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English Department of DU Ranked Among World's Best

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The English department of DU has recently been ranked among the top 100 places to study english, by the QS World University Rankings. Ranked in the 51-100 group in QS’s annual survey, DU happens to be in the same league as Durham University, Dartmouth University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Sussex and the like, having beaten the likes of Nottingham and Purdue.

The English departments of three other Indian Universities, namely JNU, University of Calcutta and University of Hyderabad, also made the list, but, unlike DU, they were ranked in the 151-200 rank group. Other institutions of higher education seem to have failed to make a mark and were missing from the top 200 in overall university rankings. the QS World University Rankings is one of the three most influential and widely recognized international university rankings, apart from the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the Academic Ranking of World Universities.

MA students are thrilled and have been glowing with pride over the news. “It is definitely a high for us students, also considering that no other Indian institute features that high in the list. Our department professors truly deserve the credit for this, specially for their research inputs.” says Kritika Mathur, a student pursuing her masters in english at DU.   Graphic credits: Sahil Jain]]>

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Campus Central

English Department of DU Ranked Among World’s Best

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The English department of DU has recently been ranked among the top 100 places to study english, by the QS World University Rankings. Ranked in the 51-100 group in QS’s annual survey, DU happens to be in the same league as Durham University, Dartmouth University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Sussex and the like, having beaten the likes of Nottingham and Purdue.

The English departments of three other Indian Universities, namely JNU, University of Calcutta and University of Hyderabad, also made the list, but, unlike DU, they were ranked in the 151-200 rank group. Other institutions of higher education seem to have failed to make a mark and were missing from the top 200 in overall university rankings. the QS World University Rankings is one of the three most influential and widely recognized international university rankings, apart from the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the Academic Ranking of World Universities.

MA students are thrilled and have been glowing with pride over the news. “It is definitely a high for us students, also considering that no other Indian institute features that high in the list. Our department professors truly deserve the credit for this, specially for their research inputs.” says Kritika Mathur, a student pursuing her masters in english at DU.

 

Graphic credits: Sahil Jain

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Campus Central

Biometric Attendence for Teachers Quite a Possibility

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Last month, the court had issued a notice to DU authorities after a PIL was filed by the Indian Council of Legal Aid and Advice, seeking to introduce a biometric system to register the attendance of lecturers and other teaching staff of the university. The PIL said that the attendance system should be introduced to ensure that a teacher “adheres to the teaching hours and days prescribed by the UGC and the university rules”. As per the UGC norms, the workload of teachers should not be less than 40 hours a week for 180 teaching days, apart from being available for at least five hours daily in the college. The working hours actually put in by a lecturer in Delhi University daily are just about three and half hours per day currently.

The affidavit filed by the registrar said: “The University of Delhi is committed to adopt and implement measures which are favourable and beneficial to the university system as a whole, such as the biometric system of attendance for its teachers in order to ensure their presence in colleges and ensure the participation of all teachers in the teaching/learning process.” Emphasising on the perquisites of teachers the affidavit read, “The teachers after the implementation of sixth pay commission have lucrative pay packets and are expected to fully justify the trust and confidence reposed by the society on them by working tirelessly for the betterment of the taught so as to prepare them for facing the challenges of life with confidence and knowledge.” The plea also stated that it seemed that the university was not implementing the biometric system under pressure from teachers’ unions. The university had tried to introduce the system in 2009, but had to hastily withdraw the order after Delhi University Teacher’s Association (DUTA) went on strike in protest.

This time around however, Delhi University has assured the Delhi High Court that it would adopt and implement the biometric attendance system for teachers to ensure punctuality. Following the assurance, the court disposed of the plea saying, “On the assurance given by the university, the court hopes and expects that biometric system of attendance would be introduced expeditiously.” The teachers are not expected to stall the move, which is aimed at uplifting the standards of teaching facilities.

 

Sakshi Gupta
[email protected] 

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In Their Shoes

Dinesh Singh

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If Mr. Dinesh Singh were a Pokémon, he would surely be from the same family as the cumbersome and exponentially lazy Slowpoke. Like his far cuter counterpart, the Vice Chancellor of Delhi University took a while to wake up and realize that he was digging his own grave by not paying heed to any of the furious questions hurtled at him by the agitated youth studying in the capital. With issues such as safety, accommodation, and elections hanging by an incredibly thin thread, Dinesh Singh finally took matters into his own, highly slippery hands and addressed the students on 1st September.

If replying to tricky questions was an art, none could have been better than our beloved Vice Chancellor. Every controversial question was tackled with a diplomatic smile and a not-so-subtle subject change. Since safety was of utmost importance, girls were promised a hostel with free travel facilities as well as the installation of CCTV’s all around the campus. Looks like programmes such as Big Boss are not enough to satisfy the TRP-hungry show producers and their equally bored audience. Next in line is a peek into the lives of the young and frustrated DU Students.

With some great ideas in the pipeline, such as mobile canteens and easy access to Wi-Fi, it is quite a shame that this pipe is similar to Delhi’s sewage line constructed during the colonial times; untouched and never to be modified. Dinesh Singh was obviously daydreaming when he announced that disabled-friendly modes of transport would be provided in the form of DTCs and Metros, forgetting that the college campus itself would still be a nightmare for those facing difficulties. He also seems to have taken Dalrymple’s description of Delhi as the city of Djinns quite seriously, with his strong belief in an invisible hostel that has already been magically constructed for girls in South Campus, in a location that shows it is still clearly under-construction.

If I were bestowed with the honor of being made the Vice Chancellor of DU, I would dye my hair and get a face-lift to make sure my dynamic audience has its eyes glued on me instead of snoring at the back. Then the words that come out all airbrushed from my lips might as well be ignored. While mentioning the proposition that the football teams in DU would be getting a special training in New Zealand, I wouldn’t add the extra advantage being offered to the women’s soccer team being sent free of cost. This hidden information exists for the sole reason that, brilliant though the opportunity sounds, Dinesh Singh conveniently forgot to mention that the facilities for women’s soccer are relatively new and still under development in many colleges. So unless there was a secret agreement between New Zealand and India regarding the exchange of their excess population of sheep in return for female textile workers disguised in soccer cleats and sweat absorbing shorts, It is hard to see how this would boost the morale of rising sport stars without motivating them to train first.

My humble request to our Vice Chancellor would be for him to invest in an expensive hearing aid, so that his ears don’t fail him when questions regarding various important issues are shot at him. However, if I were in his place I would definitely arm myself with a shield, just in case one well-aimed arrow leaves me struggling to form coherent sentences.

 

 

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Uncategorized

AIESEC YOUth Carnival

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Words just don’t do justice to the colourful and vivacious spectacle of the youth carnival, which saw visitors arrive in droves to join the cultural extravaganza organised by AIESEC in collaboration with RC Cola on September 1st.

The pinnacle of the event was the GLOBAL VILLAGE; an international carnival where Foreign graduates and post graduates from the AIESEC fraternity of about 110 countries and 2100 Universities expressed themselves.

“This kind of interaction and cultural exchange is be a step in the right direction. AIESEC should be congratulated on organising this and I would also like the interns who have come to our country to experience the diversity of our culture”, said a fresher.

The carnival kicked off with some really innovative and fun filled activities like battle of bands, AIESEC artist’s day, hog-athon and floor canvas. The fashion parade was all glam and glitter for onlookers with participants donning costumes from across the world. Budding artists who consider graffiti a powerful tool of expression, spray-painted to their hearts’ content in the graffiti wall session. The street play was received with much enthusiasm by the audience as the artists splendidly put forth a social message through their sharp dialogues and brilliant acting. Following this, Jasleen Royal’s impromptu performance made everyone sing along with her.

They had definitely saved the best for the last as Parikrama brought the house down with its vibrant signature music. It was truly a carnival that celebrated youth.

-Sakshi Gupta

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Campus Central

Ban on Student Rallies after Harassment Incident

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It’s election time again and all Delhi University political parties are coming out of hibernation. They really wanted to make a mark and what a way they chose.

On 31st August, a girl from Indraprastha College for Women was molested in North Campus. The incident happened in the afternoon on the road opposite Daulat Ram College when a DUSU rally passed by. The girl was in a rickshaw when she got caught in the middle of the procession, was pulled down the rickshaw and harassed by several men.

While this incident happened, several policemen were on duty and did absolutely nothing to help her. One of her close friends described this behavior of the police as preposterous and inhuman. When the university authorities were contacted the first question asked was whether the girl was wearing decent clothes or not. “I was shocked to hear them ask me this question and felt like strangling them through the phone” said another of her classmates.

On 1st September, the college union and several of her close friends along with the victim went to the Commonwealth Sports Complex in North Campus to talk to the Vice Chancellor. The VC had already heard of the event as it went viral on the social network and denied entry to each and every student of IP College. Special orders were given to the guard to not allow the students inside. The students waited outside for half an hour. Finally when the principal Ms. Babli Saraf intervened, the students were allowed inside and given a chance to speak their demands. The students wanted action to be taken on the behavior of the policemen and wanted all such rallies banned. The VC promised to look into the matter and insured that some action would be taken.

Later on the same day, the proctor issued an order banning all rallies and demonstrations in North Campus. Also, not more than four people will be allowed to canvas the area at a time. This probably must be the fastest that DU authorities have responded after filing of a complaint. One of the contesting parties ABVP however, was quoted saying that it will “go ahead with a rally in North Campus in favour of women’s safety despite the ban.”

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YOUth Carnival by AIESEC in Delhi University: Press Release

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That time of the year, when colleges have just begun, students are in the beginning throes of the wispy seriousness that makes them attend classes, when all of DU is virtually asleep, comes this one brilliant idea, to hold the biggest Youth Fest of all times, a Fest that will create an unprecedented impact on the DU fest scene which is comatose at the moment, the Fest that is guaranteed to knock your socks off. AIESEC in Delhi University and RC Cola bring to you the “YouTH FESTIVAL” on the 1st of September at Cambridge School, Rajouri Gardens from 12pm onwards. The Youth Carnival, is an initiative of AIESEC in Delhi University to celebrate the unfathomable Power of the Youth and showcase the culture of AIESEC and the love for what we do being an AIESEC-er. AIESEC is the world’s largest entirely youth run organization present in over 110 countries and territories, 2,100 colleges and universities with a strong membership base of over 6,000 members globally. AIESEC services 4000 clients from Corporate and Development sector with 16,000 exchange based internships. We aim to impact the society through its youth and that is the crux of this mega event. We anticipate a footfall of more than 7 thousand students from more than 30 top colleges in and around Delhi. This event will serve as a platform for International Interns from 20 different countries and AIESEC-ers from more than 20 cities in India through various competitions and performances reflecting on AIESEC values and goals celebrating YOUTH. There will be a concert performance by Parikrama, the celebrated Indian Rock band, as well as a Global Village, where there will be an array of stalls put up by our interns as a way of sharing their culture and tradition with us, and taking a bit of ours in return. Preceding this event, AIESEC DU hosted two extremely successful pre-events- Empower, coupled with the YOUth night; a musical evening hosted at Manajsa, Hauz Khas, on the 19th , starring the band “Colossal Figures’’; serve as pre-events to the incoming giant. The motto of the entire series of events is to “RAISE HELL AND STAY YOUNG”, revolving around dignitaries like Raghav Mandava, a renowned jounalist and comedian, Safia, an RJ with Radio Mirchi and many others who spoke at Empower. Backed by our very impressive local and national board of advisors, the upcoming YouTH Carnival is going to be a force to reckon with.]]>

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Gargi College

No First Aid at Hand

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First aid facilities in most colleges belonging to one of the most prestigious universities in the country seem to be in a state of apathy. Most colleges in Delhi University lack basic first aid provisions, giving an impression of utter callousness on their part.

Students of most colleges seem unaware of any such facilities even if they do exist. “I have no idea about it. I don’t think anybody would know”, says Parth, a student of Kirori Mal College. The story seems to be no different in Sri Venkateswara College. “I don’t even know if we have a medical room. I’m just glad I’ve never had to use it”, says Aniruddh, a 3rd year Economics student from Sri Venkateswara.

The LSR Infirmary

However, this is only one end of the spectrum. The other end has colleges like St. Stephen’s where the facilities provided are reportedly top notch. “We have proper medical facilities and a very approachable medical staff”, Vatsal, a student of St. Stephen’s was quoted as saying.

Interestingly, the girls’ colleges of Delhi University seem to fare much better in this regard. Colleges like Lady Sri Ram, Gargi and Jesus and Mary have a well equipped infirmary. “We have a well equipped infirmary and a stationed nurse, and from what I’ve heard, it’s quite adequate”, says Tanya, an LSR-ite.  “The first aid facilities in our college are pretty good and the nurse is friendly. Since it’s a girls college, we have provisions for every possible thing”, says Nandita, a student of Gargi college.

It seems that the co-ed colleges of Delhi University need to take a lesson or two from the girls’ colleges and provide adequate provisions to its students and make them aware of such facilities being provided to them in college.

Surya Rajappan
[email protected]

 

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Campus Central

Migration between College: A Delhi University Perspective

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Migration, the process by which a student can change his/her college within the University while not having to repeat a year of education, is a boon for meritorious students who might have not made it to their college of choice initially. Before 2011, migration was a clearly stated policy in most college brochures/handbooks and the practice was fairly common.

Come 2011 and enter the semester system. The migration policies suddenly go off the records; it does not find a mention in any college prospectus. The reasons offered in hushed tones is that colleges doesn’t want to complicate an already complex scenario by working out how a student would migrate through semesters, and how marks would be carried forward and how the conflicting optional-papers system would be worked out.

This however, does not imply that migrations are disallowed. There exists a file in the DU website, a file record of an amendment to Ordinance IV, relating to migrations. It clearly states that migrations are still allowed, and can now even occur across universities (as per new rules)! The rules more or less remain the same as before.

The policy change has puts questions before us : why is migrations being down-played by the University? Why is it so that our correspondent, who visited the SOL for migration, is told “There are no migrations allowed as of date, we shall let you know if there is a change in policies.” Why is so that staff members in various North Campus colleges where we reached out either refuse to comment or state that migrations are disallowed?

The dean’s office at the University says that the website needs to be updated and that colleges do allow migrations. This statement comes amidst reports that the last date to apply for migrations (as found out from college sources directly) at Hindu College and GGS College are already past. For the immediate attention of interested students, Khalsa College, among a possibly larger list, is still accepting applications!

Being a government-funded university, it is of paramount importance that transparency is followed at all levels. Delhi University should take steps to make information available at all levels. Migrations are an across-the-University issue and require immediate attention as far as updating the website is concerned. Colleges also need to work keeping student’s welfare in mind. Difficulty faced by colleges in admitting migration students indicates a flaw in the system for which a meritorious student should not be penalized.

 

Arnav Das
[email protected]

Photo credits: Additi Seth 

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Features

SIFE SRCC

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SIFE, which stands for Students in Free Enterprise, is an international non-profit organisation and was incepted in 1975. It began its organisation in the United States. Today, in India SIFE operates as a subsidiary of SIFE worldwide and is one of the 39 countries around the world that comprises SIFE’s premier business and higher education network.

SIFE came to SRCC in the year 2007 and since then it is one of the most active and well known society of the college. Its basic work is to bring together a diverse network of university students and create a better and more sustainable world through the positive power of business. Well-known companies like Boston Consulting Group, The Times of India, FDCI, Punjab National Bank, Max India foundation are its partners.  This society finds underprivileged communities and develops a business model for them. It has a team consisting of students from all the three years – the third year students act as advisory members and students from first and second year are allocated duties and responsibilities for completion of their undertaken projects. Till date SIFE SRCC has undertaken 10 projects out of which 4 are still continuing.

The 4 on-going projects namely, Life on Wheels, Kayakalp, Azmat and Aahar have proved to be quite a success. Under project Life on Wheels, SIFE empowers the rickshaw puller community by facilitating ownership of rickshaws. This is done by getting loans sanctioned for the rickshaw pullers from Punjab National Bank and then ensuring successful repayment of the loan amount. At present SIFE has 100 rickshaw pullers and 61 percent loan repayment. Project Kayakalp (meaning rejuvenation) attempts to preserve India’s ancient culture of puppetry while providing the poor artists an opportunity to earn livelihood by showcasing their art to the community. Under project Azmat (meaning dignity), SIFE SRCC identified the existence of manual scavengers in Nekpur near Ghaziabad. The caste system, there, dictates that those belonging to Dalit sub-caste should engage in cleaning dry latrines (non-flush toilets) and carrying human excreta on their heads to disposal grounds. Azmat seeks to rehabilitate these underprivileged people and provide them an alternative source of income. Project Aahar is engaged in providing sustainable source of income to girls rescued from trafficking and helping them to develop culinary skills by providing proper training thus making them independent.

With these projects SIFE SRCC is easily one of the best in DU. It was awarded the second place in the SIFE National Competition in 2011 and third place in 2012. This year (2011-2012) it is working with 57 members and impacting 750 people both directly and indirectly. These figures indicate that SIFE SRCC has huge potential and it will, in near future, bring a significant change in our community.

 

Aishwarya Chaurasia
[email protected]

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