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First Semester as an English Honours Student

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Being one of the most sought after courses in Delhi University, English Honours crests up the expectations of every literati who seeks admission in this course. The idea of meeting Shakespeare, Jane Austen or George Eliot everyday makes it nothing short of exciting. But how is the journey actually like, well, let’s find out here!

After braving the cut off crisis, entering college on the first day as an English Honours student is bound to elate any literature enthusiast who is looking forward to an expedition of the literary world! The initial days of study in this course certainly blurs the boundaries of literature exploration. Meeting great authors, playwrights and critics through their work takes some time to be familiarized with, yet, makes one feel like delving deeper into the sea of literature. How can we forget the joy of purchasing those new books that never fail to bring a wave of happiness with the smell of their new pages!

Seeing all that happiness, our dear friend – the syllabus, starts pouring us some more love with endless discussions, chapters which seem to never finish and, motley range of timeless drama and poetry. This is when we feel like telling this friend of ours to calm down! With the ever increasing number of texts and background readings, at times it starts getting difficult to manage academic reading and leisure reading at the same time. Adding on to it, friends from different courses keep envying us for reading mere “stories” in the syllabus and having an easy course structure. This is the moment when we feel like enlightening those friends about the difference between reading Blake and Swift for leisure and reading them as part of one’s syllabi. Thus, we join the brigade that breaks baseless myths about the course being a mere cake walk!

Just after the crest phase comes the road to the trough. The teachers expecting students to read their respective texts completely and “critically analyze” everything that comes our way starts getting a little too tricky! This is when we start shifting from mere readers to critical readers of literature. But the road doesn’t seem all that easy in the first semester of the course. With loads of narratives and analysis to remember, one definitely gets overwhelmed with the amount of reading to be done, while being unaware of the questions that can be asked for such study. After putting in much effort, we’re forced to rely on help books to help us sail through the semester. However, the ultimate test of literature love for a first semester student is the semester examination. A study loaded with truckloads of texts, the first semester exams of the course resurface the general emotion for studies in no time.

Nonetheless, English Honours sure makes every seeker a thinker beyond the average one. Despite the initial hiccups, this course is not a mere study, but a leap ahead in the understanding of the world.

 

Feature Image Credits: www.flavorwire.com

Priyal Mahtta

[email protected]

 

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Shri Ram College of Commerce

Chess champion from SRCC crowd funds a record breaking road trip to promote sport

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A recent graduate from SRCC, Yogesh Gautam has started a crowdfunding campaign so that he can embark on a 50,000km road journey to promote chess in the interiors of India.

 

Starting on October 5, from Jammu and Kashmir, Gautam’s itinerary includes places such as Bikaner (Rajasthan), Katch (Gujarat), Katni (Madhya Pradesh), Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu), Agartala (Tripura) and his hometown Bhiwani, Haryana. “I will teach kids Chess, and will distribute chess sets for free, DVDs and books on the game in remote areas. As all of this require funds, I have started a crowd funding campaign for it,” he says, talking to a popular national daily.

 

The 21-year-old also seeks to break the Guinness World Record for the longest journey by car in a country. “The Guinness World Record for the longest journey by car in a country is 36,060.1km. By travelling 50,000km, I’m hoping to break that record as well. However, that will only be the icing on the cake. The main motive for me to aim for setting these world records is also only to draw more attention towards chess,” adds Gautam.

 

A fresh graduate from one of the most prestigious colleges in the country, Gautam is all praise for his college in helping him nurture his love for the game. “Not a lot of colleges go the extra mile for their sports students, but my teachers supported me a lot. Not only would I get attendance for my tournaments and practice sessions, the teachers would also give me extra classes just so I could catch up on my coursework,” he was quoted as saying.

 

His affair with Chess began over a decade ago when his sister gifted him a chess set. He believes that people in India don’t know the game and don’t care about it much. “Aaj tak mujhe koi scholarship nahi mili hai. In my own state, many have been celebrated for bringing Olympic medals in various sports, but many still don’t consider Chess asport. I want to change that”, he remarks in an interview with a national daily.

 

 

With inputs from Hindustan Times

 

Riya Chhibber

[email protected]

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S.G.T.B Khalsa College

Strokes, the Fine Arts Society of SGTB Khalsa College Organizes Art Exhibition- Duende

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Art is all-pervasive, and the students of the Fine Arts Society of SGTB Khalsa College portrayed their imagination beautifully across the broad horizons of their college.Strokes- the Fine Arts Society of SGTB Khalsa College organized their annual art exhibition, Duende, on 17th and 18th October 2016 to display the exciting work of their zealous artists. The event was set up at the heart of the college, the famous Jannat, and attracted eyes and interests through the two days. The area was adorned with a variety of shapes and forms of paper matches hanging above the people, giving a shade of ethereal beauty to the contiguous area.

With more than thirty paintings displayed, decorated and placed in the structure of a circle, each painting captured the imagination and wove a beautiful aura amidst the sublime atmosphere. Themes such as life style, new beginnings, fire and ice, sacred love and many others were captured. A fascinating visual was seen with inspiring paintings hanging and the session of live painting which gave a chance to the people to get their portraits drawn. The artistry displayed was exquisite and gave birth to some brilliant pieces! The creative streak did not only end there; the visitors were also invigorated to see the quirky craft station set up. With bookmarks, paper corners, envelopes, cards, dream catchers and many other handmade products, Duende did justice to transcending the essence of art across a multitude of platforms, which piqued appraise and interest.

A member of the society, summarised the experience on the first day as, ‘The turnout was huge even at the first day at college after mid semester break. People who visited the exhibition were astonished by the work done by the artists which further increased the enthusiasm in the members.’With an amalgamation of a quirky theme, inspiring paintings, and personalized stationery and activities, the members of Strokes painted a background which contended the aesthetic hues and left the audience sure to be moved!

 

 

Saumya Kalia

 

Image Credits: Saumya Kalia for DU Beat

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Interviews

In conversation with DUSU Vice President, Priyanka Chhawri

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After days of anticipation and a rigorous electoral campaign, ABVP’s Vice Presidential candidate Priyanka Chhawri emerged victorious. A graduate in Mathematics from Lakshmibai College , University of Delhi, and currently pursuing her M.A in Buddhist Studies from Dept. Of Buddhist Studies, DU, from discussing her journey into politics to her plans of bringing changes in the campuse, we got chatting with her about her new found role.

Excerpts:

DUB: What motivated you to pursue your candidature in the DUSU elections? How did your journey into student level politics begin?

Priyanka Chhawri: I am a student activist from the past five years and it all started when I appeared for CATE entrance and saw a group of students protesting at the arts faculty against the DU administration. The protest was led by ABVP.I was so influenced by the student leaders that it occurred to me that I must also be there one day! So when I got admission in LBC,  I joined ABVP and became an active member! I saw a great change in me in these five years. ABVP groomed me into a more confident and responsible person and with time I attained the leadership skills that were needed to contest in DUSU elections and now, here I am, as the DUSU Vice President.

DUB:  What are your some of the key areas that you are personally looking forward to focusing upon in your tenure?

PC: Personally , I would focus more on introducing societies for blind and physically handicapped students, constructing pathways for the same, giving North Campus a new look by putting the map of the campus near metro and recognised places, creating awareness session about the women safety app launched by ABVP – ‘I FEEL SAFE’, in every college, providing health cards,making medical rooms functional in every college and providing the facility of printed mark sheets be issued to students after every semester.

DUB:  The DUSU polls saw some lavish campaigning this time again. What is your take on the guidelines by Lyngdoh Committee and National Green Tribunal about the budget restrictions and green campaigning? Do you think they are realistic targets that can be met?

PC: I think it’s not feasible to contest DUSU election in just 5ooo Rupees. How unrealistic it is, that the same amount is allowed to both contest college elections and DUSU? From the last four years , the Lyngdoh Committee hasn’t been reviewed and it’s time that we look into this matter.So, as an officer bearer, I will certainly put forward this issue. As far as paper usage is concerned, it is reduced as compared to last two years but yes it needs to end and just be limited to wall of democracy and advertising sites.

DUB: Last year saw DUSU office bearers being involved in some controversy or the other and accountability and work transparency was also an issue. How do you seek to tackle that?

PC: ABVP led DUSU is very committed to work for the student welfare and we have started working the day we joined our office. We submitted a memorandum to the DSW concerning the issues of students and currently we are working to combat the recent mass failure of the LL.B students regarding which, we have given a letter to the VC. This DUSU panel is dedicated to work for the student community and we have started our work positively !

DUB: NSUI has alleged discrepancy in the voting process and after a hunger strike, they are now planning to move to the court. What is your take on this whole matter?

PC: DU is a democratic university and it’s NSUI’s democratic right to get their doubts clear but I think by doing this they are questioning the mandate of the students. I think they should accept the decision of the students and move on and raise students issues rather than sitting and challenging the choice of students.

DUB: Having gone through the entire process of filing nominations, becoming the final candidate to actually winning, is there anything that you wish to change (procedural or otherwise) in the way DUSU elections unfold?

PC: From filing the nomination to actually contesting DUSU was a great experience. The administration has been very cautious during the scrutiny. But, an incident that seemed like a failure to me was when a candidate who filled the nomination was not present during scrutiny. It should become mandatory for all the candidates to be present during that process.

DUB: DUSU elections have been known to provide the country with some of the finest ministers we have had at the helm of authority in the past. Do you see yourself there? Do you plan to continue in politics?

PC: As of now , I will be working for the students and continue as a student activist.

DUB: Any interesting anecdote you would like to share with us that happened during the election process?

PC: Yes. Once I was delivering a speech in Shaheed Bhagat Singh College. I was in such a hurry (because it was the last day to campaign and I had to cover many colleges) that I forgot the last part and garbled some words and ran away. The students found it so funny and they said, ‘Hum samajh gaye aapki bhaavna’.

DUB: In a line, how would you define your motto for this year as a DUSU office bearer?

PC: I want this DUSU panel to be a medium of exposure for the student community. I will work on involving more students in every activity that is organised by DUSU!

Interviewed by Riya Chhibber

[email protected]

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Hans Raj College

Lean IN circle starts at Hansraj College

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Lean IN is an international organisation founded by Facebook COO, Sheryl Sandberg. It aims at creating an equivalent society and working towards making women more confident and better leaders.

Tanya Jain, a student of Economic (H) from Hansraj College has started a Lean IN circle in the college recently. The concept behind this is to have a chapter under which various Lean IN circles are registered. Lean IN Hansraj circle is registered under the Lean IN India chapter and is being initiated in collaboration with the Women Development Cell of the college. Lean IN Hansraj would be following the guidelines from Lean IN itself.

Lean IN provides resources for all its circles and chapters. There are workshops & expert videos which each circle is supposed to follow. Lean IN provides circle members with step-by-step meeting guides, which contain topics for discussion, workshops, and videos recorded by Lean IN Leaders. However, the organisation provides immense amount of flexibility to its members to work according to their circumstances.

All the provided guides/expert videos are aimed at making its members communicate freely with each other along with giving them a confidence boost and turning them into better leaders. Circle meetings include discussions which are highly interactive in nature and allow members to speak up without any qualms whatsoever.

Lean IN circle Hansraj recently conducted its first meeting and set goals to follow in the coming year.

These goals include-
1. Interacting freely with one another and getting to know each other better.
2. Gaining self confidence and getting over fears/inhibitions by accepting themselves.
3. Improving their leadership skills.

How to start a Lean IN Circle:- Visit the website http://www.leanin.org/, click on the tab ‘Start a circle’, fill in your details. You become a new circle leader and are eligible to open your circle for applications. Lean IN has kept the process very simple to let more and more people feel motivated towards starting one circle.

Image Credits- Nikita Mohite from Hansraj College

Akshara Srivastava
[email protected]

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Indraprastha College for Women

IPCW organises a talk by Dr. Shirshendu Chakrabarti

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The English Literary Society of Indraprastha College for Women (IPCW) organised a talk by Dr. Shirshendu Chakrabarti on 8th September,2016. The talk was based on the topic, “The Eighteenth Century City : The Insanity and the Insane”. It was chaired by the college principal, Dr. Babli Moitra Saraf, who is also a senior member of the English Department.

Dr. Saraf, while welcoming Dr. Chakrabarti introduced the audience to his credentials. Dr. Chakrabarti has been teaching in the English Department of St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi; for over 40 years, and is a globally known figure in the English Literature sphere. He has authored a book on Tagore called ‘Towards an Ethics and Aesthetics of the Future: Rabindranath Tagore 1930-41’. He has also written various scholarly articles on 18th century, and has now devoted himself to the study of Tagore.

The talk started by discussing the major aspects in which the city grew and attained modernity. He then talked about the reality of the 18th century, that is, the ‘Polarisation of the Polite and the Popular’. Under popular literature, he elaborated on the separation of ‘Sanity and Insanity’, and how this idea of separation finds its space in the 18th century city. During the course of the talk, Dr. Chakrabarti made various references to London and the Shakespearean City. He further elaborated on the Shakespearean City and its social aspects. The talk moved further down in the discussion of squalor and crime in the 18th century city.

Towards the end, a question and answer session was held, in which the literature enthusiasts of the college and guest attendees delved into a deeper discussion of the subject. The gathering and members of the IPCW LitSoc then expressed their gratitude by a standing ovation and round of applause.

Image Credits: Prof. Kanav Gupta from IPCW

Priyal Mahtta

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Top Picks

Five Historical Places to Visit around DU Colleges

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Most colleges in the Delhi University are part of a rich historical tradition by the virtue of being part of the freedom movement and in setting tone for various cultural and intellectual developments post-independence. With a gamut of historical coordinates around the colleges, it becomes inevitable for one to visit them to better understand aesthetics of various colleges and the environment they create. Here is a list of five major historical sites worth visiting around DU colleges:

1. Khooni Jheel

The jheel gets its name for the war of independence in 1857 when, first, the fleeing British were murdered at the spot and, later, Indian mutineers and their horses were killed in the area. It is believed that corpses and carcasses made a bloody pool at the spot leaving a stench that drove anyone who tried coming close to the area.  In the present day, the spot has a pond which rejuvenates itself with rain water. Khooni Jheel is located in the Kamla Nehru Ridge which is adjacent to North Campus.

Image credits: flickr
Image credits: flickr

2. Flagstaff Tower

The structure, originally a single tower, marks an intersection in the Kamla Nehru Ridge and was built in 1828. It sheltered families of many British officials who housed in the adjoining Civil Lines area during the Siege of Delhi in 1857. The tower is one roomed and has been declared a ‘protected monument’ by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Image credits: flickr
Image credits: flickr

3. Delhi War Cemetry

The cemetery, controlled by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission was built in 1951 and has over 1000 graves of soldiers who died in the First and the Second World War. It is located near Airforce station Naraina and is accessible from Dhaula Kuan.

Image credits: Common Wealth Graves Commission
Image credits: Common Wealth Graves Commission

4. Nizamuddin Basti

The area is one of the oldest in Delhi and houses the Nizamuddin Auliya dargah.  Humayun’s Tomb, Chausath Khamba, Mirza Galib’s tomb and Lal Mahal are other prominent structures in the area. The basti can be accessed from the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium metro station on the violet line.

nizamuddin-basti
Image credits: So Delhi

5. Vice Chancellor’s Office

The erstwhile Vice-Regal Lodge, which was the residence of the Viceroy before the building of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, houses a huge ball room (now a convocation hall), legislative assembly building (Academic Council) and a museum. The lodge also has a chamber where Bhagat Singh was kept before being taken to the gallows in Lahore for hanging. The office is surrounded by the VC lawns and is located in the North Campus area.

The Hindu
The Hindu

Sidharth Yadav

[email protected]

 

 

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DUB Speak

DUSU Elections: Handwritten posters to replace printed ones

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This year, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had asked Delhi University to conduct paperless elections. Bolstered by NGT’s order, University authorities have decided to allow each candidate to paste only two “handwritten” posters in the campus. The chief election officer Prof. D.S Rawat said “As per the NGT order, we will allow just two ‘handwritten’ posters per candidate in one campus. Candidates will have to strictly abide by the model code of conduct set according to the Lyngdoh Committee’s recommendations”.  In a recent meeting of the central advisory committee, decisions were taken to prevent wastage of polls of paper used by candidates for campaigning. Every year, lakhs of rupees are wasted on papers used in campaigns. But the university has not yet taken any action in this regard.

Recently, one of the candidates was found to have violated the rule in colleges across north campus. Following the trend, just after a couple of days, many other parties also showered the corridors of colleges with their flyers. No action has been taken against any of the candidates even though college level committees have been constituted under the principals to report such violations to the University authorities. Last Thursday, one candidate and his supporters were found defacing the Vishwavidyalaya Marg in front of gate no.1 of North Campus with paper posters and fliers. When asked about the same, one of the supporters said “These pamphlets are printed to be thrown on campus”.

Even though the campaigning has started with full swing, the University authorities seem to be in deep sleep. Without any actions, even after rampant violations, it looks like the University is planning to implement paperless elections by making rules which exist only on paper.

Image Credits: www.thehindu.com
Srivedant Kar
[email protected]

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DUB Speak

Priyanka and Anshu: Bungalow Road, Kamla Nagar

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Swarms of people passing the Bungalow Road seem to miss the unmissable. Having honed the art of ignorance myself, I quite successfully give certain human coordinates that form the aesthetics of the area as much as McDonald’s or Bookland a miss, but not this time.

Priyanka and Anshu, having evaded the liberal policies of the government, carry an air of versatility, to be able to fit in or rather have the surroundings fit them. The articles they are selling are like accolades on offer. They sell stationery items.

Having punctuated the area for over 8 years, 16 years old Priyanka, who is typically seen reading elementary school books outside Planet Fashion, boasts of having taught business skills to many top notch garments vendors in the area. Bablu, a prominent garments crusader in the area confirms the claim. “Priyanka taught me the nitty gritty of the garment market, from getting the articles at wholesale rates from Tank Road and Ramesh Park to selling the articles and managing my accounts”, says Bablu.  He assists his partner in managing a make shift niche where wide variety of clothes can be seen arranged in files of threes on a cot.

Albeit a school dropout, Priyanka takes pride in attending tuitions from 3 to 6 PM every day. However, she laments her parents’ decision to make her leave school and doesn’t want the same fate for her 4 younger sisters. A resident of Chandrawal Village, Priyanka’s day starts with helping her mother with domestic chores after which she gets down to tutor her younger sisters. “I study everyday so that I could teach my younger sisters”, says Priyanka.

On a typical day, she can be seen with a box of assorted stationery articles switching spots to try and get potential customers. Her wingman is usually 9 years old Anshu, who unable to pronounce the ‘N’ in her name calls herself Ansu. She considers Priyanka her idol and can be seen copying her jargon in her own way.

The duo earn somewhere between Rs 600-700 per day on weekdays and over Rs 1200 on weekends. Priyanka claims that she gives her earnings to her father who works in a thread factory in Malkaganj. She also takes pride in having an account in Canara Bank.

After a day’s work, much like the other 40 children selling different articles in Kamla Nagar, the duo retires at 9PM. Their employers are their parents who tally the numbers of articles sold and the earnings upon their return. About to leave, I extend my hand towards Priyanka for a handshake. She shies away and instead folds her hand wishing me adieu.

Featured Image Credits – Jowhiti for Tripadvisor

Sidharth Yadav

[email protected]

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Fashion

This Fresher’s Season, Look Your Best!

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With Fresher’s season in full swing, and coveted titles of ‘Best Dressed’ up for grabs, a few tips wouldn’t hurt right? For starters, it is important to note that it’s a college fresher’s party and not a wedding. Overdressing will kill the mood. On the contrary, long before you know it, you’ll be a senior scourging for throwback fresher’s party pictures, so you might as well put in a little effort. Also, try not to spend too much money on your outfit, because with college life come a host of events you’ll want to dress up for. Invest in a wearable outfit rather than something you’ll wear only once. Wearing an old outfit wouldn’t hurt and the DIY route is always commendable. If you’re still confused and sticking to the theme is a little trickier than what you’d envisioned, here are a few looks to draw inspiration from:

The ‘Friends’ Look.
 With slip dresses making a comeback in runways and blog posts the world over, they surely make a statement while also appearing breezy and comfortable. To take it up a notch, layering one over a plain t-shirt like Phoebe and Rachel do on ‘Friends’ is a good idea.

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Image Credits: dailymail.co.uk

Karishma’s look in Zubeida.
The ‘Bollywood’ theme is a recurring one each year, and for those daring to make a statement in a sari, Karishma Kapoor’s innumerable ethnic looks in the movie Zubeida can be an inspiration. Opt for a light sari with a matching blouse in a pastel hue, and take it light on the accessories. Don a youthful look this time around, as you always have your farewell to look more ‘mature’!

Image Credits: www.lautanindonesia.com
Image Credits: lautanindonesia.com


Woodstock, Coachella and Glastonbury vibes.
Look at music festival outfits for a fun and vibrant look. Off-shoulder dresses, with over the top jewellery and gladiator sandals never fail to make a statement.

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Image Credits: tumblr_inline_nmwqw61V4u1t0c38m_1280,

Accessorise the right way.
Most outfits scream for accessories, and a good option this time would be trendy headgear. Say, a turban or a chunky headpiece! YouTube has millions of tutorials on wearing turbans and bandanas. Check them out if taking the headgear route is your thing.

ss280ss_1052978a
Image Credits: thescottishsun.co.uk

These tips are only for inspiration, so as to come up with something of your own. You wouldn’t want to let go of your comfort zone, trying to ape someone else!

Feature Image Credits
timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Swareena Gurung.
[email protected]

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