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Avni Dhawan

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World War 2 or the Second World War was the last major global conflict wherein the dominant powers from all over the globe fought. The war cost humanity over 75 million lives and unimaginable damage to flora as well as fauna. USA, UK, Soviet Union, India, Italy, Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan, China and many other nations were part of this bloodshed. And yes, you heard it right, India.

India World War 2 (6)

Image Credits: Bettmann

Image Caption: Indian troops with a Nazi flag, the Reichskriegsflagge (Imperial War Flag) in the rubble of Western Desert trenches, Libya, in May 1942 after the capture of Omar Al Mukhtar, the resistance leader against the Italian occupation. Up to 2.5 million Indians fought for Britain during the Second World War. 

No, in this article you will not hear anything about the Indian National Army but instead, you will hear about the British Indian Army. The soldiers who participated in a war that wasn’t theirs and still they won it for their sahibs. However, as all the world praised their ‘boys coming home’, these heroes were humiliated and even abandoned, as they had fought for the ruthless rulers of India, the British. You must have seen numerous war movies that depict the heroic acts done by the soldiers on the battlefield. However, the Indian soldier never got this limelight and instead was portrayed as a traitor.

The British being British, at the starting of the war, stated that they didn’t need any Indians or other Commonwealth forces to take part. But to their dismay, by the end of the war in 1945, India had contributed more than 2.5 million soldiers and 14 million factory workers when Britain itself contributed just 3.7 million workers. Around 87,000 men died in this war and to sum up India’s participation in the war, the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, Field Marshall Sir Claude Auchinleck said, “The crown couldn’t have come through both wars (World War 1 and 2) if they hadn’t had the Indian Army.”

India World War 2 (5)

Image Credits: Imperial War Museum Archives

Image Caption: Indian infantrymen of the 7th Rajput Regiment about to go on patrol on the Arakan front in Burma, 1944. 

The Indian presence in the British forces started ramping up after the 1940s. This presence started growing rapidly after the fall of France which was marked by the Dunkirk evacuations on the west and after the fall of Singapore in the east. Interestingly, though not shown in Nolan’s war epic, Dunkirk, nearly four companies of the Royal Indian Service Corps were present during the evacuations. The British needed Indian soldiers to defend the British Isles. In BBC’s words, “The Empire did not have enough men and resources to protect itself after the fall of France to the Nazis.”

THE WAR

India World War 2 (7)

Image Credits: Imperial War Museum Archives

Image Caption: Humber armoured cars of 10th Indian Division move forward in Italy, 22 July 1944.

The Indians saw action from Burma (now Myanmar), East Asia and Southeast Asia in the east while they fought in North Africa, Italy, Middle East, France and Germany in the West. India itself was invaded by the Japanese along with Bose’s Indian National Army. This led to the fierce battles of Kohima and Imphal where for the first time the Japanese faced a major defeat on land since the start of the war.

India rose as a robust industrial power during the war. By 1945, India had emerged as the 4th largest industrial power after USA, UK and the Soviet Union itself. The Great Bengal Famine of 1943 was also a result of India’s participation in the war. As Winston Churchill had denied the release of emergency rations owing to war needs and this resulted in the death of around 3 million Indians, even more than the whole Indian army. India is even the inventor of the Bangalore Torpedo, an obstacle-clearing explosive tube. Which was used extensively by the Allied during the war and has been regularly featured in popular media like the video game Call of Duty: World War 2 and movies like saving Private Ryan.

India World War 2 (2)

Image Credits : British Air Ministry Second World War Official Collection

Image Caption :Arjan Singh (Center) (Later India’s first and only Marshal of the Indian Air Force ) as the Flight Lieutenant with Indian pilots of No.1 Squadron by a Hawker Hurricane at the Burma Theatre. 

The Royal Indian Air Force along with the Royal Indian Navy were smaller components of the British Indian Armed forces but still contributed around 1,03,000 soldiers. Indian pilots took part in great air battles like the Battle of Britain and fought the Japanese air force in the Southeast Asian theater. Our pilots and sailors won many honours including two Distinguished Service Order, the second-highest military award of the British Empire Commonwealth.

Victoria Cross, George Cross, DSO

Image Caption: The three highest military decorations of the British Empire the Victoria Cross, the George Cross and the Distinguished Service Order (From left to right)

The British Indian Army, being the largest component of the Indian armed forces contributed the most. The army was part of every theatre in the war barring the Pacific Theatre. Be it the invasion of Southern Italy, gruesome battles of North Africa or unforgiving jungles of Burma, the Indian soldier stood strong in every battlefield.

India World War 2 (8)

Image Caption : An Indian soldier in the uniform of ‘Legion Freies Indien‘ or the Free Indian Legion which was a part of the Nazi Germany Wehrmacht Heer (The Nazi German Army). On the right pocket we can see the Infantry Assault Badge (Left) and Wound Badge (Right) awarded to the soldier.

 

The Indians were among the few, if not the only ones, who fought for the Allied as well as the Axis. In addition to INA (Indian National Army) aiding Japan, Indians were also a part of the German and Italian armies. These soldiers were PoWs (Prisoners of War) of the Axis who were organised into a fighting force by SC Bose himself, before he left for Japan in 1942. These forces were part of the D-Day defences mounted by the Nazis as well as the Retreat from France. In total the Indian army won 31 Victoria Crosses and 7 George Crosses, the highest British military honours for combat and non-combat roles, respectively. For perspective, the cross was only awarded 182 times in the whole World War 2. The war also cost India over 1,35,000 civilian deaths caused due to Japanese bombings on the city of Kolkata due to the metropolis being a major supply hub to the allied forces in the Pacific and East Asia. The city was so important to the British that it reportedly had one of the ‘best air defence systems’ in the eastern world. In comparison, nearly 40,000 people had died in the German bombings in London. 

THE DENIAL

India World War 2

Image Credits: Bridgeman

Image Caption: Indian souldiers share a cigarette while on a break from the battlefield. (Source: Bridgeman)

It has been hotly argued since 1947 if we should be highlighting the role of Indians in the war when they were fighting for their oppressors. Thus, these soldiers are denied even a memorial commemorating their sacrifice. Consequently, the National War Memorial has names of martyrs from 1947 onwards and the India Gate has the names of the fallen of the First World War only. Many people including famous columnist and Amnesty International India’s head, Aakar Patel, even equated the erstwhile British Indian army to ‘just a mercenary force’ and disregarded the very force which won accolades of not only its allies but also of its foes.

A mercenary force fights just for money but in reality, the pay as well as the amenities of Indian soldiers, were negligible as compared to their British counterparts.  We need to celebrate the Indian army’s contribution to the war not because of its loyalties but because of its bravery and professionalism. Even the Europeans themselves have forgotten the Indian contribution to the war and so have Indians. So much so that when Indian soldiers were shown in the war epic, 1917, the British actor Laurence Fox termed them as being ‘not suitable to the environment’ and ‘a forced diversity’. This mere statement is a testament of the European ignorance against their colonies which even our countrymen are now aiding.

 

India World War 2 (3)

Image Caption: The British newspaper, Daily Mail, reports the Japanese invasion in India during the first week of March, 1944

We need to celebrate the force that got British the news of their first triumph in the whole war against the Axis from Africa fighting the Italians and the Nazis. And the first land victory against Imperial Japan in South East Asia when the Japanese soldier was thought to be invincible. We ought to salute the force which stopped the Japanese from overrunning India and thus saving India from their ruthless rule. We ought to bow to the soldier who fought valiantly in Monte Cassino and saved this world from a merciless rule of the Nazis. At last if one may find themselves incapable of any of this, then at least give the same respect to these soldiers and people as is given to an American or a British one. 

Feature Image Caption: Indian soldiers in the Mediterranean region in position with a Vickers-Berthier Light Machine Gun

 

Aniket Singh Chauhan

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Ministry of Human Resource Department (MHRD) Secretary,  Amit Khare addressed issues of ad-hoc teachers and filling up of scores of vacant positions in his inauguration speech at  Shivaji College, University of Delhi (DU). 

 

Shivaji College witnessed Mr Amit Khare,  Secretary, Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) during the inauguration of the New Wing of the college. Khare’s inauguration speech mentioned the importance of teachers,  asserting that teachers are the backbone of any education system and while working for quality education the challenges faced by the teaching community need to be resolved as well. He stated that detailed discussions were held with Yogesh  Tyagi, Vice-Chancellor, Delhi University to take steps for filling the vacant faculty positions and for promotion of teachers.

 

 The MHRD has asked the Varsity to resolve the problems faced by ad-hoc teachers and also fill up the scores of vacant positions that lie unfilled. The issue has been a  cause of concern to many after the controversial letter dated 28th August 2019 came into existence which involved the appointment of ad-hoc and guest lecturers. DU teachers have demanded one-time regulation for the absorption of ad-hoc teachers. 

 

“Our ad-hocs have been pestered by such actions. One of our ad-hocs once advised us not to go into their line of career during our tutorials, this shows the frustration that has risen.  A university of such a high accord is expected to be sensitive to the needs of people involved in the structure. The speech by Amit Khare gives some hope.”, says a student from Lady Shri Ram College for Women who wished to remain anonymous.

 

The transformation of Khare’s words into concrete actions are awaited. 

 

Feature Image Credits: Press Information Bureau

 

Priyanshi  Banerjee [email protected]

Kashmiri student was allegedly harassed and discriminated against by an OYO hotel in Delhi. The staff and police claim otherwise and refute his statement. OYO has released an official statement of clarification

 

Nauman Rafiq, a law student at University of Delhi (DU) alleged that his father and sister were harassed at a Delhi OYO hotel after they identified as belonging from Kashmir. 

 

The staff of Asha Residency hotel, an OYO registered four-star hotel in Vijay Nagar, near North Campus apparently stated that as per police orders, guests from Jammu and Kashmir “are not allowed to check-in.” Rafiq in conversation with Firstpost, explained, “They asked for proof of identity. After we furnished it, they asked where the ID is from. I said ‘Jammu and Kashmir’. They said they don’t allow people from Afghanistan, Balochistan, Jammu and Kashmir, and Pakistan to stay in their hotel. They said it is part of their policy.”

 

The hotel staff reiterated that they had orders from the police to not allow Kashmiri residents to check-in. Nauman emphasised on the hotel’s rejection before checking for his father’s ID. He said, “They did not even ask for my father’s ID, they just said that you are from Kashmir, and we have orders from the police to not allow people from Jammu and Kashmir, we are just complying with the orders.”

 

Rafiq pressed the staff to show him written proof of the policy but they claimed the OYO app has all the literature but due to “weak internet it might not show right now’. “It’s very humiliating. When I called the OYO helpline, I was told the policy is that nationals from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are barred from checking into the hotel,” he said. They later apologised for the inconvenience and offered to shift his booking to another hotel. 

 

The issue gained momentum as social media tagged OYO and demanded an answer for the discrimination. Thereafter, OYO apologised to Nauman and ensured that they would dig deeper into the situation. OYO customer care and the Escalation Executive Manager, Pradeep Kumar  interacted with Indiatoday and stated that no such policy states that Kashmiri residents cannot be allowed to check-in. 

 

The Station House Officer (SHO), Karan Singh Rana of the Mukherjee Nagar Police Station completely refuted the claim and stated that the guests were unable to provide the original required documents and had no relation to them being from Kashmir. However, Nauman stated that his father carried four original documents with him but were not even asked for by the staff. 

 

OYO’s senior guest experience manager, Hari Harpande refuted any such discriminatory policy surrounding residents of Jammu and Kashmir. “The property had denied entry on the basis of some restrictions by local authorities. The feedback of the concerned person has already been submitted and our ground team is working on it,”

 

The hotel manager Rahul Gautam quoted to The Print stating, “During one of the checks, a beat police officer verbally told us that while the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests are going on and the Shaheen Bagh issue remains, we should not allow customers from Kashmir and Ladakh.” Several media houses are in possession of Gautam’s audio clips emphasising on the “verbal orders” and continuing, “Dekhiye, humara jo hotel hai na, wo police ground ke saath me hai” (Our Hotel is adjacent to the police ground)

 

Gautam further added that they have orders from the Delhi Police. Talking of their policies he said, “We don’t even accept couples, be it married or unmarried. We don’t have any personal animosity against you, sir. You are also Indian, we are also Indians.”

 

Hotel receptionist, Balvinder Rana denied any charges of discrimination, he stated how Rafiq had a Delhi Identity Card however the other two guests failed to show a valid ID card. Upon asking the boundaries of an ID card, he informed that the cards and photographs did not match with the guests. Refuting the hotel’s policy of discriminating against people from certain countries he adds, “I can show you the proof, I have many photocopies of people’s ID cards from Jammu and Kashmir. This is a small issue, let’s not blow it out of proportion,” The hotel’s official page mentions the policy rule of ‘No unmarried couples allowed’ and ‘only Indian Nationals allowed’. “The only requirement to stay at a hotel is original documents,” Rana said, continuing, “ It is the habit of some guests to get aggressive at every little thing. They immediately accused us of discrimination when we asked for a valid ID card.” 

 

Rafiq has decided to seek legal action. Talking of such discriminatory actions in Delhi University and PG’s against those belonging from Jammu and Kashmir, he says, “ I’ll go to court. People who undergo all this humiliation don’t have redressal. OYO shifts blame to hotel, hotel shifts blame to local authorities, local authorities deny involvement. There is no proper redressal mechanism. OYO just apologises every time and that’s about it.”

 

“I want the courts to issue guidelines for states to frame redressal mechanisms in such cases, And because not everyone can approach courts or even know their rights fully, I want to create a forum of lawyers who will be available to help victims of such discrimination,” Rafiq added.

 

OYO released an official statement stating the act to be a violation of basic principles of OYO’s ethics. The statement read: “OYO Hotels & Homes is committed to bringing quality living experiences to all our guests from around the world, irrespective of their religion, race, caste and gender. Any such action that tantamounts to discrimination is a serious violation of the basic principles of OYO’s ethos of doing business. As immediate steps, we have temporarily suspended operations with the asset partner.”

Feature Image Credits: The Tribune

Anandi Sen

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Masturbaration is something which Amma believes to be an act of providing a proof for self sufficiency and comfort within yourself, is often equivalent to a mystery for many lovely idlis out there, if you’re one of them don’t worry, Amma is here to spice up your curry.

So, my Idli before diving into details, let me tell you that the myths and taboos attached to female masturbaration hold no relevance in real life. Therefore, have nothing to fear and get ready to explore a new world residing amidst your own body. Just like before the preparation of a dosa, knowing the proper recipe is crucial, in a similar way a proper knowledge about your pleasure parts before you interact with them is very important. So, my idli there are majorly two parts – A) Clitoris, a bean shaped part with the sole purpose of providing erotic pleasure, and B) Vagina, a muscular opening and closing between the cervix and the external opening.

Since now you are well versed with the hidden wonders of your body, it’s time for you to understand their utilisation for seeking the ultimate sensual experience. So, my lovely idli when it’s masturbaration, consider your lady fingers your best friends, trust me they can do some really amazing stuff. Using the tips of your fingers to rub and gently circle around your clit, or using your fingers like a scissor putting each one on the outer side of your labia, increasing and decreasing its pressure works wonderfully for some. The understanding of the technique that works the best for you comes with experimentation and experience.

There are some who like their sambhar spicy for them, amma suggests of using sex toys. There are a variety of sex toys available in the market ranging from dildos to fluorescent colored vibrators, detailed information of which Amma has already provided in one of her previous articles. However, if you are a beginner, it’s better to be organic and use your fingers. One of the very important reasons behind Amma’s infinite love for masturbaration is the complete control one gets to experience in it and since, it’s your own body you know how long and what exactly will make you perceive what you are dying to experience.

So, my beloved idlis it’s time to shift the control in your hands and experience your world of fantasy.
 

(For more sex related queries, write to [email protected])

Sex Amma 

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Eco-anxiety refers to the uneasy feeling that comes with keeping the current degrading environmental conditions in mind. The concept of climate change anxiety is on the rise solely due to the inevitable natural or not-so-natural catastrophes. 

Over the years, the Western countries have made several efforts to clean their own mess by entering into binding agreements with the rest of the world. The Montreal Protocol of 1987 proved to be a success in reducing the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). It was followed by the Kyoto Protocol of 1997. An Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report stated that if the current scenario of global warming continues, the entire world will witness a horrendous global catastrophe in this lifetime. 

The deteriorating plight of our climate severely affects the mental health of many people. Due to extreme climatic conditions in some regions, many communities are forced to move to new places. The devastating Australian bushfires were largely a result of severe climatic changes. The catastrophe wiped out huge numbers of animals and led to incorrigible air pollution that further caused psychological distress to those connected directly or indirectly with the fires. 

Eco-anxiety works as an eye-opener because it sensitizes people towards the environment and makes them aware of what is ecologically okay to use and what is not. The sea level is gradually rising, groundwater is depleting, temperatures are rising all over the world and this is essentially a result of global warming. Many people are now choosing to follow a vegan diet as it is healthy for the environment. 

The psychological distress caused by climate change is widespread. Natural resources will sooner or later be exhausted and irreversible climatic conditions are inevitable if the world continues to recklessly exploit the Earth. Ayushi, a student of SGTB Khalsa College stated: “At this point, eco-anxiety will act as a motivator for people to take action towards preserving the environment and saving the planet before it gets out of hand. We must collectively make sure that there is no wastage of resources happening around us.” 

Feature Image creditsTime

Suhani Malhotra

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India, known as one of the oldest democracies of the world boasts of registering its name in the list of the most successful governments existing at present. But, to what extent are these records accurate? Do these statistics share a common view with the common Indians? This Republic day, we dive in the history of India’s elective Government and to what level it justifies this title.

Democracy as defined by the Oxford dictionary is – “a form of government that allows the citizens to participate in political decision making, or to elect representatives to government bodies.”

India, is largely considered as one of the greatest democracies of the world, for its unity while housing a huge diversity. But, how far do you think this statement holds true? Do the political leaders in power, indiscriminately represent the voice of the common for real? As per the essence of Democracy,  one may doubt that despite of a political party possessing the power the title of “ruling”, is the actual power truly resident in the hands of the Indian voters? Questions like these often pop in our mind when we start our day with our morning dose of chai reading the daily document of latest happenings.

The elective Government of India, in its entire tenure of existence, includes some happenings which make us rethink of us being the citizens of a representative nation. Infact, without any provision to make the person standing in the elections to abide by his words and promises when he gets to rule, one can even perceive the democratic rule of India to be limited only till the proceedings of the election propaganda. The leaders, who at the time of contesting elections claim to invest the people’s money in various developmental schemes, hardly maintain any transparency about the utilisation of that currency after coming into power. Ironically the Government which claims to be belonging to the people, becomes unsuccessful in being truthful and open to the same people.

The common man and woman who, sardonically are of supreme importance in an elective nation, have no direct power to remove the modern day monarch AKA Prime Minister for five complete years, if he proves to be contrary to what he projected himself while seeking the support of the people. All they can do is create pressure on the ruling party by Dharnas, protests or strikes which again by the ultimate power of the modern monarch and his officials are often shunned by their control over the police, as was exemplified by the recent speculation about the incident of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI). The opposition which is meant to play a crucial role in guarding the ruling party often ends up in either using nasty ways to brainwash the people causing a turmoil or highlighting only the self beneficent issues, excluding the matters associated with the good of the masses.

Surely, India has progressed massively since 1950 which doubtlessly deserves all the appreciation but yet, there are many deep loopholes, shortcomings and blemishes which require appropriate treatments to maintain the Nation’s spirit of democracy. So, this Republic Day lets not only celebrate the country’s success but also commit to spreading awareness, and take measures to transform it into a true democracy, not only in words but also in action.

Feature Image Credits: Medium

Kriti Gupta
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A fact finding team comprising the students from 30 prominent educational institutions of India  has been on a move to interact and collect details from the affected during the devastating incidents that took place during 14th to 19th January.

The young enthusiasts and the students of premier institutions, with their ongoing protests and struggles against the CAA and NRC have not only exemplified the power of youth in a representative nation, but have also contributed towards making the Government to rethink on the newly passed laws under the above mentioned acts. Continuing with the same, the students of 30 prestigious universities including Banaras Hindu University (BHU), University of Delhi (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IITD), Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), National Law University (NLU), Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA), Allahabad University, and others, came together to create a students fact finding mission.

The mission was aimed at collecting facts and statements of the victims of the heavy violence that took place from 14th to 19th of January with a target to share the video and audio testimonies at a press conference scheduled for 22nd January. The team released a report on Uttar Pradesh police brutality in dealing with anti- CAA protests with specifically targeting the muslim population. The group of students travelled to all the 15 violence affected cities situated in Uttar Pradesh covering Meerut, Bijnor, and even Firozabad, primarily from January 14th to 19th.

A student of Jamia Millia Islamia informed about some of the common observations of the team which included, the police exclusively targeting the muslim ghettos which belonged to the economically weaker sections of the society. Rag pickers, daily wage labourers, workers of small dhabas were some of the few among them. As, per his statement police, instead of curbing the protest often indulged in open firing killing especially the minors paying no regard to the provision against firing above the waist.

He further explained about the instances where the injured who went for an X-Ray were not allowed to keep the reports and other documents with them. Not only this, as per his statement there are many hospitals in Uttar Pradesh who denied treatment to many wounded who lost their lives which otherwise could have been saved. In his final statements he said, “This violence can be seen as the culmination of communal polarisation spread by government and media over past few years affecting administrations and psyche of a common person, resulting in the generation of a sence of hatred towards a particular community.”.

Feature Image Credits: DU Beat Archives

Kriti Gupta

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Emphasising the significance of dissent in educational institutions, by illustrating the experiences of individuals in public and private universities across India.

There is a certain dynamic energy at display in the protests growing in universities across India; loud declarations calling out the law and order as well as the incumbent government, a complicit administration and those who continue to have their apolitical stances flourish in an environment of burgeoning discrimination and prejudice. The very fact that reading of the preamble and singing the national anthem in a University space has become a symbol of dissent, speaks volumes about the clampdown the authorities want to impose in educational institutions. But this time; the story, the goals and the dissemination is different. There’s a visible change in the air of erstwhile apolitical campuses, which have risen up in solidarity with those marginalised in this country.

Students of Jesus and Mary College (JMC), University of Delhi (DU) have led a silent protest outside the college campus every day since 8th January 2020. They stand against Citizen Amendment Act (CAA), police brutality, campus violence and in support with those being persecuted throughout the nation. This is a welcome change from the apolitical attitude of students in JMC, a women’s college which continues to not be associated to Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU).

Anoushka Tiwari, a Journalism student at Sophia College for Women, University of Mumbai explained that it is the nature of her course that allows her peers to be invested in the politics of daily life, and comprehend the importance of protests in current times. Reading the preamble has become a bi-weekly ritual in college, and those of her classmates who didn’t indulge in politics before have realised the importance of educating themselves and standing up. She expressed her joy at Mumbai colleges emerging from their apolitical cocoons on the streets, using their privilege to dissent.

A lot is to be said about the ideologies and power structure of the administration prevalent in universities, which restrict the expression of dissent, with threats of expulsion and suspension. In such spaces, the use of authority is being challenged by students, who have come to recognize that the very thread or our constitution is at stake.

Bhumica Veera, a student at NMIMS KPM School of Law expressed her dismay over students of private universities being coerced into not releasing or deleting solidarity statements, which she explained is against the right of every student to dissent. “Till today we’ve not been given a written document signed by our dean telling us which exact rule have we violated? Nor have we been verbally told about it. When we asked what exactly constitutes as a political statement, we were given no verbal/written responses.” The students then proceeded to release a statement, quoting, “We will agitate. We will debate. We will question. It is our future. Stop patronizing and start listening. Maybe you’ll finally know why the kids aren’t alright. After all, we will outlive you”

NMIMS KPMSOL_ParidhiPuri

Statement of students of NMIMS KPMSOL, against CAA and campus violence.

Image Credits: Bhumica Veera for NMIMS KPMSOl

 

“The students have risen up, finally. The students are the opposition. The students will resist, resist, resist.”

 

Feature Image Credits: Sanna Singh

Paridhi Puri 
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The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) celebrated the National Youth Day at different locations in Delhi, including Faculty of Arts (University of Delhi) and Mukherjee Nagar. It commemorated the 157th birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and organised several competitions and programmes including a Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) awareness session. 

ABVP celebrated Swami Vivekananda’s 157th birth anniversary as the National Youth Day. In remembrance of the great saint it organised programmes at various locations  which included Faculty of Arts (DU), Mukherjee Nagar, and Kalkaji.

In the forthcoming week, ABVP will be organising various symposiums as well as recreational functions like painting competitions and art exhibitions, highlighting based on Swami Vivekananda’s life.

It also held a CAA awareness session, Shri Prafulla Akant, National Joint Organising Secretary, ABVP spoke about busting myths surrounding CAA. “Students, today, must brave the rough-hewn road to success. They must be wary of the political opportunists intending to waylay unsuspecting students and retard their career progression by exploiting them for their partisan political ends. The students must avoid palavers and judiciously engage in debates on consequential issues to achieve a meaningful denouement”, he said in the press release.

As a tribute to Swami Vivekananda at Delhi University’s Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, Shri Sriniwas, National Joint Organising Secretary, ABVP, said, “There is an impending need for a contemporary construction of Swamiji’s thoughts. He was an ingenious thinker with a unique appraisal of India’s intractable problems and devoted a sustained effort towards discovering native solutions for the same. His exceptional ideas that form the bedrock of modern India, still continue to inspire millions to choose the path of selfless service towards the nation.”

At the programme being held at Faculty of Arts, Sidharth Yadav, Secretary, ABVP, Delhi, said, “Swamiji’s endeavours and his missionary zeal to foreground the veritable truth about India’s unique history and culture served to raise India’s stature in the eyes of the world. He was one of the few original thinkers of modern India whose ideas will continue to provide thought-leadership to posterity.”

In a wreath laying ceremony held at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Durgesh Kumar, President, ABVP-JNU, said, “It is imperative to keep alive the right to dissent in campuses across the country. In today’s polarised atmosphere, one that has split the student community into half, it is equally important to pursue dialogue and deliberation for solving contentious issues. Our temples of learning must not become havens for partisan political adventures. JNU needs to embrace Swamiji’s ideas for the root and branch eradication of centrifugal forces from our beloved campus.” His comments come after the recent violence allegedly caused by ABVP activists. While students at JNU have been protesting over the fee hike issue, the violence has escalated the political tensions.

 

 

Feature Image Credits: Anonymous

Sriya Rane 

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After the incident of a student who was attacked by chain snatchers while walking from the college to his car, keeping in mind the safety of the students. University of Delhi (DU) has decided to allot parking spots to the students. 

On 7th January 2020, a student of Kirori Mal College was attacked by a group of chain snatchers on bikes after he was leaving his college around 5 PM, to reach his car parked outside the campus in Kamla Nagar.

After the incident reached the Dean of Students’ Welfare, a proposal was made to the University Administration to allot parking spaces within college premises to the students to ensure their safety.

A press meet was conducted at VC Lawns, North Campus, University of Delhi, to apprise the students of this new initiative. With the construction of the 39-Storey building on campus, the safety of the students has already been compromised.

Yogesh Tyagi, Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi, in the meeting said, “This is a rare occasion where the colleges are opening their garages to normal university students. The students will also be given proper security in garages to avoid malpractices in the garage. The students are welcomed to give further suggestions for their well-being.”

DU observes lakhs of applications every year. Hence, all cannot be accommodated within the campus with their vehicles. As per the University guidelines, students would be allotted spaces on merit basis.

However, this doesn’t solve the dearth of parking spaces for all students. Hence, other than the University of Delhi (DU) parking lot, other parking lots near the vicinity of both, south campus and north campus to be open. These parking lots are said to have security 24*7 to prevent any crimes.

Tarsh Verma, Student, Sri Venkateswara College said, “This is a great initiative by the college administration. I widely appreciate it as it will even reduce the time we students spend trying to find parking spots.”

This initiative is expected to reduce the number of cars parked in the University sphere that cause traffic jams, reduction of driving space in roads and prevent walking space on footpaths.

Disclaimer: Bazinga is our weekly column of almost believable fake news. It is only to be appreciated and not accepted!

Feature Image credits: The Citizen 

Chhavi Bahmba

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