For me, the reputation of the novel preceded, the book itself.
Surrounded in controversy, I figured this debutante booker prize
-winning novel written by a journalist turned writer was bound to be
interesting. Seen through a journalist’s eye, I was sure the narrative
would maintain a tone of observational integrity.
As I grabbed my copy of the book, my imagination was further piqued
when I realized that the entire story is written in the course of
seven confessional, letters, from the garrulous Balram,an Indian
driver to the Chinese premier Wen Liabo.
Through this sardonic caustically funny account narrated by none other
than the ” white tiger” Balram himself, Adiga strives to paint a
picture of two disparate worlds. One is of the hopeless, backwardness
of a village lost in darkness In rural Bihar and the other of the
uncaring, fast paced, perversely corrupt merciless urban culture
seeping its way in Indian metros ,projected via a sliver of Delhi. The
two settings and the “animals” that inhabit them set out a chasm that
is utterly unbridgeable. Adiga deftly etches out Balram as an
entrepreneur, one whose tiger’s leap across the chasm is the product
of social forces he cannot control.
To what extent he succeeds in his attempt, I leave the reader to
decide. After finishing it, I found my mind in a quagmire of
contradictions. The book is indeed gripping and many witty
observations may seem to ring true but at the same time there are
sections where I found the depictions of characters a bit hollow,
deprecating and often trite.
If one was to look at the negatives, many a scenario seemed
implausible, the villains a little over the top, Bollywood style
melodramatic and the projection of Bihar a trifle inauthentic. However
the intriguing story line and brilliant writing style more than
compensate for it all.. On the surface it is a simple story of the
village boy turned driver who murders his master for a bag full of
cash. But Balram’s journey to the murder and beyond is such a
fascinating tale that leaves us understanding and perhaps even rooting
for the murderer who had taken life into his own hands. The tone of
Adiga’s protagonist is simple, bold and funny. But it is a simplicity
that is raw, a humour so dark and belying such anger that the result
is both unsettling and electrifying. Taking all these factors into
account, the book certainly is a one time read.]]>
“I want a huge tattoo across my back so that when my girlfriend rips off my shirt…”
A Sphinx on a bicep, a fierce moon elf on your calf, are some of the most striking tattoo’s I’ve seen by far. Sure the commonalities abide, the dragons, the swords, the tribal designs and all that jazz. But for 1 out of every 5 people I know have got themselves inked for life. While a neatly done permanent tattoo placed strategically on the body does look nice, the reasons for people who do decide to go for a tattoo are rather interesting. They range form celebratory like turning 16 or 18 or 21 to getting a group tattoo leading to gang bonding + a good deal with the tattoowalla.
Many will also tell you that there was no particular reason or occasion and they went for it just because it looks pretty/ is a manly thing to do and is in fashion! Most of all a tattoo is so so so effing hot. Ananya a computer science student say’s “I want a huge tattoo across my back so that when my girlfriend rips off my shirt…(censored)”
I still believe a tattoo is a permanent work of art on the body in which you invest once and for all. [No, I don’t quite like the idea of laser tattoo removal. Why did you get it done when you weren’t sure of it jackass???] A tattoo must be done when you are really, really, really sure of everything. You are not drunk/intoxicated, highly euphoric, have undergone heart-break or have just entered a relationship. If you are unsure, get a temporary tattoo done. It will cost you somewhere between Rs 250-Rs 500 and you can live with it for a fortnight. But the Real deal, is, the Real Deal.
BEST PLACES TO GET YOUR TATTOO DONE
1) Mike’s Bodyart Studio
K-1/14, First Floor, Near Deshbandhu College, C.R Park, South Delhi
2) Funky Monkey
244, Second Floor, DLF City Centre mall, Gurgaon
3) Ron Tattoos
Wz-1, Near Fun Cinemas, Moti Nagar, West Delhi
Write in if you think the place where you get your tattoos done rocks and we haven’t listed it here.
The general body of the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) has decided to go on an indefinite strike, from the 15th of December onwards. This is a response to the Cabinet Ministry’s refusal to accede to the DUTA’s demand for page revision. The measure does not come as a surprise, if one was to go by the pattern of continued agitation and recurrent strikes in the varsity since August 2008.
Even as the teacher’s of both North and south campus unite in their stand and refuse to conduct classes, internal examinations are being held in a few colleges eg. LSR.
The association is also planning to organize large-scale dharnas in the various colleges on the 19th of December. However the DUTA has no intentions of boycotting the elections for the academic and executive councils scheduled for the same date.
In this conflict between the teacher’s and the government, the worst sufferers will be the students as the strike will directly disrupt their studies, more significantly so in the face of approaching examinations. Even as some students remain unperturbed or infact or rather delighted at the prospect of a “prolonged holiday’ the problem of rushed and incomplete syllabi plagues the majority.
We bring you the student’s take on the strike
“ I think in a way the strike is justified. Considering the fact that the professors make such an effort to complete the course, they are obviously entitled to a better salary. It would also serve as an incentive for the next generation who would be interested in becoming academicians, thus ensuring that the quality of teaching does not suffer”
-Antara Dasgupta,
1st year, chemistry hons
Sri Venkateswara College
“I think that while it is totally necessary that their salary be increased , I feel that they are going about demanding it in the wrong way. The message that comes across by this is that they don’t really mind if the students get affected, as long as their demands are fulfilled….”
– anonymous student,
Hansraj college
“” I feel that this isn’t a right way for them to be protesting for what they want. I am assuming that most DU colleges are running behind schedule which is not uncommon and the loss is generally made up by the end of the third semester. However at this rate,the students are at a great loss for the fear of appearing for their final exams purely on the basis of their own preparation. Rebellion is not the only way to get what one wants. If they have been fighting for the same purpose since five months there has to be a reason why the ministry is not giving into their demands”
-Shreiya Chaudhary, 1st year
English hons
JMC
“Untimely, but the “indefinite” DUTA strike is certainly not something I would crib about. It is unfortunate for some colleges who have their annual fests scheduled in the coming week. Also, slightly worrisome is the fact that it is the last week for us before college closes only to re open with the house exams. These strikes are pretty much a routine phenomenon so I’d reiterate that there’s nothing much to crib about.”
Aditi Malhotra
First year,
English hons
JMC
“I realize that the teachers are going on strike for a very valid reason, but with exams around the corner one tends to wonder if it will affect students adversely. Specially first years like me who are still a bit spaced out about some concepts”
Aina Matthew
First year, English hons
Attention all gamers. If you are still stuck behind your PC’s playing the age old video games, with man v/s computer being the only challenge you face- you need to be introduced to the magnificent world of MMORPGs. MMORPGs or massively multiplayer online role-playing games belong to a whole new genre in gaming.
In an MMORPG, a large number of players from across the globe interact with one other in a virtual world. Players usually assume and control an avatar in the game which can then explore the world, fight monsters, or take part in adventures and quests.
The largest selling MMORPG with over 10.1 million monthly subscribers is World of Warcraft (WoW). Its popular catchphrase- It’s not a game, it’s a world- says it all. WoW holds the Guinness World Record for the most popular MMORPG. In April 2008, World of Warcraft was estimated to hold 62% of the massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) market.
Before playing World of Warcraft, you need to choose the realm or server you wish to play in, after which you choose your faction. In the world of Azeroth, the Horde and the Alliance are opposing factions. True to its war theme, players from these opposite factions can only battle with each other, but not form groups or trade with one another. Once you choose your faction you can customize your character, choosing its race, class and appearance. The Horde races are Orcs, Tauren, Trolls, Undead and Blood Elves. The Alliance races on the other hand are Humans, Dwarves, Gnomes, Night Elves and the Draenei. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses
If there is a single flaw in the game it would be that it is all too addictive. MMORPG’s offer an escape from reality into an alternative fantasy world and people become all too obsessed with their in-game characters. Indeed there have been many disturbing incidents caused by an over-addiction to the game. MMORPG’s mark in popular culture is evident due to the acknowledgements given to it by many inspired artists, such as in the episode- ‘Make love not Warcraft’ of the Emmy winning series South Park. An episode of The Simpsons-‘Marge Gamer’- also satirized MMORPGs such as WoW.
WoW can be downloaded from its website for a free trial period of 10 days, after which you can purchase it online for $39.99 or buy the CD. If this seems a bit heavy on the pocket, there are versions of the game available for different prices, including Defense of the Ancients or DoTA which is more popular in India.
So all the gaming fans out there, Game On!
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Here’s a look at some of the upcoming scholarships for studying in India and abroad:
1. BRITISH CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIPS 2009: The scheme provides the opportunity to outstanding Indian Candidates to take up post-graduate studies at leading universities in the UK. Scholarships are available for a wide range of disciples. For further details visit www.britishcouncil.org. All applications are online and the last date for application is 31st Dec, 2008
2. Dr Manmohan Singh Scholarships 2009: St. John’s College, University of Cambridge, of which Dr. Manmohan Singh is an alumnus, is offering fully funded scholarships to academically outstanding students to study for doctoral degrees in subjects like Science & Technology, Economics and Social Sciences, Aerospace Engineering, Energy Studies, etc. For further details visit www.britishcouncil.org. The last date for application is 31st December, 2008.
3. The Hindu-Hitachi scholarships: The Hindu in association with Hitachi Ltd., Tokyo, Japan is offering three scholarships for technical training in Japan. Only candidates possessing a minimum degree of B.E., or B.Sc., (Engg.) or its equivalent and who have not completed 30 years of age as on 31st March, 2009 can apply. The scholarship shall be for the duration of six months commencing about July, 2009. Application forms are available at The Hindu, 3rd Floor, PTI Building, 4,Parliment Street , New Delhi – 110 001. Last date for application is 15th December, 2008.
4. Summer Research Fellowships – 2009: Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, in association with Dept. of Science and Technology and Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, New Delhi is awarding a fellowship to students presently studying B.Sc, B.V.Sc, MBBS, B.Pharm, M.Sc, Integrated M.Sc, B.E and B.Tech from a recognized university. Students selected will be placed with scientists at the centre or other places in India for two months with a stipend of Rs. 5000/- per month along with travel support. For the academic requirements and other details as well as for downloading the application form visit www.jncasr.ac.in. Last date for receipt of completed application is 16th December, 2008.
The Global Climate Campaign is a collective name given to all organizations, groups and individuals across the world who are contributing towards saving the environment and taking progressive measures to combat the threat of global warming. This year the group organized its ‘Global Day of Action on Climate’ on 6th December at the ‘Faculty of Arts’ (Delhi University), midway through the UNFGCC’s Climate Talks taking place in Poznan, Poland. The prime motive of organizing this campaign in the university premises (unlike at Jantar Mantar last year) was to engage a large number of youth and educate them regarding the perilous climatic variations arising from their own daily activities. The focus was on ‘bringing about a social change rather than a climate change.’
The affair started off with Navin Mishra, the National Coordinator of ‘Global Climate Campaign’, addressing the 700 odd audience and enlightening them with some of the basic facts about Global climate changes and stressing on the urgent need to confront the global crisis. “Two things are infinite in this world, one is the universe and the other is life. The paradox is that very soon both of them would struggle to maintain their infinity, courtesy climate changes,” said Navin Mishra. This was followed by a release of a booklet, ‘Climate Changes in South Asia’, by Professor S.K. Vij (Dean, Student Welfare) and Professor Sanjay Bhatt (HOD, Department of Social Work) There was a discernible enthusiasm amongst the young participants who voiced their solidarity to find solutions for global warming, through a peaceful demonstration across the University Campus. Providing strength to the cause were various street plays performed by the students of Daulat Ram College, School of Environmental Studies and the theatre group ‘Antraal.’ All these plays propagated the necessity to save natural resources and popularize the use of public transport in developed metropolitan cities. The proceedings ended with the dignitaries offering possible solutions to the predicament and measures that can possibly be taken by the current generation in order to safeguard the future of their world.
‘Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high…into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.” Almost a century after, Tagore’s prayer still seems to fall on deaf ears. After all, how long does a nation have to suffer, how long do we as a people have to suffer before we are finally free? Not a stranger to terrorism, this one of a kind, unprecedented barbaric terror strike on Mumbai on 26th night left the nation reeling. Touted as India’s 9/11, a tragedy of this scale seems to have integrated the diverse elements of the country as the nation stands by Mumbai . For two continuous days, the country awoke to this ongoing siege. As one people, as Indians and foremost as fellow humans the country shares the city’s overwhelming grief, and outrage. Even as the rest of the nation comes together, the sentiment seems to be completely lost on politicians still caught in their disgusting banal political competitiveness. As polling takes place today in Delhi and Rajasthan, they are back at playing the politics of division even as the need for united political action reverberates throughout India. Tired of the clichéd “spirit of Mumbai”, and its famed resilience, many feel maybe the answer lies in not bouncing back. As an eerie silence encompasses the once bustling roads of Mumbai, it becomes obvious that people feel the onus of getting back on their feet should not always solely rest on them. Sometimes it is in the light of such circumstances, that the real heroes emerge. The unimaginable courage and dynamism exhibited by our defense forces: the Indian Army, the National security guard and the Maharashtra police cannot be put in words. As students of DU, as witnesses to this horror and as citizens of India we salute the supreme sacrifices they make daily so that ordinary people like you and me are even in a position to read, write, publish express and live our lives with a semblance of normality. Sometimes situations like these also make heroes out of ordinary civilians .We also acknowledge the valor of these unsung maccabis, many who do not live to tell their tale .The unceasing and painstaking efforts of journalists, hotel staff, doctors, fire fighters amongst others who rose to the occasion are in no way insignificant. The human aspect of the tragedy leaves many shattered. Not only is this barbaric act a physical one but it also deals a blow to the psyche of the common man. It makes people think twice before going to cinema calls, shopping complexes or any other public place. Indians, irrespective of caste, class, religion and region cannot remain unaffected by such unmitigated violence. It is our duty to not let this terror perpetuate our lives. However, it should not be confused with passivity. On the other hand it does not necessitate uncalled for accusations or extremism. Every once in a while an event comes along, which shapes the nation. The question remains, is this the one for us? Is this the event that unites us or will we not cease to be caught up in our own stultifying divisions and limitations.
To place a finger on the pulse of prevailing mood, DU Beat brings you responses of various people from different walks of life:
“ This is a terrible tragedy and a calamity, it points to a complete internal security failure. Its not even been one month since the blasts in Delhi; many innocent people have suffered at the hands of the terrorist. This was a planned organized move and stringent action needs to be taken against the offender”
-Ashok Randhawa, (man who provides relief to victims of terror attacks in Delhi)
“ I feel that Indians operate best in such situations and are able to transcend caste, class and religious differences. Sadly, it takes tragedies like these for the nation to unite and respond as one individual identity. A question to Mr Raj Thackeray: our men, north and south Indians alike, are out there risking their lives for the city of Mumbai. They lead rescue operations side by side with the Mahrashtra police.! Where now, Mr Thackeray are your “Maharashtra Manavs”? So stop trying to fragment our country on petty regionalism. We as Indians should learn to rise above these senseless differences”
-Colonel Virmani ( The Indian Army)
Ex NSG Training Personnel
“I think its extremely sad and traumatic not only for the people stuck in there but also seeing how much damage is caused to your loving city. When i go there, I can sense the pain they feel right now. its like a part of you is being destroyed for no reason whatsoever. Heroic efforts from the police and army are seen though the entire city, and as Bombay, has, is and shall always stand united”
-Apeksha Harahar
2nd year Student of Bombay University
“There was a lot of crowd on the highway near the new bridge built next to sahara star hotel (previously known as centaur hotel) The police had gathered in an effort to disperse the crowd. The scene was utterly horrifying, with blood spots near the victims. I saw remnants of the rear part of a taxi, in which a bomb had gone off. The driver’s body was charred completely, with visible holes in his abdomen. Rumors were rife that a foreigner was one of the occupants. Remains of burnt money lay strewn on the road. The police were very prompt and immediately sprang into action, checking all nearby vehicles. It leaves me with a memory that may haunt me forever, even though I was allowed to stand there for less than ten minutes or so.”
Kunal Sanghvi
Student Bombay University (eyewitness )
” To quote John Gregorry – Violence is the way stupid people try to level playing fields: these attacks on Mumbai are also such a dastardly act”
– Pragya Mukherjee , 1st year student ,LSR college
Starring – Priyanka Chopra, Abhishek Bachhan, John Abraham, Bobby Deol, Boman Irani, Kirron Kher Director – Tarun MansukhaniWhen a movie starts with a half-naked John Abraham flexing his glossy rippling muscles in the sun, you know it’s going to be good. Right from the yummy beginning to the wild end, there isn’t a single dull moment when your eyes are tempted to wander away from the screen. As suggested by the title, Dostana is primarily a film about friendship. It highlights the essence of a perfect friendship, bringing into focus the core sentiments that bind friends together – acceptance, sacrifice and forgiveness. Those looking for a hidden social message will, however, walk away disappointed. Dostana is a fun film with no serious take on gay issues, except maybe for one scene where Priyanka convinces Abhishek’s scandalised mother to welcome her new bahu/damaad, keeping in mind her son’s happiness. The storyline? Unconventional and yet, pretty straightforward. Two guys (John Abraham and Abhishek Bachhan) on the lookout for accommodation finally zero in on the perfect place only to find out that it’s owned by pretty young Neha (Priyanka Chopra) who is only looking for female flatmates for reasons of “security and izzat” as her aunt puts it. Seeing no other way out, they pretend to be a gay couple and get the flat but eventually end up falling in love with her. Also vying for Priyanka’s affections is her handsome boss played by Bobby Deol. Who does Priyanka go for in the end? Love over friendship? Or friendship over love? Watch and find out, people! My rating: 3 and a half out of 5. ]]>
NSIT
Spread over a sprawling 145 acre lush green campus, Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology (NSIT) was established by the name of Delhi Institute of Technology (DIT) in July 1983.Started with a view to churn out highly competent, intelligent and dedicated engineers, the institute has more than achieved its motto by emerging as one of the leading tech schools of the country. Unlike the clichéd saying that ‘engineers are not created but are born’,
NSIT SOLAR CAR
In January 2008, a small group of engineering students decided to manufacture a solar car for the South African Solar Challenge 2008.The team comprises of students from the following disciplines:-
A) Manufacturing Process and Automation Engineering
B) Electronics and Communication Engineering
C) Instrumentation and Control Engineering
Faculty Advisors :- Mr. Pradeep Khanna
Mr. Sanjay Gupta
OUR SPONSORS
Sincere thanks to our sponsors
1. Career Launcher India Ltd
We thank Career launcher a lot without this project would not have been possible
SOUTH AFRICAN SOLAR CHALLENGE 2008
The South African Solar Challenge 2008 is a world solar racing competition in which solar cars from around the globe participated in a 4175 Km race through the country of South Africa. The race started from Pretoria on 28th September 2008 and ended at Pretoria on 8th October 2008. The teams had to cover the maximum distance in the race to win it. The teams were to travel in escort vehicles at the front and rear of the solar car. The front vehicle has a trailer, for the purpose of towing the solar car. The racing time was from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
An observer was to travel with the team to record the distance covered and to observe whether the traffic rules were followed or not.
PARTICIPANTS OF SASC 2008
1) Tokai University, Japan
2) Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology(NSIT), India
3) Delhi College Of Engineering(DCE), India
4) Team Sunna, South Africa
5) Universiti Teknologi, Malaysia
6) Oelsner Group, Cape Town, South Africa
7) Two Professional teams from South Africa.
OUR EXPERIENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA
A team of 8 members went to participate in the South African Solar Challenge 2008 (SASC 2008) from 28th September to 8th October 2008.
The team reached on the 26th September 2008.
The car passed the scrutinizing with respect to all the rules and regulations of the event. The car had the best brake test record as compared to other cars. Our observer said that our car has the strongest roll cage and it’s the safest car both mechanically and electrically. It was the only solar car which had the driver seat of a real automobile. The scrutinizer said that it was the most comfortable solar car as it has ample leg space for the driver. It was the cheapest solar car (manufacturing cost Rs 6 lakhs) in the event.
The team crossed the finish line successfully at Pretoria.
NSIT SOLAR CAR came 3rd in the World Ranking.
It is India’s first ever solar car to participate and compete in any of the World Solar Challenge.
REVIEW FROM TEAM MEMBERS
“It was a tough task but we still managed to achieve it due to the support from our faculty advisors , sponsors and all our supporters. I extend my heartiest gratitude to them and hope to keep the Indian Flag flying high in the coming future” as said by Ankur Gupta ,Team Captain.
The car has recorded a maximum speed of 60Km/h.
Ever ran so short on money that food became an issue? DU Beat attempts to alleviate your misery (without actually giving you any money) by listing a few random, impromptu meals that you can pick up anywhere in Delhi. Total price: Rs.25
Bhelpuri and Banta
Bhelpuri [Rs.10-15] is one of the few items of Delhi street food in which – this writer grudgingly admits – Delhi chaatwalas score above their Mumbai counterparts. Full of potatoes, peanuts and bits of the chaatwala’s body, the bhelpuri is best washed down with a cool glass of lemon soda [Rs.10] (because the chaatwala will always put too much tikka).
Chowmein and Perk
Let’s face it: cheap Chinese products are taking over the Indian economy. One of the early conquistadors was the humble chowmien [Rs.15-20], now available on every other street corner and every single college canteen. Filling, delicious and alarmingly oily, it’s best if you finish with the Oh So Light perk (you won’t have space for anything else).
Omelet Sandwich and an Ice Lolly
If you don’t have the misfortune to be Pure Non-Veg, you can eat from the countless carts that mysteriously pop into existence every evening, selling freshly made boiled eggs and omelets. Priced between Rs.14-20, the omelet sandwich should be consumed along with another staple of Delhi culture: ice cream from a refrigerated cart.
Samosas and Candy
Priced at Rs.6 apiece, potato-loaded Punjabi samosas are one of the most filling dishes available: it’s a brave (or greedy) individual who’ll attempt more than three in one stretch. Some college canteens (e.g. Hansraj) sell Samosas for Rs.3 apiece. And it’s always fun to have a pocketful of Melody [Rs.1 each] or Gems [1 for four pieces] or Candyman [50p].
Chole Bhature and Random Chocolate Bar
Delhi’s specialty. The dish which makes one want to forgive Delhi for being a culinary philistine when compared to Mumbai or Kolkatta. Priced between Rs.12 (average college canteen) to 26 (Chaca’s at Kamla Nagar, in front of which there is always a line), this dish ought be finished off with a mass-produced (yet tasty) chocolate bar like Barone or Five Star.