Caucus, the group discussion forum at Hindu College organized Vaktavya – the 6th annual group discussion festival on 25-26th March. The festival was scheduled to have bilingual group discussions and baithaks.
“Banning the burqua: Can women’s rights trump religion”
For Day 1, “Banning the burqua: Can women’s rights trump religion” was the discussed topic for conventional group discussion (GD). Discussion was moderated by Caucus members. Arushi Walecha was the Chairperson for the discussion and Pratishtha Mahajan sat as the Rapporteur. Each participant during the discussion was allowed to present his or her views and each opinion was recorded with the moderators. Mohammed Ziyad Ansari, a participant in the course of discussion remarked, “Islamic religious books not only talk about hijab (burqua) for women but for men as well. The purpose of hijab is not only covering one’s self, but also to show respect, lower the case and guard modesty.”
After 60 minutes of bilingual discussion, moderation and recording of views, the group came out with a common solution which mentioned that whether burqua or not, depends on the individuals choice. Ziyad also added that, “It should be the woman who should choose. We should keep in mind that Quran doesn’t impose burqua on anyone, it presents a choice.” The group also felt that, in the west there are many predetermined notions about these women who wear burquas. So someone who hasn’t experienced it or someone who doesn’t have full knowledge of the same has no right to condemn this system. Raja was adjudged the winner for this round of discussion.
“Is secularism irrelevant in the current Indian political context?”
Baithak at Vaktavya conducted a discussed on, “Is secularism irrelevant in the current Indian political context?” Baithak is an open discussion where no one moderates the discussion. Instead, a peer evaluation system is followed where the whole group evaluates other speakers and a best speaker is declared. This was also a bilingual discussion on what secularism is defined and understood as. The group also discussed about whether secularism as an issue is relevant in political discourse.
Baithak that was conducted for over one hour came out with the conclusion that despite the current political emphasis on development and economics, secularism still remains an agenda. Sandeep Singh, a baithak participant mentions, “Secularism stands on a proposition that religion and government state should be separated. But this agenda of secularism influences our perception of the political parties and candidates participating in the elections.” Sandeep was also declared the winner of this baithak session by his co-participants.
“Should schools teach – virginity is not a virtue”
On the second day, baithak‘s discussion revolved around the topic – “Should schools teach – virginity is not a virtue.” After 70 minute exercise of presenting their views, the group unanimously decided that virginity should be based on individuals perception and not as a universal virtue. Aishwarya Puri, the winner of this baithak round mentions, “Virginity should not be taught in schools, because when virginity is associated with a term like virtue, it becomes subjective.” A few members of the group also presented their opinions on why this subject of virginity should be a part of school teachings.
“Realism v/s Escapism : Does cinema need a purpose”
The last discussion at the festival had Nimisha Kawatra and Nishtia Khattar moderating the discussion as Chairperson and Rapporteur respectively. The topic, “Realism v/s Escapism : Does cinema need a purpose” had mixed views coming in from the participants. According to the members of the group, cinema works both ways. On one hand, it is a chute to propel one into another world for two hours and on the other, it can ground someone more firmly into the reality and enable him or her to see past the illusions of the society. Sandeep, who also bagged the first prize at baithak of secularism, was declared the winner for this discussion as well.
Vaktavya came to an end with screening of a short film called The Naturalist by Connor Hurley for all the Caucus members.
Image Credit: Ishaan Gambhir for DU Beat[/caption]
The highlight songs by them for the evening were Miliha which means ‘extremely beautiful’ and Durga. Another song that left the audience almost silent was WHY which questiones the happenings in the world on account of time and age. The lead western vocalist engaged the crowd well by saying out the lyrics slowly for them and then asking the audience to sing and join him. During one hour of their performance, all hands were seen up in the air, dancing or waving to the band.
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DJ Lloyd with the dancing crowd. | Image Credit: Iresh Gupta for DU Beat[/caption]
Five minutes after Advaita’s exit, Bollywood’s DJ Lloyd started with his dance numbers changing the Sufi mood of band’s last two songs into the party mode. People were seen up on the chairs and some on shoulders. DJ Lloyd who came all over from Mumbai to play at NSIT, mixed up the tracks according to the changing environment within the dancing groups.
“Baby Doll and Party All Night were the craziest numbers for the evening. DJ made up well for Amit’s absence”, said Kartik Rishi who was there to attend the musical evening.
The last day of Moksha also witnessed Oorja, the western dance competition. Team from Sri Venkateshwara College, Verve was declared the winner. Jesus and Mary College’s Mudra and Indraprastha College for Women’s Afroza bagged the second and third positions respectively.
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‘Holi’ by Hans Raj College[/caption]
Dr. Manish Sharma, who also judged Intifada – the street play fest of the college judged Aks as well. Dr. Sharma is the Head of English Faculty of the college and a former convenor of Sri Venkateswara College. He said, “Street and stage theatre are two separate forms of dramatic art. Street focuses more on voice and subject whereas stage focus more on expression and matter.”
Mr. Satish Mukhatib, PhD in theatre from Jawaharlal Nehru University was the second judge. Mr. Mukhatib is also the head of Jumbish Theatre Group.
The plays performed covered the different genres of theatre. The Nerd by SRCC was a comical family drama where as Ek Rishte Ki Maut by Shivaji was a serious story of a post marriage relationship. The Dark Room and Holi by SBS (E) and Hans Raj College respectively talked about both friendships and betrayals.
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‘Nerds’ by Shri Ram College of Commerce[/caption]
The two best actor awards were bagged by SRCC for The Nerd. Vishnu Sinha and Mitali Mehul won Rs. 1000 each. Their team was also declared the first runners-up team for the competition. Cash prize of Rs. 3000 was awarded.
Shivaji College’s Ek Rishte Ki Maut was adjudged the best play at Aks. They were presented with Rs. 5000 in cash.
Mr. Mukhatib during the feedback and comments mentioned, “Theatre sometimes fails to cover each aspect. The plays that had played well with lights/sounds and acting skills couldn’t deliver the message and diverted from the topic. Others that justified the subject couldn’t impress with the external factors. No play can work only with sounds, lights, acting or the subject. A blend of all this is necessary.”
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With the fest season coming to an end, each team had performed a lot in the recent past. But certain plays like Bas Samajhne ki Baat hai by Shivaji College left the audience crying. Their play was based on old age problems. SGTB Khalsa’s We, the people based on politics surprised the spectators with its different elements. Radhika, an avid follower of street theatre said, “It is great to notice that every play has some changes incorporated for their performance compared to the last one. With performances happening each day, this shows how much teams are working hard towards improving their production.”
Rehaayi by Hansraj Dramatics Society bagged the third position at the festival whereas the first runners-up team was Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce for their play Chidiya ki Kahaani. The winners for Intifada was Gargi College for their production Joota.
