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Save DU holds public meeting at Arts Faculty against state repression on campuses

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A public meeting, “Campuses on a Boil: State Repression and Coming Together of Struggles” was held on 7th April near Arts Faculty, Delhi University. The public meeting was a part of the Save DU campaign and was organised in collaboration with various Left students’ and teachers’ organisations.  The speakers who presided over the session included Shehla Rashid, Vice President JNUSU; Arindam Banarjee from Ambedkar University; Hany Babu and Prof. Apoorvanand from Delhi University; R. Gopinath from Jamia Millia, Rohit Azad and Surajit Mazumdar from JNU and  Ravi Kumar from South Asian University . Nandita Narain, President of DUTA and FEDCUTA was also one of the speakers.

The meeting highlighted increasing authoritarianism and state repression which is being felt across campuses. It provided a holistic overview of the issue by virtue of the speakers being from various universities and academic backgrounds. Prof. Surajit Mazumdar called the development model of India ‘inherently in-egalitarian’. He pointed out the deliberate attempt of the Government to delink higher education from an egalitarian social transformation. Prof. Rohit Azad from JNU explained how the government is trying to divide people of India in order to keep them from realizing the presence of huge economic inequalities, similar to the 99% highlighted by Occupy Wall Street protest, NY. He also urged the Left to be more inclusive.

Prof.  R.Gopinath from Jamia Millia raised concerns about the unavailability of space for student activism in the university. He also talked about how Muslim students face tremendous problems in protesting and participating in the current debates about nationalism. He condemned the stigma attached to muslims which inevitably and unjustly accords them the tag of being ‘anti national’.

Ravi Kumar from South Asian University also talked about the anti-people policies of the Government and the need to deconstruct and challenge the concept of ‘might of the state’. Prof. Hany Babu from Delhi University highlighted the systematic denial of opportunities in terms of employability and promotions to SCs and STs especially in Delhi University. He called the ‘campus boiling’ phenomena, an indicator of the fact that the students and teachers are doing the needful to keep the system of debate, dissent and struggle alive.  Other speakers also spoke on the same lines and reiterated time and again the essential need to form alliances against Government’s propaganda of communalisation and saffronisation.

The public meeting was then addressed by Shehla Rashid. She also urged everyone to fight a common struggle against the policies of the government to divide people on the grounds of caste and religion. Speaking about the issue which has erupted in NIT Srinagar, she spoke against the stigma attached to the ‘k’ word. She also spoke against the fact that soldiers are not allowed to make their unions.  Shehla also talked about the deifying of women in the ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ discourse while strategically denying women their rights. She questioned if the concept of Bharat Mata includes women like Soni Suri and Irom Sharmila.

Nandita Narain concluded the meeting  with her views about various issues such as those about the introduction of  FYUP and CBCS . She also requested the students of Delhi University to realise that they are the ones who have to take up the cause of the poor, the downtrodden and the oppressed.

The meeting closed with slongans of ‘Jai Bheem, Lal Salam’. A social Justice March is also scheduled to happen on 13th of April.

 

Featured image credits: Save DU Press Release/Abha Dev Habib

Tooba Towfiq

toobat@dubeat.com

 

 

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DUB Speak

DU’s deafening silence over JNU and Hyderabad University

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Over the past few months, the country has seen a dramatic change in the student politics environment. Jawahar Lal Nehru University chalked out the condition of a religious and national mind while the injustice faced by Rohit Vemula at the University of Hyderabad ushered a new wave of student movements. While issues and ideas at both the places should have been dealt at the level of debate, the government decided to use their power in a ruthless manner.

However, another thread that binds both the universities together is Delhi University’s surreal silence. One would expect from one of the largest universities in the country, often looked upon for its high standards and prestige, to come out in support and to protect the vulnerable. Delhi University did none of that.

A huge issue erupted at the centre of which was the idea of nationalism. While people across the country discussed the issue strenuously, DU kept silent, almost to the point of ignorance. It was an indifference which was disturbing as it questioned the nature of education and the kind of critical thinking it should have fostered. A large number of institutions came out in support of JNU across the globe. DU decided to take none of the sides and instead turned a blind eye. While it would still have been agreeable to have a difference of opinion, the disappointment was an absence of it. It is true that students from DU did participate in the protests organised by various student groups, the University as such did not use its voice collectively to join the debate.

It is important to reiterate here that while a lot of universities signed petitions in favour of JNU, DU neither supported nor condemned it. In fact, very few discussions were formally conducted which also owed a lot to a fear that had been generated following the JNU row. Students were scared to organise any kind of events or discussions, especially those on the side of a new kind of understanding of nationalism which was being discouraged brutally by the state. Is this the kind of environment we should be nurturing at a central university? One would have overlooked this silence only if it wasn’t too evident. But in the huge, loud and fierce atmosphere of struggle carried out by students of HCU, AMU, TISS and others against all odds, it was a great disappointment to see DU quiet.

After the release of almost all students and teachers involved and an apparent settling down of issues, it is pertinent to ask some questions. How much of space are we left with for dissent? Is the fight that the students put ahead going to protect the spirit of debate and discussion? Or has the state artfully done what it has to by creating a fear psychosis in which one would question the culture of questioning the dominant in the first place? We as students of Delhi University, who have witnessed the sheer amount of indifference and ignorance that fellow students have shown, need to ask ourselves if there is something wrong with the education we are getting or have we already given up in this struggle of fighting for a freedom to speak and to ask questions.

Tooba Towfiq
toobat@dubeat.com
Kartikeya Bhatotia
kartikeyab@dubeat.com
Image credits: youthkiawaaz.com
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DUB Speak

Have DU college fests lost their essence because of star-nights?

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The fest season of Delhi University swings by every year like clockwork, starting in the end of January and lasting till early April. Colleges host several competitions, headed by their respective cultural societies. Another feature we’ve recently come to heavily associate with fests of DU colleges are star-nights and star-appearances. Colleges have increasingly been getting top actors, singers and DJs to perform at their college fests and have been rewarded with increased footfall and many hassles to go along with it.
It’s not hard to realise that cultural fests are lately being reduced to just the star/performer nights taking centre-stage. Where the focus should actually be on promoting cultural activities, the students are being sold the commoditisation of their fests in a glittery, star-studded package that they won’t hesitate in accepting. Since the entire fest revolves around the stars, schedules often go in for a toss and events are disrupted and delayed to accommodate celebrity visits, to the obvious chagrin of the participants. It’s getting increasingly common to find no events scheduled for the entire day save for a few informal events and a big star-night at the end of it. The security hassles that accompany inviting a big star are another inconvenience in themselves.
While it’s definitely worthwhile to consider that star-nights allow students to witness celebrities and performers they wouldn’t have been able to otherwise, it must also be recognised that the appearances are getting repetitive, with the Badlapur cast having visited numerous colleges in the span of two months during the last fest season and Mohit Chauhan, who performed in SRCC last month having performed in several colleges already. It’s an exercise of picking from the same overused pool of performers that is mostly static save for one or two new additions every year. It is also disturbing how colleges participate in the consumerist tactics used by celebrities who visit colleges solely to promote their films.
Performers’ nights in themselves aren’t a bad idea. We need to move on from them being a platform for already established performers who don’t need it in the first place. Performers’ nights can instead act as a stage for new and upcoming artists to perform, who will neither charge money enough to empty the union’s coffers nor have as many logistical nightmares associated with them. They will, infact, be more appreciative of the platform. The audience will also take back a broader knowledge of the indie-music scene and not just the din of the usual Bollywood tracks.
While definitely an unpopular opinion, it’s important to consider what we’re giving up when we reduce cultural fests to just status-symbol clashes over stars and not a place for culture and new talent to flourish.

Image Credits: Chirag Sharma for DU Beat

Akshara Srivastava
aksharas@dubeat.com
Shubham Kaushik
shubhamk@dubeat.com

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Campus Central

Applied Psychology Student, Sadiq Mobeen makes it to WSEN Global Summit

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sadiq pic Sadiq Mobeen[/caption] Based on the significant work of student volunteers from around the planet, the WSEN has been alive for the past 6 years through its online platforms and especially its energising student-led annual event, the WSEN Global Summit (known till 2013 as World Student Environmental Summit – WSES). Organised each year by students for students at a different university in a different country, this Summit represents so far the core activity and impact of the WSEN. Each time, supported by the International Committee (previous Summit organisers and volunteers and representatives of the General Assemblies), the local student organisers welcome for a week, delegations of students from 30 to 40 universities of the WSEN network, to discuss thoroughly and plan local sustainability projects at universities and beyond . This year, around 65 countries are participating  all around the world; and from India, Integral University, Lucknow , Aligarh Muslim University , Indian Institute of Management Culcutta, and now, owing to Sadiq, Delhi University has also made it to the prestigious summit. Sadiq Mobeen says, “For the selection process, we have to first mail to the organizers. After this, they would ask about a Professor’s recommendation and then they send details to the recommending Professor. Next, we have to write 5 essays about our work in the University and then, finally, a Skype interview.” Excited regarding the prospects of the summit, he adds, “I am going to present a presentation on the topic sustainability regarding my awareness of the slum areas near the South Campus, and how environmental psychology would help in maintaining the sustainability.   Shreya Srivastava shreyas@dubeat.com]]>

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Hans Raj College

Confluence 2016 at Hans Raj College: Events and Highlights

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Confluence’16 was an alloy of three different festivals by Hans Raj Student’s Union in collaboration with HT City Youth Nexus and the North East Cell of the college. It was a three day event, from 18th march to 20th march. Being very close to mid semester breaks, the turn out on the first and the second day was a little disappointing. However, a huge number of competitions were organised in both, the competitive and non-competitive category. Confluence’16 in collaboration with HT City Youth Nexus was a melting pot of popular DJ’s, who graced the fest one after the other. The fest made sure that all who made it, made most of it.

Day 1: Rockonova, Sumit Sethi and other events

Day 1 of Confluence’16 was inaugurated by the Principal of Hans Raj College. This was followed by a Kavi Samelan presided over by poet, Vineet Chauhan. He included topical events like the JNU row in his speech while addressing the audience.

hereafter, a choreography competition organised by Terpsi Chorean, The Choreo society of Hans Raj College also took place. The Choreo society of Hindu College bagged the first position for their performance called ‘vengeance’. LSR and Gargi college were declared second and third, respectively. 

Meanwhile, on the outer stage Youth Nexus hosted events like the Rockonova, a battle of bands. Out of the four shortlisted teams who participated, Knight Shades from DCAC won and Muffils from Manav Rachna Institute of Technology were declared the runners-up. 
Students from Hans Raj College walked the ramp for the Rigo Fashion show in the presence of Mr Arjun Gehlot, Director Ambience Mall and his wife, Shahista Gehlot.

A western group dance competition was also organised under the banner of HT City Youth Nexus, which was judged by Priyasha Bhardwaj, The Director/ Choreographer of Beyond Routine and Aditya Dogra. Misba, the Western Group Dance society of SSGGS won the competition whereas, Funk in Motion, Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology and Enliven, Gargi college secured the second and the third place respectively.
The evening closed with performances by Suryaveer with his band EHSAAS, Dastak- The Band and DJ Sumit Sethi.

Day 2 Western Solo Dance Competition, DJ Suketu, Electro Sufi and others

The day started with a corporate discussion session by KPMG. This was followed by a talent show under the banner of Youth Nexus. Pushkar Chauhan and Asma from Hans Raj College who won the talent show were declared Rajnigandha Mr and Miss Pearls. A model hunt was also organised by Numero Uno. Shristhi from JDMC , Shubham from Dayal Singh College and Sanjeev from Manav Rachna International University, who were declared the winners are going to present Numero Uno’s spring summer collection in HTYM Fashion Show and will also get a personal professional photoshoot.

A western solo dance competition was also organised by Oorja, The Western Group Dance Society of Hans Raj College. Manpreet Singh from SOL won  and Vidhi Maheshwari from Hansraj College stood second in the competition.


On the outer stage, I Vogue, the fashion society of Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce was declared the winner while Dyal singh’s fashion society was declared the runner up of Lava Show Stoppers.

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Day 2 of confluence was a quite a music and dance paradise, which had around four artists performing for the evening.
DJ Ajay Nautiyal opened the evening to dance with his music. He was followed by Electro Sufi: Shahid Maliya with DJ ARKANE who took over the evening with quite literally a storm. Even after a spell of rain, dance and music did not stop. Sooner DJ Suketu took over the evening and played popular remixes of songs like Sooraj Dooba hai from Roy, Tu Meri from Bang Bang and Give me Everything by American rapper Pitbull.

Day 3: Honey Singh, Indian Ocean, Western Group Dance Competition and others

The day started with a western group dance competition organised by Oorja, The Western Group Dance society of Hans Raj college. The competition was judged by Tanya Suri,a professional jazz dancer, Anmol Jamwal and Mohit Raj Thapa. Out of the fifteen participating teams, Misba The Western Dance society of Sri Guru Gobind College of Commerce won the first place in the competition. Tanz, Miranda House stood second.

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Misba Western Dance Crew from Sri Guru Gobind Singh College Of Commerce grabbed the top spot in the Western Group Dance…

Posted by DU Beat on Sunday, March 20, 2016

A street play competition was also organised by HT City Youth Nexus. Navrang,The Hindi Dramatic Society of Institute of Home Economics who won the competition had performed ‘Na Idhar Ka Na Udhar ka’ a play based on the problems of middle class. Ijaad from PGDAV evening performed ‘Panch sitambar’ and were declared the runners up.
This was followed by a North East Festival organised by the North East Cell of Hans Raj College. The event show cased the culture of not only the North Eastern states of India but included Ladakh and Tibet.
Immediately after the NE fest, fans started pouring in huge numbers for a guest appearance of Yo Yo Honey Singh for the promotions of his upcoming movie, Zorawar which is due to release on 6th May. Though the humongous crowd created trouble, Hansraj Student’s Union managed the situation well. Honey Singh gave the audience their much deserved time and tracks and left the stage for Indian Ocean to take over.


Indian ocean, as a part of Coke Studio played their quintessential soulful music and closed the three day annual cultural festival Hans Raj College.

Confluence ’16 in a glimpse

Catch Day-wise event coverage here:
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3

 

Catch the entire album of Confluence ’16 here

Tooba Towfiq

toobat@dubeat.com

Arindam Goswani
Srivedant Kar
Arushi Pathak
Kartikeya Bhatotia

Image Credits: 

Gerush Bahal, Hitanksha Jain, Jasmine Chahal, Paurush Bhardwaj, Mridul Kumar, Vegh Daswani and Alex Arthur for DU Beat

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The Auburn Umbrella

Fashion Trends during DU’s Fest Season

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A few days ago, The Auburn Umbrella dished out a couple of fashion trends for you all to follow as you participate in DU’s much-talked about ‘Fest Season’. As we visited various campuses to collect fest coverage, we were thrilled with the kind of fashion statements that were made by our stylish student body.

Although the weather over this season has been uncertain, flip-flopping from warm to hot to suddenly nippy, it appears that our trendy DU chicas have already declared summers! We got to see a lot of summery, short dresses, denim shorts and sleeveless shirts. Crop tops from last season are also back! Strappy sandals and leather back-packs on the accessories side were trending items too.

The dapper men chose to dress casually in long shorts, chappals and sporty tees. Western clothing was more frequently seen, with kurtas, Nehru jackets and khadi shirts from last season missing in the scene.

It’s very important to own a balanced wardrobe, i.e a good blend of branded, as well as street fashion and our students certainly know how to strike that equation right! So we saw girls sporting branded jeans with chunky jewellery bought off the street; or street sandals worn with branded skater dresses. In the brand category, the evergreen labels Zara, Promod, Forever 21 and the latest high-street fashion brand to enter Indian markets- H&M were popular choices; whereas flea markets like Janpath and Sarojini Nagar are still the places to shop at when one is on a tight budget.

As far as fashion disasters are concerned, thankfully, there were few that met the eye. People who are still holding on to their woollens and other items from winter were looked upon with contempt. Also, too much bling, too little clothing, excessively high heels and overdone make-up were unanimously regarded as fashion faux pas.

We have our avid DU fashion blogger, Sejal Kumar, corroborating our findings in her latest video. Watch her flit around the SRCC campus as she investigates what DU is wearing this fest season!

 

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DU Annual Fest Season

Lashkara ’16 at SGTB Khalsa College- Highlights and Events

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Lashkara ’16, the annual cultural fest of SGTB Khalsa College started on the 25th of this month and culminated after three days on 27th February. The three-day fest saw a number of competitions and events. Here are a few glimpses of the fest.

Day 1- Inauguration, Stage Play Competition and Eastern Group Singing Competition

First day at Lashkara witnessed the principal and the union of the college, along with some other faculty members inaugurating the fest at the auditorium. This was followed by Abhivyakti, the stage play competition organised by Ankur, the dramatics society of SGTB Khalsa College. The event saw participation from various colleges including Hindu College, Ramjas College and Shivaji College, among others. The event was judged by actor, designer and director, Vandana Vashisht and Ravindra Tripathy, a known journalist and a theatre critic. Ibtida, the dramatics society of Hindu College emerged as the winner.

Swarang, the music society of the college, organised the Eastern Solo and Group singing competition. Both the events were judged by Prateek Narsimha, who is a leading vocalist of a popular world fusion band Raagleela. In the eastern solo category, Ramjas’ Rahul came first while Kshitija from Faculty of Music bagged the second position. In the eastern group event, the first position was secured by Institute of Home economics while Daulat Ram College and Kamala Nehru College secured the second and third positions, respectively.

 

Day 2- Street Play Competition, Western Solo Singing Competition, and Western Duo and Trio Singing Competition

Day 2 of the three day extravaganza witnessed Pratyaksh, the street play event organised by Ankur, the dramatics society of the college. The event was non-competitive, so as to give the opportunity to the teams to showcase various issues rather than battling it out for the title. Colleges including IPCW, Hans Raj College and Hindu College, among others participated in the event.

Swarang organised the Western Solo Singing competition and the Western Duo and Trio singing competition. The Western Solo Singing was won by Srimayi Ladagiri of Dyal Singh College (E) followed by Megha Khandelwal of Rajdhani College, and Samarth Mehta of SGTB Khalsa College, at the 2nd and 3rd positions, respectively. The Western Duo and Trio Singing competition saw teams from Sri Venkateswara College and GTBIT College sharing the first position, followed by another team from Sri Venkateswara College.

Day 3- Folk Dance Competition, and Performances by Jassi Gill and Babbal Rai

The third day of the Annual Festival of SGTB Khalsa, Lashkara, started with a folk dance competition. Several colleges including SGND Khalsa, IP College, Mata Sundari and Gargi put up performances. The first prize went to the girls of Mata Sundari College for their Gidda performance, followed by the Gargi College at the second position.

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#Live: Virsa of Mata Sundri College won the #FolkDance Competition at #Lashkara2016. The second prize was awarded to…

Posted by DU Beat on Saturday, February 27, 2016

The afternoon witnessed two star performers namely, Babbal Rai and Jassi Gill, performing in front of the enthusiastic crowd. Despite the scorching heat of the sun, people seemed to enjoy their popular numbers such as ‘Babu Zimmedar’, ‘Bum Sutt Mar’ and ‘Deor Bharjaai’.

Glimpses of Lashkara 2016 

Day-wise Reports:
Day 1
Day 2

Catch DU Beat’s entire album of Lashkara ’16 here

Shaurya Sahai
shauryas@dubeat.com

With inputs from Tarushi Varma, Brij Pahwa and Akshara

Picture credits: Sahil Chauhan, Paurush, Shaurya Sahai, Harshit Thukral, Gerush Bahal for DU Beat

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DU Annual Fest Season

Maitreyi, Venky and DRC shine on Day 3; MJ5 draws curtains on Gargi’s annual fest, Reverie

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The third and final day at Gargi College’s annual fest Reverie’16 started with the energy that was seen at both days 1 and 2. The day was filled with cultural dance events organized by Nazaakat, the folk dance society of Gargi College.

The first event was Alaap, the folk dance solo event which saw 12 artists from around the University performing major Indian dance forms like Kathak, Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam. The event was judged by Smt. Ragini Chandrashekhar who was elated by the participation and appreciation of classical arts by such a large audience. “In an age where young generation is so attracted to western influences, not that anything is wrong with it, it is so inspiring to see youngsters taking the arts forward.”

Annanya Chatterji from Daulat Ram College won the first position. The second position went to Pekhna Kaur from College of Arts while the third position went to Raghav from Sri Venkateswara College.

The event was followed by Thumka, the group folk dance competition which saw participation from 8 teams around the University who showcased a variety of danceforms like Bhangra, Gidda, Bihu, Lavni and more.

 

The event was won by Maitreyi College who showcased a performance of Haryanvi Folk dance, the Bhangra performance by SGND Khalsa team gave them the second position while Sri Venkateswara gained the third position.

The much awaited star night initiated after a delay. MJ5 Dance group showed their impressive moves on many dance numbers and fusions. They night came to an end with Bollywood singer Keerthi Sagathia who performed on songs ‘Teri Deewani’, ‘Lungi Dance’ and ‘Tera Pyaar Chahida’

Reverie1
MJ5 performing on the final day of Reverie 2016. Image by Tejaswa for DU Beat!

Kartikeya Bhatotia
Shubham Kaushik

Images by Uzma Rehman, Gerush Bahal and Tejaswa Gupta

Feature Image Credits: Tejaswa for DU Beat!

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DUB Speak

5 reasons why you should join an ECA society of your college

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Being a 3rd year student, I often look back at my college life and wonder, have I done it all? That is a question all of us ask ourselves at some point, especially when you realize that life as you know it, is going to change very soon.

In retrospect, I realize that my college life would have been incomplete without being a part of my society. So if today, someone asks me why it’s so important to be a part of an ECA society, I would probably sit them down and tell them the following:-

1. It will make or break your college experience

Being in a college society is a unique experience in its own sense, but if you can’t be seriously dedicated to it, then you might never reap its benefits either. That being said, becoming a part of a society gives you a feeling of being something more than just another student, as in this team, you have your own part to play and your own unique identity. The experience you gain with the people you meet and the colleges you visit all adds up and changes the way you have viewed life so far.

2. It helps you grow as a person in life and in your chosen field of expertise

The time spent practicing and building up your production from the scratch is the most satisfying feeling in the world. To get on the stage and show the world your art, while soaking in the applause after, gives you a high, unlike that of any drug. It boosts your confidence both on-stage and off, and leaves behind a feeling of accomplishing higher, tougher goals.

3. Hard work becomes a way of life

Along the way, you also realise that you aren’t afraid of working hard anymore. After 6-8 hours of practice every day, which is typical for dramatics and dance societies, you learn to manage your social, academic and romantic life. This means that you won’t be scared of putting in extra efforts anymore, and may in fact, even become a pro at waking up early in the mornings and always reaching on time for practices (never for lectures though!).

4. Societies will literally give you the best of friends for life, for real!

For the most part, I think I will miss the moments and memories made with all my friends and seniors. Imagine spending 6 hours a day, all week, for three years in the company of the same people and never getting bored. Under the pressure of rigorous practice and performances, you will get to know their true selves like the back of your hand, and they will get to know you the same way.

The best part is that you get to be totally free with your team and it is with them that you truly discover your crazy side, one that will surely surprise you too! You tear your walls down and share a bond so deep that you won’t be surprised if you start completing each other’s sentences. However, it is worth a mention here that you might also embark upon certain rivalries in the process, but rest assured, they will also be the most fun to act on.

5. The parties and farewells are to die for!

If you have ever heard about society farewells being the most fun parties, then you have heard it right. Along with the fun and frolic, they are also an incredibly emotional affair. The farewell speeches, gifts and ceremonies make you realize how amazing your experience has been and how much you are going to miss these days. And more so, the people!

In my personal opinion, being a part of a western dance society has truly defined my college life. It has given me irreplaceable friends, a name and a taste of accomplishing something big. So if you ever get an opportunity to audition for a society, you should definitely take a risk and go for it.
It might just be the best thing you do!

Image Credits: Divik Gupta 

Tarushi Varma

tarushiv@dubeat.com

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