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Humouroscope

Humouroscope: June 11th-17th, 2014

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Aries: This week shows signs of bad luck for you. Avoid it by wearing black sweaters and staying outdoors in the sun. It will help.

Taurus: You should give your friends a shopping trip. Spend as much as you can on the group of people you hang around. It will make the coming time prosperous for you.

Gemini: Folks! You have been bestowed with the power to save the world from this heat wave. Throw a pool party and invite everyone you know and you don’t know. Your name will be remembered as the angel of life.

Cancer: Why are you lazing around this summer? Find some work, make use of your time, earn some money and treat people in Delhi University with free ice-creams.

Leo: You should just relax this week. Try not to do or get involved in anything. You should waste as much of your time as you can. It’s one of your talents, make full use of it.

Virgo: Life is so good for you, isn’t it? Well listen then! Your parents might kick you out of your house. You’ve been hiding fishy stuff from them and this week they will find it all out. Good luck.

Libra: Hmm. I see positive signs in your love life. If you are single, you’ll find ‘that one’. Just don’t refrain from your quest regardless of the blazing sun. Go outdoors. He/she is waiting for you.

Scorpio: Water is going to be a bad element for you this week, child. Avoid showers, cold-drinks and anything that feels relaxing to you.

Sagittarius: Missed Humouroscope editions, all this while?  Yeah, I know we did too.Anyway, so your life is about to take a huge turn. You might get a movie offer or something of that sort. Keep all your fingers crossed.

Capricorn: A trip abroad is on cards. Stars are in your favour this week. Make use of it. And don’t really believe horoscopes.

Aquarius: You’ve been happy all this time. It’s all about to get over. Your boyfriend/ girlfriend is going to dump you, you might suffer from a heat stroke, your hair is going to start falling and you are about to witness a living nightmare. Just wait.

Pisces: You are the luckiest zodiac this week. Just lay back and relax.

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DUB Speak

Is it too late to roll back the FYUP?

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With the new party taking over the Human Resource Development ministry, chances are that the controversial four year undergraduate program installed by the University of Delhi might be scrapped. Sources have it, that the HRD ministry is already working out a way so as to incorporate the 4 year program into a 3 year one. BJP had already given hints last year that it might rollback the controversial programme as soon as it comes to power at the centre and it had been included in their manifesto as well.

Last year, there had been much protest when the program set in and it could have been easily removed if such an action would have been brought at the same time. But if FYUP would be scrapped now, it will pose a major threat to students currently enrolled in the existing Four Year batch. Not only will they have to do away with the Foundation courses, which they have already studied in their 1st year, additional disciplinary courses would also have to be incorporated into their syllabus for the next 2 years. Which would in turn mean that a student currently enrolled under FYUP would have to study 6 DC courses per semester. That’s a 3 time increase when compared to the existing burden.

It should also be noted that during the pre poll time period, the BJP had promised that if FYUP wouldn’t be scrapped, they’ll incorporate training and internships in the last year so that it might not go wasted.  Another proposal which may bring down the burden on students has been given by Delhi University Teacher’s Association (DUTA), in which, by doing away with the 2 Foundation Courses, 2 more Disciplinary Courses (DCs) will be added along with the existing DCs in the 3rd and 4th semester. Such a move will incorporate the whole program into 3 years. Seeing the scenario, it seems a better option than scrapping the whole program since a year has already passed.

De Facto, if one may recall, the protests against FYUP were not due to its 4 year term but due to the hurriedly introduced Foundation Courses which many termed as ‘elementary school level’ subjects. But since the new ministry is planning to scrap the whole program, it seems that students will have to suffer the consequential burden. But there are other reasons which might pose a problem in the scrapping of FYUP. The Bachelors of Science (B.Sc.) program which had been changed into Bachelors of Technology (B.Tech.) requires a minimum of 4 years to serve a B.Tech. degree. If the whole program is scrapped, then the above course will also have to be reverted back into its original form, which would simply mean playing with the future of the students currently studying for a degree in Bachelors of Technology.

To top it all, the University Grants Commission is already putting pressure on the university to either scrap the FYUP programme or the Honours degree it is giving under the old 3 year semester mode through the School of Open Learning. Since the UGC’s rules require a university to give only 1 type of degree, either SOL will have to start giving degrees for only certificate courses or DU will have to do away with the FYUP programme.

Whatever happens next would be significantly life changing for the students currently enrolled under FYUP. I hope the new government takes a step which might not hamper the future prospects of these students.

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Campus Central

Smriti Irani requests VC to reinstate suspended officials, VC denies suspension

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Since DU is an autonomous institution I have put forth my personal appeal to the VC to reinstate the officials. — Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) May 31, 2014 Congress leader Digvijay Singh earlier slammed the Modi government accusing it of “not caring for transparency”. He went on to mock the central government by tweeting, “Achhe din aa gaye hein.”

After Smriti Irani’s tweet, Digvijay Singh thanked her and asked to her to come clean with her true educational qualification. Irani and her defendants continue to appeal to the masses to judge her by her work and not on the basis of her educational background. Though certain officials from the University issued statements about the suspension, the Vice Chancellor, through a Press Release yesterday, said that “The University has learnt that no suspension order has been issued to any employee of the School of Open Learning”.]]>

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Campus Central

5 facts about DU you probably didn't know

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#1 – In 1922 when the University was first established there were only three colleges (St. Stephens, Hindu and Ramjas College) with two faculties of Arts and Science and 750 students. Currently, there are 16 faculties, 77 colleges, 86 departments, 132435 regular students and 261169 students part of informal programmes. Way to go, DU! #2 – Hari Singh Gaur who was the founder Vice Chancellor of Delhi University was also a part of the Royal Society of Literature in London. History students will know about it but for others this was a literary organization founded by King George IV in 1820 and played a major role in the history of Britain. Hari Singh Gaur became a member of it after his book ‘Sleeping westward and other poems’ despite all types of discrimination he had to face in London. Proud to have had such a leader, aren’t we? #3 – The Cluster Innovation Center is a one of its kind attempt by Delhi University to break the traditional norms attached to education and especially, humanities. Under the CIC, students are given a B.Tech in Humanities instead of the normal B.A and get to be a part of not just one college but various colleges every semester. The students are trained practically instead of just theoretically. DU definitely is breaking all standard rules of education! #4 – The Northern Ridge which falls under the North Campus of DU is not just a place for your evening walks and the hub for love activities but is also a place of historical importance. The Flagstaff Tower in the ridge which would look like any other ancient building is actually where the Revolt of 1857 finally came to an end. The ridge also has the Ashokan Pillar which was shifted from Meerut to Delhi by Firoz Shah Tughluq in 1356. Would be more careful around it now, wouldn’t you? #5 – 1st May is annually celebrated as the Founder’s Day of Delhi University. I am sure half of us did not know this! What is more is that there is a proper function including a flag hoisting ceremony every year since 1922!]]>

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DUB Speak

Last few walks from the Vishwavidyalaya Metro station

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For most of us whose colleges are in the north campus of Delhi University, our day technically starts in the campus with a two minute walk which somehow manages to imbibe a holistic essence of that entire place in itself. Now while this semester wraps up itself, with nostalgia already in the air, there is this small part, a small place which all those who are graduating, will miss for sure.

For three most memorable years of our lives, we have walked on the lane outside the VV metro station and everything from the chatter, the dusty winds from the barren ground on right to the simple walks with the friends now awaits to be a memory. But out of everything, the walk will be missed beneath the memories of the college, lectures, farewells and everything.

The walk which starts from the four steps down the VV station’s exit and stretches to the Chattra Marg is almost like a kaleidoscope which comprises of different people, food, folders, jewellery and colours.

Like a collage of a hundred little things, there are a few which you will find or see here almost all the time. Some of them are so consistent that even when your best friend didn’t show up on time and you didn’t run into a class/college mate in the metro and you’re walking all by yourself with your headphones on, you will still unconsciously see every detail unfold around you.

So, four steps down the station and you will find these overtly welcoming rickshaw wallas advertising their rides like cheap honeymoon packages to Vegas, in their hard to ignore ‘Madam! Mirinda bees rupay me’. You might ignore them with or without a smile and turn to this place slowly coming to life in the early morning hours. It is almost recognizable when the scent of morning dust gets amalgamated with the steam of fresh momos and the grey smoke of cigarettes getting stronger as the hours pass by. There will be at least one group circulating a cigarette under the trees, one simply hanging out apparently bunking classes, one discussing Marxist theories, while one with the ‘how FYUP has ruined their lives and which FC presentation is due’ discussions.

A few steps ahead and the back side of the bus stand will probably appear screaming for your attention through its black and white ABVP/ NSUI/ anti FYUP posters pasted in the most monotonous and dull colours. No one ever looks. But there are chances that you will spot these men/women in black distributing the same pamphlets to you and watching you make a nice little crumbed ball of it before throwing it in the parking area ahead. These people apparently never mind.

A few steps ahead, beside the momos selling lady, this man selling antique looking Indian candies reminds you of the 1999’s childhood. Then the little collection of posters, from Friends, Harry Potter to Nirvana will always have some visitors for sure. Pretty much coming to an end, the sparkling side of the walk comes with the jewellery selling stalls stretching to the road. Before you exit, you will find this old man with his weighing machine sitting there, almost every day; waiting for someone to stop in front of his old machine and pay him three rupees. He even has a Facebook page in his name because he won’t beg but earn respectfully.

The walk comes to an end when your mind starts thinking about the college, often interrupted by a random three feet tall kid asking for money from you and you move to the parking lot dotted with pamphlets all over. Now taking a rickshaw of the man who has the same welcoming look on his face, you leave, only to return a few hours later, to this place which will be still the same.

But since the semester is ending and each day brings this urge to gather more and more memoirs from this place, from the busy streets of Kamla Nagar, from this North Campus, a slow and long walk on the VV street is a must. Making it slow, taking in every detail before some new road becomes your daily pathway to somewhere else, you should do it before life changes after college.

Every year things change, but this street will remain the same way for years till some people go while some come to this campus and walk on this street of cigarettes, momos and trinkets.

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Interviews

DU Beat in conversation with Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt for 2 States

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From talking about their characters and relationships to the movie as an adaptation of Chetan Bhagat’s novel, the star cast of the movie 2 States, Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt recently sat down with our correspondent.  Take a look at them talk about their experience of shooting  in IIM Ahmedabad, their chance to be students once again and what they enjoyed the most as students. Arjun also tells us how he is envious of actor Varun Dhawan and wants to do comic roles in the future.

Presenting Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt in conversation with our correspondent Iresh Gupta.

Iresh : Tell us something about your character Krish, and in what ways could you relate to it? And what is it that the students will love about the movie and the character?

Arjun : I identified a lot with Krish in terms of emotional quotient, not because he is Punjabi or I am Punjabi, but there is a lot more to it. He is somebody who doesn’t show his emotions. He has a certain take on life. He is very a responsible kid. There is a certain selfless nature. Whatever he does is for his mother. He is brought up properly with family values. There is a certain understanding that he has developed to keep his mother happy and that is something that I completely related to. For a 23-24 year old kid, he hasn’t lost his way, though there have been ups and down in his life. He is a sorted out kid. So the viewers also will be able to relate to the character fully, I suppose.

Iresh: Alia, how was Ananya for you as a character?

Alia : Ananya is much more mature than I am. She is very active with her thoughts and her intelligence is the reason behind it. She is very sensitive to the people she loves. I relate to her ideas. She has an opinion and she puts it forward. The character also thinks that she is right 90% of the times. And when it comes to Krish she would go on her way to convince her parents. And also, in many ways she was very inspiring for me as a woman.

Iresh : The book by Chetan has done really well and is quite popular, especially among young people and students. Has that built up any pressure for you two?

Arjun : It didn’t actually, till I met you all or met all his readers because I haven’t read the book. They all made me realize the unprecedented love the Chetan novel has. This hit me when our first trailer came out; we had six million hits which according to Dharma Productions, was the highest for any Dharma movie till date. Then we realized the expectation the film carries for age groups especially young people, as you say.

Iresh : Alia what do you think? How difficult is it to maintain the originality when a movie becomes an adaptation of a book?

Alia : See, when I hadn’t read the book I was little apprehensive about the fact that this book will be made into a movie. But when I read the adaptation, I read the book, I was happy. After watching the movie now, I feel that the basic skeleton of the book is there. The emotions are in place. Cinematic liberty is what we took but at the end of the day the emotion remains the same.

Iresh : Alia, you have been a student before for Student Of The Year. So how was it this time for 2 States?

Alia : This movie has characters of more older students, it is not high school. The movie is about a relationship that we develop while we are in college. But it was fun working and shooting in a campus.

Iresh : Arjun, any research that you undertook to be a student after different genre of roles you did in the past?

Arjun : I have grown up from being 17 to 25 and I was pretty alert as a student with whatever studies I did then. No research was required as such but there was this body language that Abhishek (Verman) wanted for this character as a director. I had to retain that no matter what I am doing as student in the film.

Iresh : How was it shooting in the campus of IIM-Ahmedabad? Was it among the college students?

Arjun : It was really nice to go back to the college. I enjoyed that experience. I enjoyed shooting in IIM, it is a fantastic campus. And it made much easier for us to believe that we are college students because college poora khaali tha, chutti ke time par gye the. We were there last April for shooting. We used to wake up in the morning, come to college, work whole day and go back. So it was a really cool experience.

Iresh : Alia,  how was it working at IIM-A for you?

Alia : It was a great experience. Even when Chetan came to the sets, he was quite happy for the fact that we got IIM-Ahmedabad as the campus which he had visualized in the book. It reminded him of his days in the college with his wife. For us, that was a big thing.

Iresh: Arjun what is that you enjoyed the most as a student?

Arjun : I got to dress well, that is what I enjoyed the most in the film. I got to wear clothes that I would wear in normal life and roam around. I played my age, more or less. I was allowed to dress how I would want to dress. When I say that I could relate to the boy, the sensibility and his aesthetics, the jeans, the shoes, the cargoes, the glasses I wear and the haircut I got. I would like to get rid of this (points towards his present look) for quite some time. So I liked all those changes that happened to me. It was a nice refreshing change.

Iresh : Arjun, when you look at all these movies coming today, what is the genre you would like to do or one director you would want to work with?

Arjun : I would love to do comic roles. I am really envious of Varun Dhawan. Really, the kind of genre that is taken up by David Dhawan, the movies he makes, is something that I would like to do.

Iresh : You both have been to Delhi University before for promotions. So how was the experience? And one last message for our readers?

Alia : We have got lots of love from the age group that you cater to. It is amazing to see how the young generation that is our own generation relates to and also appreciates our work. So all of you out there, please go watch 2 States, One love! It is a movie for everyone. It is coming out on 18th April. Do watch!

Image Courtesy: Mehr Gill for DU Beat

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Campus Central

Photo talks in North Campus – Youth Photography Festival

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The Education Tree initiated Youth Photography Festival in New Delhi starting 29th March for four days. The inauguration for the festival was held at DLF Place, Saket on 29th March which was followed by Photo Treasure Hunt. A live photo booth was set up for the first day as well. Day 2 at Youth Photography Festival had an early morning photo-walk at Chandni Chowk where the photographers captured the real essence of tradition Dilli. Second day also witnessed a photo exhibition and a jam session at DLF Place.

For the last two days, the festival moved on to the North Campus, Delhi University for photography talks by experienced and young photo artists. The artist talks were held at Kirori Mal College and Ramjas College on 31st March and 1st April respectively.

It is most important to understand your own photographs: S.Paul

S.Paul, India’s most published and awarded photographer internationally shared his personal experiences in the field of photography during the photo talk on 31st March at Kirori Mal College. Talking about cameras and photographs, Mr Paul also displayed his work for the audience on screen, wherein he was explaining the reference and relevance of each photograph. His display collection mainly revolved around the theme “trees”, which denoted The Education Tree, organizers of Youth Photography Festival.

Mr. Paul during his 2 hour session created an interactive environment in the chat room. He was cracking light jokes to which the visitors were all praises for the photographer. The artist was talking in Hindi and answering queries of photographers who had come to attend the photo talk.

S paul

He stressed on the fact that a photographer should understand his own work. “Being a good photographer is not that difficult, but being a good analyst is must”, he said. Mr Paul also felt that if someone cannot explain what he or she has clicked, that person is not a good photographer. He also talked about various competitors and friends when he decided to choose photography as a career and discussed pictures subject wise like community, nature, fashion among others.

On being questioned about how should one choose his subject for photography, S. Paul said, “Let us take street shooting, for example. In your first visit do not take the camera along. Studying the culture of street is must, knowing what happens when and where is necessary for a photographer. If one happens to understand this, then take your camera to shoot your subject.”

Photographer can’t afford to miss a shot: P. Kumar

P. Kumar is a wildlife photographer and a teacher of zoology at Hans Raj College, Delhi University. He talked about how a photographer should learn composition to be good at what he wants to be. He dictated various incidents of his life associated with the field of photography. He displayed his wildlife works on the screen and explained the story behind each picture. His collection included photographs from wildlife sanctuaries, zoos and jungles. The screen also displayed works which ranged from seas to mountains and from cities to villages.

Kumar based his lecture on the four P’s – Passion, Purpose, Photography and Prayer. He associated the photographers with the elements of photography that are faith, prayer and conviction. He also talked about abilities of a photographer that can go waste if there is lack of these elements.

P. Kumar

P. Kumar displayed his pictures with Anurag Kashyap and Abhinav Kashyap (alumnus of Hans Raj College) and talked about his heroes. Displaying magazine covers on which his pictures were featured, he says, “Photography needs an element of desperation. Until and unless you are dying to click something, that won’t be shot well.” He mentioned how the kind of camera isn’t important, but the style is. “You will have a big camera and a heavy tripod, you will take 20 minutes to set up and you will miss the shot. In photography, one can not afford to miss a shot. If he or she does, he is not a photographer”, he adds.

A little was also discussed about structured system created for the photographers where they do mainstream photography and do not understand the meaning behind it. Before ending the session he threw some light on conceptual imagery and played a few videos shot by him.

It depends on what part of your work you wish to show: Shiv Ahuja

Shiv Ahuja is a young music photographer who based his talk in Ramjas College on 1st April. Shiv, who is a musician himself developed an interest for photography. He also shared his experiences with the bands he used to shoot and the concerts he covered as a photographer. Ahuja highlighted his relations with Raghu Dixit and narrated the story of how he happened to be the photographer of his band.

As a photographer, Shiv says that he loves to travel. “Travel is one thing I can not compromise on. When I travel or go places for a show, in one concert I click around 500 pictures, but out of them not every picture is a great picture. It depends on what you want to show to the world”, he adds. So he gave the photographers tips about ‘how to be smart while creating portfolios.’

Shiv Ahuja Session

When asked a question about who does he keep in mind while clicking a photograph, the reader (magazines) or the subject (the musician) or his own interest, Shiv answers that it is the final reader who is always in mind. “I am clicking for a magazine. So what matters is what the publisher will like and if published what the public will like.”

Deaf artists get no exposure : Pintoo Kumar

Last speaker for the photography festival was Pintoo Kumar. Pintoo is a deaf photographer associated with Atulya Kala, an organization that works for deaf people. Pintoo through his translator, Smriti told everyone that he is an orphan who was born in Calcutta. He tells about the problems he faced in the school/university both in terms of finance and treatment. “Life for us is a copy paste game”

Pintoo Kumar

“I love capturing moments. I love telling stories about the culture through my pictures”, says Pintoo. Instead of displaying his photography works on screen, he displayed pictures of those deaf and dumb artists who face the same problems as him but who made made something meaningful out of their lives. Photographs of a deaf writer, another deaf artist, a deaf classical dancer, a deaf and mute tea vendor from Delhi and a picture of him were displayed on the screen. He expressed how all of them are not given opportunities and are given excuses of not being equally able.

Pintoo also displayed four photos which pointed out the sign language for four letters of the word ‘deaf’. Pintoo sets out to understand and engage with his surrounding and transcend the barriers of communication. He was appreciated by everyone by raising the hands, which is a sign language for clapping.

With this the Youth Photography Festival #YPF came to an end.

Image Credit : The Education Tree

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Delhi College of Arts and Commerce

Competitive events, band performances mark DCAC’s Ambrosia’s Day One

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Known for being one of the concluding fests of Delhi University’s fest season of 2014, Ambrosia, the cultural festival of Delhi College of Arts & Commerce kick started on the morning of  Wednesday, April 2nd, 2014. The festival began with a guest lecture by Ms. Vidushi Chaturvedi, Education Director, NDMC. The learned lady stressed upon the real meaning of education, asked the youth to successfully challenize their untapped potential and powerhouse of energy for the best of society. ” Stay intoxicated. Stay aware.” Ms. Chaturvedi added, as she stressed upon the need of youth to forgo the corporate MNC culture and step in the arena of public services.

chatur
Ms. Vidushi Chaturvedi, Education Director, NDMC addressing the students and teachers at the inaugural of Ambrosia’2014 – DCAC’s annual cultural festival.

The Winner’s Tally [Events Scheduled for Ambrosia Day – One]

1. The Rangoli Designing competition

Theme – Dance of Life.

Winner –  Kaushal ( Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences)

Runner Up – Vijay Sharma ( Sri Venkateswara College) 

Judged By – Mrs. Madhu Maheshwari, Mrs. Sunita Yadav & Mrs. Neeru Ailawadi ( Professors, DCAC)

2. The Quiz Competition

First prize – Gokul S & Balasubramanyam P. (ARSD College & Hans Raj College)

Second Prize – Shubham Prakhar & Kritin Gupta (N.S.I.T.)

Third Prize – Saumya Sagar & Althaf Majeed (A.I.I.M.S.)

3. The Solo Dance Competition

First Prize – Akriti ( Belly Dancing)

Second Prize – A tie between Sakshi ( Contemporary) & Shashi ( Urban)

4. Nukkad Natak: The Street Play Competition (presented by DCAC’s Leher)

Winners: Trinity College

Runners Up:  Hans Raj College ( Rehaayi)

Judged By – Eminent theatre and cinema personalities Mrs. Beena Singh & Mrs. Poonaam Mathur

5. The Battle of Bands

Winners – Hashtag Projekt

Judged By –  Mr. Jagtinder Singh ( lead vocalist in Indian Saber)

6.The Weight Lifting Competition

Under 80 kilograms

First Position – Gaurav (Bhagat Singh College)

Second Position –  Jagtar Singh Dhillon ( Delhi College of Arts & Commerce)

body
The Weight lifting competition at DCAC’s Ambrosia in progress.

Above 80 kilograms

First Position – Harsh Yadav ( Delhi College of Arts & Commerce)

Second Position –  Sumit ( Dyal Singh College)

 

7.The Debate

Best Team – Shashank & Anju ( ARSD College)

Runners Up – Srijana Upadhyaya & Monica Pradhan ( Delhi College of Arts & Commerce & Motilal Nehru College)

Best Speaker – Salil (Delhi College of Arts & Commerce) 

Best Interjection – Prashant ( Hans Raj College)

8. The Fashion Show

First Position – P.G.D.A.V. College

Second Position – College of Vocational Studies

Third Position – Dyal Singh College ( Evening)

The day ended with exhilarating musical performances by two famous bands playing altogether different genres catering to the taste of all people. While one performance was by the alternative rock band ‘Circus’ the second performance was by the Sufi music band ‘ Centrifugal’. As people threw their hands in air with the former performance, the latter was rather a delightful soul touching one. This musical note was further carried forward with the DJ night.

Altogether, Day One at Ambrosia was replete with numerous fun packed events. Day Two too, has some interesting events like bad singing & dancing, self composed poetry,scavenger hunt &  tug of war lined up. The festival shall culminate with Punjabi singer & ‘Rap da Badshah’ Bohemia performing at DCAC live.

See what Bohemia has got to say before his performance, to all his fans!

Post by AMBROSIA – The Annual Festival ,Delhi College of Arts and Commerce.

 

Photography Credits: DU Beat

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Bazinga

Bazinga: Politicians stay in DU hostels to know student problems

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Disclaimer: Bazinga is a fake news story,manufactured for people with a good sense of humour like ours. Spreading it around as news will only get you warts all over your body.

Politicians, eyeing polls, are trying to feed their student vote bank some fodder by spending nights in their hostels. As Rahul  Gandhi reached a hostel in North Campus, he was greeted by students waiting to welcome him. Addressing the media which was all over the place to catch a glimpse of the young politician, Gandhi said, “These students have continuously been ignored by the policy makers of the nation. These farm- err… students are an integral part of our human resource. Tonight, I will spend the night in this hostel, eat what these students eat, drink what these students drink, and tomorrow I will make a speech in parliament after knowing the problems of these students.” The students put a pair of headphones (a popular replacement of garlands) around Rahul’s neck as a token of respect,and guided him through the freshly cleaned floors of their hostel.

We also received reports of BJP leader Sushma Swaraj staying a night in a girls hostel of University of Delhi. We couldn’t reach Mrs. Swaraj before she went inside the hostel because she was trying to maintain a low profile, but what later started flooding Instagram and Facebook newsfeeds were ‘selfies’ of female students with Sushma in all poses possible with the popular hashtag, #justgirlythings. It was clear from the pictures that the senior BJP leader has indeed learnt how to pout. “It’s a totally different lifestyle these girls follow. We all have a lot to learn from them, Mrs. Swaraj tweeted in the morning. Meanwhile, an AAP leader could not be contacted for any comment on his stay in a college hostel as students were making him clean the tiles and floors of the building, given AAP’s ‘sevak’ nature.

Disclaimer: Bazinga is a fake news story,manufactured for people with a good sense of humour like ours. Spreading it around as news will only get you warts all over your body.

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DUB Speak

Students, teachers and journalists remember Khushwant Singh

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He set new benchmarks for literature in independent India. This Sikh’s love for poetry, avidity to make people laugh and his well known ardor for Indian literature made him a pivotal author and journalist among the Indian readers.

On the 20th day of this March, Khushwant Singh passed away at the age of 99. The writer who led a wholesome life was suffering from breathing problems. Khushwant Singh had contributed to the literature for over six decades now. Apart from numerous short story collections, Singh wrote over 50 books during his tenure.

Jasleen Kaur, a literature student from St. Stephen’s College from where Khushwant Singh also got his degree says, “Reading Khushwant Singh’s work would be a treat for any reader. He makes his reader very much a part of his stories that we cannot withdraw our self from it, even if we want to. I still remember how his Train to Pakistan gave me goosebumps.”

Khushwant Singh was known to take up topics which undertook him through a personal experience or which were of a delicate nature to a certain community or cast. He also portrayed matters of religion and God through his books. He was also known for portraying gender and sex as an important subject to write on. Ms. Kajori Sen, an anchor at NDTV 24X7 says, “Khushwant Singh’s death essentially means end of an era. What he represented not only as a satirist but as a chronicler of India’s Independence and many of the events that transpired thereafter is incredibly significant. If we look at the books that he has written he was very critical, also very appreciative and had a clarity of vision which was inspiration for journalists for generations.”

Khushwant Sahab also took up the mission to bring out the unknown facts about Punjab and Sikhs through his writings. Bhawsheel Sahni, a sikh himself says, “His identity for sikhs is unquestionable. He was straightforward man. For me he was that person who would say that he drinks alcohol and not say that he mixes it with coke. He will be one of the best modern literature writers. With Malice towards one and all is that type of column which even the politician and well as the middle class man will associate with.” With Malice Towards One and All – the weekly column of Khushwant Singh that appeared in over 100 newspapers of India including The Telegraph, Hindustan Times and The Pioneer is known to be one of the most widely read columns of the nation.

He was also the former editor of Hindustan Times. As a journalist, he also edited ‘Illustrated Weekly Of India.’ Anne Cherian, a senior correspondent with Times of India says, “Khushwant Singh has left a rich legacy of literary work for the generations to come. Be it as a author, journalist or jester, he was fearless when it came to wielding the pen. He will always inspire the writers behind him.”

Khushwant was one person who could laugh on himself. He was famous for his wicked sense of humor among people of all age groups. Kajori Sen agrees by saying that, “The other thing that Khushwant Singh had which was hugely important was his sense of humour. Too often, there is a sense that journalism as a profession in India takes itself far too seriously. Khushwant was giving the imperils to that fact. As he himself said when he was 28, he didn’t want anybody to give a damn about what they were saying as long as they were saying it well.”


Ms. Kajori who had met Khushwant Singh a few months back to check whether the rumours of the author’s death are true or not, added, “It is a huge loss to the country but we can all be fortunate in saying, he had a great run, he was a great man. 99 years of Khushwant Singh mean that we have rich, journalistic, literary and historical tradition.”

He catered to the reading needs of all age groups and people from all professions. Maitry Barua, Head of English Department at Hansraj College, Delhi University said, “We can never find such a writer again. Someone who mixed his journalistic skills with a side of literary touch to his writings. He was the master poet. Someone who loved nature and his sarcasm and wit was unquestionable. As a teacher, I have both read and taught his stories and books. But something for which he will be remembered throughout is Train to Pakistan, which only someone like Khushwant can write.”

Khushwant Singh’s physical absence does not mean that he will be forgotten, his books will always adorn our bookshelves, for he is now in the realm of immortal writers.

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