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Gargi College

Gargi Sanskrit department holds twin events at Reverie 2014

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The Sanskrit Department of Gargi College hosted a twin event on the third and final day of their annual college fest ‘Reverie’ – 2014 in the afternoon slot. The event was judged by Ms. Veena Bhatnagar and Ms. Kumkum Jindal, professors from the same department.

The first leg of the event called ‘Sanskrit Shlokavriti Pratiyogita’ saw the recitation of Sanskrit shlokas from numerous literature pieces of the language. The first prize was bagged by Vaibhav from St. Stephens College, who was praised well for the clear recitation by both the jury members. Sonali from Gargi College bagged the second prize.

The other event called ‘Natya Abhivyakti Pratiyogita’ saw the participants enacting and delivering Sanskrit dialogues in different situations provided by jury members. The first prize was bagged by Ritu Singh from Gargi College itself, second being bagged by Pratibha Pathak( Satyawati College). The third position in both events was won by Suruchi from St. Stephen’s College.

Both the events saw a participation of overall 15 teams. “The event was really exciting, the decision was tough, hence, the prizes were exceedingly divided and consolation prizes distributed. It was nice to see the interest of youth in the language still alive.” said Ms. Kumkum Jindal, after the announcement of results.

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DUB Speak

Life of a CA student: 16 exams, 6 dozens books and 6 years of study

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Sixteen exams, six dozens books, six years of extensive study and a rigorous life with tight articleship schedule, work pressure and coaching leaving no spare time or personal space. Yet, the eyes gleam with the iridescent dreams of a shining future, the determination is strong, the zeal unfading. There is some kind of latent pleasure in this monotony that they find; which keeps them going despite of the extensive and deep disciplines, aggressively tough question papers and tight results. This is the life of all budding Chartered Accountancy aspirants, bogged down with tonnes of things yet progressing towards the final goalpost, of being able to use the two most beautiful alphabets – ‘CA’ as a prefix to their names.

The CAs are entrusted with the substantial responsibilities of tax audits, financial consultancy; taxation planning and project consultancy underlining the confidence society has reposed in the profession, however the path to success is narrow and the risk of failure is alarmingly high as the regulatory body, ICAI has substantially reduced the pass percentage to single digits in last few attempts due to numerous reasons. The steep downfall is attributed to the market conditions of demand and supply wherein institute tends to meticulously match available opportunities with aspirants and thereby declare results.

Moreover, the institute wishes to keep a vigilant eye on quality of students being passed which has diluted with the overexploitation of CA as a profession by tutors and coaching houses. Another reason that is supposed to be working behind the tough exams and tight results is to encourage students to gain in depth working knowledge for practical situations from the course as well as disciplines, which seems to have been replaced by rote learning in the system.

No matter how tough the going gets, the tough still get going. Numerous famous CAs have scaled great heights of success whether it be CA Subhash Lakhotia (anchor of famous CNBC show ‘Tax Guru’), CA Shekhar Kapoor (Actor, Writer & Reality TV Judge), CA Parveen Sharma ( faculty at the most sought after name in CA coaching – ‘ETEN – CA’) or other names such as K.M Birla, Motilal Oswal etc. It all lies in our vision, for some CA is possible but difficult, while for others, it is difficult but still possible.

There will be inevitable heart breaking failures which when matched with apt patience, dedication and will to excel can amount to mightiest of successes. Be not afraid of progressing slow, only fear standing still.  Allow me to quote author Ritu Ghatourey, ‘At any given moment you have the power to say – this is not how my story is going to end.’

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News

Petition for LGBT Rights: An ‘Enactus Ramjas Initiative

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The Supreme Court of India, which is considered the ‘final guardian and interpreter’ of the Indian Constitution sent shock waves across the world as it overturned the judgement of the Delhi High Court(2009) which declared Section 377 unconstitutional. The SC verdict infringes the ‘right to life and personal liberty’ that the Constitution of India promises to each and every citizen irrespective of their place of birth, caste, creed, religion, race or sex.

The SC’s move has moved all spheres of society, Delhi University being no exception. Enactus Ramjas, in collaboration with NGO ‘NAZ Foundation’ plans to start an online petition to restore the rights of personal liberty to the LGBT community. They also wish to forward the demand for withdrawal of the judgement criminalising sexual intercourse between same sex people.

In order to muster maximum support from the youth of DU, a Facebook page in name of ‘E-queer-LIBRIUM’ has been launched that works towards sensitisation towards the gay community. The group provides a platform to reflect the voice of discriminated and reach out to the concerned authorities. Not only is Enactus Ramjas supporting the LGBT community in their legal battle for equality and justice, but also the members have started an innovative plan called – ‘TransCreations’ where the  transgenders are given an opportunity to work in the jewellery designing project of Enactus Ramjas. The jewellery designed is then sold online, in college fests and in select jewellery shops as well. “The workers are thus guaranteed an alternate respectable income, which is a small step towards making them socially acceptable, independent and strong.” said Robin Kumar, President, Enactus Ramjas.

Thus, while the fate of this minority group hangs on a loose thread, it is important for us to observe solidarity and create an atmosphere conducive to each and every member of the society.

Relevant links :

Official FB Page of ‘E-queer-LIBRIUM’ – https://www.facebook.com/equeelibrium

Official FB Page of the Trans’Creations’ Programme-https://www.facebook.com/Transcreations?fref=ts

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DUB Speak

65 years as a republic, yet several pending constitutional bills

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India, from the days of yore has been an amalgamation of multitude of people belonging to different cultural backgrounds, religious sects, linguistic groups, aspirations and mindsets. Owing to this diversity, ‘Republic’ Day too, has always had different interpretations for individuals. While initially it marked the victory of Indian self governance over British Raj, the meaning widened dynamically. Today, it is the assertion of individual’s rights, the charter of guiding principles that shape Indian democracy.

However, the road of constitutional governance is full of potholes. Numerous provisions have been outdated and bills have been pending for years. The ones that have been passed (like the Lokpal Bill & Food Securities Bill) are meticulously designed to keep the actual culprits out of their ambit. Consequently, the bills that are supposed to be postulated into binding acts are either shelved or passed with complicated provisions, limited applicability.

A few of the famous bills that have been shelved are:-

  • The Woman’s Reservation Bill (108th Amendment) – proposes to reserve 33 percent of seats for women in Lower House of Parliament and state legislative assemblies. As of now, Lok Sabha hasn’t voted on the bill.
  • Whistle Blower’s Protection Bill, 2011 – was approved by Lok Sabha to protect whistle blowers and eliminate corruption in country’s bureaucracy. The bill is pending before Rajya Sabha.
  • Insurance Law Amendment Bill, 2008 – seeks to increase the amount of foreign equity capital holding from 26% to 49%.
  • The Education Tribunal Bill, 2010 – seeks to set up national and state level tribunals to look into disputes related to higher education institutions, students and faculty. The bill is stuck in Rajya Sabha due to lack of consensus between political parties.

Numerous other bills like Judicial Accountability Bill, Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers Bill have not budged an inch for long.

With the Constitutional provisions (like Section 377) being subject to doubt and criticism, yet it continues to be the voice of visionaries even six decades hence. Parallel to this, there exists the era of judicial review and accountability, where in the constitution vests powers and autonomy in judiciary, safeguards interests of minorities, upholds the dignity of democracy and makes India a ‘sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic.’

Thus the Indian Constitution is supreme, indeed, the true hallmark of Indian democracy and Republic day continues to be the festival of the nation marked by parade, cultural presentations and patriotism. The amendments are of course slow but the trend is positive and progressive. Allow me to quote Jose N. Harris – ‘I may not be there yet, but I’m closer than I was yesterday.’

And lastly, Happy Republic Day,  fellow Indian!

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News

President of India addresses students of DU along with various institutions

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After conferences with various VCs and Directors of numerous Universities in 2013, the Hon’ able President of India, Sh. Pranab Mukherjee interacted with the youth of nation on 7th January, via a video conference. The agenda of the meet was to extend New Year greetings and to highlight the importance of higher education in shaping the future of individuals and the country. The President delivered his message live across numerous centres of NIT Kurukshetra, IIT Bhubaneswar, NIT Rourkela, IIT Ropar, Punjab University and Delhi University to name a few with technical support from National Informatics Centre.

Over 1500 students, teachers and Principals of various DU colleges had gathered in the Convention Hall of Vice Chancellor’s Lodge, North Campus , as the summon began at 12 noon sharp. The conference began with the Dean of NIT Kurukshetra, welcoming the President, VCs, Directors staff and students to the video conference.

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While the President opened by extending his best wishes for the New Year, he went on and enumerated the importance of education and its direct relation with development of citizens. He also brought to notice that none of the Indian universities featured any longer on the top 200 universities list of the world. Although in ancient times numerous universities like Nalanda, Vikramshila and Takshila had attracted knowledge seekers from across the world. The downfall was due to lack of research facilities and creative thinking in the country. He emphasized on collaborative efforts to increase research potential, internationalise education, and encourage meritorious students by scholarships. He pointed out that improvement in the physical infrastructure needed to be matched with dedicated teachers, passion to excel and apt human capital. According to him, this modern era, if ushered in, would open new avenues of growth and hence the institutes would move high in rankings which will lead to high morale, enhanced skills and upright citizens.

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Addressing the teachers, he advised them to be inspiring, make students appreciate and explore the subject beyond discipline. He shared his definition of a ‘ responsible citizen’ – one with patriotism, compassion, integrity, tolerance and respect for his rights and duties.
“It was a wonderful experience to see what a great visionary like Mr. Mukherjee expected from us. It’s a great way to motivate the youth, for this hasn’t really happened before and is a message to other leaders to come forward too.” said Abhinn Khanna, second year DU student.

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Flicks

Movie Review: Dhoom 3

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The third instalment of the spirited ‘Dhoom’ franchise that hit the box office this Friday delivers the audience three hours of highs and lows. The movie bumps across its peaks and valleys courtesy the amazing performances, electrifying action and beautiful locations. Not to forget, the movie seriously defies logic and consists of songs where leads dance halting the story and portions of no significance.

The Plot

The movie is about a circus magician and acrobat Sahir (Aamir Khan) and his mission to ring the financial death knell for the Western Bank of Chicago and its director Mr. Anderson (the most expressionless foreigner ever). All this, to seemingly avenge the suicide of his father (Jacky Shroff) due to the bank’s bid to shut off their ‘Great Indian Circus’ to indemnify itself against the loss due to former’s inability to pay back the loans.

What follows is a series of action sequences where the protagonists summersault on bikes, drive autos down the slum roofs, and jump down the sky scrapers. The bikes run on ropes, they float; jump, fly and what not till the final faceoff wherein the ‘chor-police’ chase ends in an unexpected manner. Unlike common parlance, your heart races, quite confused, as you can’t decide if you really support the police or want the thief to escape.

The Positives

Aamir Khan is what you call the USP of the movie, ‘Mister Perfectionist’ as he is; he has acted meticulously pulling off the role well, sporting an amazing body and showcasing expertise on the acrobatic ropes along with his co-star Alia ( Katrina Kaif). Both of the leads have mastered the art well. The sets are grand, the wardrobe appealing and being directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, a Kirori Mal (DU) alumnus and screenplay, dialogue and Story writer of previous Dhooms, the movie is well shot without any compromises on detailing.
The choreography is wonderful, special reference to the energetic tap dance movie begins with.

The Neutrals

Abhishek Bachchan in his shades and leather jackets and the tapori Uday Chopra have nothing new for audience to see. They are called to Chicago to catch Aamir, for the Chicago forces and SWAT teams aren’t able to, maybe. The music isn’t music to your ears, as you hardly come out of the hall humming any.

The Negatives

The movie is alarmingly lengthy with portions of no significance added to give screen time to other actors as the camera hardly spares Aamir who hogs for all the limelight. Also this movie unlike others, doesn’t show the theft happening, and emphasises more on chases that disappoints audiences. The currency notes fly in sky, and chase begins. (Really!)
And like I said, it defies logics and science.

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Features

#MeraVoteMeriDilli: 5 things to keep in mind before you vote

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We’ve grown 18 years of age listening about politicians and politics, corruption and scams, lack of agility and force to cause an action in the society. But gone are the days when we were a mute spectator of growing problems, for now is the time to bring about a concrete solution to major, if not all problems prevalent today. The best way to this and to extend your support in a democracy is to vote.

With the voting process scheduled for tomorrow, 7th February 2015, here are a few things for you to keep in mind:

1. Be an informed voter

The entire city of Delhi has been divided into 70 constituencies with numerous candidates from each.. For detailed and objective information about the nominated candidates of your constituency do visit www.myneta.info, a portal that provides all necessary facts on qualification, allocated budget and use, and criminal proceedings, that can make you make up your mind and be an informed and aware voter.

2. What if I am in favour of none of the candidates?

If in case you are not satisfied by any of the candidates running in your constituency, choose the none of the above (NOTA) option on the EVM. If we have the liberty to express our collective decisions by choosing our leaders, then we have the right to express our displeasure at the candidates too. You should know it is not akin to ‘Right To Reject’ where if a certain percentage of the voters choose the latter option, the elections are cancelled and all the candidates have to be changed by the parties. In India, even if a majority of the voters choose NOTA, the candidate getting the most number of votes will win the contest.

 

3. Vote with prejudice to none

Cast your vote on the basis of your own research and experience, on your own vision and weighted capabilities of the individuals contesting elections. Narrow objects of voting in favour of known but incapable candidates does more bad than good. Refrain from being brainwashed my views, surveys and issues, base your thought process on them instead. Don’t vote for a party or candidate because your family is supporting it, rather vote because they meet your vision.

Do not let your voting decision to be affected by any externalities like call for votes on caste, creed, religion, gender or extended common roots. Do not accept any gifts, appeasements or cash from candidates, report events like distribution of liquor, undue influence, booth capturing to the regional election officer. Do not even accept nominal perks like commutation to the voting booth from the contestants.

4. How does the voting happen?

Mere possession of EPIC (elector’s photo identity card) doesn’t guarantee voting right, the name of voter should appear in the electoral roll. This checking of identification and credentials is the first thing that happens as the voter enters polling booth. The second polling officer marks the left hand forefinger of voter with indelible ink and takes his signature on the electoral roll. The third polling officer collects the electoral slip and makes the voter vote. The voter shall then press the button against the desired candidate, only once. The pressing of button would glow a red lamp in front of candidate’s name following a beep sound meaning that the vote has been is registered.

5. Secrecy of Vote & Tendered Vote

According to the Election Commission Guidelines, it is mandatory for the voter to maintain secrecy about his/her selection, failing to do which shall disqualify him/her from voting and may amount to legal proceedings. Also, incase the voter upon arrival finds his/her vote to be already cast, he/she can complain against such discrepancy. This shall forfeit the previously casted vote and the original voter shall be entitled to cast his/her vote on a tendered ballot paper, however not on the EVM.

Hope the above stated guidelines help you!

We hope the first time voters successfully cast a legitimate vote – one that is backed up by information and choice and is not a random button pressing futile exercise. As long as you cast an informed vote, you are being a responsible citizen.

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