The murder of Radhika Tanwar, a 2nd year student of Ram Lal Anand College on 8th of March which also coincidentally happens to be International Women’s Day has caused extensive outrage in the city and raised questions once again over the law and order situation in the capital. Radhika, a resident of Naraina, was shot at point blank range in the spine by an unknown assailant near a foot-over bridge in Satya Niketan at 10:20 AM on the 8th. A friend, who happened to be accompanying Radhika, gave chase to the killer but lost him in the crowd teeming with office-goers and college students. A senior police official managed to get Radhika to Safdarjang Hospital after 30 minutes of the shooting. She was declared brought dead.

The killer, who was believed to be a stalker, has now been identified as Vijay, alias Ram Singh. His associates, Ashraf and Tabrez, were detained from Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh, about 400 km from Delhi. The three used to work in a weaving and knitting factory in Naraina as daily wage labourers. The attacker was asked to quit his job after being beaten up three and a half years back for stalking Radhika. The police believe the attacker killed Radhika to avenge humiliation and also stated that the killer would be arrested soon.

Following the killing, a large number of students in Delhi University, South Campus expressed anger and resentment against the lack of security for students and blocked the Ring Road. They were also joined by locals in this agitation. The incident provided fodder for leaders of political parties to point fingers at the Union Home Ministry, blaming it for the incident in entirety. The students’ anger over the incompetence of Delhi Police showed no signs of subsiding and they put forth the sentiment quite vehemently during a protest march from India Gate to Ram Lal Anand College the following day. Facebook groups demanding ‘Justice for Radhika’ and rampant text messages inviting the entire student community to unite for a cause were omnipresent on the 9th and 10th of March. ABVP called for a DU ‘bandh’ and candlelight protests for the same. Nikhil, a third year B.Com student stated, “All of us here are deeply saddened and vow to keep on fighting till justice is delivered. Radhika was a very good friend. She was good in studies and was the only one among us who actually attended classes. She did not deserve to die such a cruel death so early.”

Teachers were also quite appalled by the incident with a professor for History in RLA saying, “I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and hope this heinous crime acts as a timely eye opener for all the authorities involved in ensuring that not just the university but the entire city becomes a safer place. I also earnestly request the students to remain calm as I’m sure the culprit will be put to justice before long.”

Parents too expressed concern over the safety of their children travelling to their respective colleges by themselves, “It is sad, it is tragic, but most of all it is shocking how in a crowded public thoroughfare, at 10 in the morning, someone can put a bullet in a girl and get away with it. We cannot have such incidents happen and that too right under our nose. Sadly the thing that worries most parents today isn’t their child’s academic performance but the fact that he/she returns home in one piece.”

However, the irony behind the situation here is the fact that, despite demanding justice vehemently and expressing angst against the killing, not one out of the multitude of people present on the foot-over bridge that day volunteered to take Radhika to the hospital or offer any kind of assistance to the official of police who ultimately did so. Moreover, in an uncannily similar situation as that of the Jessica Lal murder case, no one seemed to have witnessed the incident. It is quite preposterous to believe that in one of the most crowded places of Satya Niketan, no one should have seen the murder. Even after the police released a sketch of the suspect, no one came forward as a witness.

In such a scenario it makes perfect sense to doubt the real reasons behind mass agitation and the imposed ‘bandh’ in DU colleges. Besides the evident hypocrisy that comes to light, there is also the disruption of classes adding as an incentive for students to go on strike. Although certain colleges have complied with the ABVP’s demands, certain other colleges have not put teaching on hold in a bid to not ‘fall for the students’’ ploy. However, these students won’t be deterred, and Apoorv, a first year BCom student from Motilal Nehru College stated, “We plan to march through every college in DU till the killer is behind bars. We will let the authorities know that we are capable of snatching our rights if they’re denied. Until DU can guarantee that girls will not need to carry around pepper spray instead of books, these protests will continue.”

There is anger among the students and it is justified but the question remains, is this the right way to go about resolving the issue?

Timeline: How the events unfolded

8th March, 10:20 am: Radhika Tanwar (21) was attacked by an unidentified man on the foot-over-bridge in Satya Niketan area. A man came from behind and opened fire at her. A bullet hit her stomach. The attacker managed to flee the scene soon after the incident.

9th March: Widespread outrage amongst the students, with fingers pointing towards lack of security in the campus area. A peace march scheduled for the day from Satya Niketan to India Gate asking students to turn up in full force .Questions raised on the absence of a PCR van from the area of incidence.

10th March: Students flock Ram Lal Anand College, joined in by members of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and National Student Union of India. Various protests being held across South Campus, calling for riot control police in colleges.

11th March: Strike called by ABVP for Friday and Saturday, while the Delhi University Student Union continued its protests across south and north campus. Some colleges forced to close given the tense situation. Deputy Commissioner of Police H.G.S Dhaliwal declares that Delhi Police close to cracking the case after zeroing in on Vijay alias Ram Singh, 25, from Sitapur, UP as the prime suspect.

“STUDENT SPEAK”

Shefali Thaman, 3rd year Psychology (H), Kamla Nehru College

On this case: “Being a psychology student I feel that beating the suspect as reported was not a solution for the stalking and it only instigated him. But no way can his actions be justified.”

On eve teasing: “There was this guy who used to stand outside Gargi at a place called ‘Mithas; everyday waiting for someone which is very creepy. If this isn’t stalking then what is?”

Any solution: “As girls, we have to be more vigilant and if there is any hint of a guy stalking a woman, they should report it to the police. Although that is where the problem lies, we think twice before going to the police who aren’t very approachable either. It’s high time, instead of blaming each other:, the government, the police, the media, we all should act. Only when the blame game ends can something happen.”

Anubha Sarkar, 2nd year Journalism (H), Lady Sri Ram College

On the protests: “What will strikes and protests do? Ask the witnesses to come forward, and what are theyprotesting for: The murder incident or for the safety of women?”

Any solution: “They should implore the witnesses to come forward and put in place witness protection system. Any change comes from the roots, if a person has grown up in a household where they treat women badly then he will grow up to be like that. In school they should have gender sensitization courses- boys and girls should be taught to respect each other. For things to change its the thinking of society which needs to be altered ,so despite the fact that I am in a liberal household my parents won’t allow me to go out at night because the men out there aren’t liberal. It’s a prevailing social conditioning everywhere in India.”

Shashank Gupta & Urvi Gupta

[email protected]

[email protected]

“Madam Speaker, I rise to present the Union Budget for 2011-12”

When Finance Minister (FM) Pranab Mukherjee rose to announce the union budget for financial year 2011-2012 on the 28th of February, he supported the weight of the expectations of 1 billion people. He seems to have done fairly well for the budget is viewed by most as being tax-payer as well as market friendly. The Finance Minister has projected a growth rate of up to 9.25% for the fiscal 2012 and has put fiscal deficit target at 4.6% signaling growth and stability, although concerns remain over high inflation resulting from soaring global fuel prices. Focusing on the education sector, the main budget proposals have allocated a 24% increase for education as compared to last year, revised existing operational norms of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan in order to implement the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act and proposed the implementation of a revised Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Vocationalisation of Secondary Education” to improve the employability of the youth. A Group of Ministers has been constituted to consider measures for tackling corruption although the specifics of the strategy have not been worked out.

Many DU students used this opportunity to put to use their economic and financial knowledge by scrutinizing the budget and studying government policies in detail and their possible impact on the common man. Jasraj Singh, a 2nd year Eco (H) student from Sri Venkateswara College pointed out :“The estimated fiscal deficit is too optimistic ,and while the FM is saying that the revenue will increase it is unlikely to happen. Also the projected expenditure growth is too less”. Though he also goes on to state, “The inflation indexation of the NREGA and the doubling of wages of Anganwadi workers seem tobe the positives.”

For many others, the main concern was finding out what objects of relevance got cheaper and what costlier. Malvika Tripathi, a 2nd year Eco (H) LSR student seemed skeptical : “The service tax has increased so basically, we are paying more for everything plus they cut subsidies…so does that mean subsidized canteen food will get expensive?” Shopaholics didn’t receive the budget too well, many fuming over an expected rise in branded clothes and mobile phones. Kritika Rai, DU student said: “Govt. inflation toh control kar nahi rahi, phone and kapde mehenge kar diye.”

There was disappointment over the fact that education loans hadn’t been made any cheaper and a general discontentment regarding the fact that the government hadn’t taken any decisive steps toward corruptio nand black money.

However, not everyone seemed disappointed and many pointed out significant positives in the union budget. Students contended that the budget was probably the best the government could have possibly drawn out in the given circumstances. They argued that the budget was a balanced one and that the grants given to education were well deserved. Academicians that DUB spoke to stated that an increased allocation for education would go a long way in the implementation of Right to Education (RTE) and achievement of the targeted gross enrollment ratio of 30% with the downside being that there is a marked dip in the amount allocated for upgrading existing facilities. Many believed that the government had adopted a safe approach by not heaping additional burden on the populace and by keeping the budget neutral.

So, what is the final verdict? Is the budget good or bad? Does it get thumbs up or thumbs down? Is the budget truly the ‘Aam Admi Ka Budget’? Pranab Mukherjee may have missed an opportunity there, for the Aam Admi. Certainly there isn’t too much to cheer for us.

How the budget affects YOU:

HOLE IN YOUR POCKET

Hospital and medical bills to rise owing to an increase in service tax.

Air Travel becomes costlier with an increase of Rs 50 on domestic and Rs 250 on foreign travel, due to 2% rise in service tax.

Hotel Stay will become 5% more expensive

Increase in prices of Mobile phones by 1%

Price of fountain pens and ball pens to increase by 10%

Car Repair, renovation and decoration services are now taxable

Branded clothes and jewelry will get more expensive owing to the imposed excise duty of 10%

Food items such as soups, ketchup, coffee and tea mixes, supari, flavoured milk, and other ready to eat items will cost more as a higher excise duty has been imposed on these

Due to imposition of service tax, drinking liquor in air-conditioned restaurants will now cost more

Cost of cars and two Wheelers will remain unchanged as the budget has maintained the previous excise duty on them. Electric cars however will become cheaper in a bid to promote a pro-environment stance.

A 5% excises duty has been imposed on microprocessors and DVD writers. There will be an increase in the cost of personal computers and laptops. Inkjets and laser printers are cheaper though.

Shashank Gupta
[email protected]

Urvi Gupta
[email protected]

The commencement of spring in Delhi was marked by the 53rd Annual Flower show organized in Mughal Garden in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s office on Friday, February 25, 2011. The inauguration was done by Vice-chancellor Prof. Dinesh Singh at 12 noon with Ms. Vibha Puri Das, Secretary, Higher Education, Ministry of HRD, as the Chief Guest. The event kickstarted with a flower presentation and painting competition in which more than 600 school children participated. An inter-college wire sculpture and pottery workshop was organized as well. A street play was organized by Jan Natya Manch.

The event aimed at garnering interest in the environment. The Yamuna Biodiversity Park and the Aravalli Biodiversity Park held exhibitions to further this cause. A quiz on environment conservation was also organized. The Rashtrapati Bhavan had its own display of organically grown vegetables and essential oils from plants from the Rashtrapati Bhavan Kitchen Garden.

The crisp sunny weather added to the gatherers’ excitement at the cornucopia of flower display: roses, marigolds, geraniums, gladioli, anemones, freesias, xenias, calendulas, salvias, etc. Says a student, “The flower show was excellent, this initiative of the Garden Committee will go a long way in capturing people’s interest in the environment.” Spring festivals like these have a great aesthetic appeal as they attract photographers and horticulturists. Jahnavi, a DU student says, “I am here to click away!” The event concluded with the prize distribution for the winners of various competitions by the chief guest.”

Ishitaa Saxena
[email protected]

The effect that a cricket match has on the country is surreal especially if its a World Cup game.  So much so that it is a language; cricket fanatics would know what I’m talking about as they would have had their fair share of  ‘arey score kitna ho gaya?’ moments. From the roadside vendor to the security guard, from the local grocery store guy to a big corporate honcho, during the World Cup, there really is only one thing thats plays on every one’s mind- the cricket. DUB spoke to some interesting people in and around campus, whether the person is a fan or not, there are always wonderful WC anecdotes to share.

Talking about one such glorious World Cup memory, Mr Johnson, security head at Sri Venkateswara College says,”Meri duty lagti thi Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium mein aur wahan par Azharuddin ney Pakistan ke khilaf century maari thi. Tabse mein unki batting hamesha dekhta  tha. Captain the woh 1996 World Cup mein aur semifinal tak India gayi thi“. When asked about how he plans to watch the cricket if it coincides with work hours, “Mai toh hamesha apney saath radio lekar ghumta hun aur commentary sunta hun.“

“Iss baar India ka hi World Cup hai, hamari team bahut acchi hai aur hamesha ki tareh Sachin ko accha khelna padhega“, he further goes on to say commenting on India’s chances at the World Cup.

Narrating another such memory of the World Cup, a Political Science professor of Kirori Mal College says, “The only thing that I can remember of that which encapsulates the whole frenzy and madness in this country for cricket is that during my studying days at Jawarharlal Nehru University, a blind man knew the exact timings of when Sunil Gavaskar completed his centuries. Moments like these are something that you never forget”. However he also feels that cricket today is not the same and condemns the increasing role of money and corrupt bureaucrats in cricket and believes that such elements have tarnished the image of the game.

Commenting on the same issue, a professor at Lady Shri Ram College says, “All of these matches are rigged and corrupt people earn money out of it. The essence of cricket is somewhat lost now. I no longer have any enthusiasm for it”.

Cricket enthusiasts of DU are keeping their fingers crossed to see a repeat of the ’83 win. Says Nishant, one of the hundreds of cricket enthusiasts of DU, “Its India’s time, and now men in blue have the home advantage as well.” However, many hope that India’s hosting of WC doesn’t turn out to be another fiasco like the CWG. According to Madhavi Jain, a DU student, “ The Indian sports authorities need to redeem themselves ensuring that CWG mismanagement is not repeated.”

Is there a possibility that the recent Twenty20 matches and the upcoming IPL tournament are stealing the limelight from the WC? “The WC is losing its former charisma. The anticipation for this international event is not as much as before. People’s interest has shifted to the t20 and IPL as they enjoy the patronage of the Glitterati,” feels Ankur, another DU student.

As the cricket fervour grips students at Delhi University, there are also a section of people who are clueless about the hoopla surrounding the Cricket World Cup. A BA Programme student at LSR says, “I’m not a fan and I don’t intend to watch the World Cup. Moreover I think football is more interesting than cricket”.

Rohan Seth

[email protected]

More Issues Arise

If we are to go by what the ‘neutral’ teachers have to say, the semester system for the Arts and Commerce stream is in all probability going to be initiated in Delhi University within the next couple of years, if not this forthcoming session.

Now the question remains whether DU will conduct exams in the semester format for the upcoming batch or not. If the VC’s interaction with the teachers and students serves as any indication, anti-semester protests are in all likelihood expected to grow in the upcoming months. The interaction with the university community was the VC’s effort to vindicate the  ‘undemocratic’ image of the decision to implement the semester system for all courses. However, it turned out to be a protestation as teachers confounded Dinesh Singh and his team with a legion of questions.

Dinesh Singh following in the footsteps of the former VC is adamant on scrapping the annual mode, however there no official message or circular has been sent to colleges yet. A Professor at Miranda House says, “We haven’t received any order to revise the syllabus for the semester system. Till the time there is no communication from the University, I cannot comment on whether it is going to be in place for the next session”

Further talking about the ills of the semester system she says,” The Science courses have been facing innumerable problems because of this action. Students have to to face a long time gap before moving on to the next semester. Corrections aren’t happening properly due to paucity of time. Moreoever, examination papers are being evaluated by professors that don’t even teach that subject.”

A Political Science Professor at Sri Venkateswara College says, “Owing to the syllabus change in Political Science Honours and all the talk about the semester system, professors in DU have been reluctant to write books for the revised syllabus. As a result the course material available is insufficient.”

DUTA hasn’t conceded to the decision and it is expected to raise the issue again in the coming weeks.

Rohan Seth

The Vice Chancellor, Dinesh Singh, for the first time ever met over 2000 students from various colleges across Delhi University on Monday, the 31st of January, in the newly made University Sports Complex.

The VC addressed the students by first introducing his team and speaking about the rich history of the university. In his speech, he mentioned the need for introduction of innovative programs, placement cells, wifi in campus and greater facilities for the underprivileged in every college. He also lay strong emphasis on giving recognition to the sports students in academics. Among the pending agendas was that of the university getting a Facebook profile and an FM channel of the frequency 90.4 that would keep DU officials and students connected.

Regarding the safety of students, especially girls on the campus, Singh said, “We will soon launch a helpline number which would provide information related to the university.”

However, in spite of the enthusiasm that he had wished to discharge as he spoke of bringing DU in the top 250 universities in the world, he was picked on key areas by students in the questions that followed. The students chose to probe upon issues of security, strikes, outdated syllabus and inadequate infrastructure. Questions like “I am blind and there are no books available in Braille. How am I to study?” by a student of Maharishi Valmiki College of Education left the VC rather speechless and uncomfortable.

When asked to comment upon the meeting, a student from CBS said, “The session was about what the new VC envisions. Such conversations should occur on a more frequent basis. If even 10 per cent of the feedback we gave is taken seriously, it would do us much good or else the point of the entire exercise would be futile.”

“The timeline seemed too distant and aims far-fetched. However, it was a good attempt to establish a direct link on his part”, stated a student from North Campus who refused to be identified.

“I didn’t put my suggestions in the box because I knew no one would read or implement the stated changes”, said a first year English Honours student.

Surabhi Mall

[email protected]

The Northeast Students Festival was held on the 24th of January. It was a one day seminar cum cultural fest under the banner of NESFEST organised by office of Dean Students’ Welfare, University of Delhi. The main aim of the occasion was to familiarise the students, especially those from the Northeast of the university system. In addition to that, the fest was a modest endeavour to acquaint and spread awareness among the students of various safety measures, especially the girls.

The event began at 11.30 am at the Sir Shankar Lal Hall, University of Delhi and reported a participation of over 500 Delhi University students. The festival was also attended by the Minister for Rural Development, Agatha Sangma, along with the Deputy Commissioner of Police, North Delhi, Mr S S Yadav. The police extended its support and affirmed the students that the number of police personnel at the nearest police station has been increased to 100 (58 of which are female officers). The students were informed about separate helpline for female students – 1,091 and 1,291.

The fest included a vibrant and lively cultural programme that stole everyone’s attention by the North East students. In addition to that, the Indian Council for Cultural Relation (ICCR) also organised a star performance by Guru Singhjeet and his party as a part of the inaugural function.

Surabhi Mall

[email protected]

After targeting terrorism last year, the annual DU marathon aims to spread the message of anti-

corruption in its fourth year of inception through unique initiatives. The tagline of the marathon is “I am

running against corruption”.

Certain events that include a flash mob dance will precede the 4km long marathon that is scheduled to

take place in North Campus on February 8.

Corruption felt apt as a theme for this year’s marathon. As Neetu Dabas, secretary of DUSU said, “Many

big scams were unearthed in the last few months. We thought if the government is not doing much,

aware and responsible youngsters need to take strong steps on their own. Thus, we conceptualised this

year’s marathon around an anti-corruption drive.”

But there is more than just a marathon in the offing. The ECA groups from various colleges will aid the

cause too. “Keen students from the choreography society, drama society, fashion society, basketball

team and other groups have been chosen for the flash mob. We have formed a sequence that talks

about the lethal consequences of corruption,” says Mohsin Raza, the marathon in-charge.

Former DUSU president, Manoj Choudhary, believes that the initiative will be effective: “Last year, the

message against terrorism was very well received. If the concept is executed well, the effect is more.

And I’m sure a concept like flash mob would work.”

So don’t be surprised if you see a bunch of youngsters breaking into an impromptu jig at a mall or at the

Metro stations or even at India Gate.

DUB Correspondent