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Delhi University to digitize the process of tracking PhD progress

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Delhi University will be developing a dedicated online portal to track the progress of students enrolled in a PhD program. The portal would facilitate all the major processes, starting from enrollment in the program to submission of thesis.

“A portal is being created to make the students’ works reliable. Notification regarding their research works and field reports will be available on the portal. However, the research work and findings will be kept confidential,” said an examination department official.

Currently all the work pertaining to the academic program, which includes enrollment, attendance, research report, interview, viva progress and others is being done manually making it a cumbersome process involving a lot of paperwork.

“But with digitization, all these records will be maintained on the online portal. The portal will not only help PhD scholars but will also ease the work pressure on the staff,” the official added.

At present, 27 departments of University of Delhi are running PhD programs in the fields of Arts, Commerce and Science.

In the year 2014, the varsity signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University Grants Commission (UGC) to upload the thesis and dissertation of its research scholars on the digital database ‘Shodhganga repository’.

Aditya Narang
[email protected]

With inputs from Ndtv.com

Image Credits: Clipart from http://anniebruton.wordpress.com

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The many ‘whys’ of Valentine’s Day

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Amidst the visual of rose petals, romantic dinners, and overwhelming gestures, here’s a reality check to shake you back to the practicality of this phenomenon called the Valentine’s Day!

Love has been glorified, idealised, and yearned for by the likes of this world at a certain point in time. Its comprehensive pervasiveness and accurate relatability render all hearts susceptible to major feels on countless occasions. With that in consideration, a day to celebrate ‘romance’ by the population might be received with a motley of feelings. For, it is on the 14th of February when the sections of the society get conveniently bifurcated into categories of two. One, comprising of those who harbour the companionship of a partner and revel in the joys of love;the other, that of those who are either yet to find their ‘soulmate’ or are stoic towards the ideals of love. The first category consists of intricate divisions; one may choose to glorify and extol their lover on Valentine’s Day by showering all essentials associated with this idea, be it chocolates or flowers. Or, one may choose to treat this celebration of love in generality, discrediting the concept and notion of ‘Special Days’
and absolute carnival.

The foundation of Valentine’s Day has been acknowledged and merrily accepted, but this piece of writing you’ve stumbled upon shall peer into the logistics and technicalities of the necessity of this celebration. So, if you’re immersed in the vessel of love and refuse to fall back to the black-and-white aspects of it, then please direct your attention to an idea more favourable to your liking.

When it comes to Valentine’s Week, a compilation of mucky days, the traditional norms state the need to celebrate external love. It is seen as a gateway of thriving on love with your partner, but the ideals of love with oneself seem to fade away. It seems more convenient to term it as a ‘Relationships’ Day’, for those who are luckily or unfortunately (for you to decide) single are often left feeling unloved and isolated. Elaborate gestures and gifts seem to find their way in the day’s scheduling, and it goes without saying that self-given gifts would be eyed with ambiguity. Secondly, a problem common to all ‘Special Days’ is the exclusivity granted by them. Valentine’s Day is taken as that one day of the year which requires overwhelming efforts and expressions to portray that inextinguishable love for your partner. However, the rest of the days harbour no such compulsion. It is only in mid-February when our romantic spirits are validated to be aroused and acted upon. Neat process, isn’t it?

Here’s where the habitual aspect of Valentine’s Day comes in. If you’re happy, people will shower their pity and sympathy on you, for being single is a crime for this self-proposed ‘Love Police’. And if you’re sad, all the lonely complaints about not being with someone and the disconcerting side of it shall cloud your mind. All the grim grumbles shared by all genders grant a solemn touch to the day which is touted to be the beautiful commemoration of love.

My beef is not with the concept of love; pulling that threat will be similar to unboxing Pandora’s box. The reason for my contention lies in the escalation done by the world to propagate this ideal. From Kiss/Rose/Teddy/, or rather ‘Weird Days to planning a grand proposal or feeling awkward around friends who are single or dating, the redundant aspects of it seem to be hogging the limelight more than they deserve. Love is best when it remains undefined, and its celebration is pure when it remains undated.

Saumya Kalia
[email protected]

Image Credits:Good Night Morning Quotes Birthday Anniversary Wishes

 

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The Showdown to Trump

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Politicians are a species which is said to possess a pivotal incongruity between what is spoken and what is done. The governance of nations is criticised when the leaders fail to deliver their share of promises when the battle of votes is won; to the extent, the very idea of following-up policies after election seems almost ludicrous. But, the newly elected Honourable President of the United States has defied the majority of precedents by sticking to and staying true to the stream of actions which would be undertaken by the Obama-successor. For, the unfurling of impregnable walls and population bans has set the ball in motion for the term of the newly elected leader of the US.

After the Inauguration Day, President Trump (sigh) signed a series of Executive Orders to begin his term (or rule.) The one order which managed to stun the world collectively was the ‘temporary block on immigrants from Seven-Muslim majority countries.’ However, as the Trump administration refutes, it is not a Muslim ban. The order merely constitutes imposing a 90-day ban for residents of Syria, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen along with the prevention of refugees from entering the country for 120 days. But, the terminology of ‘Muslim Ban’ doesn’t seem to be applicable here, especially when the order was signed on the Holocaust Remembrance Day, does it?

With the world collectively condemning the harsh step taken by one of the leading countries, gestures of opposition have been taken by different sects. Here’s how the strength of unity is endeavouring to make a difference!

United Nations

At a time, which calls for compassion and lending support, a time which has been torn by the ravages of war, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and International Organisation for Migration urged the administration to continue offering asylum to refugees and people affected by the goriness of war. A joint statement was issued by the two agencies, commenting that “The longstanding US policy of welcoming refugees has created a win-win situation: it has saved the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in the world who have in turn enriched and strengthened their new societies.” A reversal of such a move would result in the loss of lives of hundreds and thousands of people fleeing war.

Global Leaders

The wave of reprove over the immigration ban was reverberated by the political leaders all across the world, preaching the arguments of humanity and kindness. Nations have released various statements regarding the necessity of accepting refugees and propagating the values of unity and kindness. Former President Obama, issued a statement through his spokesperson, saying, “The President fundamentally disagrees with the notion of discriminating against individuals because of their faith or religion.” The German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, further highlighted the notions of the Geneva Conventions and the colossal importance of accepting refugees on humanitarian grounds. The political scales have been lifted comically with the release of country-specific videos, mockingly claiming their nations as the ‘second best’ in typical Trump vernacular!

Business-sector

A show of solidarity was poured by the business arena of the country, with leading companies like Apple, Mircrosoft, Google, Facebook, Uber writing a joint letter to oppose the travel ban on immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries. Moreover, the global coffee retailer, Starbucks’ announcement regarding the hiring of 10,000 refugees came as a bridge of harmony. They would focus on hiring immigrants “who have served with U.S. troops as interpreters and support personnel,” thus, seeking to protect those who branched out to help them. The ideals of global integration and humanity endeavour to be restored in the midst of an order aiming to isolate a ravaged community.

Entertainment

The world of art and entertainment isn’t fair behind in demonstrating their despair. Producers like Joss Whedon, Dan Harmon, and Danny Zuker and other took part in a protest at LAX, along with a unified platform for speaking at the SAG Awards in January. With an outrage on social media platforms and members of Hollywood expressing their bafflement over the move, the cry is coming from far and wide. This was further reverberated by the brilliant Ellen DeGeneres, who on her show drew the compelling analogy between Dory’s world and that of today.

 

Image Credits: ABC

 

Saumya Kalia

[email protected]

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The Dalai Lama graces Jesus and Mary College

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JMC Dalai Lama

7th February marked a startling day as we witnessed an entire auditorium brimming with women all around, each of them more captivated than the next, completely engrossed in the sweet words of his holiness,  the 14th Dalai Lama, Lhamo Dondrub who with his tranquil saffron robe and delightful chuckle instantly put the audience at ease.

Before we set out to describe how this event was and always will be one for the serene and prestigious walls of Jesus and Mary College, it is important to reiterate why the Dalai Lama seems to bring metaphorical peace doves with him and fill a feeling of awe in everyone’s eyes. Tibetan Buddhists believe him to be the 14th reincarnation of the original Dalai Lama, a spiritual leader who was born in 1351 and who was said to be the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, Buddhism’s Bodhisattva of Compassion.

The Commerce Department organised this event almost effortlessly with security and sanity both intact despite the over imposing crowd of college students and faculty. The sole objective of this Talk was to enlighten the audience on Compassion, Mercy and Universal Responsibility in a way that opens up your mind and does not leave you feeling intimidated. All our eyes and senses were open as the Dalai Lama spoke about how everyone’s ultimate desire is happiness and our devotion to god and segregation based on religion has nothing to do with that ultimate goal. We live in such cushioned environments that the only grief that reflects in our eyes is from the Television channels. His holiness gave a befitting example of how proud Punjabis are and their need to display their beliefs which sent the audience in raves.

The Dalai Lama collaborated his energies to make us envision a world of ‘Oneness’ and ‘Compassion’ because human beings are social animals and their first instinct is to be compassionate and we need to train our minds to bring that out more. The only solution to mould our minds it to further educate ourselves and to remember that affection in turn brings affection back to you.

The World’s individual identities must be put aside to focus on global issues like global warming where someone’s faith or religion does not need to interfere with one’s notion to do good for themselves and for others. He spoke about how institutions like various colleges in Delhi University have blossoming potential to produce compassionate human beings because that is what you are remembered for, he then went on to express his undying adulation for Mother Teresa and her devotion to society. He was particularly peeved by how there are segregations and various excuses for violence even within religions like in Islam even though the religion is based on one Quran.

He believes that there are scientific approaches to meditation that facilitate you in moulding your minds to exude more compassion and prevent the overflow of emotions which is when people take imbalanced decisions.

Dalai Lama
“We must utilise logic and so we must investigate, we do not accept easily, why? And how?” Image credits: Natasha Maria, Jesus and Mary College

 

“We must utilise logic and so we must investigate, we do not accept easily, why? And how?” said the Dalai Lama on his scientific approach to expanding your mind. Questioning is a part of the key pillars on the path to a sound mind.

There were without a doubt various questions raised by the audience including some by both keen students and members of the faculty. As a response to a question on militancy, his holiness asked us to tap into our intelligence and not rely on negative actions and bullying as a coping mechanism, he touched on relations between China and India and stated that they needed to trust each other and above all “De-militarize”. He urged the millennials present there to maintain their moral principles no matter what profession one might choose because each professions fills a vital place in the world.

He concluded by cementing a belief of responsibility in each of us through analytical meditation and quietness which is where we tend to open up to our realisations more. Teachers and students must have a cooperative and open relationship where there is a lot of room for dialogue and that is how students can be steered to the right path, through trust. If one’s mind is peaceful and smiling then physical ailments can go away because such is the power of the mind.

 Feature Image: Mehak Dhawan, Jesus and Mary College

Baani Kashyap

[email protected]

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Cartoon Blasts from a Nostalgic Past

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Do you miss the cartoon legends which defined our childhood stories to the highest degree? Have a look at some favourites which continue to float in our minds and smiles!

In the world of Netflix, Hotstar and countless online streaming sites at our disposable for watching shows new and old; one wonders how the age of entertainment has evolved with us. Before we were intrigued by and binge-watched the likes of Game of Thrones and FRIENDS, there existed a land within the television which was presented to us for only a few hours in a day but managed to etch a mark of memories. The mere mention of these shows unfurls a trail of giggles and fond remembrances. With characters and stories which assuaged our hopeful hearts, here’s the journey of some of the cartoon blasts from a very nostalgic past!

Tom and Jerry

The incessant pursuit of the mouse, Jerry, by the tenacious cat, Tom, became a story ingrained in our hearts; to the extent that Tom and Jerry is the first show to grace our list. Often coupled with unsuccessful tricks and traps along with frying pans and mayhem in the house, the show defined an era of madness!

tom-and-jerry

Bob the Builder

…karke dikhayenge!” The recent controversy which involved the visual overhaul of the team wasn’t received well, for the masses liked the animated-ness of Bob. The adventures of the builder (obviously) Bob, Wendy, and their equipment and vehicles where they went to fix anything and everything was the source of some co-operative joy!

bob-the-builder

Oswald

The titular character, Oswald the octopus, along with his dog Weenie live in the Big City to give us moralistic storylines and comforting vibes. Painted in colours, Oswald’s everyday tales with Henry the Penguin, Daisy the Flower, Madame Butterfly, and a host of characters lends the show an affinity towards kids!

oswald

Make Way for Noddy

The endearing stories of Noddy with his blue hat being lauded for special appearances, the show was based on Enid Blyton’s books originally published between 1949 and 1963. Living in the Toyland with Big Ears, Mr. Plod, Tessie Bear, Bumpy Dog, and others, Noddy with his energy and impulsiveness sets out to be the town’s taxi driver to give way to all shades of fun!

noddy

Strawberry Shortcake

The beautiful and delicious Strawberryland was the daily box of lessons and some very palatable shortcakes! With their names renditions of food, the tales of Strawberry Shortcake, Ginger Snap, and Huckleberry Pie and their explorations added to the aesthetics of our screen!

strawberry-shortcake

Dragontales

Raise your hands if the Dragon Tunes has occupied the realms of your mind! As Emmy and Max discovered the Dragon Land, they set out to face challenges with the dragons Ord, Cassie, Zak, Wheezie, and Quetzal, and have some magical fun on the way!

dragontales

The Flintstones

Portraying a time that made generations believe that the dinosaurs and humans existed together, the two family story in Bedrock is an all-time favourite. Fred and Wilma, along with Barney and Betty, was the everyday tale of work and family and their eventful days in between!

the-flintstones

The Adventures of Tenali Raman

Inspired by the Indian folklore, the Adventures of Tenali Raman was a confluence of Indian heritage, interesting tales, and foot-tapping music! The jester poet in the city of Vijaynagar, Tenali’s every day encounters with the King Krishnadevaraya to solve issues of all kind were appreciated for the fast pace and intriguing stories!

tenali-raman

Akbar and Birbal

Names synonymous with each other, and tales’ renditions of legends and greatness, the animated show provided a bundle of traditional folklore. The rich court of Akbar and his Navratna were portrayed with all grandiose, with Birbal emerging as the wit-master and the perfect person to complement the ruler!

akbar-and-birbal

Scooby-Doo

Talking of greatness, the cartoon with our favourite dog and its four friends perfectly fits the bill. Their supernatural mysteries and eccentric personalities amalgamated the two genres, and made it a Saturday morning treat! As we miss the dapper Fred, the gorgeous Daphne, the brainy Velma, and the indomitable friendship between Scooby and Shaggy, it makes us wonder: Scooby-doo, where are you?

scooby-doo

Feature Image: Popcornin

Image Credits: Wikipedia, ABC, YouTube, Wallpaper Abyss, www.mobygames.com, TV Tropes, The Hindu, Google Play

 

Saumya Kalia

[email protected]

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Monumental tricolour hoisted at Hans Raj College

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On the eve of Republic Day, Hans Raj College under University of Delhi hoisted a monumental flag on its campus, almost a year after Central University Vice-Chancellor decided to fly the Tricolour atop a 207-feet mast in all their premises to evoke nationalistic sentiments on campuses.

According to the CEO of The Flag Foundation of India, Shahnawaz Khan, Delhi University is the first public university to have a monumental flagpole. The flag pole on the premises of Hans Raj College is similar to the one installed in Connaught Place’s Central Park, according to Khan.

On February 18th 2016, former HRD Minister, Smriti Irani chaired a meeting of around 39 vice-chancellors of central universities and decided that all universities will hoist national flag atop a 207-feet mast. The aim behind this move was to instil a sense of ‘nationalism and pride’ amongst the student community of Delhi University. This meeting was called by Smriti Irani in the wake of Rohith Vemula’s suicide in Hyderabad, which triggered a national outcry over social discrimination amongst students in educational campuses. The decision was reached in the backdrop of the controversy created around Jawaharlal Nehru University where anti-national slogans were allegedly raised.

The 100-ft high flag was hoisted at Hans Raj College by Naveen Jindal, who is a Member of Parliament and the President of the Flag Foundation of India. Accompanying him was his batch-mate, actor Parveen Dabas.

Last year, in August itself, Naveen Jindal, had announced on the college’s Foundation Day that he would hoist the national flag in the college campus. On this event, Naveen Jindal said, “Being an alumnus of Hans Raj College, I am extremely elated that it is the first college in Delhi University to have installed a monumental Flag. Tiranga belongs to all of us equally. When a person displays his national flag, he rises above political, social or religious affiliations.”

Joyee Bhattacharya
[email protected]

Image credits: The Times of India

 

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Arts & Culture

North East Cell of Daulat Ram Colleges hosts its Annual Fest

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The North East Cell of Daulat Ram College under the aegis of The North Eastern Council hosted its annual fest on 27th January 2017. Mr. Jitendra Singh, hon’ble Minister of State for The Ministry of Development for the North Eastern Region was the Chief Guest for the event. Prior to this inter-college cultural extravaganza, there was an inter-college Poster Making and Collage Making Competition held on the 18th of January 2017,where students from various colleges of Delhi University participated. The topic of both the competitions pertained to the natural and cultural heritage of the North East of India and both the events saw large-scale participation. Students of Daulat Ram College and Ram Lal Anand College brought glory to their colleges respectively by bagging prizes in both the competitions. The award winners of both the competitions were announced on the day of the fest.

sikkim-bhutia-dance

The eight colourful North Eastern states of India are so rich naturally and culturally and thus people from the eight sister states came together to put up stalls exhibiting the food, ornaments, art and accessories of the region. The cultural programme began with the performance of the traditional Garo dance from Meghalaya by girls of Daulat Ram College. It was followed by the Sikkim-Bhutia dance performed by students from Ramjas College, Daulat Ram College, Maharaja Agrasen College, Amity University, Ambedkar University, Lakshmibai College, Zakir Hussain College and Swami Shraddhanand College respectively. The pretty faces and the silken attire lit up the event. Then, the much awaited Cheraw dance, also known as the bamboo dance from Mizoram was performed by the students of Jesus and Mary College. The amalgamation of 12 bamboos, 6 dancers and the beats of the bamboo was very lively to watch. The Maring War Dance,a tribal war dance form from Manipur was performed by students of St. Stephens College, Shivaji College, Hansraj College, Hindu College, Swami Vivekananda College and Indraprastha College for Women collectively.

With vibrant colours and typical tribal get-up the audience got a chance to witness the celebration of tribal art form and the integration of the eight sister states. In the end, the Students’ Union of Daulat Ram College presented special dance performances by Dance India Dance (DID) contestant Suraj Sharma and Rohit Bachi from IIT Bombay.

Radhika Boruah
[email protected]

Image credits: Sepia, Photography society of Daulat Ram College

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Lady Shri Ram College for Women

Econvista 2017 organised by LSR

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econvista

Econvista is the annual fest of Department of Economics of LSR which was held from 19th Jan-21st Jan’17.  

Econvista 2017 – The International Economics Symposium was organised by Department of Economics of Lady Shri Ram College (LSR), University of Delhi from 19th-21st January, 2017. The first day of the fest began with a learning session ‘Ideas Conclave’ which was graced by speaker Arvind Virmani, an Indian economist who was appointed India’s representative to the International Monetary Fund in 2009 prior to which he was the Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India. In his talk he focused upon the issue of corruption that has paralysed the entire system giving the students a flavour of how policy making works.

Keeping in line with the theme of Econvista ‘17 of exploring alternative development paradigms, The Ideas Conclave witnessed a panel discussion on ‘‘Achieving Inclusive and Sustainable Development: Feasibility & Challenges of Market Economy.” The Chairperson was Dr. Geeta Gouri, a former member of Competition Commission of India while the esteemed panelists included, Dr. Farzana Afridi, Dr. Surajit Mazumdar and Dr. Anirban Kar. The discussion began with Dr. Afridi highlighting the dire income inequality that exists today, particularly in context of the liberal market reforms of the past few decades implemented in emerging markets of the developing world. Dr. Mazumdar took the discussion further by bringing to the forefront the exclusive nature of our economy in status quo. In a labour surplus country like India, people face unemployment or are paid low wages as sellers of their labour services. Following this, Dr. Kar elaborated on problems that remain unsolved through free market operations, such as the under provision of public goods or coordination problems.

Ideas Conclave unleashed its third event of the day, ‘Theatrical Play’ by the renowned Chilsag Entertainment Network. The performers not only charged up the whole atmosphere by their chuckle some act, but also left the audience to ponder over the quotidian yet paramount subject of ‘Woman Empowerment’. The concluding and the most awaited session of the day was – slam poetry by a group called ‘Slip of Tongue’. The theme of Econvista 2017 was “Thinking Beyond the Invisible Hand: Exploring Alternative Development Paradigms”. This session can easily be accredited for having gathered the largest audience as compared to the other sessions. The slam poetry performances revolved substantially around the theme of development and its denotation to them. The first performance was by a trio of Diksha, Shubhra and Cheryl wherein they spoke about norms that women have been following till date.

The online events were Economic Reelties, Eco Trails and Eco Toons, and flagship events were Dr. Saroj Gupta Memorial Paper Presentation, Policy Dilemma, Eco Prayog, Mock IP, Checkmate and Eco Matters. Zestomania was, as per popular opinion, one of the most exciting events of the second day at Econvista’17. Also, the interactive events were Galloping Producers, M Triple A and Zest-O-Mania. The amphitheater became interesting with a flurry of activities as teams from colleges from all over the country engaged in a battle of speed and intellect. All these events entertained participation of students from most of the colleges of Delhi University, and from colleges outside Delhi.

Radhika Boruah

[email protected]

Image credits: www.fuccha.in

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Student’s Union calls for a strike at Shaheed Bhagat Singh College

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The differences between the College Administration and the Student’s Union at Shaheed Bhagat Singh College (Morning) further widened this week. The crisis between the administration and the union, which has existed for sometime, continued after the removal of the student union’s board from the Canteen Area by the college authorities.

Abhishek Bishnoi, the President of the Student Union and Prateek Kothari, the Vice President of the same body, in conversation with our correspondent maintained that the college has been indifferent to their demands since election time. According to them, the proposals for the Power Backup system and better infrastructure at the Canteen area among other things had been rejected multiple times by the administration.

Prateek Kothari further added that “Even the Student Union display board was erected after many efforts. But the college administration took another offence, this time in response to a grievance post on social media. The display board was torn down. Only after many protests, it was reinstated at a different location.”

The student union’s members also complained about the lack of financial incentives. The Vice President of the student’s Union in this regard said, “Even the bare minimum funds are never made available to us. For instance, only 2.9 lakh has been sanctioned to us for the fest, which is an impossible amount to work with” .

The Students Union had also approached the college authorities, who had refrained entirely from any clarification on the matter. According to the Union members, despite repeated efforts no response has been recorded from the administrations side as yet.

The students of the college seemed harboring similar questions. Sparsh Saini, a first year student, having keenly observed the conversation, had made his opinion and said, “Something is missing. If the fests don’t do well or the infrastructure is bad, it’s the college’s reputation that gets tarnished”.

A strike has been called for in the first week of February by the Student’s Union of the college. “The administration cannot go on kicking us out of the rooms and turning deaf ears to us”, Union members added.

Feature Image Credits: www.sbsec.org 

Nikhil Kumar

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Slam Poetry and why it may not be so cool

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Once a sceptic, on being asked why she disliked slams, said, “It’s not even poetry. There are two topics it revolves around, which are feminism and politics.” And so it does. But that does not stop the trend of having at least one poetry slam event being organised in each department fest of Delhi University. The spoken word is clearly not going anywhere.Even the Delhi Poetry Slam’s ‘Slam India Retreat 2016’, in Jaipur, saw the participation of self-confessed “poets” in huge numbers.Some of them have picked up the craft solely from watching Youtube videos of Button Poetry.In fact, there are many who do see slam poetry as legitimate poetry.

The spoken word, as a form of poetry, finds its roots in the musical, free verse of the likes of Allen Ginsberg. It sprang up via open mic sessions for the first time in the 1980s in U.S., primarily in small cafes. The trend seems intent on emulation in India, where such poets are increasingly choosing cafes for their debuts as well. There are now organizations like the Delhi Poetry Slam to consolidate and unite slam poets in different regions. The idea is that poetry is performance. Like any other craft, the craft of performance can also be learnt very quickly. It’s not very different from the concept of reality shows in this sense: quickly learning the tricks of the trade to compete and achieve overnight stardom. That it allows poetry to become a source of livelihood,however, might just be the only positive side to it.
Traditional modes of expression are an impasse. The paper does nothing for us now, since we have a Kindle. It’s hard to concentrate on a book for too long without dozing off. Similarly, monologues in the theatres lost charm since competitive slams took precedence, hanging somewhere between rap and poetry. The classification is difficult and something not worth attempting either. It should be let free, as far as the idea goes. But when overnight stardom without any desire of mastery, looking down upon writing, or performing poetry for a quick buck become the inspiration behind it, this generation should sit up and take notice. It should treat this as a warning, an impending disaster stemming from an attitude of materialism and competition.

Deepannita Misra
[email protected]

Image credits: https://pbs.twimg.com

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