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Indraprastha College for Women

Beyond The Obvious: Indraprastha College for Women

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Indraprastha College for Women is the oldest women’s college of the University of Delhi and was founded in 1924 as a part of the nation-wide campaign for women’s education and empowerment, at the call of Annie Besant. The college premises saw a number of shifts from Old Delhi to Chandrawali Bhawan to the present Alipore House site which was the then office of the Commander-in-Chief. Having witnessed the British style parties and balls, the College is a heritage site and thus, proudly retains its architecture from the good old days.

The college is situated in the posh area of Civil Lines with an excellent metro connectivity from the college walls. Yes, the college has its own Metro Gate! The only neighbouring site to the college though is the National Centre for Vector-Borne Disease Control. But, IPites are undeterred. The college campus is sufficient enough to kill time in, it is that huge!

Free periods are mostly spent in the college’s very own Majnu ka Tilla, or the circular canteen, the library, bleachers, back lawns, gymnasium, tut-rooms, front lawns, pavilions or even empty classrooms. In winters especially, one can find girls sunbathing in the college field or soaking the sunlight in the back lawns.

While most girls like to remain in the campus, there is Moet’s-the Chinese restaurant and Mocha’s for the affluent who prefer to drop there in groups. Sant Parmanand Hospital across the college has Bikano, which is very affordable for anyone. The Momo’s Point and the Roll Point near the Metro Station are also frequently visited sites, along with the Wai-Wai noodles in the Metro station premises. You will often find girls sitting behind a narrow lane of the station, eating and smoking, or at the station steps chatting and laughing. But, the college’s favourite eatery remains the Bun-Tikki Wala aka Banta Wala, just outside the college gate. Anytime after he opens his shop, one can find around 25 girls standing and ordering his range of delicacies, rushing in and out of college between classes for the quick snack.

Is that all to a life of an IPite? No. A 40 rupee ride to Kamla Nagar and GTB Nagar is all it takes if one wishes. Shopping, partying or simply singing loudly from their cars on the Ridge is what Ipites generally enjoy doing. Technically not in Campus, but very much a part of it!
The college canteen is often flooded with students, who have a variety to offer from the menu, at affordable prices. Chhole Bhature, Dosa, Chilli Potato, Cold Coffee, Sev Puri, Juices and a lot more is never kept out of service. A huge demand is always catered by a large supply.

The college is a photographer’s heaven! With peacocks and parrots around 365 days of the year, the college’s green campus with sprawling environment all around is natural photographic scenery. IPCW boasts of a beautiful front garden with a breathtaking variety of roses and other flowers and a scenically placed fountain. Another photographic place is the graffiti wall in the college.

The college has a wide range of societies to offer. Abhivyakti, the well-reknowned DramSoc in the DU Circuit and Afroza, the much-praised Western Dance Society, amongst several others, are the proud achievers of many competitions and events, bringing much praise to the college. The college has individual achievers too, from mountaineers to academic achievers, to national-level sportswomen.

Shruti, the annual college-fest is a favourite amongst the DUites. With Singers like Kailaash Kher and Euphoria having performed here in the past, the wide range of activities keeps everyone on their toes, in a fun way. The college-hostels are proud hosts of their independent Proms/ Guest Nights, held in February, which sees a lot of enthusiasm and dancing all evening.

As a part and parcel of an IPites’ life, every student is imbibed with the values of ‘keeping the college clean and tidy’ and ‘helping the needy’. An IPite is fashionable, fun, studious, helping, aware, success-oriented, opportunistic, crazy and hungry-for-food. But, the best part is that the life of a girl of IP College is guy-free. When in IPCW, you won’t miss guys for long, you will have girlfriends and they will be your best mates for life!

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Biblio

In conversation with Mr. Saroj Kumar Rath 

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Mr. Saroj Kumar Rath, Assistant Professor of History at Sri Aurobindo College (Evening), Delhi University talks about the horrific Mumbai Terror Attacks of 2008 and the loopholes in India’s Security Agencies in his book Fragile Frontiers: The Secret History of Mumbai Terror Attacks. The book meticulously covers how the fastest city of India came to a standstill on the fateful day of 26th November, 2008 and how the entire attack was well planned and co-ordinated. With the book out in stores now, DUB brings to you excerpts from an interview with Mr. Rath.

 

How did the idea of writing on one of the most serious terror attacks of Indian History occur to you?

I have been researching on India’s National Security and International Terrorism for more than 15 years. When Professor Chikako Taya of Hosei University, Tokyo asked me to join her in her scrutiny of Mumbai Terror Attacks in the autumn of 2009, I immediately sensed an opportunity to engage myself in an intense study to unravel the historical analysis of India’s national security centered on Mumbai Terror Attacks. So the idea to write the book basically stemmed from government’s apathy to provide information about major terror attacks and the inability of academia-intelligentsia to unravel the truth so far.

 

 

After 9/11, there were many strategic and structural changes made in the United States of America. Do you think India changed its behaviour towards terrorism after 26/11 in any way?

No. Not only America made strategic and structural overhaul of Himalayan proportion but also successfully thwarted 25 major terror attacks since 9/11. Contrary to the experience of the West, India’s record in dealing with terrorist attacks is dismal. The attacks on Pune, Bangalore, Varanasi, Mumbai, Delhi, Gaya and Patna from 2010 to 2014 were testimony to the fact that security apparatus of India are still vulnerable and the country’s systemic failure is taking epidemic proportion. If another Mumbai happened, we are destined to make the same mistake.

 

 

How did you proceed with your research?

     It was far more challenging than other cold-calculated analysis of historical events. To get a sense of the attacks, I undertook on-the-spot inquiries at all the nine places of attacks in Mumbai. I have taken a boat ride near Cuff Parade following the trail of the terrorists and went from court to court to follow the trials. From the Esplanade Session Court of Mumbai to Tis Hazari Court Delhi; I have personally travelled to witness the trial. Chasing the original documents and classified reports were looked as if insurmountable. Special Public Prosecutor, Ujjwal Nikam, kindly allowed my wife Mony and me to visit the Arthur Road Jail Court, where Ajmal Kasab was facing the solitary confinement.

 

 

Your book, Fragile Frontiers, covers the most intricate details of the attacks and the pre & post attacks situations. Was it difficult to write on such a vast issue?

    This is a very good question. It is tough to work on such topics when the bureaucracy is hostile, police is chary of sharing the slightest details and the judiciary is blind to the grand design of the attacks. Because of the hazard attached with the research, it took nearly five years to come out with the book. It is far too difficult to write on such subjects than the word ‘difficult’ itself. This book is meant to understand our national security, get a sense of what ailing our system and envision steps for future.

Lastly, what do you understand of terrorism- now that you’re the author of a book  that talks about one of the most deadly terror attacks of recent times?

The issue of terrorism is now a house-hold subject and even page-3 people are making statements about terrorism, insurgency, ISIS and the likes.  Simple yet intriguing, my understanding about terrorism-now is, the subject has become the single-most important topic for contemporary world. But terrorism as such has become a way of life for many, trade for some, state arsenal for others, religious duty for several, and national struggle for a few.

Arushi Pathak,
[email protected]

 

 

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Campus Central

Aap Ki Adaalat reaches KMC; Rajat Sharma in the witness box

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“I have been asking questions to people in my witness box for 21 years now, but today it is your turn. Aaj main aap ki adaalat mein aaya hun”, announced Rajat Sharma when he entered pushing back the large crowd at Kirori Mal College.

The Round Table Society at Kirori Mal College organized “Youth-o-litics” which was held on 22nd September 2014. Apart from Rajat Sharma, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief at India TV, the event also witnessed Yogendra Yadav from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) addressing the audience of about 250 students.

To highlight the topic and theme of “Youth-o-litics”, the organizing team presented a video representation of Indian political era. The clip highlighted the evolution of politics and talked about the major incidents or events in the history of this field ranging from Rajiv Gandhi assassination and 1999’ Kargil War to the appointment of Pratibha Patil as the first women President and to the present era of Narendra Modi.

[caption id="attachment_26367" align="aligncenter" width="900"]Students from various colleges gathered to get a glimpse of Rajat Sharma Students from various colleges gathered to get a glimpse of Rajat Sharma[/caption]

“My life is not as sexy as it seems on TV”, says Rajat Sharma

The Indian journalist and news anchor, Rajat Sharma who is popularly known for his show ‘Aap ki Adaalat’ chose to rather answer questions at the KMC seminar. Talking a little about his connections with Delhi University, Rajat Shamra, an alumnus of Shri Ram College of Commerce shared his journey from being a kid at municipality school, travelling through the tough times at Delhi University to the world of journalism and media.

[caption id="attachment_26369" align="alignleft" width="205"]Rajat Sharma talks about youth and the evolution of media and politics Rajat Sharma talks about youth and the evolution of media and politics[/caption]

Answering the questions, Rajat Sharma talked about the challenges and growth at his news channel, the various political parties and the ongoing matters like Love Jihad. He also discussed on how media is unnecessarily portrayed as the biased medium of communication and tried establishing the relationship between his profession and the students through his 45 minute conversation.

Sharma, whose adaalat with the present Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on Aap Ki Adaalat fetched the maximum market share on channel, feels that all those who sit in his witness box step out as more accountable people who have to answer the janta at any cost. He also talked about the Delhi University’s youth involvement in political matters saying, “Be it in support of Anna Hazare or to protest against Delhi gang rape, the youth of Delhi majorly from the DU have shown their power. The student community all can fire a revolution and bring a change. It is ready to sacrifice all luxuries and stand up for welfare of society and country.”

Click here to view a part of Rajat Sharma’s speech.

“Role of youth in country’s politics is very significant”, says Yogendra Yadav

Yogendra Yadav who is presently an “Aam Aadmi” is also the former member of University Grants Commission (UGC). Facing maximum questions about Aam Aadmi Party and its demise in Delhi, Yadav highlighted the far line boundaries of politics.

“It is impossible to break the set norms in the field of politics and yes politics is dirty, but it is necessary to realize that it is very important. No country, no state and infact no university like yours can serve without politics”, says Yogendra Yadav.

[caption id="attachment_26346" align="aligncenter" width="596"]Yogendra Yadav from Aap Aadmi Party adressing the students at Kirori Mal College Yogendra Yadav from Aap Aadmi Party adressing the students at Kirori Mal College | Credits: Tanya Aggarwal[/caption]

He was questioned and asked about the ways where politics could benefit each and every citizen of the country to which he expressed that the answer lies with the youth of the nation who are very much capable of bringing such change.

In Feature Image: Rajat Sharma Feature Image Credits: India TV

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Campus Central

“It is uncool to carry tiffins to college”, say Parineeti Chopra and Aditya Roy Kapoor

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While promoting Daawat-E-Ishq as part of the ‘Food Yatra’ at Delhi University, Parineeti Chopra and Aditya Roy Kapoor took out some time to get candid with the correspondents of DU Beat. As both of them share their experience of the canteen trial at Miranda House and Hindu College, Parineeti also demands the girls’ colleges to be converted to co-educational institutes.

From talking about their film to sharing the experience of working with each other at Yash Raj’s ‘kitchen’, these co-stars gave advice for the DU students apart from fighting over the unused gifts they once gave to each other and talking about their own college life and their love for food.

Presenting Parineeti Chopra and Aditya Roy Kapoor, in conversation with our correspondents Iresh Gupta and Ishika Gupta (Photographed by Swati Verma)

Ishika: Hello! So tell us a little about the film and what made you sign this film as the film deals with the intricacies of different Indian food items?

Parineeti: I signed the film majorly because I wanted to work with Habib Sir (Habib Faisal, Director) again after Ishqzaade. I have always done films which have an edge and where I am a strong woman. Here, the character is very strong, but the girl is very simple and sweet who later meets him (points towards Aditya) and falls with his character. This was a role which I have not played before, so I was really excited when I was offered Daawat-E-Ishq.

Aditya: For me it was a different character and something with a challenge. I enjoyed the script a lot because the film world is an arena I don’t know or I have not been a part of or grown in. But Habib Sir knew that world and it is good to work in such an environment. I was excited as it was the combination of the script, the director, the c0-star, the production house and the character.

Iresh: So did you consider the risk factor here? Because the concept of falling in love over food is not something that has been explored in the industry earlier?

Parineeti: Actually this was the newest and the coolest thing about the film. A love story can explore different subjects. This is a food centric film and the subject of food is a little rare. I was very excited for that.

Aditya: Exactly! This is what attracted us towards the film. I mean you must not have seen anyone falling in love over the matters of food. It was mixing up two opposite but equally spicy cultures of Lucknow and Hyderabad. So it was Daawat-E-Ishq for me as well.

Iresh: And how was it working with each other for the first time?

Aditya: I was excited before the film and then I met her and my world came crashing down (mocks). But genuinely we had a fun time together. We share this sense of humour that is quite lame to other people but we enjoy it. Sometimes films can also be boring so it a bonus to have a company that is good and entertaining.

Parineeti: Yes, we manage entertaining each other. We also had Anupam Sir (Anupam Kher) in the team. He is the positive kind of energetic man. He is definitely the most positive, energetic and youngest of all three of us. So this was a great thing that we experienced in our journey.

Ishika: Tell us about your experience at the two colleges you visited for Food Yatra in Delhi University?

Aditya: Parineeti had issues at Miranda but I had no complaints. It was amazing. It gave me some positive energy. We got a great response from Hindu as well though there were more boys there but I never had much problem. (laughs)

Iresh: Parineeti you were offended by the fact that there were no boys at Miranda, right?

Parineeti: There were no boys in Miranda House and I am very upset about that fact. Miranda House and JMC (Jesus and Mary College) should start getting boys. Hindu was great as it had boys. I was dancing there but at Miranda I was bored and I had nothing to do.

Aditya and Parineeti duing their visit to Miranda House for 'Daawat-E-Isshq Food Yatra'
Aditya and Parineeti duing their visit to Miranda House for ‘Daawat-E-Isshq Food Yatra’

Click here for full report on Aditya Roy Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra’s visit to Miranda House and Hindu College

Ishika: Parineeti, tell us something about your favourite restaurants while you were in college?

Parineeti: I have not been a Delhi University kid. I completed my studies in England. My list of restaurants won’t help you much. You should ask Aditya about his favorite restaurants while he was in college. He actually never attended college, so he knows well about the food outside.

Aditya : No, I will tell you about her. She has her restaurant in her own house. She would bathe in Nutella every day.

Iresh: And something about your college life in Bombay, Aditya?

Aditya: I did not do much in college. It was pretty much chilled. I have spent maximum time with my friends sitting on car bonnets in Bombay. But those are great memories. It was great privilege after so many years of school to do nothing and have the maximum freedom.

Ishika: One advice you would give to college students in terms of food management as the pocket money is limited.

Parineeti: Do whatever but don’t carry dabbas to college. Never. It is most uncool thing one can do in college. Rather snatch food from those who get dabbas.

Aditya: First advice is that GO TO COLLEGE. Then with minimal budget go and eat street food, your maggi or vada pav or whatever the trend is in Delhi or simply rob. But never carry dabbas. I agree with Pari on this.

Feature Image Credits: Iresh Gupta for DU Beat

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Campus Central

"It is uncool to carry tiffins to college", say Parineeti Chopra and Aditya Roy Kapoor

By

While promoting Daawat-E-Ishq as part of the ‘Food Yatra’ at Delhi University, Parineeti Chopra and Aditya Roy Kapoor took out some time to get candid with the correspondents of DU Beat. As both of them share their experience of the canteen trial at Miranda House and Hindu College, Parineeti also demands the girls’ colleges to be converted to co-educational institutes.

From talking about their film to sharing the experience of working with each other at Yash Raj’s ‘kitchen’, these co-stars gave advice for the DU students apart from fighting over the unused gifts they once gave to each other and talking about their own college life and their love for food.

Presenting Parineeti Chopra and Aditya Roy Kapoor, in conversation with our correspondents Iresh Gupta and Ishika Gupta (Photographed by Swati Verma)

Ishika: Hello! So tell us a little about the film and what made you sign this film as the film deals with the intricacies of different Indian food items?

Parineeti: I signed the film majorly because I wanted to work with Habib Sir (Habib Faisal, Director) again after Ishqzaade. I have always done films which have an edge and where I am a strong woman. Here, the character is very strong, but the girl is very simple and sweet who later meets him (points towards Aditya) and falls with his character. This was a role which I have not played before, so I was really excited when I was offered Daawat-E-Ishq.

Aditya: For me it was a different character and something with a challenge. I enjoyed the script a lot because the film world is an arena I don’t know or I have not been a part of or grown in. But Habib Sir knew that world and it is good to work in such an environment. I was excited as it was the combination of the script, the director, the c0-star, the production house and the character.

Iresh: So did you consider the risk factor here? Because the concept of falling in love over food is not something that has been explored in the industry earlier?

Parineeti: Actually this was the newest and the coolest thing about the film. A love story can explore different subjects. This is a food centric film and the subject of food is a little rare. I was very excited for that.

Aditya: Exactly! This is what attracted us towards the film. I mean you must not have seen anyone falling in love over the matters of food. It was mixing up two opposite but equally spicy cultures of Lucknow and Hyderabad. So it was Daawat-E-Ishq for me as well.

Iresh: And how was it working with each other for the first time?

Aditya: I was excited before the film and then I met her and my world came crashing down (mocks). But genuinely we had a fun time together. We share this sense of humour that is quite lame to other people but we enjoy it. Sometimes films can also be boring so it a bonus to have a company that is good and entertaining.

Parineeti: Yes, we manage entertaining each other. We also had Anupam Sir (Anupam Kher) in the team. He is the positive kind of energetic man. He is definitely the most positive, energetic and youngest of all three of us. So this was a great thing that we experienced in our journey.

Ishika: Tell us about your experience at the two colleges you visited for Food Yatra in Delhi University?

Aditya: Parineeti had issues at Miranda but I had no complaints. It was amazing. It gave me some positive energy. We got a great response from Hindu as well though there were more boys there but I never had much problem. (laughs)

Iresh: Parineeti you were offended by the fact that there were no boys at Miranda, right?

Parineeti: There were no boys in Miranda House and I am very upset about that fact. Miranda House and JMC (Jesus and Mary College) should start getting boys. Hindu was great as it had boys. I was dancing there but at Miranda I was bored and I had nothing to do.

[caption id="attachment_26217" align="aligncenter" width="720"]Aditya and Parineeti duing their visit to Miranda House for 'Daawat-E-Isshq Food Yatra' Aditya and Parineeti duing their visit to Miranda House for ‘Daawat-E-Isshq Food Yatra’[/caption]

Click here for full report on Aditya Roy Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra’s visit to Miranda House and Hindu College

Ishika: Parineeti, tell us something about your favourite restaurants while you were in college?

Parineeti: I have not been a Delhi University kid. I completed my studies in England. My list of restaurants won’t help you much. You should ask Aditya about his favorite restaurants while he was in college. He actually never attended college, so he knows well about the food outside.

Aditya : No, I will tell you about her. She has her restaurant in her own house. She would bathe in Nutella every day.

Iresh: And something about your college life in Bombay, Aditya?

Aditya: I did not do much in college. It was pretty much chilled. I have spent maximum time with my friends sitting on car bonnets in Bombay. But those are great memories. It was great privilege after so many years of school to do nothing and have the maximum freedom.

Ishika: One advice you would give to college students in terms of food management as the pocket money is limited.

Parineeti: Do whatever but don’t carry dabbas to college. Never. It is most uncool thing one can do in college. Rather snatch food from those who get dabbas.

Aditya: First advice is that GO TO COLLEGE. Then with minimal budget go and eat street food, your maggi or vada pav or whatever the trend is in Delhi or simply rob. But never carry dabbas. I agree with Pari on this.

Feature Image Credits: Iresh Gupta for DU Beat

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St. Stephen's

Ten Famous Alumni: St. Stephen’s College

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St. Stephens College is not only hyped for its top cut-offs but  also boasts of a long list of world renowned alumni who have indeed made the college proud and worthy of its fame. Here are ten of the former Stephanians-

1. Shashi Tharoor

Probably the most charismatic politician alive, Mr.Tharoor, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Stephens (1972-75) joined Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in 1976 where he went on to become the youngest PhD holder at the age of 22 in 1978. Tharoor’s career graph is certainly one to be envied. Starting as a staff member of UN High Commission for Refugees(UNHCR) in 1978 and later becoming the head of its office in Singapore, Mr. Tharoor served at various posts in the United Nations till he resigned as the Under Secretary-General in 2007.

shashi

On 28 May 2009, he was sworn in as the Minister of State for External Affairs for Africa, Latin America and the Gulf, after which he was re-inducted into the cabinet in 2012 as the Human Resource Development Minister. Even during BJP’s historic win in the 2014 general elections, Tharoor won the Lok Sabha seat from Kerala to become MP yet again.

Shashi Tharoor was as active during his Stephen’s years as he is in his career. He founded the Quiz Club in the college and revived the Wodehouse Society. He was also the Secretary of History Society and editor of campus humor magazine ‘Kooler talk’ till he relinquished the posts to become the President of the Students Union.

Apart from all of the educational qualifications, Shashi Tharoor is also known for his slapstick comments and intelligently opinionated tweets about day to day happenings.

2. Kapil Sibal

The man behind implementation of Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) in India, Kapil Sibal holds degrees of LLB and MA History from Stephen’s. Former lawyer and  now politician, Mr. Sibal has served in various ministries under the Congress led UPA Government, namely, Ministry of Science & Technology, Ministry of HRD, Ministry of Communication & IT, and Ministry of Law and Justice. He has also served as the Additional Solicitor General of India(1989-1990)  and President of the Supreme Court Association thrice(1995-96, 1997-98, 2001-02).

kapil

 

 

3. Ajaypal Singh Banga

Current president of MasterCard and former chief operation officer in the company, he attained the post of Chief Executive Officer in July 2010.

banga

4. Kabir Bedi

This alumnus of St. Stephen’s is one of the few Indian actors to have made a mark internationally with specialization in three mediums – film, television and theatre. He is also a contributor to media publications like the Times of India and Tehelka on political/ social issues.

bedi

5. Konkana Sen Sharma

Halfway down our list we have a pioneer of woman talent in Bollywood, parallel cinema actress Konkana Sen Sharma, best known for her roles in movies like Page 3, Omkara, Life in a Metro, etc. This critically acclaimed actress has starred in Bengali films as well. However, the lesser known fact about her is that, she too, is a former student of English from Stephen’s.

konka

6. George Abraham

This visually impaired cricket patron graduated from St. Stephen’s in 1979 with an Honours degree in Mathematics. He later founded the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) and Association for Cricket for the Blind in India(ACBI) in order to fulfill his dream of building a non-stereotypical, positive and active image of the blind. He also founded the SCORE Foundation in New Delhi.

raham

 

7. Khushwant Singh

Late Khushwant Singh, novelist, lawyer, politician and journalist was best known for his trenchant views on secularism and his humor which he incorporated perfectly in his literary work. Singh was bestowed with Padma Bhushan in 1974 and Padma Vibhushan in 2007 for his selfless service to the country.

Author And Editor Khushwant Singh Passes Away At 99

 

8. Amitav Ghosh

The Bengali author and former Stephenian is well known for his works – The Shadow Lines(1988), The Calcutta Chromosome(1995), The Glass Palace(2000), The Hungry Tide(2004), Sea of Poppies(2008) and the Ibis Trilogy.

ert

9. Montek Singh Ahluwalia

Mr. Ahluwalia, graduate from St. Stephen’s with a BA Honours degree, is an economist and civil servant with the achievement of being the first Director of the Independent Evaluation Office at the International Monetary Fund and also the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission until his resignation in May 2014.

montek

 

10. Barkha Dutt

op

 

Indian television journalist and columnist with an English literature degree from Stephen’s is a group editor with NDTV. She gained prominence for her alleged over-the-top reporting of the Kargil War. Although controversies revolve around her reporting of the 2002 Gujarat riots, 2008 Mumbai attacks and the Radia Tapes Controversy in 2010, she has managed to gain substantial acclaim as a journalist and the title of ‘TV Personality of the Year’ in 2012 by the Association of International Broadcasting.

Bonus

11. Dinesh Singh

prof Dinesh Singh

Not to forget the famous Delhi University Vice Chancellor from 2010, Dinesh Singh is also an alumni of St. Stephen’s College. He completed his B.A. (Honors- Maths) in 1975 and M.A. Maths in 1977 from St. Stephen’s followed by M.Phil (Maths) from DU in 1978. Singh started his career as Lecturer at St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi in 1981. He has been the face behind numerous academic reforms in the University of Delhi, be it the initiatives like Antardhwani and Gyanodaya Express or the famous for all the wrong reasons, FYUP.

Ishani Rajkhowa for DU Beat.

[email protected]

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Campus Central

NSUI releases manifesto and list of contesting candidates for DUSU elections 2014

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A week before the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections, the contesting parties are releasing their manifestos highlighting their key agendas.

Constitution Club of India, on  September 4th, 2014 hosted National Students’ Union of India’s (NSUI) manifesto release campaign. NSUI is the student wing for Indian National Congress (INC) and their press campaign focused on displaying party’s plan of action out into picture.

This period, which majorly talks about promises being thrown by different parties will be followed by the election day i.e. Friday, September 12th, 2014 where the students will choose their leaders, the leaders who may or may not deliver. NSUI’s list of promises includes various such agendas that they wish to take up if given a chance to be in power.

Post by National Students’ Union of India (????? ?????????? ?????? ?? ??????).

Highlight Agendas

Right to Accommodation

“NSUI went to the grass-root level to understand plight of students. There were two such matters that our surveys highlighted which are now our highlight agendas for the upcoming year.”
-Amrish Pandey, Spokesperson, NSUI.

Section 33 of Delhi University Act makes it mandatory to provide accommodation to the students of the University where as only 9000 hostel seats are available for over 1.8 lakh students enrolled in DU.

NSUI wants the administration at the University to use 95 acre of barren land to build hostels, which would reduce the shelling out of money on private accommodations like paying guests and flats. Party’s manifesto also demands regulations in Delhi Rent Control Act.

Puneet Sharma, a day scholar from Hans Raj College says, “I am staying in a PG. Our college is having some 200 seats in the hostel for the students from different courses, reserved categories and year of study. In addition, the admission to hostel is given on the merit basis with proper reservations. This leaves little scope. This agenda by the party will really help the students.” Puneet who pays Rs. 15000/- per month for a paying guest could have managed in less than Rs. 50000/- for an annual hostel accommodation.

It is also drafted to fight the administration to take neighboring private structures on lease until the hostels are ready.

Fight against Racial Discrimination

The incidents of eve teasing, harassment, ghettoisation, mocking dressing sense, eating habits, lifestyle, language of North Eastern students is an everyday occurrence even in the so called ‘secure’ environment of Delhi University.

Angellica Aribam, an alumnus of Sri Venkateshwara College and presently National Secretary, NSUI (Assam) says, “Discrimination has no limits, I experienced it back then and it still exists. NSUI demands Grievance Redressal Mechanism with legal assistance.”

NSUI demands central government to enact Anti-Racial discrimination Law and to give speedy justice for victims of racial crimes.

“We travel from North East India and travel to mainland Indian cities to hope for better education, job prospect and a better life. What we do not foresee then is that we may someday end up as victims of crime specifically perpetuated because of our facial features, ethnicity or lifestyle”, says Chandrika, a University student who hails from Assam.

NSUI demands the Central government and Delhi University to include North Eastern culture and history in the curricula. A North East Students’ Cell in DUSU has also been proposed which will work for the welfare of that student community.

To support this, Delhi University on 3rd September witnessed a human chain rooted by NSUI to fight racial discrimination.

Other Agendas

  • Revaluation and Re-assessment
  • Special Chance for Final Year students
  • Uniform Admission Rules
  • Campus Recruitment Centre
  • Disabled Student Friendly Campus
  • Attendance and Marks for Sports Students
  • Women Development Cell
  • Grievance Redressal Committees

We have everything on our side, says confident NSUI

“We are focusing on ‘less paper campaign’ this year. Our social media promotions have been looked at very wisely during these elections. And we think that NSUI will come to power.”
-Mohit Sharma, Vice President, NSUI (Delhi Operations)

On being asked whether Congress not being in power will affect the University Elections or not, Roji. M. John, National President, NSUI says, “Modi government’s 100 days had much without delivery. Within a month, India’s youth was on the street for some issue or the other. There has been no reduction in the black money and India has seen inflation. Congress not being in power will not affect the student body. The only influence can be cancellation of nominations.”

Roji. M John, National President NSUI in conversation with DU Beat | Picture Credits - Kashish Madan
Roji. M John, National President NSUI in conversation with DU Beat | Picture Credits – Kashish Madan

Final Contesting Panel: NSUI

NSUI on 5th September has also released its final list of candidates contesting for the DUSU Elections 2014, the names of candidates being as follows:

President:                 a.a. Gaurav Tushir (Ist year, Motilal Nehru College)
Vice President:        Mona Chaudhary (Ist Year, Faculty of Law)
Secretary:                 a.a. Ameet Sidhu Teema (Ist Year, Master in Buddhist Studies from Faculty of Arts)
Joint  Secertary:      A.A. Abhishk Choudhary (Ist Year, M.A from Faculty of Arts)

Karishma Thakur, the outgoing secretary of DUSU (only office bearer representing NSUI in DUSU for academic year 2013-14) told DU Beat, “We strive to go better this year. We are not making fake promises. NSUI has been active the past year as well. This time we will get to power and bring the change.”

Feature Image Panel (left to right) – Mohit Sharma (Vice President-Delhi), Amrita Dhawan (National Vice President), Sumit Dubey (NSUI Volunteer)

Feature Image Credits – Kashish Madan for DU Beat

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Top Picks

Top five most overdone fresher’s party themes

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Fresher party is virtually the event that kick starts the fabulous college life of newbies in Delhi University. And what incorporates the element of surprise to the party? The theme of course! It is what keeps the excitement soaring as people go hunting for the perfect outfit to make the perfect impression in the most anticipated party of their lifetime. While some colleges think out-of-the-box with themes like ‘Traffic Light’ and ‘Chronicles of Harry-o-ween’, most colleges seem to go the old fashioned way with un-innovative themes recurring each year. Here are the top five over done Fresher’s party themes of Delhi University

1. Retro

The numero uno position goes to the theme recreating the past with probably the easiest look to accomplish. Girls in polka dotted or frilly shirts with high waist trousers or skirts accessorized with hair bands, puffed-up or mid-parted hairdos while boys decked up in suspender pants with back combed or strictly parted hair. Followed every year without break though in different colleges, this theme is the absolute favourite of the organizers undoubtedly.

retro

2. Bollywood

Ever wanted to be a look alike of Katrina Kaif or Salman Khan? DU provides this exclusive opportunity every year in one college or another at its freshers parties where you can dress up like Shanaya from SOTY, Hritik Roshan from Jodha Akbar or even the infamously popular KRK to add the fun factor. Miranda House in 2012, DCAC in 2013 and Dyal Singh in 2014 are the recent ones to keep the trend alive with Sanjay Dutt’s “Munna Bhai” and Salman’s “Dabangg” being the most common characters imitated.

3. Halloween/Angels and Demons

Red horns, Black/red outfits, wigs and fake nails; fangs and red contact lenses for the crazy-heads, these are the highlights of this sensational theme. Gargi last year and SSCBS this very year implemented this exciting, though tried and tested theme yet again.

Fresher Theme2

4. Neon

Dabangg styled shades are sure to come in handy to save your eyes from the glowing aura at these parties. Although on the list of “over done”, this theme has the potential to be ultimate fun and fascinating if complemented with zesty freshers.

neon

5. Black and Red/ Black and White

Correction! This theme beats Retro to win the title of the easiest theme to follow.Caution! Combinations are to be chosen wisely as over-enthusiastic behavior might end you up looking like a classy waiter or under worst circumstances, a degraded version of Santa Claus.

 

 

Ishani Rajkhowa

[email protected]

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Campus Central

Subversion of Statutes and Ordinances by the VC demanded at DUTA's annual GBM

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th of August 2014, the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) held its Annual General Body Meeting (GBM) outside the Faculty of Arts. The GBM was organized to bring out and discuss the secretary’s report, treasurer’s report and the audited report for the academic year 2014-15.DUTA The meeting started with Nandita Narain, President of DUTA taking the stage. She began with a reference to the weather and said that “It is a good day today, it’s getting better, not just the weather of the day but the black clouds that surrounded us have also started to clear up”, The black clouds being an obvious reference to the Vice- Chancellor of Delhi University and his notoriously famous FYUP.DUTA Meeting 1 Mrs. Narain congratulated all the members on working hard in their respective colleges and departments and bringing victory at last and relief to their students who are without a doubt the most important part of a teacher’s life. Other agendas that were put forward are regular appointments of teachers and a correct implementation of the 200-point reservation roster.Duta 1 Others demands like Subversion of the Act, Statutes and Ordinances by the VC, Appointment and stability of teachers working on ad-hoc basis, Implementation of API made the list with the major issue of Removal of VC and to look into the White Paper issued by DUTA. The GBM was followed by a march to the VC’s office. Picture Credits: Chirag Sharma for DU Beat]]>

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Your Beat

The myriad hues of the Rickshaws in North campus

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The bells of the rickshaw always mingle with the laughter of the students in Delhi University. The sound of their wheels splashing through puddles and myriad hues are all absorbed by the senses in North Campus. From haggling to racing to make it to class on time, it is hard to detach these colourful contraptions from the daily life of a student. An interesting perspective is added when one hears about how it is that rickshaw-wallahs use their life support to express their creativity, and the dynamics involved in such an expression.

Eighteen year old Aman Gupta, who has been driving a rickshaw for a year in North Campus, talks about how it is up to them how they decorates the rickshaw, though they rent it ready-made. Silver gota glistens on the shade of his rickshaw, and the flower printed seats are well polished. He proudly points to the mirror he got attached with his own money, and checks his reflection for a split second. He states the price of the mirror as Rs. 20 and how he saved up Rs. 150 for fresh paint.  Twenty-seven year old Umesh Kumar, who has been driving a rickshaw for Thirteen years now, mentions how it’s entirely up to the driver to maintain and decorate the rickshaw after a certain point, and it is their own expenditure as well. Thus, he says, the upkeep of the rickshaw seriously reflects the personality of the driver as the slovenly ones have torn seats and minimal decoration.

He disdainfully signals towards a particularly woebegone rickshaw whose owner sits on it and smokes his beedi. Fifty year old Anil Yadav speaks little and is solely interested in getting a ‘sawari’ and reluctantly answers questions. He claims that a few years ago when he had added some mirror work to his rickshaw, it had been broken at night during a drunken brawl and he had lost a lot of money. He decided then that it did not matter to him what his rickshaw looked like, yet the ripped seat covers and rusting polls had a certain antique appeal that matched his personality.

Hira Lal who is Forty-four (and he claims to be have been around for donkey years) emphasizes that the time when their rickshaws undergo maximum transformation is during election time, when they are paid by student parties to plaster their rickshaws with posters and stickers. He takes me to the repair-man behind Patel Chest, Sabir Ansari who appears to have just one suit case but is a miracle man when it comes to fixtures. He tells me how it’s mostly the younger ones who come to make additions, especially little pictures of Bollywood actresses or bright paint to attract customers along with shouts of ‘shri-ram-daulat-ram-hindu-ramjas.’ He ponders how those who end up earning more, tend to opt for flashier embellishments.

Most rickshaws have ‘Raj’ painted on them. It turns out that he is the owner of all the rickshaws, their ‘maalik’. Mahesh Sethi states that he is moving away from the rickshaw business now that his father (Raj) has passed away.He talks about how the rickshaw seat covers and decorations are made mostly in Rana Pratap Bagh, yet are accessed in Majnu Ka Tilla and Chandni Chowk as well.  They had about two to three designers working on accessing the seat covers and shade fabric etc. at all times and the material is mostly locally produced. While choosing the designs he says that maximum emphasis is on decreasing expenditure as well as durability. They mostly use bold designs so that they can stand out and his favourite recently was the one which incorporated the world map in its design. They also tend to use contrasting primary colours for effect, and it is not unusual to see a bold red-rickshaw with parrot green seats traipsing through Kamala Nagar.

Aman is surrounded by a group of rickshaw-wallahs all of whom tell me that they are all limited in their expenditure and that they cannot afford to put in as much effort on their rickshaws because they need to feed their family two meals a day. “Who has the money for such luxuries?” one smirks. It is fairly obvious that financial limitations affect their creative expression. As the multitude of rickshaws flood the streets of Campus, the color and printed vibrance that they add to college life is unique in itself.  Perhaps the next time one is haggling for too long, one can think about how those few rupees can be used to add a cheerful dash on the rickshaw and its driver’s life.

Samira Bose
St. Stephen’s College
BA Hons. IIIrd Year
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