict on another student, our university’s dark side needs to see the light of the day.
In a university like DU, not everyone can feel safe or rather is safe. From students to teachers, the
cries in their voices are seemingly falling on deaf ears. When students were sexually harassed in top
North Campus colleges or the time when an annual fest turned into a massacre of women’s respect,
the authority failed us, the unaffected students failed the inflicted ones. Having no accountability
and sprawling disastrous issues have all tainted the dreams of high school students.

Even the professors are not left out of it. Be it the journalism department in Kamla Nehru College,
the philosophy department in Lady Shri Ram College, or teachers in Ramjas College, Indraprastha
College for Women or Kalindi College, the professors of various departments have been subjected to
mass displacement. If this was not enough then professors in 12 DU colleges, which are funded by
the Delhi government, faced large delays (over 3-4 months) in receiving their salaries. It is saddening
to see that the professors who have given their everything to this university are also not safe.
To top off all these situations, we have infrastructural issues and trust me when I say this- if your
college has a washroom with a door and a door latch, it is a privilege. Back in 2023, a student of
Lakshmibai College had to enter into a fight with the authorities for medical compensation. A ceiling
fan fell on the student and as a result, she was under a lot of distress from the serious injuries. Even
when clearly the authorities should have taken accountability, it is the students who have to fight for
what should have come from a place of rational conscious. Question about if our percentages
deserve such a treatment continue to loom over the university without much sign of any
improvement.

In addition to all this, we have a fierce battle in student politics between the right and the left where
one has considerable “power” and the other has a voice without that power but the main takeaway
is that none of them might have solutions to the grassroot issues faced by the students. Though this
is a topic which you and I can discuss over “chai” (as promised by these people), yet do think aboutwho hears us when we are under distress? Who will stand with us in front of the authority which
keeps on wronging us?

Nevertheless, DU has a lot of darkness but without a doubt, it showed all of us the light in its own
way that we all would now follow. These experiences do not look pleasing but because of how we
were exposed to this darker part, it shaped us as individuals. And though these situations form just
the tip of the ice that I reported through my three years but this too would not have been possible
without this platform which gave me the power to bring forth the mishaps of DU, gave me a family
which got my back, and experiences that I will cherish till the end. On that note, as you exit this
university, remember: you can leave DU but DU would not leave you.

Read Also: Why Farewells are Good ?

Featured Image Credits: Ankita Baidya for DU Beat

Ankita Baidya

[email protected]

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Campus Central

SSCBS Staff Protest: Salaries Not Paid Since the Past Three Months

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Teachers and non-teaching staff of SSCBS continue to protest, as they have still not received their salaries and it has disrupted their personal lives.

The last time I paid my home’s E.M.I. was in November because that’s the last time I was paid my salary,

– said Dr. Narander Kumar Nigam, who is a professor at Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies (SSCBS).

Professors, along with the non-teaching staff, have not been paid their salaries for the past three months. Due to this, everyone, including the students, is facing issues at the college. SSCBS is one of the 12 Delhi University (DU) colleges that finds itself amidst the ongoing row between the Delhi government and DU.

Due to the non-payment of salaries, teachers are under massive financial stress. Dr. Nigam enumerated how it has become difficult to go about their everyday lives. Professors are unable to pay their children’s fees, loans, or medical bills. Dr. Nigam stated that he had to borrow money from his relatives, even though both he and his wife are employed.

When I am doing everything that I am expected to do, from taking classes to evaluating papers, then why am I not paid for that work?

– Dr. Narander Kumar Nigam, professor, SSCBS

Ayush, a student of SSCBS, also explained that it is very taxing for the professors to take classes under such circumstances. He further noted that this is not the first time such a thing has happened. Dr. Nigam, too, noted that this is a consistent thing that they have been experiencing since the pandemic.

People have to take loans just to meet their daily needs or clear medical bills.

– Ayush, a student of SSCBS

Further, as per Dr. Nigam, the faculty strength at the moment is 22, but the sanctioned strength is 44. Moreover, he explained that, as per University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, the strength should have been around 70. SSCBS has around 50 societies and 20 committees, and it is becoming difficult to manage all of them.

Sirf 22 faculty members ke saath, ek teacher kitna sambhal sakta hai? (There are only 22 faculty members; how much can one teacher handle?)

-Dr. Narander Kumar Nigam, professor, SSCBS

Professors at SSCBS have been protesting against the situation. However, they have collectively made sure that the students should not suffer, and till now no class has been suspended, though they claimed that the emotional stress of it all continues to be present among both the students and the teachers. Given the fact that the final semester students will be appearing for their final exams in less than three months, professors continue to take all the classes.

The students of SSCBS have shown their solidarity with the teachers. According to Ayush, on February 12, the student council of the college urged everyone to wear black as a “symbolic gesture” to show their solidarity.

Teachers have been protesting every day at the college. Dr. Nigam claimed that the teachers protest only during their free time so that students are not affected. As per the students, this may be one of the reasons that people outside the college are under the impression that the “protest” may not be serious.

Students of the college also feel that significant steps towards making the problem known have not been taken due to its location. Ujjwal, a student at SSCBS, has expressed that, though SSCBS is an off-campus college, it has charted good ranks for itself. But, due to its location, the ongoing situation at the college has not yet come to light.

If it were a college on North Campus, the situation would have garnered attention.

–  Ujjwal, student of SSCBS

Furthermore, as per a statement by the Delhi government in January, it will release the funds to the 12 DU colleges only when they are de-affiliated to become a part of Delhi’s state universities. However, the students at SSCBS feel very differently about this.

The mindset of the students at SSCBS is different. Apart from wanting to get the “DU degree,” we want the college to stay under DU because a college like SSCBS should be associated with a name that can justify its stature. All the students and the professors here have worked hard to build up the institution’s name. We cannot accept going under the Delhi government

-Expressed Vasu, a student of SSCBS.

Nevertheless, as per the students, the emotional turmoil that the professors are undergoing has led to irregularities in how and what is being taught in classes. Ujjwal expressed:

Though the teachers are doing their best, sometimes they come to class, share their experience, and leave.

Dr. Nigam further shared that when they take classes, it is very difficult for a teacher to keep their emotions or things that are going around in their minds outside the class. Though the principal of the college is sympathetic towards the issues and has allegedly asked the teachers to continue their classes, both the students and the teachers are under immense emotional duress. Students and teachers at SSCBS have a lot of concern for the reputation and the educational quality that their college commands. However, things look dull as teachers and non-teaching staff continue the protest for their salaries.

Read Also: DU’s Voice on Fest Advisory: Critical Concerns Raised

Featured Image Credits: Student Council of SSCBS

DUTA Demands Release of Salaries and Other Dues

Ankita Baidya

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Editorials

To Meet them Again

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Good-byes are the hardest; even harder with our professors. But what do we do when we find ourselves amidst the ad-hoc crisis?

What does college life mean to us? Does it mean romanticizing the red-brick walls? Or does it mean romanticizing the kurta– tote bag- chai inner core? Whatever it means, it surely stands for something unique for each of us. However, amidst the beauty of this chaos, lies a hard feeling of being lost, a feeling that could only be felt as words fall short to describe it. But how did we land up to this position? Is it because of the cute little fights over lunch breaks or are those never-ending assignments to be blamed? To be fair here, I feel these are the memories we take along with us and the reason to feel lost has another story behind it.

When we transition from school to college, we bring along a bag full of expectations. Apart from to-be-realized life-long friendships, we do expect to find mentors and guides who would not just be limited to the pale-yellow walled classroom but would bring solace when life happens to us. However, what happens if the “academic universe” decides to take them away from you? What happens when you find yourself alone again? What happens when you get the guidance you yearned for only to realize it to exist for a short-run? This is what it feels when we encounter the issue of ad-hoc displacement.

Currently, the Delhi University (DU) is underway with hirings for permanent positions. According to a report by Indian Express, as of April 2023, 4500-5000 permanent positions were to be filled and by then 100-150 ad-hoc teachers were already displaced in the process. The interview process for filling of the permanent posts began in the later half of 2022.

To give you a jest of how these applications are processed; the interviews are taken by a selection committee. Under the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, this committee comprises of the principal of the college; the chairperson of the college’s governing body, or their nominee; the head of the department in charge of the subject; two V-C nominees; two external subject matter experts; and, in the event that any other members of the selection committee do not fall into one of these categories, an academician representing the SC, ST, OBC, minority communities, women, or differently abled categories.

If we go by the text-book, everything looks clean. However, I find myself incapable of judging whether things are fair or not. Due to this paucity, I will only be presenting you all with facts and figures and perhaps the questions that loom in every corner of my mind.

Recently, the sociology department of Indraprastha College for Women (IPCW) went through a whirlpool when five ad-hoc professors of the department, who were teaching at the college since years, all of a sudden found themselves out of job as the list with (new) permanent teachers was released. In a similar fashion, a (former) ad-hoc teacher, Pankaj Sarma of Kirori Mal College, suddenly found himself jobless, though he gave his ten years to the institution.

Similarly, late Samarveer of Hindu College, died by suicide as told by his family member due to his sudden removal from his job. Samarveer was an ad-hoc professor in the Philosophy department of the college. You name a college and this is the same story spinning everywhere.

To pin point here, if you get a sudden news that your professor resigned, it could either be that they finally understood what is about to unfold and voluntarily resigned or they met their fates of getting displaced. As sad as this reality would sound, this is what has been happening in the institution that is supposed to nurture the next-generation leaders, changemakers, and thinkers.

Even though I try to reel out of the pain of losing a mentor who not just guided me through the dreadful semester exams but showed me what I am capable of, what more I can achieve, and how much more power is to be realized as we move ahead in our lives, I stand dejected to know that my guiding light may have lost their shine. Though I know they are better-off and a place like this may not deserve them but I also know how blessed the students were to have a person like them in their lives. No words could give anyone a “job-security,” especially for a job they love. But as I come to the end, I could only hope to meet them again, perhaps while discussing our next adventure together.

Read Also: Social Media Vilification of Nerd Archetype

Featured Image Credits: The Quint

Ankita Baidya

[email protected]

 

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Features

The Politicised “Pareshani” of DUSU 2023

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DU politics can be seldom described as “Chacha Vidhayak hain humare,” but no one is interested in addressing the people they are about to serve, or at least promise to serve.

Try describing Delhi University (DU), and you will realise that politics is inseparable from it. When we turn the pages of history, we see DU emerge as a political hub that we never knew existed. These pages of history stand as proof that the protest culture, which is still so ingrained in DU students, emerges from a time where all that mattered was the notion of freedom, and to live and breathe independently. However, in 2023, all of this can be described as “bigoted irony.”

And as we take a sip of tea, here we are, days away from experiencing the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections, which are back after a hiatus of three years. While all the organisations are busy preparing for it, however nobody is actually dwelling on the reason behind these elections.

Being one of the greatest democracies in the world, “democratic politics” plays an instrumental role in shaping our nation. While mainstream politics may be at the core of this country, DUSU breathes at the core of this mainstream alignment. If we try to draw parallels between the two, the story may turn out to be much more similar than what we comprehend. The result of both political scenarios is the same: the common man and the common students are the ones who suffer.

Political campaigns and rallies are an important part of the “election culture,” but in a varsity that is as dynamic as DU, it becomes quintessential to address the solutions to the problems that are eroding its structure. When men climbed the walls of Indraprastha College for Women (IPCW) and Miranda House, or when a ceiling fan fell on a student of Lakshmibai College, the contesting student organisations did voice the students’ concerns, but only a few did, and those few completely took away the focus from the students to themselves.

Arguments may be presented that when any political outfit addresses a problem, it may get politicised, but when the parties and organisations clearly act in a way that adds to their advantage, I think we lose the main reason for even having elections and choosing the candidate that should have “represented students.”

So, when everyone around is so focused on the elections and the candidates, the question about the students is completely neglected. DU’s political atmosphere includes everything except for the concerns of the students. With or without the elections, most of the students of the varsity feel that it does not matter who comes to power, as they will be neglected either way.

Vijeyta Panjwani, a student of Miranda House, expressed that while organisations like the All India Students’ Association (AISA) and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) pick up on student concerns, others like the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) or Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) tends to be missing in action. However, the entire matter often gets politicised, and the focus shifts away from the core problem and the students.

The ones who stood up for Students

When things did not go as planned at IPCW’s annual fest Shruti 2023, a few student organisations did take up the issue and protested for it. The students at the college went through a traumatic experience. When asked about the entire thing, they do recognise the efforts that were put in by the political outfits, but at the same time, they felt that soon the matter became something that was only concerned with the politics and not what the men did with the students of the college or how some students were locked up or were asked to leave their own college while outsiders were still in.

However, the contesting candidates have a different tale to tell. While the students may feel neglected, according to these candidates, that might not be accurate, and as one of them expressed, “We are humans too. We can’t take up each and every problem, but try to take up as many as possible,” for which I can give them a little credit. Nevertheless, when we take a look at the broader picture, not everything meets the eye.

Aditi Tyagi, a SFI state committee member who is contesting for the general secretary’s position, explained that each issue that emerges in the campus space is political. According to her, the organisations work as a bridge to get the media focused on student issues, and in the process, it might look like that issue has been politicised. She believes that without these outfits, student issues might never come up. Aditya, a member of AISA who is contesting for the secretary’s position, on the other hand, said, “Issues did not get politicised earlier. Now they get as a result of the idea to dominate each issue under the current organisation that is in power.”

One side of the politics is all up to take up the student concerns, and though it comes at the cost of politization, the other side dictates a tale that is no less than blatant hypocrisy.

Will they Stand with the Students?

One does not have to dig into the past to see what went wrong when we take a look at organisations like ABVP and NSUI. The campus space has been engulfed with sloganeering, pamphlet throwing, and, of course, the endless SUVs and huge banners, and “coincidentally,” they all belong to just two of the outfits: ABVP and NSUI.

NSUI is a name that does not resonate with a lot of students on campus since, according to the latter, they were nowhere to be seen over the months. However, the organisation has claimed that they have always stood up for the students, especially women-centric issues, though they could not point out any specific incident other than the gruesome act that took place in Manipur. The question about the students of DU still hangs dry for them.

Hitesh Gulia, a NSUI member who is contesting for the president’s position, has a vision to resolve the issues of fee hikes and women’s safety and wants to start a global youth festival. When asked about their absence in comparison to other organisations, Gulia pointed out that they are the first ones who pick up any issue that arises in the campus, but he could not particularly pin-point anything concrete except for the OBE protest, which happened earlier last year.

If we take a look at the campaigning of the ABVP, firecrackers were burned in Shayam Lal College and Deshbandhu College, fights broke out in Ram Lal Anand College, Ramunujan College’s gate was broken, and male candidates broke into Miranda House; this may not be too appealing to earn the votes of the students. However, the organisation claims to function in the most democratic way and has assured that they were always and would be with the students, though they have also claimed with sheer confidence that no matter what, they would again come back to power.

While other organisations did express their “concerns” about how the ones in power do not resonate with students, intimidate them, and do not look like one of them, the ones in power stood by their seemingly “strong moral grounds.” Speaking with Ankita Biswas, who is a part of ABVP but whose nomination did not get clearance, she stated that the organisation works for the students around the year, irrespective of the fact that the students may feel otherwise.

When asked about the recent incident in Miranda House where ABVP members scaled up the gates, including herself, she explained, “Our supporters get enthusiastic, and in that moment, they might do such things. As for Miranda House, the administration made us stand out for over 1.5 hours and did not allow us to carry out our campaign, which is a part of this democratic process.” Ashish Kumar Singh, another ABVP member, further explained that, as per the directions of the organisation, they are allowed to take just three cars for three candidates in colleges for campaigning. When asked about it, Biswas remarked, “What is wrong with it?” Well, it is safe to say that ABVP’s supporters are a little too zealous, which “might have” caused a little too much trouble for the common students.

No matter which ideology an organisation is inclined towards, all of them have one thing in common, and that is their assertion that they are with the students and they will be with the students, irrespective of these elections. Students have, however, lost their confidence in this democratic practice, and as for me, I still had a few questions left, but all I got from the karyakarta (s) was, “Muddhe muddhe pe depend karta hai, ab mai kya hi karu?”

Read Also: Under the Shadow of DUSU Elections: A Stage for Sexual Harassment and Caste-based Politics

Featured Image Credits: Ankita Baidya for DU Beat

Ankita Baidya

[email protected]

 

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Events

FINACC 2023, Exhibiting knowledge and talent once again at R. A. Podar College, Matunga

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Finacc 2023, Exhibiting knowledge and talent once again at R. A. Podar College, Matunga

R.A. Podar College of Commerce and Economics is celebrating over 80 years of service, and in lieu of it, FINACC 2023 is scheduled to take place.

R.A. Podar College of Commerce and Economics (Autonomous) takes immense pride in celebrating over 80 years of dedicated service to education. As part of this celebration, they are excited to present the 9th edition of FINACC 2023, which is scheduled to take place from August 11th to August 12th, 2023.

FINACC is an Accounting and Finance-based event organized by the Accounts and Finance Circle of Podar. The primary goal of FINACC is to promote the subjects of Accounts and Finance in an enjoyable and engaging manner. Throughout the two days of the event, a series of activities will be conducted to provide participants with both entertaining and informative insights into the world of accounting.

The festival, under the Accounts and Finance Circle of Podar, aims to go beyond the regular curriculum and showcase various dimensions of accounting and finance. By doing so, they hope to help students realize the vast potential and possibilities that the field of accounting and finance has to offer. The forum also seeks to instill a love for accounting and finance among young minds while encouraging innovation and research through the sharing of ideas via events, talks, and group discussions with like-minded people, academicians, and scholars.

Some of the exciting events lined up for FINACC 2023 include:

Moneyball: A pre-event scavenger hunt that involves searching for accounting clues. Fundaz Apna Apna: A financial journalism event where participants get the chance to be evening news anchors. Quizz-o-counts: The flagship event that will test participants’ knowledge as quizzards. Crypto Conundrum: A surprise event centered around Crypto Currency. Business Analyst: An HR interview round for participants. Esploro Presentado: A research and presentation event. Between the Lines: A case study competition.

Team FINACC 2023 has put in considerable effort to communicate the importance of accounting literacy with enthusiasm and dedication. The event aims to engage attendees through a variety of activities and speaker sessions.

It is evident that FINACC 2023 promises to be an enriching experience, blending education and enjoyment to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world of accounting and finance.

FINACC 2023 extends a warm welcome to educational institutions and prospective students from across the city to participate in this exciting event. The registration pages are now open, and further information can be found on the official Instagram page – @afcpfinacc

Read Also: The Good, Bad, and the NEP: A Far Dream?

Featured Image Credits: R.A. Podar College of Commerce and Economics

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Campus Central

Man kills Kamala Nehru Student in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, Arrested

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Man kills Kamla Nehru Student in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, Arrested

A student from Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi, was beaten to death with a rod in Malviya Nagar after she reportedly refused the accused’s proposal for marriage.

A student from Delhi’s Kamala Nehru College was attacked with a rod in Malviya Nagar on Friday and died on the spot. The victim, identified as Nargis, was attacked outside the college premises.

According to the police, the victim came to the park with her male friend. The police have arrested her 28-year-old cousin named Irfan in connection to the murder.

The accused told the police that he was prompted to kill the victim after she refused his marriage proposal. His anger was compounded by the fact that no one was agreeing to marry him. He had allegedly been planning the murder for three days and surrendered to the police hours after committing it. The incident took place in a park near Aurobindo College.

As per the preliminary probe, Irfan had been upset after Nargis had stopped talking to him. Her family had refused to allow their marriage, partly because he didn’t have a proper job and worked as a food delivery agent. The victim, who used to attend stenography classes in Malviya Nagar, had completed her graduation just this year. Irfan had gone to the park today aware of the fact that she would cross while returning from her class. He called her in and said he wanted to talk to her and when she refused, pulled out a rod from his bag and attacked her.

After receiving the news, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) and senior police officials rushed to the site. They found a rod near the victim’s body and injuries on her head. The police are questioning the accused in connection to the murder.

The police said, “We received information that the body of a 25-year-old girl was found near Aurbindo College in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar. An iron rod was found near her body. According to a preliminary investigation, the girl was attacked with a rod. Blood was oozing out from her head. Further investigation is in progress.”

A campaign, #JusticeForKNCStudent, has been launched online in support of the victim and calling out the perpetuation of crimes against women, with one user on Twitter writing,” Apathy of police admin. in responding to such cases& filing FIRs,& the nexus between the culprits, the state administration,& law enforcement agencies adds immensely to culture of Impunity wrt crimes against Women!”

 

Swati Maliwal, Chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women, taking note of the incident tweeted, “In a posh locality like Malviya Nagar, a girl was beaten to death with a rod. Delhi is extremely unsafe. It doesn’t matter to anyone. Only in newspaper reports, the names of girls are changed, and the crimes do not stop.”

A senior police official, while talking to ANI, said,” The incident took place inside the park. The deceased is a college student. She had come to the park with her friend. There are injuries on the deceased’s head.”

Read Also: Rising Water, Sinking Hopes

Featured Image Credits: The Indian Express

Vanshika Ahuja

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Campus Central

The Spirit of B.El.Ed Program – AIFRTE’s Stand on Cancellation of B.El.Ed by Delhi University!

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The implementation of ITEP and the elimination of other teacher training courses such as B.El.Ed courses by Delhi University without consultation is being contested by students and academics who think the program is unique in its own way and that introducing ITEP doesn’t require the elimination of other programs.

The All India Forum for Right to Education ( AIFRTE ) conducted a webinar on’ Introduction of ITEP and against the cancellation of B.El.Ed.’ on May 30, 2023 (Tuesday) at 7 pm. The discussion took place live on Zoom platform and was also broadcasted on Facebook and YouTube page of AIFRTE. The list of speakers included – Prof Krishna Kumar (Renowned educationist & Former Director, NCERT) , Prof Poonam Batra (Expert in Elementary Education & Co-creator of the framework of B.El.Ed, Prof Latika Gupta (Prof in Dept of Education, Delhi University) and Prachi Gupta (Student of B.El.Ed., DU). More than a hundred people participated in the live debate, with many actively sharing their opinions through the comments, including several B.El.Ed students and professors.

The backdrop of the discussion was the adoption of ITEP ( (Integrated Teacher Education Program) by the Delhi University Academic Council on 26th May, 2023 overruling objections raised by many elected teacher representatives, protesting students, and expert opinions.

ITEP was launched by NCTE ( National Council for Teacher Education ) under NEP 2020 scarping all the existing teacher training courses and to be adopted as the single course in the entire country. Experts have highlighted how it can weaker in terms of pedagogic training and how it is a threat to courses like  B.Ed. and B.El.Ed.

The conversation centred on the future of B.El.Ed programmes and how a systematic dismantling of prior structures and efforts to reform the education system is detrimental in many ways. It also emphasised the program’s values and how it helped the learning process.

Mr Jagmohan, the webinar’s host, began by introducing everyone. He also briefly stated how, from the commencement of NEP 2020, the main attack has been on how teachers will be prepared for it. Furthermore, it has now come down to teacher training for the same.

Prof Krishna Kumar, an experienced educationist and one of the oldest professionals to share his knowledge on the matter, opened the discussion.

At this point it is important to remember that B.El.Ed was born in struggle and has faced various struggles all along its short history of three decades. Some hurdles like the concept of elementary that was not easily digested at the time the program began. I remember how Prof Upendra Baxi steered the discussion with his great legal skills and was able to convince the council of what will the program do. Over time, it has faced various hurdles, but today we are facing a new kind of uncertainty.

– Prof Krishna Kumar

He mentions there are apprehensions on ITEP replacing courses like B.El.Ed but on the other hand there is a constant difficulty of faculty shortage. Prof Krishna Kumar states an important point the nowhere in the NEP policy it is mentioned that the ITEP will replace all the teaching courses, rather the general tone suggests that there will be multiple roots for teachers to be trained and prepared for jobs. This is not a threat to courses like B.El.Ed as it is well established and is widely accepted.

The university has underestimated the achievements and values of the program which has benefited both teachers and students. Delhi university has no dearth of colleges to start with its ITEP program, there is no point in killing one innovation to start with the other.

– Prof Krishna Kumar

Later on, He highlights the importance of the course by saying that nobody else in teacher education have the kind of theoretical command and the insights in pedagogy like the B.El.Ed graduates.

Prof Latika Gupta then recounts her own experience with how the Course presented so many new concepts and how, despite the fact that the country has changed so much, the programme has maintained its true spirit and enthusiasm throughout its duration.

This course is an existence in itself, which drives all of us together. The recent graduates and students must overcome this round of crisis. Maybe this is an opportunity to re organize and start fresh.

– Prof Latika Gupta

Several additional B.El.Ed students joined the discussion and highlighted how the degree empowered them and helped them to choose the finest ideas to share with the students. The programme serves as a model for not only imparting theoretical knowledge and training, but also building confidence and motivation to ask tough questions.

B.El.Ed has taught me how to make education more engaging and not boring, art and theatre has helped me in incorporating expression inside the classroom so that I could help my learners be more expressive and creative.

– A student who shared her experience during the webinar.

Prof Poonam Batra joined the conversation and expressed her concern about the teacher training course’s existential crises and how the elimination of such programmes might compromise children’s learning. She claims that teacher education is an easy target, and that if other higher education systems take the area, we are likely to lost the battle for our students. She recalls how well-crafted the curriculum was and how well developed its integration was, allowing for both interdisciplinary learning as well as theoretical and practical approaches of study.

The core subjects of B.El.Ed have significant contributions as it allows young students to revisit what they learnt in school and this time understand it from an epistemological viewpoint, It is about Knowledge generation and engagement.

– Prof Poonam Batra.

Another AIFRTE team member expressed his concerns about how the disintegration of the education system without consultation is an assault on the learning process, academicians, and students. He emphasises the importance of coming together to fight such acts. There is an increasing need to convey to individuals the consequences of such activities.

Mr. Jagmohan concluded the discussion by encouraging everyone to be optimistic and to participate in the struggle.

Link for full Discussion – https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1221617085188263

Read also – https://dubeat.com/?s=B.El.Ed+

Image credits – News click, Google images

Priya Agrawal

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SFI Kickstarts Pride Month at DU, Pride Parade Organised in Arts Faculty

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SFI North Delhi, kickstarted pride month celebrations at Delhi University this Wednesday, after a two-year lockdown induced hiatus with a pride parade at the Arts Faculty, North Campus. The march, which saw a massive student turnout, rang with cries of ‘azaadi’ and other celebrations of queerness. Read on for more. 

 

As we stepped into Pride month, a pride parade was organised by SFI, North Delhi on 1st June, 2022. The parade started from Arts Faculty, Delhi University, and followed a route that covered the area around almost all North Campus colleges in the vicinity. From an overwhelming presence of colours and love, to the most wholesome feeling of belongingness and solidarity, DU’s pride parade turned out to be everything pride should and needs to be.

           

Despite the sweltering heat, the rush of energy in the crowd was electric. A true mosaic of outfits, colours, personalities, journeys and backgrounds, all united by love. The parade was a celebration of and a true testament to perseverance. In a world that’s designed to oppress anyone who dains to challenge its statutes, seeing people be free and happy and find strength in their togetherness was invigorating. 

              

The parade saw participation of students not only from Delhi University colleges but also school students along with a large number of varsity alumni. One could tell that even though every participant had a different story, it probably began at the same place of self discovery – of pride flags drawn hurriedly at the back of notebooks and immediately erased away. And for a day, all of these stories could be found marching shoulder to shoulder, chanting slogans of freedom and liberation. From conversations with absolute strangers to bonding over everything pride and queer, DU’s pride parade created a never-seen before atmosphere. It was a space with no disproportions or hatred, where those who identify as queer and those who are allies were all together.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CeRPllLBBJD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link 

 

In conversation, Kandarp Bhargav, the president of SFI unit of Delhi School of Journalism (DSJ), told DU Beat how preparations for the parade had already started 2-3 weeks back. Although along the way there were other affairs that needed their attention like the issue of the central library but their primary focus was the successful organisation of the parade, as he stated. According to him, SFI had expected a particularly huge mobilisation since the parade was taking place for the first time after 2 years of lockdown. However, he exclaimed that they did not expect the crowd to be that massive. 

 

Masses are still not clear about the queer subject. Although the left people are exclusive to the knowledge about it, I want the masses to realise and know about it. I want this knowledge to be inclusive rather than exclusive.”

-Kandarp Bhargav, President, SFI DSJ

 

While the pride parade was an amalgamation of everything positive, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there were no judgemental looks made or no comments said in the passing. Continuing the conversation, Kandarp told DU Beat how there were some incidents of minute resistance shown to the parade. During the march, there had been some people who were calling out the parade from the outskirts of the crowd. While mentioning this, he believes that they might have been the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) goons who might have been picking up on the march by using homophobic slurs. 

 

Similar comments were heard by others as well, including DU Beat.

 

Yeh desh khatre mein hai,”

-overheard as a group walked past the assembly at the Arts Faculty.

While the North Campus was experiencing an overwhelming and over-zealous burst of emotions and colours, there was a group of students who were present at the Arts Faculty (Gate Number 4) demanding justice for the NCWEB students against the discrimination they face in terms of class bias and a serious lack of resources. In conversation, Arti, an LLB student from Faculty of Law, Delhi University told DU Beat that the immediate demand of these students is to get an extension for preparing for their examinations because they did not get any time to prepare for the same.

 

Once the actual parade part of the pride parade had ended, people ended up assembling back at Gate no. 4 of the Arts Faculty. Members from SFI took the initiative to make the parade as informative and inclusive as it could be, distributing pamphlets listing off the demands that might make the society around us a more queer inclusive space.

 

Afterwards, an open mic event that was organsied in continuation of the pride parade took place wherein people came upon the stage to express themselves in words that could not have been put together in a better way, and recited everything from poetry to prose pieces. This was followed by some people coming out from the crowd to show-off their dancing skills, people posing while everyone around cheered or took photographs, and everyone just talking and mingling with everyone else.

 

From carrying pride flags to singing ‘Can’t help falling in love’, from not being afraid to be yourself to finding people who don’t question your choices, from bonding over “yeh photos ghar walon tak nhi pahonchni chahiye” to shouting “Trans lives matters!”, DU’s pride parade ended up being that one place where your identity did not have to hide behind fake faces and doors; a place where your identity could really be a part of your identity.

 

Featured Image Credits: Ankita Baidya for DU Beat

 

Read also The Right to Read: Pressing Concerns in the DU Library System”

 

Ankita Baidya

[email protected]

Manasvi Kadian

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Naina Priyadarshi Mishra

[email protected]

 

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JNU: AISA Member Accused of Sexual Harrassment

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Recently, a case of sexual harrasment has been reported from the JNU campus. One of the accused is a member of AISA. A case has been registered with the Delhi Police against the accused. Read ahead to find out more. 

Yet, in another turn of events, allegedly, a student affiliated with the left-wing All India Students’ Association (AISA) sexually assaulted a female student at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). An unsigned public statement has been issued against the accused AISA member, Prasanna Raj Ambedkar. This public statement also held the student organisation responsible for ‘shielding’ the accused. In response to this, AISA has reportedly taken specific steps regarding the issue within their organisation. The organisation has expressed their unconditional solidarity with the complainant. They have also assured of being completely cooperative with the victim in her pursuit of the complaint to ensure justice serves. 

 

The incident came to light before the organisation a few days back. As soon as it did, AISA acknowledged it and started its redressal process available within the organisation. They asserted that due to the absence of the Gender Sensitisation Committee Against Sexual Harassment (GSCASH) on the campus, they raised the issue before their organisational GSCASH and are waiting for directions to take appropriate actions. The organisation assured that AISA GSCASH is founded on the principle that all organisations, including progressive left-wing organisations, need to acknowledge and act against sexism within the organisation and complaints of sexual harassment against the organisation’s members. Further, the accused has been asked not to participate in any organisational activity till enquiry on him is pending.

 

In an Instagram post, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) unit of JNU has condemned the “misogynist and patriarchal attitude of AISA and entire communist cabal and extend complete solidarity to all survivors.” They alleged that the incident took place on the Chandrabagha Hostel rooftop. According to them, two students, one from the Centre for Political Studies (CPS) and the other, a member of AISA, assaulted the female student and threatened her if she spoke out in public.

 

“Waving flags of feminism, they first lure students into their organisation under the garb of activism but when their very own activists perpetrate sexual crimes against women, they keep mum.”

-ABVP JNU unit

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CeI_qClPsU8/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

 

In demand for stringent actions against the alleged assaulters, ABVP JNU organised an ‘effigy burning’ of sexual assaulters of the communist cabal in Sabarmati Dhaba on 29 May 2022. According to them, the prominent left activists have misled survivors, defamed, gaslighted and even threatened them with dire consequences if they go ahead with their complaints.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CeI_3k9vCc-/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

 

A public statement made by a group of students from M.A. in Politics (with specialisation in International Studies) (PISM) batch of 2021-2023 alleged that the accused touched the student inappropriately without consent and grabbed her forcefully from behind, and continued the disgusting act. The students acknowledged the psychological and emotional trauma that a victim goes through and hence have appealed to the student community to stand in support of all the survivors.. 

 

https://twitter.com/Udbhavsharma29/status/1530571231841292288?t=t31Ai1A4DR__dksP6yr-Rg&s=08

 

On knowing about this incident, the secretary of the AISA JNU unit, Madhurima Kundu, sent a text message to the complainant regarding the issue. In the message, she insisted on meeting the affected person. However, the secretary assured that she would understand if the person did not want to. She also assured her that whatever her decision would be, the organisation would stand with her. Furthermore, Kundu explained the redressal mechanism present in the organisation. She assured that the AISA GSCASH had been founded on the principles upheld by the Supreme Court’s Vishakha Judgment of 1997 and GSCASH policies of universities like JNU and Ambedkar University of Delhi (AUD). An enquiry will be carried out on the accused, and according to the directions given by GSCASH, actions will be taken. Moreover, AISA GSCASH organises gender sensitisation programs from time to time. The activists are supposed to forward all the sexual harassment complaints to the committee and encourage the complainant to come forward and speak up. 

 

In response to the unsigned pamphlet that, according to the secretary of AISA JNU, throws baseless allegations, Kundu questioned the writers of the pamphlet whether they had the complainant’s consent. The pamphlet accused the organisation of not supporting the affected person and alleged that the person in question had been seen offering assistance at the convention centre while wearing the organisation’s badge. While defending the organisation, Madhurima quoted the solidarity text and the organisation’s support to the complainant. In response to the latter part of the accusation, the secretary claimed that most organisation members had been offering assistance to the students at the convention centre, but the accused was not present.

 

“And, we would ask the writers of this unsigned document to produce a piece of evidence that substantiates their claim. To the best of our collective knowledge, the accused was never seen offering assistance wearing AISA badges.”

–Madhurima Kundu, Secretary, AISA JNU unit

 

Additionally, the organisation appealed to the student community to strengthen the fight for a gender sensitised campus. According to them, the mechanism to provide justice to the victims has been severely affected since the forceful dismantling of GSCASH, which has been replaced by the politically dictated Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). 

 

In such a scenario, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that a complete zero tolerance to sexual harassment is ensured and sexism is countered at every step of our campus life.”

–AISA

In recent developments, a case has been registered at Vasant Kunj Police Station following the complaint of molestation from the student. The accused has joined the investigation. 

 

https://twitter.com/DelhiPolice/status/1530838179233734656?t=KR10ejpMtJcI40V0aYZ6fQ&s=08

 

Read Also: Students Protest Against the Police Inaction in JNU’s Sexual Violence Case

Multiple Accusations of Sexual Misconduct Against A Doctoral Student from JNU

 

Featured image: The Statesman

Ankita Baidya

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AIFRTE: All India Convention on Higher Education Under the NEP 2020

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An ‘All India Convention on Higher Education Under the NEP 2020’ was hosted by AIFRTE to deliberate upon the New Education Policy (2020). The event included a long list of educationists, coming from various parts of the country, who presented their views on the subject. Read ahead to find out more.

 

The All India Forum for Right to Education (AIFRTE) organised an ‘All India Convention on Higher Education Under the NEP 2020’, on 27 May, 2022 at the Gandhi Peace Foundation. The event was attended by renowned educationists and professors, who came from various parts of the country to deliver speeches on a subject of shared interest. Various student and teacher organisations including All India Students’ Association (AISA), Students’ Federation of India (SFI), Collective, and Democratic Teachers’ Front (DTF) were also present, among others. 

 

Among the first speakers, who were scheduled to speak in the First Session, Mrigank delivered his speech on ‘NEP 2020: Background and Purpose’. He is the Senior Vice President, IFTU, National Executive Member, AIFRTE, and Convenor, People for Science (Delhi). Through his speech he stressed on how the policy is a ‘complete corporatization of education’. He stated that the entire document reflects a budget cut of the government and further claimed that this policy would give birth to a population of ‘zombies’ who would not have a mind of their own. 

 

Following this, Professor. Surjeet Majumdar, who is a Professor of Economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and a former secretary of JNUTA, spoke on the subject, ‘Killing several birds with one stone: Higher Education in NEP 2020’. Professor Majumdar asserted that neither there is an increase in the public expenditure on education nor there is an increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). With his speech the first session culminated for a short break of a few minutes.

 

Beginning the next session was Professor Minati Panda, who is a professor at Zakir Husain Centre for Education Studies, JNU. She made her speech on ‘The Question of language and epistemic justice in Higher Education in NEP 2020’. The Professor found the policy to be a ‘verbose document’. She stressed upon the subject of multilingualism, laiming that when someone goes around the first few pages of the policy, they are ought to find it in contradiction to the realistic experiences. 

 

Multilingual education is going to end the concept of multilingualism in the future.”

–Professor Minati Panda

 

Continuing this flow, the next speaker was Joga Singh. He is a former Professor of Linguistics at Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab. He took upon the subject ‘Bankrupt Language Proposals in NEP 2020’. He strongly voiced his thoughts on the language section of the policy. He stated that the policy says that students will have to study three languages ‘wherever possible’. Stressing on the latter part, he claimed that the phrase ‘wherever possible’ here simply means ‘nowhere possible’. To support his notion, he asserted that people get jobs only with the knowledge in English and a majority of parents prefer sending their children to an ‘english-medium school’. 

 

Privatisation and Commercialisation stands on english and the entire policy talks about them so english is nowhere to go.”

-Joga Singh

 

Next speaker was Professor Madhu Prassad. She is a former Professor of Philosophy at Zakir Husain College, University of Delhi (DU), Spokesperson, and Presidium member, AIFRTE. She spoke about ‘NEP 2020 and digitalisation of education’ and she found it to be unfortunate that when the pandemic had hit, the government rushed to shut down schools and colleges, even before malls and parks were closed. She believes that the government had already planned this NEP and hence used the period of pandemic to give it a further push. 

Digitalisation is talked about as a technique but instead it is a process through which one makes knowledge a merchandise.”

-Professor Madhu Prasad

The session was resumed with Dr. Shamsul Islam, a former professor from Delhi University. Following him, Dr. Maya John, who teaches history at Jesus and Mary College, Delhi University, spoke on the ‘Rhetorics and realities of higher education in NEP 2020: a critique of UGCF from the margins’. 

 

“When the constitution was being drafted and Right to Education was removed from the Fundamental Rights and put into the Directive Principles of State Policy, why was it not questioned?”

-Dr. Maya John

 

She talked about how this policy was a “part and product of the international milieu”, something that will help in the creation of labour with multiple skills, aiding only “the global elitist needs”. She also brought out the contradictions that exist in the NEP 2020 and focusing on how the guarantee of education from 6 to 14 years of age is not enough, demanded:

Nothing short of education from KG to PG— public funded education from KG to PG.”

 

Representing Jamia Millia Islamia, Dr. Shikha Kapur, went on to talk about how education is moving towards centralisation and towards capitalism, and questioned the UGC’s step aiming towards uniformity through NEP.

 

“But when the country is diverse… where will uniformity come from in this diversity?”

-Dr. Shikha Kapur

 

She went on to talk about how the education policy has led to the quantification of education, with social sciences and languages also being marked on the basis of MCQs, and how CUET will block the pathway of education for many groups, including the first-generation learners.

Dr. Shikha Kapur was followed by Prof. Nandita Narain, Professor at St. Stephen’s college, DU, and former president, DUTA and FEDCUTA, who spoke on the ‘Degradation of quality through restructuring of academic courses (FYUP, UGF, ABC, CUET) and governance (fragmentation, corporatisation, privatisation, and exclusion)’. She talked about the condition of education during the years of lockdown and how this step towards digitalisation will again push us back into the same dark tunnel. 

Speaking against the CUET, she brought attention to how this will only aid institutions in earning more money and also spoke in disfavour of the recent CUET crash course organised by Ramanujan college.

 

This [NEP 2020] is a privatisation blueprint’”

-Prof. Nandita Narain

 

Dr. Abha Dev Habib, who teaches Physics at Miranda House, DU; Secretary, DTF; former treasurer, DUTA; and former member of the executive council, DU, spoke on ‘CUCET, FYUP and UGF: Illusion of choices’. Comparing NEP to a packet of chips, she says “Jiske pass jitna paisa hai, valise hi chips ka packet kharidega, aur kitne log hain jo wahan tak pahunch bhi nhi payenge”.

She brought attention to the fact that when students opt for the multiple exit option, exiting after three years, they will still be considered drop-outs under the FYUP. She went on to call the students to fight against the NEP 2020.

 

Agar Modi Sarkar ko kisi ne lalkara hai toh woh students hain ”

-Dr. Abha Dev Habib

 

Representing Ambedkar University, Dr. Shivani Nag, spoke on the ‘fallacy of gender inclusion in NEP’ and the contradictions with the NEP 2020.

 

3 saal ki degree kafi nahi hai, 4th saal chahiye par 1 saal ke baad students chhod sakte hain [talking about the multiple exit options].”

-Dr. Shivani Nag

 

Jagmohan Singh, Chairperson, AIFRTE; General Secretary, AFDR, Punjab; and Director, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Creativity Centre, Ludhiana, talked about ‘How NEP is contrary to the legacy of freedom struggle: Need for students’ and youth’s movements.

 

If centralisation is happening from top, then only an effort by people from below can contradict it.”

-Jagmohan Singh

 

In a press statement released by AIFRTE on 28th May, 2022, the event was concluded with a call for active mobilisation against NEP. 

 

“While these grave and burning issues surround the current policy, the progressive and pro-democratic forces of the country resolve to fight for equal, free, and quality education for all. We demand immediate annulment of the National Education Policy 2020. The BJP-RSS’s agenda for communalisation, de-academisation and privatization of education must be fought by mobilizing students, teachers, parents, and communities. AIFRTE unequivocally demands revocation of this irrational course structure. Else, students, teachers and parents will go on resisting this programme without any compromise.”

-press statement, AIFRTE.

 

Read also “Insult, Injury & Illness: DU’s Offline Exams”

 

Feature Image: DU Beat Archives

Ankita Baidya

[email protected]

Manasvi Kadian

[email protected]

 

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