DU Beat, Author at DU Beat - Delhi University's Independent Student Newspaper

SRCC and LSR observe White Cane Safety Day

By DU Beat October 17, 2015

th October. The students had to register themselves into pairs of 2 and each pair was given a white cane and a black blindfold. The opening ceremony began at 9.30 in the morning. There was a performance by a visually impaired boy named Rajiv. The chief guest for the event was Mr. Mukesh Jain, the Secretary of ministry of social justice and empowerment. Mr. Jain addressed the gathering and then the walk began from SRCC at 11 am. [caption id="attachment_35663" align="alignnone" width="747"] Image credits- Sumedha Gupta[/caption] The Walk-A-Thon took an entire round of the north campus. The event attracted a good footfall. Students from other colleges like DRC, DCAC, Hindu, and many more were also volunteers along with the SRCC students. In order to prep the students for the walk, a host of activities were also planned in the preceding week like blindfold relay race, shoot the target and follow the voice. The closing ceremony had a performance by Mr. Lalit, a student of SRCC. Furthermore the crowd was thrilled by the performance of the SaReGaMa finalist, Diwakar who sang a few Bollywood tracks. The main aim of the white cane walk was to create awareness and sensitize people towards the hardships and hurdles of visually impaired and to help them bind with a promise of trust and standing by them. REACH- Reaffirming Equity Access Capacity and Humanism is the Equal Opportunity Cell of Lady Shri Ram College. In its quest to break social barriers, integrate communities and build an inclusive society, REACH celebrated the World White Cane Day on 15th October 2015. World White Cane day recognises the role the white cane has played in enhancing mobility and freedom of the visually impaired persons. White cane is an identifier of a blind person, a symbol of independence and a staff of empowerment. This marked the underlying theme of the poster campaign that depicted the multiple pathways that life now has to offer to the persons with disability and impairment. It is a day that celebrates the achievements and triumphs of the persons with disability. REACH LSR took this opportunity to build a platform to understand, comprehend and sensitize the larger students community about disability. Three Movies – ‘The Commute’ which follows the arduous journey of a father confined to the wheelchair who tries to reach home using public transportation for his daughters birthday, ‘Notes on Blindness’ which captures John Hull’s journey of grief, acceptance and renewal after losing his vision and lastly ‘ Disabled Athletes or Super humans’ which celebrates the achievements of persons with physical disability in sports. Image Credits: Sumedha Gupta for SRCC Eeshani and Devanshi for LSR Tanya Agarwal for SRCC [email protected] Ishita Sharma for LSR [email protected] ]]>

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QWERTY

Qwerty: App of the Week – Samvaad

By DU Beat October 13, 2015

‘Samvaad’ is an Android based application by Vision India Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by alumni and faculty members of various IITs. The application is launched for Delhi; it enables communication between the citizens of different areas and their respective Councellors of Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

The app rates different areas of Delhi on various aspects like water quality, environment, sanitation, transportation, public amenities and crime. These standards are further subdivided for ease of understanding. The motive of this app is fairly simple, to make different areas of Delhi comparable and find out which chosen representative by MCD is doing better than the other.

The app at first gives the map of Delhi, which has all the different areas marked, the user can search the area which he is looking for and check who is the Municipal Corporation Supervisor of that area. Along with that he can also check its rating, which is based on the ratings given by other users, the user can further give his own rating and opinion regarding any aspect which he feels like. This way the representatives of the area can keep a check on their progress and improve on areas where they are lacking. After all, public opinion matters the most.

This app will be really handy in deciding whether the same government representative should be elected again or not, it can act as a database of their work done. Moreover, by this app people will become more aware about which area is doing better off than the other and who is their Municipal Representative. This app can prove to be a little chit chat corner for the area residents as well as its representatives. The application works fine without any glitches and crashes, the user interface is fairly easy to use and understand. The best part is that the app is constantly being updated and getting a positive response over the app store.

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DUB News

Delhi Commission for Women accepts Pinjra Tod charter of demands at Jan Sunwai

By DU Beat October 11, 2015

Students from different Universities of the capital gathered for a jan sunwai in Jantar Mantar on 10th October as a part of the Pinjra Tod campaign. The jan sunwai vocally presented the grievances and the demands of this expanding group of students protesting against the restrictive and biased hostel/PG rules. The event saw eminent academicians and feminists like Piyoli Swatija, Uma Chakravarti, Mary John and Janaki Abraham as the jury of the public hearing. A representative of the Delhi Commission of Women was also present to assess the demands of this campaign. The Jan sunwai started with a powerful poem by a student of Miranda House. It was followed by a song, composed and performed by two male students who have also joined this women’s movement.

Students from different hostels and PG’s presented their cases of moral policing, sexist and restrictive curfew timings and issues such as the number of late nights and the concept of local guardians. These included residents of hostels of St Stephens, Miranda House and Jamia Milia Islamia to name a few. In addition, residents of private hostels and PG’s such as Aparna Girls Hostel, Undergraduate Hostel for Girls and others also voiced their anger against the oppressive rules and regulations of their hostels as well as the conduct of their wardens.
The speakers left the crowd as well as the jury baffled with their stories. For instance, one of the student from Jamia Milia Islamia said, “Jamia Milia Islamia requires their foreign residents to seek permission from their respective embassies for a late night leave.” Numerous cases of moral policing and use of abusive language by wardens was also voiced by the students of Delhi University.
The discussion was followed by a powerful Protest Performance, called Khol do. This was followed by the comments of the jury, who found it surprising that the condition and the rights of women have not really changed over the time. Uma Chakravarti, revered feminist historian said, “The university treats hostels as the extension of fathers control”. Janaki Abraham also exposed, ” the paternalism of the new UGC guidelines “

It was also highlighted that the Pinjra Tod campaign is not looking for freedom in a Utopian world and that the models of free and egalitarian spaces are present not very far, in the residences of institutions like JNU. The Pinjra tod activits read out their charter of Demands and handed over a petition signed by over one thousand supporters to the representative of the Delhi Commission Of Women, Farheen Malik. The Charter of Demands along with the petition was accepted by Farheen Malik,who termed all the demands ” genuine”
The Jan sunwai commenced with both male and female supporters shouting slogans such as,

“Pitta sapta dhoka hai,
Dhaka Maro Moka hai ”
and
“Gulami se samjhota karna chhod
Pinjra Tod Pinjra Tod
Hostel ke darwazay khol
Pinjra Tod, Pinjra Tod “

The crowd dispersed after having danced to a Greek freedom song. The core members of the campaign thanked the supporters and also urged them to support the Pinjra Tod campaign in it’s future endeavours.

Read all about the Pinjra Tod movement here.

Photo by Uzma Rehman

Tooba Towfiq

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Shri Ram College of Commerce

The Auburn Umbrella at SRCC: What would you want your better half to wear?

By DU Beat October 9, 2015

Shri Ram College of Commerce: The Holy Grail of every commerce student in India. Known for its sky-high cut-offs, academic rigour and spectacular placements, SRCC also, it seems, has some very fashion conscious students. In fact, the students not only have staunch fashion opinions about their own attire, but also have certain very high fashion standards for their partners! Here are some of the answers The Auburn Umbrella received:

“I like guys who are dressed soberly and aren’t trying to be ‘funky’. Wearing baggy clothes, beanie caps, large head bands, yellow/red shoes or long messy hair for me are a big no no. I believe that awell-tailored is to women what lingerie is to men. He looks the best in a dark gray well fitted suit, light grey shirt and a black slim tie.” Kritika Garg

“ I think her ‘cute’ look attracts me more than her ‘hot’ one. She looks best in a plain white crop top, a check print shirt, black jeggings and canvas shoes. While on a date or a night out, she looks charming in a little black dress, with cute studs/loop earrings and a small delicate pendant necklace. I like her the most when she’s natural, in braided hair, without much makeup or over the top jewelry, but simply in her sweatpants and my vest.” Prakhar Yadav

“The one thing I love about him is the confidence with which he carries himself. I think he looks best in plain white shirt with rolled up sleeves, beige shorts, dark color loafers, reflective aviator sunglasses and pompadour hairstyle. I don’t like wearing him pajamas/sweatpants, flip flops or graphic T-shirts to college; instead I expect him to dress like an adult.” Ribha Kasana

“I believe that being comfortable in what you wear is the most important element in your overall personality. I like to see her in yoga pants because she is comfortable being in them. Be it a kurti or a crop top, she looks equally elegant in both of them, solely because of the fact that she dresses for herself. She never thinks about what people will think about the way she dresses.” Rishabh Yadav

“I think ethnic wear compliments her personality and body type perfectly and also accentuates her traditional side. She looks incredibly graceful in a plain, block coloured V-neck kurta with a contrast salwar or churidar, silver jhumka earrings, a delicate silver anklet, flats and messy hair. I was completely awestruck when I saw her in a black and white georgette saree on our school farewell. I believe simplicity is the ultimate sophistication and women don’t need long pointed nails or too much make up to impress us.” Sahaj Gupta

“Guys don’t have a whole lot of clothing options but still I think they need to be more impressive in their attire. I like him the best when he is in a well fitted round neck T-shirt and a pair of light cultured chinos. Also a Chinese collared shirt along with a pair of dark blue ripped denims and tan brown leather shoes suits him perfectly for an outing. I love his sporty side, full of sweat, messy hair,like when he has just stepped out from the gym wearing a classic V-neck tee, waist jogger pants and mid top sneaker. Last but certainly not the least; I like it when he is confident about what he is wearing, which he usually is.” Sonal Goel

Is fashion your biggest foe? Does it intimidate you? Do you feel like a dodo when it comes to making sensible fashion choices? Do you wish to be a fashionista but aren’t sure how and where to start?
Well, our dear fashion-stricken reader, we’ve got a one-stop solution to all your fashion queries! DUB introduces to you the latest fashion app, Wooplr. This app will help enhance your fashion knowledge: it will guide you through the latest fads and trends, help you customize a style for yourself, suggest shopping options and Voila! Turn you into a stunning diva! So check out the app and be prepared to rock the college scene with your new-found fashion acumen!

By Tammana Goel and Ankit Kumar Meena

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Daulat Ram College

In conversation with Sangeeta Yadav, the Students’ Union President of Daulat Ram College

By DU Beat October 9, 2015

Sangeeta Yadav, the newly elected president of The Students’ Union of Daulat Ram College (DRC) is a 3rd year English (H) student, who is also an athlete and has been playing hockey since 8th standard. She has played at both state and national level and is a gold medalist.

We get insights to what she aims to achieve as the president and what inspired her to contest for the post:

Q. Congratulations on winning the elections. What inspired you to contest in the first place?
A. I’ve been a sportsperson for a long time and when I used to come back from matches around 7 PM, the lack of quality of the basic necessities used to bother me. Access to clean drinking water, tidy washrooms, and better infrastructure of the college were some of my concerns. Thus, I resolved to bring about a change myself and stand for a position in the Union.

Q. Did you imagine yourself holding this position 2 years ago when you were just a fresher?
A. No. I’m from Haryana and compared to the colleges there, the colleges of Delhi University are much better. So, in my first year I was awe-struck with the whole aura of Delhi University. But as time passed and I started looking at other colleges, I realised that there are a lot of problems to be tackled. This is the reason I contended in my 2nd year as well for the post of the Vice President but lost. It didn’t hamper my spirit, though, and I tried again this year.

Q. What is the biggest lesson you learnt during the campaigning process?
A. It was during the campaigning process that I realised the importance of this post and the impact it can create. I also realised how students are intelligent and well-aware. You can’t go and make futile promises. They know what questions to ask the candidates to know how serious their vision is for the college. They desperately want a change to come which motivates me to work harder too.

Q. Are you happy with the complete panel that has been elected?
A. I was the only candidate who wasn’t a part of a panel during the campaigning. But, I gradually got to know both of the panels that were competing. I can say with confidence that every contestant deserved to win equally. Everyone had worked hard so it is only natural that I am quite happy with the people who won. I’m also sure that even if they didn’t win, at the time of need, everyone would come together to genuinely work for the college.

Q. What do you plan to do different this year than the earlier unions which have been in power?
A. I have realised that I am not greedy for power. It is my last year and I want a positive change to come from my side. So, the biggest difference in my approach will be that while focusing on major things such as fests and competitions, I won’t lose sight of the most basic problems of a student. It can be the need to install more dustbins, have a cleaner campus and so on.

Q. What is the once advice you’d like to give the students who wish to hold such positions of leadership?
A. I’d advise them to participate. I don’t mean only in elections but it may be in anything ranging from dance to sports. You get new experiences when you participate and it broadens your horizon. This gives you confidence to hold any position justly. I have always tried to be an all-rounder and would advise others to try and do the same.

Nishita Agarwal
[email protected]

Image Credits : Nishita Agarwal

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College of Vocational Studies

Innovation Projects 2015-2016: Students of CVS assess upcoming tourist sites in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur

By DU Beat October 7, 2015

Project name: Assessment of emerging attractions in the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur).

Principal investigator: Dr. Kumar Ashutosh.

Co-investigators: Mr. Anand and Ms. Rekha.

Student Members: Ayesha, Harshit Shinghal, Ketan Bhatt, Megha Mittal, Kajol Chhabra, Hritik Kukreja, Simran Bajaj, Rohan Sharma, Kriti, Amal Augustine.

One of the 300 Innovation Projects for the session of 2015-2016 approved by University of Delhi is an assessment of emerging attractions in the Golden Triangle. The project, one of College of Vocational Studies’ multiple projects, aims at working towards the development of attractions in the Golden Triangle which consists of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Due to its immense significance in Indian tourism, there is a need to reassess and improve in this geographical area.

According to Ayesha Zia, a student involved with the project, “Lately there have been no modifications in the existing attractions of the Golden Triangle. Consequently, tourists are not inclined to visit the same place which has nothing more to offer. However, it is not like there are no upcoming attractions in the golden triangle, but due to lack of initiative, the area is not developing fast.”

Therefore, the project aims at revisiting, researching and re-creating aspects of the rich cultural heritage of this triangle. For instance, Ameer Fort’s empty Sheesh Mahal, Deewan-e-Aam and Deewan-e-Khaas will be added more life to by recreating the aura of the era through thrones, chairs and carpets of those times. In addition to creating a blueprint of that era, the team will also work on identifying and locating secondary attractions on the road for the tourists whilst their travel. They are also working on implementing the oft ignored UN code of ethics at various tourist spots. The innovation project team has teachers and students of various departments like tourism, economics and commerce working together.

This innovation project, in the words of Dr. Kumar Ashutosh, will come up with viable options to increase the value of the Golden Triangle. This will also identify how to give maximum satisfaction to the tourist visiting an important circuit of India. The plan of action has been articulated already. Infact, Ayesha Zia a student of Marketing and Management of Insurance is very excited about the project and has already initiated collecting the data on these three places. Students will also be making visits in person to identify some yet-unnoticed tourist treasures in the area.

If you or anyone you know is participating in an Innovation Project, drop us an e-mail and we’d love to feature it!

A day for Flora and Fauna: KNC celebrates World Habitat Day

By DU Beat October 6, 2015

With the first Monday of October every year being designated as the World Habitat Day by the United Nations, Green Beans- The Environment Society of Kamala Nehru College recognised the undeniable significance of flora and fauna by celebrating the same on 5 October 2015.

Headed by teacher convenor- Dr. Sarita Ghai Kumar, Student Advisor- Dr.Chetan Chauhan and Head Representative- Supriya Nayak, with 6 convenors, the event intended to remind of the fact that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns and keep our environment healthy to make for a nurturing habitat for flora and fauna.

With a turnout of more than 200 students from various colleges across DU and Delhi in general,the event garnered good response for various competitions like – Rangoli Making, Face Painting, Quiz, and and Extempore, which guided the participants and the audience to spread awareness about the importance of our environment.

“All I believe is: one spark starts a fire, and if we join our hands we can do our bit to replenish our habitats like never before,” remarked Supriya, a Green Beans representative.

After a day full of interesting events, Abhinay and Amit from Shaheed Bhagat Singh emerged as the winners of the Quiz, Anushka from Dyal Singh College took the top prize in the Extempore, Iepsita, Sagrika and Bharti from Kamala Nehru College won the Face Painting competition, and Shatabdi and Sreedevi from Kamala Nehru College shared the first position for Rangoli Making.

Image Credits: Green Beans Society, Kamala Nehru College

Riya Chhibber

[email protected]

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Biblio

4 books that will change the way you think

By DU Beat October 6, 2015

We all want to come across books that specifically cater to our own needs and provide a meaningful insight into another person’s experience. Like education, an extraordinary story along with some wise words remains with us to a large extent. It makes us think beyond the pre-existing notions and immensely change our outlook towards things.

About yourself: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This story starts with the journey of a shepherd boy who is in pursuit of a treasure buried in the Egyptian Pyramids but later is directed towards the path of self-discovery. Coelho urges people to believe in their capabilities over the idea of destiny and thoughtlessly follow their dreams with determination, no matter how infeasible it may seem.

About life and existence: Looking for Alaska by John Green

This story is about a teenager who is not afraid of death and how her immediate death makes his friend ponder on the very existence of the human race, the purpose of their lives, their mortality and afterlife. It also makes us realise about the choices we make in life. Miles ends up choosing a Great Perhaps and that leads him to a world full of questions.

About religion: The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

This book has led to a lot of controversy and criticismon various aspects like Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene’s intimacy, European art and architecture, the secret rituals and the basis of Christianity. It also raises questions regarding the secrecy of Opus Dei and the history of Roman Catholic Church. After reading this book, one undoubtedly questions the fabrication of religious truth and society.

About friendship:The Kite Runner by KhaledHosseini

It is a story of two best friends, Amir and Hassan, who are no less than brothers. For most of the novel, Amir tries to overcome the guilt of betraying his friend who can do almost anything for him. Hassan’s love for Amir is selfless, while Amir’s is mostly selfish. Hassan had long ago forgiven Amir for his betrayal and even after years of separation still believed that he was the best friend he ever had.

Image Credits- marketmybook.in

TamannaGoel

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The Auburn Umbrella

The Auburn Umbrella: KNC girls high on fashion

By DU Beat September 26, 2015

With the dusk of summer and the dawn of autumn season, it was reported that girls at KNC are experimenting differently with cool yet comfy styles of fashion. So, the DU Beat fashion police caught some fashionistas who had stories to tell about their choice of dressing. Here’s what we explored:

Fashion from generations — “Today I am wearing my mom’s skirt which has been stitched from one of her suits. My earrings are from a small vendor outside Mithaas. I wear what I feel like. If I could suggest people to not follow a fashion trend that will be, coloured hair as they personally irk me.” -Vidhi Jaswal, 1st year, Political Science (Hons.)

Cultural fashion — “I’ve been wearing a hijab since the beginning of my college now and do it by my rightful choice because a hijab only enhances the beauty of a woman. My hijab is from Okhla market. I always wear a black burka and just keep adding variation to my look by changing the hijab designs. If given an opportunity, I would love to wear shorts to college someday.” -Meena Alvi, 2nd year, B.A. Programme

Forever 21 type of fashion — “I am wearing a top from Forever 21 and have coupled it with my sister’s bag. I generally shop from Forever for most of my clothes as this brand defines ‘economic fashion’ really well.” -Lemter, 1st year, Political Science (Hons.)

Colored fashion ordered online — “I am wearing a peach coloured flare skirt from jabong.com and a black top from Westside. For college, I usually love to dress up in ethnic wear as it is easy to carry off. I love western outfits too but, sleeveless jumpsuits really put me off and I personally think that they don’t make for a good fashion statement.” -Khyati Obrah, 1sy year, B.Com (Hons.)

Fashion from hometwon — “The skirt I am wearing is from my hometown in Karnal and my bag is from GK. I am fond of accessories and believe that they can enhance anyone’s look. Ethnic is my thing and in my opinion, it is the most hassle free way to look fashionable and beautiful.” -Arpita Chawla , 2nd year, B.Com (Prog.)

Ethnic fashion — “I am wearing a white Salwar-Kameez today which has been stitched by my mother. The cloth for my ensemble is from my home town – Amritsar. But, my earrings are the highlight of my look. I think fashion is ever changing and one shouldn’t follow trends blindly. In my opinion the best fashion hack is to wear the things that suit one’s body type and is comfortable to wear. -Aakriti Sharma, 2nd year, Journalism (Hons.)

Is fashion your biggest foe? Does it intimidate you? Do you feel like a dodo when it comes to making sensible fashion choices? Do you wish to be a fashionista but aren’t sure how and where to start?
Well, our dear fashion-stricken reader, we’ve got a one-stop solution to all your fashion queries! DUB introduces to you the latest fashion app, Wooplr. This app will help enhance your fashion knowledge: it will guide you through the latest fads and trends, help you customize a style for yourself, suggest shopping options and Voila! Turn you into a stunning diva! So check out the app and be prepared to rock the college scene with your new-found fashion acumen!

Riya Chhibber

[email protected]

Compiled for The Auburn Umbrella by: Nidhi Panchal

Image Credits: Paurush for DU Beat

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Top Picks

I got 99 problems and taking a stroll at night ain’t one

By DU Beat September 15, 2015

Since childhood, she has been escorted by a chaperone, initially her father, brother and later her boyfriend/husband. Does this have to do something with her being delicate?

No matter how much we as women try to protect ourselves from getting into problematic situations, we encounter many on a daily basis, like being followed on a deserted road or falling victim to someone’s abuses.

We don’t have to silently accept what society has in store for us. So, ladies, here are some ways for us to look after ourselves and also take a step closer to independence:

Just by projecting a “force presence,” you can avoid many altercations on the street. You can always shout to catch the attention of other pedestrians but in case you’re all alone, pretend to be on call with someone and act as if your friend is waiting for you down the lane. If it’s impossible to avoid the attacker, you need to end the confrontation with a high-impact attack with your bag or any object as quickly as possible, then run for help.

While travelling by a public bus, be aware of those around you. If the coach is mostly unoccupied, sit close to the driver. Likewise, you should rightfully ask for the “reserved seats for women” while travelling in the metro and prefer boarding the women’s coach.

If you are cornered by a robber and he asks for money, toss it away from you at a far distance and bolt in other direction. Also carry your license, plastic money or anything more valuable that you can’t afford to lose in your denims.

Never really entirely on self-defence tools like pepper sprays. It might not work on a person wearing a pair of sunglasses or a mask. Trust your gut; It most often turns out to be right.

To women who think they’ll anger the attacker and get hurt worse if they defend themselves, it is actually the opposite. Statistically, you’re better off surviving if you do fight back. Aim for the eyes first and the groin second. The elbow followed by your knee, is the strongest point on your body. However, if you’re attacked by a person with a knife or a gun, you need to try to avoid confrontation and get away instead of picking up a fight.

Image Credits: psychologytoday.com

Tamanna Goel

[email protected]

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