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A Rundown of DU’s Indifference to our Plight

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The University of Delhi (DU) has outdone itself in willfully failing to acknowledge the grievances of its students and teachers by deciding to conduct OBEs amidst the collective trauma that the country is going through. This article is an exploration of the gravity of the issue, the opinions of those whose well-being is the most at stake and the secondary considerations that cannot be overlooked.

“ In extraordinary times like these however, it’s so integral to give yourself the benefit of the doubt. This is not the time to feel guilt or regret over days spent taking care of your physical and mental health rather than being conventionally productive”.

The coronavirus pandemic has caused an upheaval in the functioning of the country as palpable fear and anxiety to loom around its people, exacerbated by the ever-proliferating number of cases and deaths. Today, the insanely overburdened and under-equipped health infrastructure of the country is nearing its collapse as it faces shortages of hospital beds, medical equipment, treatment drugs, and healthcare workforce. Despite the best efforts of the healthcare workers and those who’re religiously following all precautionary measures against the virus, innumerable families are currently grieving the loss of their loved ones, some of whom couldn’t even get the resources they needed to recover. The government has barely taken any concrete measures besides willfully failing to provide any sort of relief to those who are suffering. This blatant disregard for the plight of the common people has prompted students all over the country, who themselves might be suffering physically or mentally or might be taking care of their family members who are COVID-19 positive, to take up the task of verifying and amplifying pandemic- related resources, regardless of whether they have time to spare or not.

Numerous college societies and student-run NGOs have started their COVID-19 relief helplines to increase the accessibility of these extremely limited resources. The upsetting reality is that millions of people today are relying heavily on the mental effort, energy, and hours invested by these students in helping others, while the government continues to be indifferent. To add to the mayhem, the University of Delhi (DU) has decided to hold the final examinations of second and final year students, thereby adding to the distress and emotional anguish of lakhs of students who are already anxious about and preoccupied with taking care of themselves, their families and others in need. This has resulted in widespread criticism from the affected students, their teachers, and unions like the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) as the consensus among all is that the University’s resolution to conduct examinations in such emotionally and physically challenging times reflects its lack of empathy for those it claims to serve.

Since the onset of the pandemic, DU has conducted online semester examinations thrice. Each time, its decision to hold OBEs was based on the unfounded assumption that all its students, backed by varying family incomes, had the necessary facilities to attend classes and sit for their exams smoothly. If there’s one thing that’s stayed constant throughout last year, it’s the University’s disinterest in considering the specific privileges of a proportion of its students, or lack thereof. Except for this time, the frightful state of the country and its toll on the mental and physical health of the students has further added to their adversity. A common sentiment shared by most students and professors is that it is out rightly brutal on the University’s part to subject
them to such mental pressure at a time when the majority of them are grieving the loss of a relative or are down high fever, severe body ache and other ghastly symptoms of COVID-19.

Image caption: DU students to DU Beat

“We’ve already lost some of our colleagues, so many are suffering and there’s no record of the number of students who are currently COVID-19 positive. The exams scheduled for May end must be postponed immediately,” said Mr. Rajib Ray, the President of DUTA, who expressed these concerns in a letter to the acting Vice-Chancellor and appealed for the extension of deadlines of Internal Assessments as well.

(Read more: DUTA’s letter to the acting Vice-Chancellor )

Even more than the University’s lack of consideration and understanding, what’s agitating the concerned students and teachers the most is the dearth of response from the University’s end for their queries, appeals, and grievances. Time and again DU has reinforced its inability to take a proper stance to back its students and its teachers. It is only after a series of requests, mass protests, strikes, and other forms of demonstration that the University feels compelled to take some sort of action. The current situation however has thrown several issues out into the open, one of them being whether the University is politically hindered and is unable to support its students and teachers and help them. It feels as if the modus operandi of the institutional structure disallows it to consider all viewpoints and perspectives, even if they go against the establishment. There are a lot of confusing elements at play and it’s normal for any student to get utterly perplexed and dejected by the overwhelming amount of things happening around. Firstly, as mentioned, the youth is significantly and virtually running the health infrastructure. It’s not as if students have an enormous amount of free time but the kind of helplessness that has pervaded and persisted has inevitably forced us to take the reins of the situation into our hands. While some colleges have ensured and implemented some amount of leniency, the experience across the University has been extremely varied. Moreover, while Universities like Ambedkar, NIFT, Delhi Technological University all have suspended regular classes, the situation isn’t as smooth and comfortable for the country at large. The recent incident at IIT Kharagpur is a testament to that.

Secondly, when it comes to the conduction of OBE examinations for the second and third-year students there’s a lot of conversation and an overall explosion of opinions from all sides which have to be heard and considered before the University takes any decision. Postponing exams could be a probable cause for added pressure later on, as it will not only hinder further academic prospects for the final year students but also rests on an idealistic
assumption that things will improve fast. The students studying at Delhi University come from all over the country and with such a diverse demographic, going ahead with the exams at a time when the country is burning is downright inhuman. “Firstly it’s not an easy yes or no when it comes to cancelling exams altogether. We need to realize how we are dealing with a lot of different people and individual differences. We need to consider the problem of the third-year students fulfilling their academic timeline which is integral for pursuing their Master’s and can reflect in their employment as well.” says Karthika Sajeev, President of the LSR Student Union.

There must be a realization that the consequences of the second wave of the pandemic are way more drastic and sudden as opposed to the first wave, making this year a substantially difficult year to keep a track of all your commitments. Sajeev further points out how for most students it is physically and mentally impossible to sit for exams let alone attend classes. According to her, even the faculty members are not in the right mind space to properly devote themselves. Attendance has gone down significantly, with most classes not even seeing fifty percent of students turning up. “Last year the situation was better but we need to realise how the situation plays out in multiple ways. We have yet to receive our results from the last semester and if the university goes on ahead with the examinations, who is going to evaluate them?” Sajeev remarks on the lack of clarity and communication from the University’s end. Indian Universities indefinitely have a habit of valuing hustle culture over normal, human concepts such as taking breaks, work-life balance, etc. With that being said, if the university goes ahead with the examination it will be a highly discriminatory move against those who are COVID-19 positive and have lost their family members. Some might argue that online classes are relatively easier to navigate. We understand that disrupting the entire academic calendar of an institute as significant as the University of Delhi isn’t an easy decision. However, providing students and teachers with absolutely no relief after a tsunami of tragedies in the country is heartless, to say the least.

“The University has made no attempt to provide relief to the families of the teachers we’ve lost, the teachers who have to teach despite not having the mental bandwidth for it, the students who are suffering or the ad hoc teachers who lack essential job privileges. Moreover, the propagation of fake news by the government to divert people’s attention from genuine concerns of the aggrieved and its inconsiderable and inconsistent contribution to dealing with the pandemic crisis have shown its utter disregard for the well-being of its citizens,” said Miss Abha Dev Habib from DUTA. The idea isn’t about flexibility as much as a heartless approach being employed to deal with the situation. Citizens are left, alienated, and disowned to look out for themselves. There’s no idea of a welfare state looking after the necessities. No scope of communication with any regard or empathy for those who’ve been potentially traumatized for the rest of their lives.

“Exams or no exams, classes suspended or not, we must reach a larger and conscious acknowledgement of the fact that we all need to slow down”.

Image caption: “Exams or no exams, classes suspended or not, we must reach a larger and conscious acknowledgement of the fact that we all need to slow down”.
Image credits: Elzeline Kooy

At one instance, teachers and students are struggling to find Oxygen and Remdevisir leads, and the very next moment you’re struggling to finish assignments, attend lectures, take notes and juggle internships side by side. This is to assume you’ve not been affected directly by the pandemic. When you’re running pillar to post, struggling to find basic resources that should otherwise be easily accessible, completely ruptured by the whirlpool of uncertainty around, you can’t possibly think of grueling yourself further with the complicated OBE exams. “Our session will get over on the 30th of April, most Internal Assessments are already there with the respective professors. At this point it’s all about how the University responds. We’ve sent emails to the Vice Chancellor, the Dean and we just hope that the University makes a quick decision in the favor of the student and faculty body.” Sajeev points out with a hint of optimism.

Once again the question that arises is of the complete breakdown of all mechanisms to seek redressal. As brought forth by Sajeev, a lot of DU colleges do not have an active student body that will actively communicate the students’ grievances while also keeping in contact with the faculty members. The situation has lapsed beyond control and one is left to realise that often students have to face crises disproportionately. It’s imperative to remember that the principal reason for the existence of the University is to bring value to its students and professors. The institute was built to serve us and not the other way round. And no matter how strenuous it gets to navigate the right path to collective betterment, it is still vitally important that the University places the well-being of the students and teachers over all secondary considerations, at every step of the way, including this very moment. And the need of the hour is to let the affected parties decide for themselves what the best approach to soothe their afflictions would be. What holds paramount importance right now is that the grievances and opinions of the students and professors, the ones who are the most
affected by the University’s decision, are heard and entertained, despite what the University may consider to be the better judgment. It is quite certain that the mental and psychological consequences of the impact will be deep- rooted. At present, there are no clear-cut solutions to the problems that we as students and as citizens of this exhausted country are facing. Exams or no exams, classes suspended or not, we must reach a larger and conscious acknowledgement of the fact that we all need to slow down. We all need to give each other the space to grieve, process our emotions, collect our thoughts or simply take a break. There is no certainty of the fact that things will get relatively better. In extraordinary times like these however, it’s so integral to give yourself the benefit of the doubt. This is not the time to feel guilt or regret over days spent taking care of your physical and mental health rather than being conventionally productive. Our only hope is that things will get better. People will look out and support each other. empathy will replace apathy, The government will be held accountable for the grave terror they’ve carelessly caused. And, most importantly the voice of the youth will be heard.

Read Also:
https://dubeat.com/2021/04/the-circus-of-du-apathy/
https://dubeat.com/2021/04/calls-for-covid-care-centres-for-du-teachers-and-students-intensifies/

Featured Image Credits: LA Johnson, National Public Radio

Tara Kalra
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Shirley Khurana
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Earth Day: DU’s Goblet of Green Smiles

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This Earth Day – 22nd April, 2021 – is a day for celebration. 2020 has been very merciful, in terms of environmental pollution of Earth, thanks to the lockdown. But in the long run, what are the contributions of DU to environmentalism?

The prolonged lockdown that was put in place also bought human-origin pollutants to an all-time low and has greatly benefitted Earth to remediate its badly injured environment – gave some time for the self-care of Earth. Even though last year has granted some brief respite from pollution, the vigil of environmentalists isn’t – for there is a long way to go in this ‘domain’ before we could take any rest (Thank you for such beautiful lines, Frost!). And in this ongoing ‘war’, it must imperative that each and every one of us contributes to it in every possible way we can. And when contribution at an individual level is that imperative, the need for the same from organizations can’t be underscored enough. So, how is our DU doing in this regard?

First off, Environmental Studies (EVS) is one of the compulsory courses that students of Delhi University have to study for a semester under Ability Enhancement Compulsory Courses (AECC). This has been implemented under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) to make the students aware of the environment they reside in. From covering the basics of the environment to raising issues about the tortures done on the same by human actions; the course covers it all.  Considering the fact that zero empathy is shown by most individuals from our generation towards nature, the above course is needed – very much. Not even the invisible creator of this universe can undermine the importance embodied to our beloved Earth. Earth can be personified as a loving mother, desperately longing for her son (humans in this context) to return back only to be ignored by the latter. The course acts as a connecting bridge between the students and nature; within whose pallu we used to hide while playing hide and seek in our childhood. Moments as such are only just a figment of the tangled webs of our memories.

However, ask any student about their likeness towards and most of them will react with a disgusted look. “EVS kisko pasand hai, yaar?” is the most common statement that can be heard over almost all the tongues. Be it the syllabus or the subject itself, you’ll hardly find a student interested in the same. The dislike towards the subject is so much that an interested student would be no less than an alien for many (but no less than a god for notes before exams).

“I am interested in knowing about the environment but the syllabus rendered to the subject is an ultimate thumbs down for me. I mostly sleep in all of the classes.” – Anonymous

The syllabus needs to be changed, no arguments on the same. The entire syllabus excluding a topic or two is a mere repetition of what has already been taught to us in school days. From ecosystems to the various kinds of pollution, students already have an idea about these. Learning about already known things is a bit of a turn-off, isn’t it? At least for me, it is. Including topics such as the philosophy of nature, sociology of nature, energy science etc. is the need of the hour. Experiments are being carried out in nature with the passing of each day. Young environmentalists are emerging one after another with ideas that deserve truck-loads of praise. We are tired of learning the same things again and again. Change in the syllabus is the only action that can save students from the boredom attributed to the same.

“We have an excellent teacher for environmental studies. However, the I-don’t-care attitude portrayed by my fellow classmates is discouraging. They need to learn to be more respectful.” – Anonymous

Students are to be brought in a negative light as well for some reasons. The boredom attributed to the same is understandable. However, one shouldn’t completely neglect a subject in its entirety. Till the time the current syllabus is being taught, one should at least give an effort to know the contents of the same. Knowledge never goes to waste. Only if we respect a subject, the subject will respect us back. The same goes for the environment as well. Respect is a two-way virtue.

But not stopping with that, the colleges have also engaged in many short-term measures to curb environmental pollution immediately. Many colleges have taken concrete steps to make their campuses more environment-friendly – the details of which are available on their websites. Many colleges like Hindu College, Mata Sundri College, Sri Aurobindo College have implemented various measures to minimize the adverse impact they have on the environment. It is noteworthy that Hindu College has ‘acoustically enclosed’ its generator – in an attempt to address noise pollution, something that is often overlooked by many. Some DU colleges have set up Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) as per the mandate of the Union Grants Commission (UGC) in a bid to incentivize colleges to be more active in the remediation of environmental pollution. Though colleges have set up bio-gas plants, solar plants, rainwater harvesting, plastic-free campuses, efficient electrical appliances, encouraged use of public transport and bicycles, promoted paperless documentation, and planted many trees as part of Van Mahotsav, the problem inherent here is that the shoddy implementation of these measures. Though there are various measures on paper, there are only very few which have been implemented satisfactorily; many haven’t been implemented yet or are stagnant halfway. But it is at least encouraging that DU has some environmental remediation measures on paper and we can only hope and voice that their implementation must be fast-tracked and made more efficient.

However, despite this, the Eco Clubs set up by the students of various colleges offer a ray of hope that even if the colleges slack, there are students who don’t. Even during the pandemic, the Clubs have been active – recruiting members and conducting various webinars and other activities online. For example, the Eco Club of Sri Venkateswara College have conducted a webinar on ‘Know your Wetlands’ and competitions associated with it. Taking their work very seriously, the members of the club have even travelled to the college to check on the vermicomposting pit they had set up – during the pandemic. This shows how dedicated these students are to the welfare of Earth, contributing in every way they can – creating vermicompost to manage waste, planting trees, clearing waste off public places. The dedication of these students to this cause shows light to humanity on how just important the environment is. And it also promises a better and brighter future in which youngsters take care of Earth consciously.

Most recently, in the pursuit of environmental remediation, DU has announced that it would set up a School of Climate Change and Sustainability (DSCC&S) with Professor C R Babu – a renowned environmental scientist – under the Institute of Eminence scheme. As per the official statement, “DSCC&S will take up research in priority areas like how to make our cities climate resilient? How to achieve sustainability in the face of environmental challenges?” It will encourage and incentivize research and development in sustainable development pursuits – resource enhancement, energy, resource recycling, waste management amongst others. This could very well catapult India into a position to comfortably navigate economic development while cutting on carbon emissions as per the Paris Agreement. But this stands upon the assumption that the implementation is fast and efficient and DU must make sure it is – for Earth is above everything else: religions, linguistics, boundaries, countries, continents.

In a nutshell, on this Earth Day let’s promise ourselves to at least be a bit more attentive in our EVS classes and gather the unknown from them. Bringing a bit of Indian philosophy at the end, mother Earth can be everything. She can be sattvic i.e. calm and all the good things; however she can be tamasic as well. The COVID-19 pandemic is nothing but mother Earth making us realise the atrocities that she had faced because of us – evident from the fact that the environment has been much healthier in 2020 than it has been for a long, long time. The only planet kind enough to nurture life is Earth and let’s make sure it stays that way and doesn’t crumble into a barren wasteland.

Feature Image Credits : Sourav Sreshth

 

Himasweeta Sarma

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Harish Leela Ningam

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Open-Book Examinations : An Unwanted Surrogate

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With the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the pen and paper mode of examination has been replaced by open-book examinations via online mode. But, is this transition worth the time and tension attributed by the students towards it? 

One cannot deny the concatenations of changes that the world had to witness in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From sacrificing junk food from our favourite cafeterias and savouring our dried up taste buds with lost but not forgotten home cooked food to attending formal meetings over zoom with an ironed shirt above and wrinkled pajamas below. All aspects of life; be it economic or mental was affected by the pandemic and so was the field of education. The closing down of public institutions such as schools, colleges to stop the outspread of the COVID-19 virus meant a full stop to education.

OBEs are a trap. (Image Credits : Medium)

However, the full stop was erased and education continued with the aid of online classes over various platforms such as Google Meet, Zoom, etcetera. The inception of online classes paved the path for the teaching and student community to ponder upon the conduction of exams. How will the exams be held? If held, will the usual pen-paper mode be applicable? If no, then what other alternative can be used? Thus after much thought and colloquy, the alternative of open book exams through online mode was adopted by many universities across the country.

“My mama always said, life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get. And then OBE happened…. and now I’m sitting here with my 8.5 CGPA looking at those 9 web page tabs where I looked for content (reference) and can’t recollect much. Trust me, shrimp was better, I miss you Bubba.” – Mikhil Wang, Hindu College, Delhi University with a ‘Forrest Gump’ reference.

My bitter relationship with Open-Book Examination started way back in Class 9 when we were supposed to solve 10 marks in the format of Open-Book Assessment. Thank the lords and CBSE for dismantling the above concept (maybe they read my mind and acknowledged how unfruitful the entire concept was) Fast forward to 2021, here I am impatiently and nervously anxious to appear for my first university level examination but unfortunately via open-book examination process and worse through online mode.

A tweet on OBE. (Image Credits : Pinterest)

First things first, open-book examinations hold no meaning to test a student’s understanding capabilities if the questions are not analytical in nature and being. Direct questions possessing the requirements of merely copy-pasting from the prescribed books does not lead to a holistic development of intellect and an individual at the end. Resources, time and patience; all for jotting down from the books without understanding the concepts. Is it worth it?

Is it fruitful to move forward in academic ventures without even knowing what was taught in the previous years? The fact that the pen and paper mode is what has resulted in the development of rot learning in the education system is accepted. But, at least an effort was made by the student community to know what the concepts are and what they behold. This is completely absent in the OBE mode or better say, Out of Brain Examinations.

Online OBE Exams, a sorcery. (Image Credits : The Quint)

Thirdly, what are the answer sheets marked for in this mode of examination? Only Edward Cullen can enlighten us whether the marks in such examinations are deducted for plagiarism or the required length of answers. On another perspective if no marks are deducted from anyone, does it mean everyone tops? I wish I had the points to answer such questions.

Last but not the least, the technical aspects required for appearing in an online OBEs is what worries every student the most. The academic progressions of a student lies in a privilege that is not accessible to all the students; internet connections. Unavailability and fluctuations in internet services while downloading question papers or uploading answer sheets is every student’s worst nightmare.

A stressful experience in being. (Image Credits : The Quint)

I am clueless about how to prepare and what to prepare. Online classes have been quite unfavorable for me with unstable internet connections most of the time. It seems we are appearing for the OBEs by giving our time and resources just as a formal procedure to get into the next semester and not to assess our growth. 

Shubhamitra Baruah, 1st year student

This is a personal rant. Differences in thought and agreements is what has led to growth of individuals, both literally and philosophically. Till then, let me still be confused and crib about the existence of OBEs.

Read Also : https://dubeat.com/2020/12/freshers-guide-to-online-examinations-obe-2-0/

Himasweeta Sarma

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Dear Academic Calendar, Please Have Mercy

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With the pandemic disrupting life around the globe, education faced a severe hit along with all other spheres of society. Unlike other universities, Delhi University’s academic calendar started months after most universities in the country started. But how does this impact life in the varsity?

Delhi University formally commenced the academic session for first-year undergraduate students on 18 November 2020. This was after the delay of almost five months, partly due to the non-declaration of the 12th Board results and partly due to a conscious management decision. Formally, kicking off the admissions in October with the first cut-off list, things have been hectic at the varsity.

The current academic calendar for the first-year is segregated into two parts: November to March and April to July. On paper, this leaves around three months for teaching including the conduct of Internal Assessments. What the varsity failed to consider was the length of the admission process itself. The final date for admissions kept getting pushed and finally came to an end on the 31st December 2020. To get things into perspective that is one and half months of a four-month semester. Interestingly, admissions under all supernumerary categories took place only in December. The loss of academics is to be in some way considered negligible and ignored.

Even if that was to be excused, the calendar is tormenting and tiring. The University scraped off all vacations and holidays except ‘Public Holidays’ which some colleges refuse to recognise as well. Continuous classes, six days a week is draining. Moreover, the varsity doesn’t factor in how this pans out with college societies and extra-curricular culture. Even societies due to the sheer lack of time- pushed and compressed activities, and doubled the workload. There is no time whatsoever to self or any other activity. And before someone plays devil’s advocate to give the argument of time mismanagement, I already plead guilty, but it still doesn’t change that the calendar is suffocating and inhumane.

Another peculiar feature is the mismatch of the first-year calendar with all other years. So while the first-years panic about exams, one might perceive that the seniors are enjoying the prime of their life in the middle of their semester. A role reversal will soon debut in May as well. This incongruence is very likely to affect societies too, especially in colleges that follow the two-year society system.

This makes things quite cumbersome and toxic as the teachers unload magnanimous hours of syllabus per lecture and the students grapple to keep up. Before someone hurls “Even they couldn’t have done anything,” well they sure could have. The Delhi Technical University, more popularly DTU opted for a continuous evaluation system. The likelihood of you reading another one of these pieces with me cribbing about the system is equal, but that way I would’ve learnt much more than I am doing right now. With OBEs and practically no time to study, things seem beyond repair.

Dear Academic Calendar, please have mercy.

Read also: https://dubeat.com/2020/12/freshers-guide-to-online-examinations-obe-2-0/

Image Credits: Indian Express

Mehul Joshi

[email protected]

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Dear Academic Calendar, Please Have Mercy

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With the pandemic disrupting life around the globe, education faced a severe hit along with all other spheres of society. Unlike other universities, Delhi University’s academic calendar started months after most universities in the country started. But how does this impact life in the varsity?

Delhi University formally commenced the academic session for first-year undergraduate students on 18 November 2020. This was after the delay of almost five months, partly due to the non-declaration of the 12th Board results and partly due to a conscious management decision. Formally, kicking off the admissions in October with the first cut-off list, things have been hectic at the varsity.

The current academic calendar for the first-year is segregated into two parts: November to March and April to July. On paper, this leaves around three months for teaching including the conduct of Internal Assessments. What the varsity failed to consider was the length of the admission process itself. The final date for admissions kept getting pushed and finally came to an end on the 31st December 2020. To get things into perspective that is one and half months of a four-month semester. Interestingly, admissions under all supernumerary categories took place only in December. The loss of academics is to be in some way considered negligible and ignored.

Even if that was to be excused, the calendar is tormenting and tiring. The University scraped off all vacations and holidays except ‘Public Holidays’ which some colleges refuse to recognise as well. Continuous classes, six days a week is draining. Moreover, the varsity doesn’t factor in how this pans out with college societies and extra-curricular culture. Even societies due to the sheer lack of time- pushed and compressed activities, and doubled the workload. There is no time whatsoever to self or any other activity. And before someone plays devil’s advocate to give the argument of time mismanagement, I already plead guilty, but it still doesn’t change that the calendar is suffocating and inhumane.

Another peculiar feature is the mismatch of the first-year calendar with all other years. So while the first-years panic about exams, one might perceive that the seniors are enjoying the prime of their life in the middle of their semester. A role reversal will soon debut in May as well. This incongruence is very likely to affect societies too, especially in colleges that follow the two-year society system.

This makes things quite cumbersome and toxic as the teachers unload magnanimous hours of syllabus per lecture and the students grapple to keep up. Before someone hurls “Even they couldn’t have done anything,” well they sure could have. The Delhi Technical University, more popularly DTU opted for a continuous evaluation system. The likelihood of you reading another one of these pieces with me cribbing about the system is equal, but that way I would’ve learnt much more than I am doing right now. With OBEs and practically no time to study, things seem beyond repair.

Dear Academic Calendar, please have mercy.

Read also: https://dubeat.com/2020/12/freshers-guide-to-online-examinations-obe-2-0/

Image Credits: Indian Express

Mehul Joshi

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Bazinga: DU Declares DU Beat as its Official Newspaper

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DU announced the acquisition of DU Beat into its Department of Journalism. Read on as we talk to the Humans of DU Beat and gauge how they are responding to the change.

The Delhi University administration took everyone by surprise as they announced the merger of the student-run newspaper, DU Beat (DUB) into their formal structure. The decision was announced in a press conference by the acting Vice-Chancellor, P.C. Joshi. The process is expected to be finished by the end of March.

“DUB has become an indispensable part of campus life. Seeing them grow this far from a reader’s perspective makes me feel so proud. Kudos to the whole team,

says a Political Science student from Lady Shri Ram College.

Started in October 2007, DUB began as an independent newspaper covering the issues around campus. Over the years, the newspaper has grown manifold and emerged as a formidable voice of the youth.

 “DUB has successfully worked independently for 15 years and now we are pretty excited for this new direction we are taking under the aegis of the Department of Journalism, Delhi University. It will be interesting to work with the experienced members of the University and use the available resources to expand and grow. We have high hopes for the organisation and are confident about this new journey,”

said the Editor-in-Chief of DU Beat, Sakshi Arora .

The Department of Journalism, Delhi University is well-known across the lengths and breadths of the country for its superior quality of education and hands-on approach to education.

However, certain student groups were quick to raise questions about how this merger could potentially compromise the quality of journalism at DU Beat. The rationale behind the merger is to maintain a strong connection with the voice of the students to make the University a healthy and welcoming space for all. The varsity has decided to not intervene in the newspaper’s day-to-day functioning but will just provide the newspaper with the required resources and expertise.

Many within DUB themselves were startled by the development while others called it a manifestation that came true.

“We were very surprised when we heard this piece of news. I am glad that Delhi University has recognised our efforts as a student journalist platform. We are looking forward to this move!”

Said Saanjh Shekhar, Copy-Editor at DU Beat.

“DUB is truly the heartbeat of everyone in DU. From their sizzling purple posts on Instagram to their articles and reports, it has held us together for so many years. I have had the best experience working with it and this piece of news gives me joy. And I would say the recipe of it has been: hard work, perseverance, exotic ideas and content (and losing some sleep)!” 

Navneet Kaur, a correspondent at DU Beat.

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

Read also: https://dubeat.com/2021/01/bazinga-du-makes-it-compulsory-to-hold-online-cultural-fests/

Image Credits: DU Beat Archives

Mehul Joshi

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Bazinga: DU Reduces Freshers’ Syllabus for End-Term Examinations

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The Delhi University administration announced that they would reduce the syllabus for the freshers by 30% for them to be able to manage their studies during the lockdown. 

On 19 February 2021, Delhi University released a notification in which they announced that they would reduce 30 per cent of the syllabus for first-year students for all the courses. The reason for this which was stated in the notification was that students did not have any classroom experience and the shift from school to college in a virtual setup was tough for them.

While contacting first-year students, a sense of relief was observed amongst everyone as most of the students were very worried as to how they would be able to cope with the increasing pressure of studies while focusing on co-curricular in college as well.

“This is huge news, we weren’t totally expecting this at all!!! I am really thankful for the DU to implement this change considering the fact that adjusting to college is tough in the 1st place only and now we are in a pandemic, hence focusing on academics is getting really tough.“

Anonymous Student of Hansraj College, 1st Year 

Many students were surprised about the fact that the administration went ahead and agreed to implement this change considering the fact that there was no demand from the students as such, but still, the administration went ahead and took this decision.

“I am really shocked that the DU administration went ahead and took this decision by themselves considering the fact that there was no aggressive protest made regarding this. It is really heartening to see that the DU administration is actually concerned about the well being of the students. I have never seen DU make a decision like this in my college life ever.“

Anonymous Student of Miranda House, 2nd Year 

Professors are also happy with this decision as they are also finding it hard to introduce college curriculum to 1st-year students virtually and for them, this burden has been slightly reduced too.

We also contacted a professor of a distinguished college in DU as well to understand her perspective on this issue.

“I am really happy with this decision since everyone in our college’s faculty was finding it really difficult to help students adjust to the curriculum of the college. This decision by the administration has made our job much easier.”

Professor, Delhi University 

For many students and professors, this is a concern, as well as most of them, feel that the students might miss out on the curriculum which they were looking forward to studying and which might help in their studies for 2nd year.

“This is a very callous move from the administration? Have they even thought about what to remove from the syllabus and what not to? And also what about the fact that the students are being derived from the education which is their right and which they might need for the future? These are the questions which the administration seriously needs to focus upon.”

2nd Year Anonymous Student, Delhi University 

DU has officially not released any details about what should be removed from the syllabus and what should not be removed. This news has garnered mixed reaction across all the spectrums, but it is to be seen whether or not it is ultimately beneficial for the 1st year students.

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

Read also: https://dubeat.com/2020/12/bazinga-du-to-reopen-colleges-for-next-semester/

Featured Image Credits: DU Beat Archives 

Sloka Roy

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Arts & Culture

Movies Beyond Screen and Time

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Thinking of revolutionary movies our screens found two movies released at a gap of 22 years but even after years telling the distraught and torn state of the land of hypocrisies and diversities, the land that is our nation. 

“Pandit Nehru made a horological mistake. At the stroke of midnight when India awoke to ‘light and freedom’, the world was not asleep. It was for instance, around two-thirty in the afternoon in New York,

This is how a 2005 film by Sudhir Mishra Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi begins. Set in the background of the Emergency period and the rise of the Naxal Bari movement in India. Another movie, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro by Kundan Shah from 1983, irrespective of its backdrop the movie can be located in any time frame except for its humour which has decayed to some extent. 

 

Jane Bhi Do Yaaro takes us on a ride of satire, social reflection, old-time comedy and the corrupt trio of media, corporates and administration. Two common men who set up a Photo Studio wait for their fates to take wings as they sit in Old Bombay’s Haji Ali area waiting for their customers. Upon getting hopeless, Naseeruddin Shah accompanied by Ravi Baswani sings “Ham Honge Kamyab…Ek din”. The hymn is followed by words, “Work which is done with utter determination always yields to good results.” Something we often hear on Sundays while lying around doing nothing. But the question that follows this dialogue sums up the fate of lacs of people in India, ‘When’? 

 

Setting aside my procrastination, this is a huge reason why I have given up on the self-help genre. Various problems faced by so many generations don’t spring up from waking up late or being hazy at work. Or maybe I have learnt the art of putting the blame for everything on societal problems. What follows the dream of these two photographers in Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro can be called a theatrical mess enveloped with satire but a true picture of my beloved country. 

 

Meanwhile, Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi follows the life of three individuals, Siddharth, Geeta and Vikram set in a love triangle. Both of our male leads open their character lines with letters written to Geeta. Siddharth, the son of a Muslim man and a Bengali woman coming from a highly privileged background has been radicalised as his ‘beliefs have strengthened’. He says ‘We have to change the world and change it fundamentally’. It’s not so hard to locate a Siddharth in today’s Delhi University as well. A person of high class talking about revolution, saying life is not all about English education while talking in English. He holds the bravado at the start and doesn’t restrict his craving for revolution only to words and slogans, he goes to Bhojpur, in the heart of the action. 

 

Vikram on the other hand is a child of the middle class whose father is a Gandhian socialist. He says his father’s main profession is to worry but it would have been great if he would have worried about his children. He goes on to become a fixer, involved with corrupt politicians while being madly in love with Geeta. Geeta, believed to be the strongest character, isn’t really an ideologue as Sudhir Mishra himself says 

 

“Geeta is a person who doesn’t expect the world to change because she wishes it to. That’s why she is the only one left sane and standing in the end. ” 

 

The movie tries to show the side of left radicalisation which remains only in slogans and talks and is highly romanticised. The movie begins in St. Stephens where Siddharth and his mates come up on a stage and tell students about the ‘new world order’. Such politics exists in university spaces till now, and at the start, it looks the most revolutionary and ‘world changing’, only until you realise they are just words for many.

 

The street play societies indeed can be an example that is thriving in front of us all. The plays might talk about dozens of problems in society with shining metaphors. Still, the same societies run on strict hierarchies and maintain the status quo that they wish to dismantle in their plays. When his life is in extreme danger, Siddharth returns to his father to the same class that he feigned about. 

 

Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro on the other hand showcases how two common men find themselves trapped in the corrupt trio that holds the power to dictate lives. The media that lures and threatens to reveal the truth or deceit, isn’t hard to relate given the extremes we have seen in our media channels in the past few years. The two men discover the murderer of an official and think of the media as their allies while they are being entrapped in deceit. The last scene brings them all on a stage where Saleem and Anarkali meet the scenes of Mahabharata while the curtain falls on two men being held guilty for being two common men. In between the dazzling costumes and humorous exchange, lie the words Satyamev Jayate at one corner under webs and dirt. 

 

Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi brings in the ideological dilemma and the wish to change the order in the forefront. Many might watch it for Swanand Kirkire’s melody Bawara Mann while for many it’s a radical movie to be watched so as to become a part of the revolution talks in their groups. Many might watch Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro just for young Naseeruddin Shah (guilty). But both of these movies attempted to showcase something both in their content and in their cinematic form. 

 

Writers like me might act at the shock value delivered and write something pessimistic about the country’s way of being while humming notes of “Hum Honge Kamyab”. To call these movies revolutionary or not, cannot be decided by an article, for some say even 3 Idiots changed their way of thinking, so was it revolutionary, in any way? The words of Siddharth in his letter to Geeta have stayed with me for they in a lot of ways describe our generation as well.

 

Who do we think we are? Strutting around, sprouting a radical jargon. A little politics, some rock and roll, but mostly shock value.

 

Kashish Shivani

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Campus Central

Examination Blueprint for Students with Underlying Conditions

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As the pandemic spreads and cases rise, the problem of keeping a functioning educational system has come to the forefront. Universities are now being faced with a unique challenge of whether or not to conduct the examinations in the traditional manner. 

The University of Delhi (DU) has set up a committee to look into the possible scenario of conducting examinations whilst University of Mumbai (MU) has decided to conduct examinations for only the final year students for the time being.

The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi has asked universities to maintain and develop new forms of getting the business done. However, professors and students are opposing the idea of conducting online examination.

At the very foundational level, most students come from rural backgrounds and many do not have proper access to internet facilities which would put them in a tough spot.

This is a unique situation, one that needs a unique solution. The pandemic has exposed the limits of our educational system and brought in open the out-dated assessment system which seems to be completely depended on the last mile performance and final grades.

One issue that the committee and the authorities discussing the issues still seems to give a brush is the how will it be conducting examination for students with underlying conditions?

Neither the University nor the professors seem to mention anything about this critical situation. The University cannot assume that all students are healthy and have no medical issues whatsoever.

Students struggling with underlying conditions such as Asthma, Diabetes, Chronic diseases and other conditions cannot give the examinations with other students.

Such students need a completely different set of policy approach if the university does decide to conduct examination in a traditional manner.

The incubation period for COVID-19 is 14 days, in such a situation when students do travel back they would be under a suspicious category and might be a carrier of the disease and can pass it on to a student of the chronic underlying condition which would cause a life-threatening condition for such a student.

A student with an underlying condition cannot be made to sit in the same room with a crowd of other students.

The examination process should not put life at risk for a student with underlying conditions.

These issues need to be dealt with utmost care and caution and should form a part of the policy for the University.

The process of examination needs a revamp. What is happening today in the world is a first, and for us to deal with this crisis we will have to explore arenas that will be first of a kind.

At this hour, we cannot hide away in inconsistencies by the fear of unknown, but take the steps towards the uncharted roads which will give us our first window to a more nuanced and up-to-date system of evaluation and assessment.

Feature Image Credits: DU Beat Archives

The author is Pragya Gautam, currently pursuing BA LLB from Law Faculty, Law Centre-1, University of Delhi.

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Exam Season

DU Mulls Over ‘Open Book’ Semester Examination

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As the Delhi University mulls over the best method to conduct semester examinations, we are seeing new suggestions every day. The latest one being Open Text Book Assessment or OTBA.

According to The New Indian Express, the Delhi University is considering conducting an ‘open book’ examination for the final semester. These recommendations were made by the working group committee for examinations following a meeting on 8th May.

The examinations have been a talking point for students, particularly third year students, as well as teachers. Preceding this several other suggestions have also popped up be it online examinations, delaying of the examinations, use of internal examination to cancelling of the semester exams altogether.

This model of tests just like the previous ones had been exposed to criticisms and counter criticisms. “It is not a very good idea, Open book exams are meant not only to test the conceptual understanding of the students but also their ability to apply these concepts in real life situations. They are best suited in disciplines that require testing based on direct reference to written materials. Students are evaluated on the basis of understanding rather than memorisation,” said Pankaj Garg, mathematics professor and INTEC convener.

According to the teachers, neither students nor teachers are trained for such exams. “Clause 3 of UGC guidelines clearly says the university can conduct semester exams as per ordinances, rules and regulations. There is no provision of open book online exams in the ordinances. The Academic Council (AC) meeting should be held to discuss and take decisions on the UGC guidelines,” said Ratnesh Rajan Saxena, an AC member.

Previously the proposal of conducting online examinations had met with heavy criticism. Many students as well as teachers argued that neither students, to a great extent, nor the university has any infrastructure to conduct an online examination of over one lakh students.

Abhinandan Kaul, a student of St. Stephen’s College, says, “The idea of open book tests is good one since it would imply evaluating students on their understanding and analytical skills rather than their memorisation abilities. However, it isn’t an idea that can possibly be implemented in context of our university. Since neither our teachers nor have we been trained for such examinations. Further there are other major obstacles too like the lack of internet facilities or books with students.”

The university has to come up with a concrete plan instead of an array of infeasible suggestions as soon as possible. As because of these examinations future careers of many students are at stake.

Feature Image Credits: DU Beat

Aniket Singh Chauhan

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