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DU to hold another Special Admission Drive

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The University of Delhi (DU) will hold a special drive for DU Admission 2019 before the 8th cut-off. Read on to find out more.

The Delhi University Committee members will hold a meeting on 20th August to decide on the status of another special drive for its student before announcing the supposedly final and 8th cut off list of the admissions for the undergraduate courses. This special drive is aimed to help the selected students in the admission process. The schedule for the special admission drive is likely to be released on August 21, 2019.

A reported by Millennium Post, there are only limited seats left across the colleges and the majority of the seats left vacant fall under the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.

This meeting was postponed from last week as most of the seats under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota were filled. Hence, the varsity decided to hold another meeting.

A special drive was held previously; under which students were allowed to change their category for admissions, before the release of the 6th cut off list. This was aimed at applicants who failed to report on time even after registering for online admission under the reserved category and also to fill the minority seats under the Sikh quota. However, the official data still needs to be collected on the number of students who changed their category under this drive.

The previous year, there were 10 cut-off lists in total released by the varsity. This year varsity has registered ‘over admissions’ with the addition of seats under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota. The data shows that the applications received this year amounted to over 3.67 lakhs for 64000 seats in undergraduate courses. The EWS category which had over 6000 seats saw 9091 students applying for it.

Feature Image Credits: Adithya Khanna for DU Beat

Antriksha Pathania

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DUB News

DU Oversight Committee Approves Syllabus for Four Subjects

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On the recommendations of the oversight committee, the competent authority has approved the syllabus for English, Political Science, History and Sociology.

The oversight committee put in place for the revision of the syllabus for first-year undergraduate courses at the University of Delhi (DU) has approved the changes in the curriculum of four subjects – English, Political Science, History and Sociology, and has asked the departments to consider some of its recommendations.

According to a report in The New Indian Express, in letters to the departments, the DU Deputy Registrar has notified that the syllabus for the first semester of Political Science, English, History, and Sociology as well as the syllabus of the General Elective papers for the same has been screened by the competent authority.

It has also been recommended that the updated and complete curriculum is to be uploaded by the departments on their website to invite consultations and suggestions from the student body. The committee has also directed that the syllabus, after revisions and edits, will then have to be submitted for final approval by 31st October 2019.

Amidst protests, the DU Executive Council had returned the syllabus submitted for undergraduate programmes for these key subjects to their respective departments. The syllabus was met with objections raised by some teachers and students, who protested that the revised syllabus was intended to put forth a right-centric ideology.

The Oversight Committee had given the respective departments a deadline till 31st July 2019 to complete the revision process of the syllabus, after taking into account the objections raised by different members.

Meanwhile, DU has asked its Executive Council (EC) to consider the change in modalities of the School of Open Learning (SOL) and Non-Collegiate Women’s Education Board (NCWEB) by conducting semester-wise examinations like DU.

The council stated that the agenda of the meeting was notified to them just a day before the meeting, so they weren’t given sufficient time. EC member Rajesh Jha told The New Indian Express that the members were not given enough time to consult the stakeholders of this decision. He also added that many of the EC members couldn’t even attend the meeting.

Feature Image Credits: News18

Bhavya Pandey

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Arts & Culture

DU’s take on the Zomato Debacle

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With Zomato delivery executives in Bengal protesting against the delivery of beef by Hindus and pork by Muslims, we see solidarity against the food delivery giant which finds itself in turmoil.

Another day in our secular country, another attempt made to communalise food on the religious grounds while the entire narrative on twitter shifts into countless debates on eating beef or pork.

However, for the students of the University of Delhi (DU), this opens up an interesting arena of speculation.

The majority of the student body considered animal cruelty as the reason for not eating beef/pork and very few considered religion to be behind this. A student stated, “I am against any sort of animal slaughter done for the sake of greed, taste or nutrition. They are sentient beings that deserve to live and we can survive without eating them.”

To further elaborate this point another student added, “I belong from a rural background, I am aware of the significance of livestock and cattle in shaping the life of village folks. Right from the agricultural activities, with the dung cakes used as fuel to cook food, to the dairy products used in everyday life, cattle form an essential part of their lives. I don’t consider religion to be the reason behind my choice.”

When religion comes into this narrative, the views are conflicting. Most of the students consider it as a matter of personal choice. However, it seems evident that family and upbringing plays an important role in influencing and strengthening one’s views. Some of them term it as a “disgraceful sin”, while others don’t associate themselves with this debate.

Another student came forward with a separate angle on this debate. She said, “It would be good if people try to understand why their religion tells them not to eat beef or pork, the idea behind it might still be relevant.” She further added that eating or not eating any kind of meat is a personal choice as long as one is not enforcing their opinions on others. According to her, if some religious institutions have certain rules about the consumption of meat then it should be followed while one is within the premises of that institution out of respect.

On the other hand, a part of the DU student body is much in the favour of consumption of beef and pork. “If it appeases the taste buds, it goes on top of the favourite food list” says a History student. The consensus either leans towards exploring the various delicacies that meat has to offer or rebelling against the societal diktats. As one student puts it, “I eat pork even though nobody in my family does. It’s my life and nobody can force me to not do something if I want to. I don’t eat beef because I never felt like trying it.”

Growing up it was hard to acknowledge the idea that beef can be eaten and God won’t smite you if you indulge in this practice. It was even harder to understand that people consume beef and it is perfectly normal for them as they are not indoctrinated into the belief that cow is a holy animal, the way I was from the age when my senses were not even fully developed. However, your beliefs and practices cannot be imposed on another person.

Like a rusty coin, with two alternative sides, this debate is going to be here for a long time much to the delight of the debating circuit of the varsity. Till then, I am here with my double-decker beef burger with a side of bacon to see how this whole debate moves forward.

Feature Image credits: WSLM radio

Antriksha Pathania


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Arts & Culture

Hijron Ka Khanqah: A Monument of Diversity and Inclusion in Troubled Times.

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In the heart of Mehrauli, there lies a 15th-century monument, a symbol of love and respect for all genders and sexualities.

 A short auto ride from Chattarpur metro station, through a rundown gully filled with small shops, tight spaces, and an unmelodious cacophony, which is characteristic of this and many other places like these in Delhi, lies the Hijron Ka Khanqah, the literal translation of which is the Sufi spiritual retreat for Eunuchs. Many locals and autowallahs in and around the area either don’t know, or ignore the history of this monument and simply refer to it as the local Masjid. Hijron Ka khanqah is a monument dating to the 15th century, from the Lodi period and is the final resting place of 50 eunuchs from that era.

The entrance to this monument isn’t grand; rather, it is small and built alongside the various tiny shops in the locality. However, it is recognizable as it is made out of white and green, and is elegantly beautiful in design. Walking in through the narrow entrance, one needs to be mindful of the low ceiling. Although complex, it is quite small, comprising of 49 simple white graves and one elegantly designed grave in the corner, along with a small shrine facing Mecca for prayer. According to Historians, the grave belongs to a Miyan Saheb, who was close to Sufi Saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki. Qutbuddin’s eminence in the Lodi Dynasty court is one of the reasons this complex was gifted to Miyan Saheb and the eunuchs.

Though it is located in one of the busiest localities in Delhi, once inside, there is an air of serenity, as the noise from the outside world is drowned out.  The walk around the complex barely takes a few minutes due to the size of the complex, which is enough time to pay respects to the dead. Despite the cemetery being empty most of the time, it is still beautifully maintained and is frequently visited by the Hijra community on festive occasions, as they believe the monument holds magical powers.

In 2019, Eunuchs and many other communities still face discrimination based on their gender and sexuality. The past shows that people were able and willing to respect sexualities and genders which were not theirs. In times like these, Hijron ka Khanqah stands tall as a reminder that everyone is equal, regardless of how they identify or who they choose to love.

Feature Image Credits: thedelhiwalla

Prabhanu Kumar Das

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Bazinga

Bazinga: Samuhik Raksha Bandhan for Co-ed colleges in DU

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As per a notice issued by the University of Delhi (DU) Vice-Chancellor (VC), all the co-educational Colleges across different campuses have been asked to celebrate a Samuhik Raksha Bandhan in college premises on 16th August.

According to a notice released by the VC on 11th August, all the co-ed colleges in DU have been requested to celebrate a Samuhik Raksha Bandhan or a Community Rakhi Celebration in their Colleges on 16th August, a day after the festival of Raksha Bandhan. This celebration would include girls tying a Rakhi onto their male classmates and friend’s hands and make them Rakhi Brothers.

There has been an uproar in the student community against this decision. College Unions of Ramjas, Hans Raj and Kirori Mal Colleges have come forward with a consensus of refusing to comply with this decision. A member of the Hindu Parliament told DU Beat that she finds this decision absurd and unimaginable. She added “I fail to understand what the VC wishes to achieve with this decision? What good does it even promote in the varsity? This decision is just trying to take away our freedom in College.”

Another student from Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies stated “I have a lot of friends who are girls. But, they are friends, not my sisters. I don’t have to get a Rakhi tied to prove that my relationship with them is platonic. So, I am not going to follow this order if my college celebrates this Samuhik Raksha Bandhan”

Not only co-ed colleges but students from different girl’s colleges also strongly oppose this decision. A student from Gargi College shared “I already feel that Raksha Bandhan is a deeply patriarchal festival that reinforces that girls are weak and need protection. Celebrating it in colleges where girls and boys study together, become friends, even lovers seems insane.”

The authorities defended this decision by stating that they want to promote the joy of Raksha Bandhan in colleges and it will be the choice of the girls, to whom they want to tie a Rakhi too. However, the VC was unavailable for comment.

Feature Image Credits: Hindustan

*Disclaimer*: Bazinga is our weekly column for almost believable fake news. It is only to be appreciated and not accepted.

Sakshi Arora

[email protected]

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Daulat Ram College

Delhi High Court clears path for appointment of Daulat Ram College principal

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On Monday, 10th March 2014, the Delhi high court authorised the Daulat Ram College trust to appoint a new Principal of the college, instead of functioning under an acting principal. At present the college is being served by Dr. Daya Aggarwal, the acting principal of the college, who is the sister of BJP leader, Vijay Goel. The college moved to the court in order to seek evacuation of Dr. Daya Aggarwal, who was avowed as acting principal of college on February 2, 2013.

Delhi University had issued a notification regarding the appointment of a regular principal in the college on March 7, after an executive council meeting for the qualification. In response to which, Justice Shakdher disposed off the petition, stating that the college can now appoint a new principal.

The college trust accused that Dr. Aggarwal was “occupying” the post of acting principal without sanction or approval of the governing body while the University has been constantly interfering in appointment of the college principal and insisting the college trust to reappoint Dr. Daya Aggarwal as acting principal.

Her term was to expire in August. However, the trust alleged it was compelled re-appointment, regardless of the fact that she is not fit for the post. The college had to appoint an acting principal for terms of six months each on temporary basis and she was re-appointed to the post in August 2013 and then again in February 2014.
DU’s assertion to make Dr. Aggarwal hold the post despite being unsuitable for it, connotes that the university wants to exercise control over the college and encroach the autonomy of the college, stated Justice Rajiv Shakdher.

The college has also accused Dr. Aggarwal of misconduct and had bought many instances under the notice of university via letter and representations, but all went in vain. She is accused of not having the college accounts audited which led to University Grants Commission stopping the second installment of the grant to the college. She has also faulted in paying many hostel bills and salaries. She has flouted rules and transferred Rs. 4 crore, in the months of September and October, from student’s fee fund to pay teacher’s salary for two months.

Thus, after listening to both the parties, Justice Shakdher settled the dispute, asking the college to appoint a new principal, replacing the Dr. Aggarwal.

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Daulat Ram College

Day 2, Manjari 2014: Dance, Indian Group Song and Nikhil D’Souza

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It’s that magical time of year when there isn’t a weekend without a great fest and this weekend Daulat Ram College put forth a commendable show. The second day set sailing with the first event being the Indian (Group) Song competition which saw participation of students from various colleges displaying plethora of talent and thrilling the audience with their voice.

drc9_1499863125_nThe western dance competition – Taniec – witnessed the maximum footfall and a jam-packed auditorium with students cheering loud for the splendid performances. About 6 teams participated in the competition of which IP College for Women captured the first prize while Venkateswara College grabbed the second prize. However the show was stolen by IIT-D boys who put forth an electrifying performance and left the crowd craving for more. Unfortunately, they were disqualified from the competition because of being late.

“We were at fault somehow, but the stage was good. We liked performing here,” expressed Aakash, President of the IIT-D team. One of the students from the audience quoted, “IIT-D would have easily won the show, but they were unluckily disqualified.” Mata Sundari College too was disqualified on the same grounds.

This year the cultural festival had in store a surprise Fashion Show by the Economics Department of college, which uniquely integrated fashion with Economics and proved to be a creative new concept.

drc43128198_nAnother event in the row was Classical Dance, which was won by Pragati from DRC while Rajkumar form Shyam Lal College and Meera from DRC got Appreciation Awards. There were many events being conducted parallel to these events like Ad-Mad, Mime, Dramatics Wheel etc. which were fiercely competed between students of different colleges.

By the afternoon, the college was abuzz with students who had gathered to witness the star of the evening Nikhil D’Souza. Without much delay he came (lauded for being on time!) and swayed the crowd with his foot tapping numbers as Har Kissi Ko Nahi Milta, Mere Bina, Shaam etc.

The weather was kind and the atmosphere mellow, with fun and frolic in the air the gala fest came to an end. The students of DRC left no stone unturned to make the fest a resounding success.

Image Credit: Greta Khawbung for DU Beat

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Daulat Ram College

Day 1, Manjari 2014: Street theatre, fashion, DJ and Rajat Sharma

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The first day of Daulat Ram College’s (DRC) annual fest “Manjari” set rolling with inauguration by Rajat Sharma, Chairman and Editor-in-chief of India TV. Since the theme of the fest is Indian streets, the college decorations were concurrent to the theme.

The street play Competition “Adakari” showcased the performance by 10 teams (Hansraj, Shri Ram College of Commerce, Maharaja Agrasen College, PGDAV, Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, Shri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce, Shivaji, Bhagat Singh College, Guru Tegh Bahadur Institute of Technology) who were selected beforehand on the basis of script and each of the team was awarded with equal prize money. On the competitive front, the event saw 6 teams participation of which Hansraj with its play Holi came first, followed by DTU and Ramjas.

The college’s photography Society Eidos had put up an exhibition in the Gazibo, which attracted a descent crowd. The college also organized treasure hunt which saw maximum participation. After struggling for the clues, Deeksha and Annapurna of DRC emerged as winners.

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The most awaited event of the day was Promenade, the inter-college fashion show put up by Zenith -the fashion society of the college. The competition was swept away by the Kamala Nehru girls whose theme “Fashion through the ages” stole the entire show, leaving behind SRCC, CVS, SPM, Hindu, Lady Irwin and CHE. The performance of College of Home Economics was also appreciated. However it seemed Rain God was in a mood to relish the show and made a classic entry.

But rain could not much affect the spirit of students, as DJ set up was quickly rearranged to a safe place and students shook their legs to the peppy tunes played by DJ Tanuj.

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Admissions 2013

Admissions 2013: Checklist for applicants

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check-list_0

Amidst all the chaos of cut-offs, we have a list of few things you should keep in mind while going for admission into a college.

Please carry the following things with you:

1)    4-5 recent passport size photographs (coloured or black and white doesn’t matter). But it will be better if they are recent since your college ID cards shall be prepared using them only.
2)    Passing Certificate from the institution last attended.
3)    Mark sheet of class
4)    Mark sheet of class 12.
5)    Secondary School Certificate (Class 10) issued by the Board/University for date of birth.
6)    Character certificate from the institution last attended.
7)    Provisional certificate from the institute last attended.
8)    Migration certificate form your school.
9)    Certificates in support of reserved categories or medical certificates for handicapped students.
10)  Certificate/Proof for PWD Category candidates.
11)  Candidates seeking admission should bring following Certificates in Original along with the two sets of self attested photocopy.
12)  Also carry the admission fee as it is required to complete the admission process.
13)   If you are seeking admission in a girls college than please have some female as your companion as males might not be allowed in some colleges.
14)   If you want to take up hostel don’t forget to take and fill hostel forms and enquire about the interviews (if any) or any other necessary requirements.
15)   Do look up at the website of the college before going to that college.
16)   There might some extra requirements for sports quota and ECA which can be required from administration department of respective colleges.
17)   Receipt of Preliminary Application Form.
18)   Affidavits by the Parent and Candidate for Anti Ragging and Sexual Harassment as per Ordinance XV (C) and XV (D).
19)   In case you face any problem or there is any confusion while filling the form there shall be teachers to help you out, and a team will also be sent by University people to assist students in admission, you can also seek help from them.

ADMISSION PROCESS

Once you reach the college make sure to get college admission form as well as University Enrollment form.

Fill the form carefully (No overwriting/cutting/fluid is allowed on the Admission Forms. If such things happen, candidate has to fill the form afresh) and check the notice boards of the college, it might mention where you should proceed as per your course for escalation to the next step of admission. Get your registration done and form verified from there. Than there shall be verification of the documents mentioned above, after which you will need to move to the cashier from where you will get your enrolment number and the final step of the admission process is fee submission. Submit the fee, collect fee receipt and you are now a student of your college.

Make sure you reach your college as early as possible best time would be by 9:00; this is because admission process is too long in some colleges so if you go late you might not be able to get your admission done in one day.

All the best candidates!

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Arts & Culture

Top 5 Books Banned In India

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The Indian government has always made pretentious claims about idealism and socialism, yet goes on banning books – a distortion of the freedom of expression – to claim their supremacy. About 20 books are officially banned in India currently, and imports of many others are denied by the customs department.

But are the bans really worth it? With greater permissiveness and social freedom, uncensored copies of the book are anyway floating freely on internet.

Indian writers and economists have said much harsher things. Yet, in all these years nobody has bothered to take them into consideration. Analysts from Reporters Without Borders rank India 131st in the world in terms in their Press Freedom Index, falling from 80th just 11 years earlier. Here are top 5 books that are censored in India.

 

1) The Satanic Verses

Amongst the oldest, yet youngest controversy as is evident from incidences of Jaipur literature festival. India was the first Country to ban the Book following the hostile response from the Muslims all over the Globe. He has been in a hiding for over a decade. Fatwa was imposed on Rushdie by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini for demeaning Islam. Rushdie had to live in hiding for nearly a decade.

2) The Great Soul

Joseph Lelyveld, the Pulitzer Prize winner and former executive editor of The New York Times penned a biography, “The Great Soul”, inspired by Gandhi’s life in India and South Africa. The reviews claimed that the book exposed Gandhi’s sexual life and bigoted views. Reacting to it, the book was called for a ban in Gujarat, Gandhi’s hometown has. But imposition of nationwide ban was abjured, citing Lelyveld’s clarification. Still book is not let inside India by customs department.

3) Nine Hours to Rama

Nine Hours to Rama written by historian Wolpert, a professor at University of California. This book is a fictional account of last day of Gandhiji’s lije and focuses on how Nathuram Godse planned Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. It got banned because it exposed the poor security provided to Gandhi, and hinted at possible incompetence and conspiracy.

4) Lady Chatterley’s Lover

“Lady Chatterley’s Lover” by D.H. Lawrence was considered as obscene because it was an account of a women’s illegitimate relationship with her Gardner. It has depiction of sex and politics gave rise to controversies and was unanimously banned in India and Britain (though Britain lifted up the ban). But the ban is not followed as it should be and you can find books in some stored. The court said that the court does not protect those who take delight in “sexual pleasures and erotic writings”.

5) The Polyester Prince

Australian journalist Hamish McDonald wrote this account of Ambani’s rise in 1998, which remained unavailable in India, partly because of concerns that Ambani would sue if the book got released. The books asserted that many of the rules and regulations were turned down to serve his purpose.  An updated version” Ambani and Sons”, was written down which is available in book stores.

 

 

 

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