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A first year student looks back at the past six months

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FYUP? No FYUP? Wait, Dr. Dinesh Singh refuses to budge. FYUP. Well now, Ministry of Human Resource Development refuses to budge. No FYUP!

It was late June when (thanks to the media, and the DU Vice Chancellor, and UGC Chairperson, and the MHRD) the Four Year Undergraduate Program had bagged all headlines. It was the one thing that everyone, and especially experts, was talking about. Meanwhile, we, the current first year students were in a dilemma of our own. And at one point of time, FYUP or no FYUP ceased to matter. Could we just get into college already?

Amidst the highly ‘inflated’ first cut off and chaos about the course structure, the 2014-17 (yes, no FYUP!) batch joined with a disturbing uncertainty. The teachers too were waiting, hoping, expecting for a response from the University officials- as if not knowing where and how to begin wasn’t confusing enough.

While most of us spent this time bonding with new comrades or grabbing a bite at the newly-discovered canteens; there were others who questioned themselves if it was a wise decision to join India’s top-rated university. Finally, sanity returned after two weeks of the ‘going-to-college-and-not-knowing-what-to-do’ mode. Course meetings, department meetings, principal-staff meetings… College seemed just like that in the movies- going out with your friends as much as you want, other things could always wait!

But the ‘other things’ couldn’t wait anymore. With the course finally adopting back its original structure, students were seen rushing to stationery shops buying whatever readings/books they could get hold of. After a stumpy beginning, the course kick-started itself and things weren’t the same anymore. Back-to-back classes, tutorials, extra classes (which usually turned out to be mass bunks), -Internals-, mid-semester break, -Internals-, Diwali-break, -Internals- and then some more Internals.

And just when things in college had started to make sense, semester examinations stood staring right into our eyes. Wait, where did the semester go? More than that, are we ready to give the first examinations of the university? The struggle to catch up with attendance has turned into a battle for some, while the other minority of the population is all set for the examinations with the entire course done (and mind you, revised too!)
Irrespective of all turmoil in the beginning, the semester fared out to be a memorable one. With outstation students discovering a whole new world in Delhi, each of us realised the enigma of being in the top ranked university of India. And even though there are things to be bothered about (yes, exams!), just being a part of the University of Delhi brings a contentment of its own.

Arushi Pathak
[email protected]

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Uncategorized

Bhopal gas tragedy, 30 years on

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The incident:

The plant was was built in 1969 to produce the pesticide Sevin (UCC’s brand name for carbaryl) using methyl isocyanate (MIC) as an intermediate. In November 1984, most of the safety systems were not functioning and many valves and lines were in poor condition. In addition, several vent gas scrubbers had been out of service as well as the steam boiler, intended to clean the pipes. One of the major issue was that Tank 610 contained 42 tons of MIC which was much more than what safety rules allowed. During the night of 2–3 December 1984, water entered Tank E610 containing 42 tons of MIC. A runaway reaction started, which was accelerated by contaminants, high temperatures and other factors.  This forced the emergency venting of pressure from the MIC holding tank, releasing a large volume of toxic gases. About 30 metric tons of methyl isocyanate (MIC) escaped from the tank into the atmosphere in 45 to 60 minutes.

Casualties:

The tragedy also left over 550,000 people with partial or chronic injuries and ailments. The effects of these ailments were seen for years after the disaster, and can be seen even today. Bhopal saw a dramatic rise in its stillbirth and neonatal mortality rates?the stillbirth rate increased by almost 300%, and the neonatal mortality rate by nearly 200%. Hundreds of children were born with physical deformities or other problems. Even today, 30 years later, several innocent children suffer from the aftermath of the gas tragedy?they are born with physical or mental defects.

In June 2010 a court in India handed down a verdict in the case.  It found Union Carbide India Ltd. and seven executives of the company guilty of criminal negligence.

Lawsuit: 

The company was required to pay a fine of 500,000 rupees ($10,870) and the individuals were each sentenced to two years in prison and fined 100,000 rupees ($2175) a piece. The names of those convicted are: Keshub Mahindra, former non-executive chairman of Union Carbide India Limited; V. P. Gokhale, managing director; Kishore Kamdar, vice-president; J. Mukund, works manager; S. P. Chowdhury, production manager; K. V. Shetty, plant superintendent; and S. I. Qureshi, production assistant.
On 2 August 2010, the Indian Central Bureau of Investigation filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking a harsher punishment for the accused in this case.  This petition sought to reinstate charges of culpable homicide against the accused; a September 1996 order had reduced the charges from culpable homicide to criminal negligence.
In May 2011, the Supreme Court rejected this petition and declined to re-open the  case to reinstate the harsher charges.

 

Sources: http://bettercallsaul.quora.com/1984-Bhopal-Gas-Tragedy

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/facts-and-figures-about-the-bhopal-gas-tragedy.html

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Bazinga

Bazinga: DU to shift exam timings to midnight

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The University of Delhi in an unprecedented cause of action is contemplating a very crazy idea adhering to the forthcoming semester. As weird as it may sound, the University is thinking to shift the exam time of some the papers to midnight. According to our sources at the University Headquarters, the plan has already been drafted and is awaiting the final signature of the Vice-chancellor.

“We have multitudes of students who appear during the examination time and cause shortage of seats. The classrooms overflow and such gives rise to cheating incidents during the examination. A limited number of supervising faculty adds to the cause”, said Dr. Khopcha Mukherjee, a senior member working at the University Headquarters.

As soon as the news broke out, DU Beat members approached various colleges and asked the students (whom this decree directly affects) on their take on the issue. ‘this is absolutely, pathetic, condemnable, awful, dreadful and what not’, said Satakli Majhi who was so infuriated by such a decision, her mouth had to be stuffed by cotton so as to stop her from abusing in front of the camera. ‘Itni sardi mein university humko maar dega’, said a student from Assam who wished not to be named.

When we asked the University authority on the safety of girls issue during late at night, one of the senior members proudly answered that the issue has been taken care of. ‘All the girls would be provided special university buses and would be escorted by a supervising teacher to their hostels/homes.’
The order is still awaiting the final approval of the VC.

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Your Beat

Six months of the Modi government

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Cries of change, demand for a leader to steer the nation, dissatisfaction with the previous ruling party, were amongst the few factors that led to Narendra Modi taking charge as India’s Prime Minister in a grand oath taking ceremony on the 26th of May 2014, after his party (Bharatiya Janata Party) emerged as the single largest party in the general elections of 2014. It’s been an interesting six months since.

There have been some obvious plusses. It’s good to see a Prime Minister so active and involved in the affairs of the country (almost makes for a refreshing change after the previous government). The Prime Minister has been busy, yes; he’s brought up issues that are often ignored-sanitation being the pet project here. The ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan’ is trying to bring in a sense of national conscientiousness about the lack of hygiene in the country. Bank accounts have been opened for the poor to assist them in managing their savings under the Jan Dhana Yojana.

The Budget went from big promises to actual deliverables this year. The economy is regaining shape slowly and steadily. Visits from various state heads, international visits and collaborations have also been a close part of the PM’s six months in office. Bureaucratic reshuffles and a new found discipline in bureaucracy has been credited to the change of leadership at the centre.

Obviously, the government has had its share of lows as well. Propagation of strong right wing ideologies without fear or fail by various leaders of the majority party often go unchecked (or ignored?) by senior leaders of the party. While Mr. Modi has been wise in his Cabinet choices, the appointment of Smriti Irani as HRD minister has been met with backlash. As HRD Minister, it seems that her actions may be guided by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangha, in an attempt to saffronize (and ruin) education, not to forget the sudden roll back of the Four Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) in Delhi University during her initial few weeks in office. The student wing of the BJP-Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, currently the controllers of power in Delhi University has been on a mission to ‘educate women about the ills of live-in relationships’.

Mr. Modi is not scared of taking risks for the sake of development, but the question that arises here is that is the rights of our women, children and minority communities being ignored a price we are willing to pay for growth?

Jayanti Jha
[email protected]

Featured image courtesy: www.deccanchronicle.com

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DUB Speak

Beyond The Obvious: Kamala Nehru College

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The fond memories of that warm cup of coffee in Chaupal, the endless queues for the 10 rupee Coke at the Coke station, NSO practices at the college ground – just one name has such stigma attached to it! Proudly abbreviated by its students and faculty as KNC, Kamala Nehru College, is one of the fastest growing colleges of The University of Delhi.

With its national ranking jumping leaps and bounds every year, the college is now a part of the top 10 arts colleges of The University.

One of the most posh locations in Delhi, KNC is located on the August Kranti Maarg and is a part of the South campus of the University. As you walk into the gates of the college, you will witness lush green lawns welcoming your presence to the campus. On your left, you would see that magnificent auditorium the college boasts of. With a seating capacity of about 700 people, it is one of the most well-designed and well-maintained auditoriums in the entire University.

As a student of the college, you know your teachers would go seamless in helping you clear your concepts; your society president would leave no stone unturned to bring out the perfection in you; and the canteen bhaiya would himself run between the doors to get you your favourite Honey Chilli Potato or Daal Makhani-Lacchha Paratha plate. Makes your mouth watery?

The college canteen has something to cater to the demands of all taste buds. From the incomparable Chinese menu to the Desi north Indian delights, a foodie knows he/she is at the right place.

A student’s day doesn’t end without visiting the impeccably placed amphitheater, Chaupal. It is one place you will witness all sorts of people doing all sorts of activities- from books to cell-phone, you get that all! The fondness for the place is common among the teachers too; yes, they gladly conduct their classes amidst nature’s envelope. KNC is also very aptly located with many food joints and markets placed all over the periphery. Some of them are the food joints such as Mithaas and Diggin, GK1 and Sarojini Market and the evergreen Hauz Khaz village. As a KNC student, one is bound to visit any or all such places at least once in their college life.

Kamala Nehru College believes in intellectual growth and all-round persona development of its students. Believing in the concept of, “A cultural society for everyone”, the college has many societies catering to varied interests of the students. Among the popular ones are Enigma, the western dance society; Zephyr, the western music society; Adagio, the choreography society; Lakshya, the theatre society and Crossfire, the English debating society. The college is a paradise for fitness and sports freaks too – an efficient gym and large sports field adds to the wholesomeness of the college.

KNC is a second home for everyone – there’s a unique pride and loyalty towards the college that KNC students have running in our veins. Rare as it may sound, it makes Kamala Nehru College a home away from home.

Arushi Pathak
[email protected]

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Sex Amma

Sex Amma: Confused About Sexuality

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Amma, I don’t have a boyfriend and have never had a boyfriend. I am actually confused about my sexuality. I have had sex dreams about all my guy friends and even a few women. What does all of this mean?

Little idli, look at you sounding so troubled! It is very common to feel confused about one’s sexuality at this age- all ages, actually. Amma herself has tried the delectable dosas and the mysterious lotus flower too (sometimes together!) and came to the conclusion that she likes both! A lot!

Coming to your dreams, they are probably a subconscious manifestation of your dry spell! I would advise you not to read into them too much for dreams can be misleading! Sometimes, some people look attractive only in dreams and not in real life! So, you may or may not be attracted to women and your guy friends, perhaps you just need some action in real life! Take a dip in these waters and see how you like it. This is your age for exploration- do what (or who) makes you happy and don’t get too hassled by labels, macchi.

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Uncategorized

Five ways to celebrate an animal-friendly Diwali

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This Diwali, make sure that your pet does not pay the price of your festivities. Remember, the fireworks which are a humongous source of delight for us, are a medium of torture for the sensitive ears of our pets who can hear frequencies well beyond the human range of hearing. They are neither acquainted with the religious sentiment behind the festival nor are they aware of how safe or dangerous the crackers are for them. Hence, it is our responsibility to make our pets and other animals feel safe and secure amidst the deafening noises.

Here are five ways to do so-

 

Keep your pet indoors

Your pet might get bewildered by the loud noises, the smoke and the unanticipated excitement if kept outside. Add to this the chance of being injured by crackers. Keeping your pet inside will reduce the trauma and ensure he/she is out of harm’s way. Also, try to distract them with television, loud music and so on.

 

Do not leave them alone

It might seem appealing to visit your loved ones on Diwali but if you are the owner of a beloved animal, kindly refrain from doing so, especially during evening hours. Your pet needs your presence in order to feel safe. To them, you are their world, it is you who will save them from whatever havoc has broken loose causing the distressing noises.

 

Feed them before the fireworks start

The fear and wariness is likely to kill your pet’s appetite. To them the noise is a sign of potential danger. Make sure they are fed before the fireworks start.

 

Use pet-friendly crackers

Celebrate Diwali in the traditional way without compromising with your pet’s comfort. Light up your house vibrantly with oil lamps and coloured lights and use fireworks like phuljhadis and chakris which provide a pleasant sight but no noise pollution. Gift your pet accessories like ear muffs to cut out the noise.

 

Spread Awareness, keep watch

Spread the above points amongst anyone and everyone. Teach children to not trouble pets and strays for mere enjoyment. Be vigilant, stop children and adults alike from harming them. Make sure that there is a special area beyond which firecrackers aren’t allowed, most housing societies follow this, and it is high time all neighbourhoods did so. And since such an area is normally an open space, like a field, make sure that there are no stray animals around.

 

Image source: The Hindu

Ishani Rajkhowa
[email protected]

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Kirorimal College

KMC organizes seminar on ‘Ragging, Rape and Reform’

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“La Politique”, the Political Science department of Kirori Mal College, in association with the Centre for Advanced Research on Development and Change, organized a seminar on 16th October, titled “Ragging, Rape and Reform.”

 

The event began with power-point presentations made by second year students, dealing with the alarming issue of ragging. Aimed at highlighting the ongoing menace, despite the sensitization of society and implementation of stringent laws, a student – made video was shared, pin-pointing the psychological trauma inflicted upon a fresher due to ragging. Shocking statistics showed that India and Sri Lanka remain the only two nations where the issue remains prevalent even today. The students also covered a rather little known aspect of ragging, the harassment of teachers by students. Though a small-scale phenomenon, it highlights the deteriorating teacher-student relationship, especially at the college level.

 

The second issue covered by the students was another burning topic- juvenile delinquency, i.e. offences committed by minors. Firstly, the students tried to understand the issue not in vacuum, but as a product of several factors such as poverty, domestic violence, illiteracy, child labor and peer pressure. The question of trial of juveniles as adults, in heinous crimes such as rapes, was hotly debated. This was followed by an analysis of the implementation of the recently amended Juvenile Justice Act and the state of rehabilitation centres in India. A strong appeal was made for the creation of a children’s court, to handle such matters with sensitivity and not push juveniles further into the world of crimes.

 

Next, it was the turn of the guest speaker for the day, Prof Rajinder Kachroo, founder and trustee of the Aman Satya Kachroo Foundation, to present his views on the matter. He labeled the ongoing issue of ragging as a manifestation of the “seniority syndrome” and “unconditional obedience” prevalent in India. Sharing experiences from his lectures in various institutions in and around Delhi, he focused on the need to sensitize not only the victims and perpetrators, but also the bystanders. He even put up an open question- whether any form of punishment really proved to be a deterrent for the committers of crimes? This was followed by an impassionate appeal for dissing the “chalta hai” attitude and making a stride towards change by Ms. Naeem Akhtar. With the end of the two-hour long seminar, students walked out of the hall, with refreshments in their hand and a buzz of ideas in their head.

 

 

Shruti Sonal

[email protected]

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Interviews

Strength and ability to be vocal marks a good student union: KNC College President

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Ms. Kamya Kiran, the College President 2014-15 of Kamala Nehru College, believes hard work will solely do justice to her responsibilities. She wishes to be a force to reckon with and plans to begin from working on little problems. DU Beat brings to you an interview with Ms. Kamya Kiran.

Could you give us a rough idea of your agenda in election campaign?

My only agenda during this year’s election campaign is to help the student body of KNC in as many ways as possible. I spent time with the students and plan to work on issues they mentioned.

How do you plan to go about executing your agenda and launching Kamala Nehru College as a brand in itself?

KNC is an established and renowned college. The only thing which prevents the college from being a brand in itself is the tiny wrinkles it has which need to be smoothed out.

College President often means skipping classes, doing all the work and being specifically responsible. Do you think it’s a big sacrifice in terms of academics?

I do not feel the position asks for a big sacrifice academically. I’m an ECA student and missing classes is nothing extraordinary for me. The trick is to work hard on one’s own and keep up with the rest of the classes.

In this academic year, what is the one thing that you’re determined to focus your attention on?

As the president, I’m currently focusing on figuring out ways to fulfill my promise to the student body about solving their problems as well as pushing new, innovative projects which will benefit the student body greatly.

Lastly, how important do you think it is for KNC to have a student union that walks the talk?

I think it is very important for every college to have a student union which walks the talk. For me, the strength and ability to be vocal and to push actively for the requirements of the student body is what marks a good student union. I believe these traits define any student body and not just KNC’s.

Arushi Pathak

[email protected]

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