The students and faculty of Shivaji College have undertaken innovation project SHC-309 – Real Time Android Application for Travel Convenience. The students working on the project belong to various courses like B.Tech., Computer Science, and Economics.
B.Tech students were engaged in the development work whoch involved designing user interface, navigation drawer and filter window. Enormous data was needed for populating the app. Hence, a data collection group was formulated. They worked effortlessly to gather data across the city.
Parking has become a problem in Delhi-NCR regions, not because there isn’t much parking space in the region but because there are only a few that people know of, making it really hard for people to find parking near their destination, forcing them to park on roads and thus, sometimes restricting space for traffic flow.
USHER, the Android app developed by the students, aims to provide an integrated solution for travel convenience, with an emphasis on providing information regarding nearby parking locations, garages and fuel stations in Delhi. The application aims to allow users to filter the parking space available on various parameters such as fare, distance from destination or the user’s current location, types of parking available, and also helps them navigate to their desired parking locations. It will also provide information on public parking, that is, those under control of DMRC and Municipal Corporations, which various other applications have failed to provide. The application also helps in locating and navigating to nearby garages in case of a break down. Users can refine their search based on different parameters. Work is in progress to add fuel stations to the app.
The app can be downloaded from Google Play store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.shc309.usher&hl=en
Being queer is tough in our country. To go through the process of understanding and accepting one’s sexuality and coming to terms with it, especially when no one around you seems to be open about discussing these topics, is tough. In an environment like this, to find people around you who not only accept their own sexuality but even yours and are open to discussing it is heavenly.
It was just a few days back that I attended a gay party in Delhi with one of my friends. It was his third party and he wanted me to come along with him to put an end to my never-ending questions about how it feels to be in an environment of total acceptance. We attended a party in Green Park, and to me, it was like an undercover mission that I was a part of. In a country where LGBTQ rights are not accepted legally, to be a part of this setup, even for some time was scary. What if something went wrong?
We entered the party while I was still a little nervous, only to sink into an environment of comfort. The party had a mixed crowd – from transgender people to gay men, and lesbian women. Initially, I felt a little left out and sat in a corner nursing my mocktail and observing the people around me. It was liberating for me, a straight woman, to see to see my friend, who otherwise is a shy man and a closeted gay, to come out in the open and interact (even flirt!) with people- accepting drinks from them, exchanging phone numbers and dancing. I can only wonder how liberating it must have been for him the first time he attended one of these parties and why, even though he doesn’t like the crowd much, he likes to attend these parties every once in a while.
I was talking to some of his friends who told me that these parties happened every Tuesday and Saturday. They also told me about Central Park in Connaught Place which also hosts several LGBTQ+ events.
I was soon asked to join them on the dance floor and, for the first time in the entire 19 years of my life, was hit on by someone. All I could do was smile at her and let her know about my preferences!
I enrolled myself in a BA Sociology Honours degree in 2014, with a score of 85%. Initially I was apprehensive about the subject, but who isn’t? I hailed from a commerce background that I thoroughly enjoyed. It would be safe to assume that now I was miserable, for I had to reluctantly pursue a subject that was frowned upon for being inadequate and a sop, with ‘no future’ whatsoever. I had resigned to my fate; it was depressing to watch my counterparts majoring in conventional fields of study that the wise elderly folks considered lucrative and ‘respectable’. I envied them.
For the uninitiated, sociology is the study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society. It deals with social problems and their root causes, which are often overlooked by mainstream scholars. On the contrary, these scholars stress the significance of economics and science in matters concerning individuals and society, but ironically dismiss the relevance of social studies.
My perception of sociology changed after attending a few lectures in college. The course appeared to grow more interesting with each class. We studied about class, caste, sex and sexuality, religion, kinship, the social dynamics existing in politics and economics, and many other facets of life that we typically discuss over tea. I was quick to develop a liking towards the subject, albeit detesting some particularly theoretical aspects of sociological theory. By now, it seemed to me almost absurd that people discounted this discipline.
For this reason, I thought it necessary that the public deserved to understand not only the importance, but also the relevance and scope of sociology.
MISCONCEPTIONS vs REALITY
Almost every field of study, particularly in humanities, comes with a set of preconceived notions that may discourage a potential student from opting for it. Sociology also faces the task of busting certain myths related to it:
Despite the fact that sociology is based on predictable social issues, it is not merely common sense. Andre Beteille, a renowned Indian sociologist, expertly describes how sociological thinking and common sense differ.
Students with lower grades are not the only ones who opt for this discipline. Sociology attracts students with remarkably high grades, as well as students who study the subject as a backup. In this way, it is no different from any other academic discipline.
Sociology is not synonymous with social work. Social work is the practice of advocating for individuals and communities, while sociology is the study of societies and human interaction. The former does not necessarily need a degree.
Sociology does not have undergraduate campus placements, but that does not make it a waste. Many humanities degrees offer no placements at the undergraduate level.
Jobs are not exclusively offered to sociologists who hold a Master’s degree. Like most fields, a Master’s degree enhances your capabilities and would offer better employment opportunities, but this is not exclusively applicable to sociology students.
LIMITATIONS
No discipline comes without its shortcomings, and I do not intend on withholding crucial information that is capable of affecting life-altering changes. Here are some of the limitations of pursuing sociology as a degree:
Sociology is an extensive body of knowledge. It consists of general information which runs through almost all fields of study. This means that a specialisation or Master’s becomes indispensable if you aim to get a high-paying job and a stable career.
Sociology requires critical thinking. Do not opt for this subject with the expectation of acing it without first truly understanding how various societies and their dynamics function.
Sociology is offered by a limited number of colleges, which also happen to be the best in the business. Therefore, getting into a college for Master’s can be a daunting task without putting in additional studying hours.
WHY OPT FOR SOCIOLOGY?
It is an underrated and an underestimated field of study, which is emerging as one of the most sought-after disciplines in humanities.
A student of sociology is bound to stand out in a crowd, for the subject provides a broader skill-set by virtue of its all-encompassing syllabus.
It encourages critical thinking which leads to a well-rounded individual and consequently an ideal workforce.
It offers potential for joint Honours degrees.
It prepares you for the future. From government jobs to the corporate sector to leisurely pursuits, sociology prepares you for all tests that the education system could throw at you.
PERKS OF A SOCIOLOGY DEGREE
As mentioned previously, the vast range of the subject allows you to pursue almost every Master’s degree that involves humanities. Furthermore, sociology is a great asset in various fields of employment. These range from criminal justice and law enforcement to advertising, human resources, and leadership training. Government and private services of security, planning, and research, as well as labour rights, adoption, and child care are also areas where sociological knowledge is a coveted skill-set. Sociology is also a lucrative field in education and communication.
There is a large set of well-renowned people who are sociology graduates. One of these is Martin Luther King, Jr., who changed the way the world views civil rights. Closer home, Arnab Goswami is an example of a successful sociology graduate in the Indian media fraternity.
MY EXPERIENCE
I have come a long way from opting for sociology reluctantly to appreciating it fully as a discipline. The study of sociology has been instrumental in shaping my personality. Today, I am more sensitised than I was two years ago. I understand the subtleties underlying various social institutions and the conditions of oppressed groups. I have discovered that the personal is also political, and that being tight-lipped about social issues solves nothing. Possessing such knowledge has given me confidence in public settings where I can challenge armchair activists who talk about ‘mundane issues’.
Do not discourage students from opting for sociology, or any subject for that matter, simply based on its stereotypes or without properly analysing the facts. It all boils down to one’s aptitude, interest, hard work, and career goals.
To me, it’s not just a degree anymore. It’s my passion.
Guest post by Shreya Sankar, Janki Devi Memorial College
If you have similar stories or a love-hate relationship with your major to share with us, write to us at [email protected].
World of 100 is India’s first e-commerce website, where everything is available at only 100 rupees. “The Inspiration behind the idea is the concept of ‘Poundland’ which is a UK based retail chain which sells products at 1 pound each. I fell in love with the concept during my time in the UK,” says Sarthak Dangra, co-founder of the website and an alumnus of Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce, DU.
The aimof the organization is to provide top quality products to customers at a cost which doesn’t affect their pockets. The founders, both just 25 year old entrepreneurs, firmly believe in expanding only after gaining the trust of their customer base and to gain that trust ensure that two standards are maintained throughout- first, for it to be a self-funded venture, and second, to always acquire only quality products from experienced manufacturers only.
“Our major objective is to provide value deals and great quality product at 100 INR only! We do not compromise on the quality and want to break the stereotype of cheap products are of bad quality. We have a strong purchasing team that maintains the quality and acquire products from the top-notch manufacturers. We believe in pursuing business through technology and innovation,” says co-founder Sahil Jain.
Spoon University- Delhi Chapter organised Spoon Scouts 2.0: A Foodie Treasure Hunt on 31st August, 2016 at Hudson Lane. Spoon Scouts, in its second edition, saw teams who had qualified the online round braving Delhi rains to gather at the Woodbox Café for the briefing and to get their clues. The clues led them to different cafés where they had to perform activities to qualify to the next level and get the next clue. The teams started the hunt at 3.30pm.
The first cafe of the hunt for which the online clue was released was The Vintage Avenue, the clue talked about its good old feel, Freak Oreo Shakes and multiple floors. Whereas the final clue was for For God’s Cake which focussed on the desserts they offer.
Participants were seen running around in cafés, and on the road, figuring out clues and performing activities like eating Pizza with a spoon, guessing the flavour of mocktails, ice creams etc. Vanshika Agggarwal, one of the participants of the event shared her experience “Spoon Scouts was a super amazing event. We truly enjoyed the day and running from one cafe to another was worth the treasure. We are proud 2nd runners up.”
Winners of Spoon Scouts 2.0, Team Scoop and Slurp
Cafes like Abongchiiz, Bakar, Spezia Bistro, Void, Yolo 21, Jack n Chill, Coalition, The Lab, Mood Swingers, Oakland, Pirates of Campus and Raw Creams were a part of the hunt. Participants included college students from different colleges across Delhi, from IP University, Amity University to Delhi University’s Kirori Mal, Ramjas, IPCW, Hansraj, Miranda, Dyal Singh among others.
All the participants went back home with goodies which included brownies, coupons from various cafes, drinks from Cocofly, special Spoon notepads and more. Four teams made it to the final round, with the Slurp and Scoop bagging the first prize. Other winning teams included Lebensmittel, Foodie Pirates and Burp and Tell.
Niharika Maggo, the Editorial Director and Operations Head of Spoon DU, said “It was a great experience seeing food enthusiasts turn up for the event even after the downpour and actually enjoy it so much. Spoon Scouts is an annual event of ours, the team really worked hard for this and the cafes were also very supportive. We are all set to spread more such foodie happiness across campus.”
Spoon University- Delhi Chapteris online food resource for the students by the students. The whole idea of Spoon is to build a community of foodies that helps you navigate your first kitchen and campus experiences. They are on a mission to make food make sense.
A Feast of Vultures to underscore this fact.
The book A Feast of Vultures highlights the hidden business of democracy in India. Written by Josy Joseph, an award winning journalist the book brings to light the sad state of affairs spread across the democratic institutions in India. The book begins in one of the small hamlets of Bihar called Hridaychak. The story of Hridaychak displays how the government institutions work at top to build an ideal village which ironically damages the villages of India. The book further talks about the middlemen in Indian politics who deal with winning deals for their clients and reveals some starring examples of how corruption actually takes place in the high gardens of Delhi’s power corridors. It digs up past defense scams, black money cases and shady deals which peek into the dark secrets of the powerful. The book also discusses about power that the typists of top politicians yield and their indispensable role in driving deals for their masters.
It also highlights how large corporations indulge in corruption, bribing and sometimes murders to rise in business and power. The book tells that you can get anything done if you can pay the right amount to the right people and later goes forward to argue for the same through all its chapters.
How industrialists advertise themselves as biggest patriots while poisoning the drinking water streams of villages and spreading diseases in the areas they set up their factories, how people with deep interests in business use the parliament for their own benefit, how the most wanted terrorists and underworld dons control major business through their contacts and push their people into the parliament, how in the name of welfare schemes the government even strips the dead their rights to rest in peace.
The book tries to provide all these answers and ends with a hope of a better tomorrow. The book is a must read for any student who wants to know what is wrong with our country.
Feature Image Credits-
thequint.com
Srivedant Kar
[email protected]]]>
Swarms of people passing the Bungalow Road seem to miss the unmissable. Having honed the art of ignorance myself, I quite successfully give certain human coordinates that form the aesthetics of the area as much as McDonald’s or Bookland a miss, but not this time.
Priyanka and Anshu, having evaded the liberal policies of the government, carry an air of versatility, to be able to fit in or rather have the surroundings fit them. The articles they are selling are like accolades on offer. They sell stationery items.
Having punctuated the area for over 8 years, 16 years old Priyanka, who is typically seen reading elementary school books outside Planet Fashion, boasts of having taught business skills to many top notch garments vendors in the area. Bablu, a prominent garments crusader in the area confirms the claim. “Priyanka taught me the nitty gritty of the garment market, from getting the articles at wholesale rates from Tank Road and Ramesh Park to selling the articles and managing my accounts”, says Bablu. He assists his partner in managing a make shift niche where wide variety of clothes can be seen arranged in files of threes on a cot.
Albeit a school dropout, Priyanka takes pride in attending tuitions from 3 to 6 PM every day. However, she laments her parents’ decision to make her leave school and doesn’t want the same fate for her 4 younger sisters. A resident of Chandrawal Village, Priyanka’s day starts with helping her mother with domestic chores after which she gets down to tutor her younger sisters. “I study everyday so that I could teach my younger sisters”, says Priyanka.
On a typical day, she can be seen with a box of assorted stationery articles switching spots to try and get potential customers. Her wingman is usually 9 years old Anshu, who unable to pronounce the ‘N’ in her name calls herself Ansu. She considers Priyanka her idol and can be seen copying her jargon in her own way.
The duo earn somewhere between Rs 600-700 per day on weekdays and over Rs 1200 on weekends. Priyanka claims that she gives her earnings to her father who works in a thread factory in Malkaganj. She also takes pride in having an account in Canara Bank.
After a day’s work, much like the other 40 children selling different articles in Kamla Nagar, the duo retires at 9PM. Their employers are their parents who tally the numbers of articles sold and the earnings upon their return. About to leave, I extend my hand towards Priyanka for a handshake. She shies away and instead folds her hand wishing me adieu.
Someone has rightly said, “You don’t need a silver fork to eat good food!” and being a DU student which epitomises the availability of economical lip smacking food, we couldn’t agree more with the statement! Take a look at some of the canteens across DU and their signature dishes loved by the students.
1. Maitreyi College
Fried Rice and Manchurian (Maitreyi)
Maitreyi College has a canteen which provides a great range of lip smacking dishes and nutritious drinks that wouldn’t make you feel the need to step outside to fulfill your appetite. In summers, a chilled glass of freshly squeezed mosambi juice (Rs.20) with a little chaat masala is exactly the kind of refreshment every student needs. A plate of wholesome Rajma Rice (Rs. 40), which finishes within only two hours of its complete preparation has a perfectly balanced, rich sweet and spicy flavor and one that is bound to make you nostalgic about your ghar ka khaana anytime. The second most sought after dish would be our Vegetable Manchurian and Fried Rice (Rs.28). This heavenly combination of its tangy and juicy gravy with soft sticky rice can be proudly chosen over any Chinese restaurant’s dish. If you try the Honey Chilli Potatoes, they will not only leave you thirsty because of the fiery heat from all its spices but also wanting for another plate because of its sweet flavorful veggies and amazing relish.
Rajma Rice (Maitreyi)
-Shagun Marwah, 3rd Year student, Maitreyi College
2. Kamala Nehru College
KNC Canteen
Having a regimented timetable with almost no breaks and early morning classes, the little ‘dabba’ that my mom packs in the morning gets finished within the first hour of college. However, KNC’s canteen becomes the ultimate saviour for mid-class hunger pangs. A plate full of Pav Bhaji (Rs. 30), Macroni (Rs. 20) and a cup of Cold Coffee (Rs. 25) is the most filling meal that the canteen offers. The Rajma Chawal are to die for too!
-Riya Chhibber, 3rd year student, Kamala Nehru College
3. Ramjas College
Chilli Potato (Ramjas)
Ramjas canteen recently changed its catering staff and a few new items like chilli potato (Rs. 50), potato manchurian (Rs. 50), egg and bread combos( Rs. 30 for 2 eggs) and fried rice ( Rs. 40) were added to the menu. Chole Bature (Rs. 30) is a hot seller and is claimed to be the best item. Apart from that juices (Rs. 20), tea/coffee (Rs. 10) and bottled drinks like coke maaza and sodas are also available at MRP. The best things about the canteen are that we can eat in the open and the new amphitheatre being constructed beside it.
-Arindam Goswami, Final Year student, Ramjas College
4. Hindu College
Shahi Paneer (Hindu College)
Facing an avid competition from various eateries in Kamla Nagar and Hudson Lane, the Hindu College Canteen still outshines others. Catering to the college students seeding all around North Campus, here you can munch delicious food at reasonable prices, leaving you not only with a filled in belly but also with satisfied taste buds. The menu lists various delicacies from North Indian, South Indian and Chinese cuisines along with a few anytime snacks. Chhole Bhature, Dosa, Shahi Paneer served with Butter Naan and Pav Bhaji must be tried. So do grab a bite here next time you’re around the campus. Shaahi Paneer with Butter naan ( Rs. 45) and Dosa (Rs. 25) are a delight to the taste buds.
-Hardik Kakar, Hindu College
5. Sri Venkateswara College
Dosa (Sri Venkateswara College)
Sri venkateswara college canteen reminds one of Amma’s canteen in south. With the indistinguishable delicious sambhar and inexpensive south indian dishes it provides a complete package for foodies. ‘Mysore masala dosa’ with the special south indian spicy touch is able to make a mark on the student’s tongue. Its eccentric location and chilled out atmosphere makes it the most popular hangout place for students. The graffiti walls beside the seating arrangements ups the ambience level. Despite being a new canteen students have found their love and reasons to stay at college than preferring Satya lounges.
-Gerush Bahal and Lakshya, DU Students
6. Jesus and Mary College
JMC Canteen
The canteen of Jesus and Mary College is one of the most popular ones of the varsity. With a diverse food menu, consisting of South Indian, North Indian, Italian and Chinese dishes among others, the level of hygiene is also decent. Though the taste of various food items seems average, yet few dishes do attract students of the neighboring colleges to the place. With the price being slightly higher than most of the other colleges, Dishes like Bhel Puri, Sev Puri and Chowmein/Fried Rice captures the hearts (and obviously, the stomach!) of all the JMCites. The favourite dishes – Bhel Puri and Fried Rice, cost 40 rs each.
Fried Rice (JMC)
-Lovleen Kaur, Jesus and Mary College
7. Miranda House
Dosa (Miranda House)
At Miranda House, a satisfactory quality of food is maintained across the menu. From the honey chilli potato (Rs 40) to the chicken manchurian (Rs 50) and masala dosa (Rs 30),the canteen churns out quality food at affordable prices. The fresh juice stand is also a favourite amongst students. To the dismay of many students however, the ‘momo-bhaiya’ has quit his job this year, and chicken momo is no longer on the menu. Come back Bhaiya !
The level of hygiene maintained at the Miranda House canteen sets it apart from other colleges. A committee of faculty members carries out regular inspections to ensure that cleanliness standards are maintained.
The valley in the north is scenic and poetic and our illusion of Kashmir is sometimes a culmination of televised fiction and reality, but what Kashmir is today is a series of reflections of its historical affiliations, aspirations and allied decisions. The contemporary scenario conjures a need to trace this distressing journey of the favoured daughter caught in the centre of the ugliest divorce in history.
This trajectory begins as 1947 set a liberating and ominous undertone in the air, inviting a tumble of astounding events to Maharaja Hari Singh’s doorsteps. The Maharaja was one of the three rulers that still had a claw over their thrones-the other two being the Nawab of Junagadh and the Nizam of Hyderabad. The sullen king had his days cut out for him as the Indian Army, breathing that same air, would come marching into the Maharaja’s durbar giving him just enough time to make a quiet exit to Pakistan.
Just like many of us who crave the fresh breeze of the Valley, Mohammed Ali Jinnah planned a holiday to Kashmir. As for him, a state with over three quarters of the population being Muslim was destined to come and fall right into his lap. However, the Maharaja’s vision of Kashmir did not involve sitting on a tight rope while India and Pakistan tugged from both sides. He envisioned a Kashmir that thrived on its beauty, free from diplomatic headaches, giving Kashmiris their full right to bask in the abyssal depths of their velvet clad serenity surrounded by pride in their bounties.
The Maharaja’s rejection of Pakistan brought the craze of forbidden fruit in Jinnah’s eyes and hence awoke the volatile Pathan Tribesmen of the north-west frontier with the objective to tip the Maharaja over into annexation. Kashmiri intentions were never to be their own but instead to be engulfed in revisions and manipulations like over protective parents making your decisions for you.
The destructive tribesmen took eager revenge for the blind eye that the Maharaja had turned to the dilemma of accession which led to the Maharaja’s beseech to India as he saw himself being pushed into a circle of manipulations where neither side would let Kashmir retain its integrity.
Nehru’s role is one solely driven by emotions, some over simplifications and some bewilderment. In retrospect, his is a role that must be looked at more deeply on a separate page. On the 24th of October, Nehru attached special accession terms for Kashmir, an extension symbolising destiny’s turn in the Valley for many years to come.
As the leaves of Chinar brought contrast to despair turning from summer lime to spots of mauve, amber, yellow and blood red, a jubilant Menon poured himself a stiff drink on the evening of 26th October. “We have Kashmir. The bastard signed the act of accession. And now that we’ve got it, we’ll never let it go,” he proudly stated.
“A quarter of a century later, Kashmir’s disputed possession would remain the principal subject of discord between India and Pakistan, the one seemingly insurmountable barrier to their reconciliation,” a prediction by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre in 1976.
1947-Kashmir’s tug of war is the first part in a series of articles titled ‘Leaves of Chinar.’
With Fresher’s season in full swing, and coveted titles of ‘Best Dressed’ up for grabs, a few tips wouldn’t hurt right? For starters, it is important to note that it’s a college fresher’s party and not a wedding. Overdressing will kill the mood. On the contrary, long before you know it, you’ll be a senior scourging for throwback fresher’s party pictures, so you might as well put in a little effort. Also, try not to spend too much money on your outfit, because with college life come a host of events you’ll want to dress up for. Invest in a wearable outfit rather than something you’ll wear only once. Wearing an old outfit wouldn’t hurt and the DIY route is always commendable. If you’re still confused and sticking to the theme is a little trickier than what you’d envisioned, here are a few looks to draw inspiration from:
The ‘Friends’ Look. With slip dresses making a comeback in runways and blog posts the world over, they surely make a statement while also appearing breezy and comfortable. To take it up a notch, layering one over a plain t-shirt like Phoebe and Rachel do on ‘Friends’ is a good idea.
Image Credits: dailymail.co.uk
Karishma’s look in Zubeida.
The ‘Bollywood’ theme is a recurring one each year, and for those daring to make a statement in a sari, Karishma Kapoor’s innumerable ethnic looks in the movie Zubeida can be an inspiration. Opt for a light sari with a matching blouse in a pastel hue, and take it light on the accessories. Don a youthful look this time around, as you always have your farewell to look more ‘mature’!
Image Credits: lautanindonesia.com
Woodstock, Coachella and Glastonbury vibes.
Look at music festival outfits for a fun and vibrant look. Off-shoulder dresses, with over the top jewellery and gladiator sandals never fail to make a statement.
Accessorise the right way.
Most outfits scream for accessories, and a good option this time would be trendy headgear. Say, a turban or a chunky headpiece! YouTube has millions of tutorials on wearing turbans and bandanas. Check them out if taking the headgear route is your thing.
Image Credits: thescottishsun.co.uk
These tips are only for inspiration, so as to come up with something of your own. You wouldn’t want to let go of your comfort zone, trying to ape someone else!
