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Shreya Mudgil

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Small Screen

Sherlock – The Empty Hearse

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Most people were excited about the first episode of Sherlock season three than they were for New Year, and rightly so. The secret of the world renowned detective’s escape from Jim Moriarty’s plan of killing him in The Reichenbach Fall was what everybody waited for, breathlessly.

The very first scene gives us a glimpse into how he made the escape, but we are later told that it was just Anderson’s conjecture. Meanwhile, we meet Sherlock and Mycroft in Siberia where the younger Holmes has been trying to break Moriarty’s connections.

Now is the time to come back to life for Sherlock, who has been “dead” for two years and meet his dear friend, Dr. John Watson. Watson has just begun to move on, when Sherlock sweeps in and pulls the rug under Watson’s feet. Sherlock does receive some well-earned punches from Watson and gradually everything gets back to normal, after Sherlock gives Molly a try as his new sidekick.

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Trouble begins when Watson is abducted on November 5th and Sherlock must find him within minutes. The duo later discovers the legacy of Guy Fawkes, a bomb waiting to explode just beneath the Westminster Palace. Do they save Westminster? You must watch the episode.

The Empty Hearse was partially worth the wait, since it did not blow the mind away, as was expected by many, but it had moments that made you clutch your hair and wait. Anderson’s little group of people drawing conjectures about how Sherlock made the escape shows the obsession people have regarding Sherlock, even those who seemingly hate him.

Adorable Mrs. Hudson takes us on a laugh riot with her motherly comments about Watson’s sexuality and the relationship of the Holmes brothers. One of the best things about the show, its beautifully shot scenes, has been maintained in the episode.

In the end, we see Sherlock telling Anderson how he escaped, and it sounds rather plausible, but Sherlock again puts a doubt in the mind about how he actually did it. Does he finally tell us how he did it? You must watch the series.

 

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DU Dhaba

Food Review: White Waters

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White Waters- the name reminds one of a relaxed, pristine white and blue beach, and very much true to its name, the café is done up in beautiful white and aquamarine blue. This is the aspect of the café that makes the visitors go wow and make them fall in love with the ambience.

Unlike most restaurants, White Waters does not have a linear seating plan, but tables spread out all over, with a number of options. The best seating area, without any argument is the table on the upper level. With comfortable sofas that can seat up to ten people easily and a big table with internal lighting, this area creates an amazing atmosphere. For such a terrific ambience, one would expect great music, but it was not so, as they only played regular pop. The Doors did play once, but it was a remixed version; their haunting numbers could have elevated the experience further.

Coming to the staff and the service, they were pretty decent and the food did not take ages to reach the table. The staff was polite and ready to help, though one had to call out to them from above.

Most importantly, the food was rather average and one could make it out that the high prices were for the atmosphere. The Veg. and Non-veg. Platters were filling, but did not have the wow factor one would expect. In other snacks, Honey Chilly Potatoes and Honey Chilly Lotus Stem were sticky due to the over-dose of honey, but were bearable.

The Veg. Biryani tasted like any other biryani and there are other places where a much better version can be availed for a much lower price, same is the case with the Non Veg. Biryani. Though both were tasty and appetizing, they couldn’t be called extraordinary.

In the matter of drinks, the place serves your normal alcoholic drinks, but for the straight folk, there is Cucumber Cooler to be had, Kiwi Smoothie and Berry Blast are also good choices.

The place is rather good for catching up with friends, birthday parties and the like.

Cost for two: 1300/-

Home delivery is not available.

Timings: 12PM to 1 AM

Location: C-39, First Floor, Opp. Odeon Cinema, Connaught Place

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Sounds

Music Review: Avi & The Uprising (Band)

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Avi & The Uprising have recently surfaced on the Delhi music circuit and have taken it by storm with their music that blends Indian and Western music with utmost ease. Three of their songs that we’ll meet shortly, have helped the band create a niche for themselves. As of now, they have performed countless gigs across Delhi and continue to charm the crowds with their fresh sounds. Balcony TV, a YouTube channel has them on their list of Top 60, among the likes of international acts such as Mumford & Sons and Victor Wooten.

Wahe Guru (live)- Inspired from the thousands of pilgrims on their way to Hemkund Sahib, the singer-songwriter thought of the simple guitar riff which wonderfully complements the somewhat surreal. The song’s music is rather rudimentary and the listeners can form an immediate bond with it. A little more thought would show that it all makes sense even though “there’s so much beyond the logical”. The melodica is soothing to the ears and the overall experience is rather pleasing.

Avi & The Uprising bring two distinct worlds together and tie them up in a successful marriage that is divine yet earthy. It is only the beginning and one can be hopeful that the band will continue to work in this direction, giving the world new music.

Boom Boom Shiva- The lyrics, the video and the vocalist bring out a dynamic mirage of images to mind. The soft guitar, percussions and the drums create an appealing and soothing contrast against the lyrics that are full of energy and vigour. It is one of those songs that showcase that, perfect harmony can be achieved between Indian and western music. Evidence to it is the pakhwaj and the obvious reference to Lord Shiva.

Shiva mentioned in the lyrics is “a quiet observer on the fringes of modern society”. Just as the listeners begin to think that Shiva is just another guy, Avi hits them with the line “he’s got no future, he’s got no past”. The last line of the song adds a completely new dimension, and Avi explains it as, “And suddenly there’s a third world war, a nuclear bomb – a mushroom sky and this guy dreams up another world.”

Aside from the music and the lyrics, what makes the song tick is the video that was shot in Kathputli Colony, New Delhi.  Featuring the former street and circus performers who hail from all over the country, doing dangerous yet stunning stunts, the video is a treat for the eyes. Avi & The Uprising are working to give a voice to urban Indian street performers, and through the video of this song, they have done their bit.

Boom Boom Shiva is the band’s flagship song and has helped the band receive critical acclaim.

Age of Kali (live) – Three things that make this song stand out are- the vocalist’s booming baritone, the esraj and the lyrics. It captures the fierceness of Goddess Kali in who resides the ultimate Shakti. Haunting vocals, combined with the esraj, double the effect of the mysterious ways of Kali. The band offers refreshing music, much different from what is mostly served to us.

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Admissions 2013

School of Open Learning expects higher enrolment than last year

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School of Open Learning (SOL), University of Delhi, is expecting an increase in number of applications this year. The number of enrolments last year was 1.32 lakhs, and there are chances that there might be an even higher number of applications this year. One reason for this increase might be the sky-high cut-offs of regular colleges that have left SOL as an option for many aspirants.

As reported earlier, the FYUP has not yet been introduced to SOL and might become a part of the institution from the next academic year. As SOL is largely dependent on course material, the authorities are in need of more time to come up with content that is well-suited and as per the requirements of FYUP. The absence of FYUP could be another reason for the higher number of intakes in SOL this year. Many aspirants might be apprehensive about taking up the FYUP in regular colleges, as it is a new development in the University. They might want to follow the tried and tested method instead of the new one.

SOL is now the only institution under the University of Delhi that is still offering the B.A. Programme and B.Com. Programme courses. What attracts most aspirants is the fact that they get the same degree from the University as any other regular college-going student does. SOL students can do other courses or work alongside their correspondence course.

Admission forms for SOL can be submitted latest by 14th August, after which Rs.200 will be charged as late fees till 2nd September.

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Admissions 2013

English under FYUP: Course analysis

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Here’s how the newly-introduced Four Year Undergraduate Programme is going to affect the students aspiring to study English literature and the course itself, at the University of Delhi:

Topics changed or added or removed
The number of papers for English Honours has been reduced from 23 to 20 that are included in the Discipline Courses1 (DC1). Choosing Popular Fiction or European Realism, Literary Theory or Modern European Drama has been done away with, and for good, since now the students have the opportunity to study varied literature. Choicelessness is definitely bliss here, especially for students who hope to study more and more literature.

Enriching or diluting?
With the addition of new material the course has definitely been enriched. There is a wider range in terms of the DC1 syllabus now.

Structure
The semester system will not be affected due to FYUP. Two semesters annually, much like the three-year system, with the addition of another year and two more semesters. In English, syllabus has been shuffled, new topics added and existing syllabus has been clubbed together.

More practical or theoretical now?
Through the Applied Courses, there is scope for a more practical knowledge rather than the theoretical study of DC1 and DC2. Class presentations and discussions, if conducted properly, regularly and for everybody, will surely help the students in fields outside the theoretical realm of the course that is English Honours.

Affect on students
Covering all the topics within the stipulated time might turn out to be a Herculean task, leaving behind only those students who can handle the pressure and time crunch.

Exit points
The option of leaving the course after two years will produce a large number of students who will not have a proper degree or qualification in terms of employability. It cannot be determined whether a person who has studied English literature for only two years might be able to land up a good job; the chances do not seem very appealing.

Employability
Expansion of the course will definitely be able to help students of English in gaining better jobs, provided that the student covers all four years of the course.

Final verdict
FYUP has taken the University with a storm, and the results can be determined only after four years have passed. Although it is felt that more time and discussions should have been spent on the Programme, many feel that FYUP is good for the students. The development of the syllabus has been done within few weeks, with not enough consideration given to how the colleges are going to manage faculty, time and space. Since this is how the system going to be now, we hope it turns out for the best.

(For analysis of other courses click here)

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Flicks

Movie Review: Zero Dark Thirty

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Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, Zero Dark Thirty is the story of a CIA officer, Maya (Jessica Chastain) who is working in the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan, on the mission to locate and eliminate Osama-bin-Laden, the al-Qaeda leader responsible for the 9/11 attacks that claimed 3000 lives. The title, though it sounds curious, simply refers to the military term for thirty minutes past midnight, the time when the US Navy SEALs raided bin-Laden’s residence.

Completely dedicated to her mission, Maya is not very social and appears to be friendless, except when with Jessica (Jennifer Ehle) and Jack (Harold Perrineau). She is not a coward and one to sit back, as her bold statement to the CIA Director, that she located Laden’s whereabouts, makes you want to clap for her. This is proof that Maya is a woman of steel and ready to fight conventions that hold women back. However, even though Bigelow is known to push aside stereotypes, we see in Maya the anxious and worried woman who is left behind while the men go out to save the day.

In the first half of the movie, the torturing of the detainees fails to grab your attention and you wait for something better to happen. Bigelow tries to show that the torturing didn’t lead to Osama, but proper detective work and technology did. Maybe that is why the first half doesn’t seem to be very appealing.

The movie becomes interesting the moment we see and recognise the house that we saw on TV when Osama’s death was broadcast all over the world. Even though the viewers know the climax of the movie, what happens in the second half tends to get the pulse racing and makes the wait to see bin-Laden’s demise even more excruciating. Truthfully, if the movie receives an Oscar for the Best Film, it must be for the second half of the film.
 

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News

DU Students on hunger strike due to lack of hostels

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Hunger strikes seem to be a promising method to attract the attention of the authorities in India. Six students of University of Delhi went on an indefinite hunger strike on 23rd January, 2013. The strike was held to raise the demand for better accommodation for students outstation students complained of not having proper places to live in.

Students do find rooms outside the University in neighbouring areas, but the cost is not feasible for everyone. Many of them work part-time to arrange for the money. The monthly cost in these rooms comes to about Rs.5000 to Rs.7000, and that is excluding the cost for food. Including food, students pay anywhere between Rs.10,000 and Rs.15,000 monthly.

Students who are residents of Delhi also support the cause, saying that it is a basic necessity for students that come from outside Delhi. Girls complain that living in areas like Mukherjee Nagar and Vijay Nagar is a compromise on their safety. Out of around 1.8 lakh students, only 6,000 students are able to live in hostels. Questions have also arisen regarding the Students’ Union that it is not supporting and raising students’ issues, but is busy with its parties.

There is demand for healthy, nutritious and affordable food in the University. According to a senior DU official, the University has tied up with Indian Railways so that affordable food is available to the students in the canteens. There is also a demand for providing stipends to those students to whom the facility of hostels has not been provided.

About 400 signatures have been collected by the demand till now.

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News

University proposes Four-Year Undergraduate Programme

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The University of Delhi has proposed a four-year undergraduate programme, starting from 2013. The first year will comprise of general studies like mathematics, computers, environmental studies, Indian culture, etc, and from the second year, specialized studies can be begun. Another feature of this programme is that the students can leave the course after the second year and get a diploma. Leaving after the third year will give the student a general degree, and only after the completion of the fourth year would the student be given the honours degree.

The programme is on the lines of the American system that offers a large variety of subjects for students to choose from. The extra year will help increase the employability of the students by engaging them in other courses.

A student, who might leave the course after the second or third year, has the option to return within ten years of leaving and complete the course. Post-graduation can be completed within a year, thus keeping the number of years for study, the same.

The course is also a great help to students who plan to go abroad for further studies since most universities want students to have completed a four year undergraduate degree and many are rejected because India follows a 10+2+3 pattern.

“I am currently in a university outside of India where the 4 year undergraduate programs are in place. I see how much exposure these students here get in inter disciplinary courses and how this exposure has led to their holistic development.” says Soumya Sivakumar.

The wide range of subjects offered in the course can be the demand of the students who want to study subjects other than their major disciplines.

“The students continue to surprise us. Sanskrit students want to study French and German simultaneously, mathematics students want to study history. In fact, this shows their maturity. There is a great demand for Sanskrit teachers and academics in Germany. We need to explore many more such opportunities and innovation and empower our students,” said Dinesh Singh, Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi.

The students can use credits gained through sports or other extra-curricular activities to knock off one or two subjects and still complete the course.

The programme has received appreciation from many, but criticism from some as well. There are questions about its legality, since “India’s national policy for education allows a university to follow only the 10+2+3 model. There is no uniformity with other central universities. Also, the task force is an illegal body that has no statutory standing,” said Sheo Dutt, an Academic Council member.

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