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The Department of Journalism at Kamla Nehru College, hosted its annual festival, featuring a keynote address, panel discussion, and student competitions centred on gender representation in media.

The Department of Journalism at Kamla Nehru College, University of Delhi, hosted its annual departmental festival, Journo Junction 2026, on April 16 at the Old Seminar Room of the college. The event centred on the theme ‘Gender Narratives in Media’ and brought together journalists, editors, and writers for discussions on representation in contemporary media. The 23rd edition of the department’s newsletter, Communiqué, was also released during the event.

Release of the Department of Journalism’s annual newsletter, Communiqué

The programme began with a lamp lighting ceremony led by Ms. Priya Sahgal, Editorial Director at NewsX, alongside faculty members including Dr. Jyoti Raghavan and Dr. Ramesh Aroli. In her keynote address, Sahgal spoke about her experiences across political reporting, feature writing, and television journalism. She emphasised the distinction between objectivity and neutrality, stating that journalism should remain grounded in facts rather than forced balance. She further noted that women in political spaces are often portrayed through limiting stereotypes, suggesting that deeper issues in representation continue despite visible progress.

A panel discussion followed, featuring Shruti Sonal, feature writer at The Times of India, and Sarvapriya Sangwan, Editor at BBC News. Sonal discussed the role of cinema in shaping gender narratives, observing that representation extends beyond lead characters to supporting roles and antagonists. Referring to recent OTT content, she stated that storytelling appears to be becoming more nuanced. She also addressed professional realities within journalism, including uncertainty, the importance of networks, and the use of artificial intelligence as a support tool.

Sangwan focused on structural dynamics within media organisations, stating that while more women are entering newsrooms, they remain underrepresented in decision-making roles. She added that women journalists are often directed towards lifestyle and entertainment beats, while political and hard news reporting continues to be male-dominated. She also highlighted the limited representation of Dalit and Muslim women in mainstream media discussions, suggesting that such gaps render the discourse incomplete.

The fest featured a range of student competitions, including live anchoring (Live Desk), photography (Prisms of Perception), and quiz (Les Quizrables), alongside a panel discussion with industry professionals. A debate competition, Mic Drop, was also held on the theme of media portrayals of gender, examining whether such portrayals are breaking stereotypes or reinforcing them.

Winners receive awards during the Prize Distribution Ceremony

The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, following which the department reiterated its commitment to fostering socially aware journalism and facilitating discussions on media and society.

 

Read Also: What Happens When a Student Builds a Course That Didn’t Exist at DU?

Image Credits: Department of Journalism, Kamala Nehru College

 

Suansh Dembla

[email protected]

 

After nearly 20 hours of protest, students at Hansraj College secured permission for an artist performance following a breakthrough meeting with the administration.

Tensions escalated at Block C of Hansraj College as students led an overnight protest against the college administration over alleged last-minute changes to the annual fest plans.

The Students’ Union of Hansraj College claims that the college committee had initially directed them to secure sponsorships and then finalize an artist within the collected budget. According to union members, nearly ₹12 lakh was raised following these instructions, and talks were initiated with singer, Navjot Ahuja.

The President Abhijeet Singh stated that three months ago the administration had asked the Union to raise funds and bring in an artist within their budget, which they successfully did. However, just days before the fest, they were informed that no artists would be allowed due to discipline concerns. Another Union member added that a memorandum had also been signed earlier, granting them autonomy to plan the fest.

However, Principal Rama refuted these claims, stating that the idea of hosting an external artist was never formally approved. She cited safety concerns, noting that such events often lead to overcrowding and unauthorized entry by outsiders. She added that even the previous year no artist had been hosted due to similar reasons.

The protest which happened on Saturday night crossed 20 hours and saw students staying on campus overnight demanding accountability and action. While the administration reportedly acknowledged some of the students’ demands, protesters allege that no concrete steps have been taken so far.

Adding complexity to the situation, several student societies have alleged that they were pressured by union members to join the protest. According to a society president, participation was encouraged through calls suggesting potential consequences, such as restricted access to society spaces or disruption of planned events, if they chose not to show support.

Despite internal disagreements and administrative assurances, students remain firm. “We’re not leaving until something actually changes,” a protester said, emphasizing growing frustration over what they describe as being “ignored after being heard.”

After nearly 20 hours of protest, a meeting between the students and the administration led to a resolution, with authorities granting permission for the artist to perform at the fest.

Read Also: What Happens When a Student Builds a Course That Didn’t Exist at DU? 

Image Credit:  Manan for DU Beat

Anjali Kumari Jha
[email protected] 

Students of Jesus and Mary College boycott classes after the abrupt cancellation of Montage ‘26, demanding transparency, accountability, and clearer communication from the administration over security-related concerns.

Students of Jesus and Mary College (JMC) boycotted classes on Monday, February 23, in protest against the sudden cancellation of their annual cultural fest, Montage ‘26. The action followed a sequence of rescheduling announcements and what students have described as inadequate communication from the college administration.

Visuals from the empty classrooms at JMC on Feb 23rd. 

Montage ‘26 was originally scheduled for February 20-21. On February 14, the Student Council informed students that the fest had been rescheduled to February 23-24 after a meeting with the Station House Officer (SHO). According to the Council’s message, the upcoming AI Summit, scheduled to happen from 16th February to 20th February, and being of national importance, would lead to tighter security arrangements and restrictions on vehicle movement in the Chanakyapuri area, necessitating compliance with police directives.

While acknowledging that bookings had been finalised and all preparations were being done, the Council requested cooperation, emphasising that the decision to postpone was beyond its control.

However, on February 19, students were informed that the fest had been cancelled altogether. In subsequent communications, the Council stated that despite repeated queries, no detailed or official clarification had been issued by the college administration. The only explanation cited informally was “security concerns” and alleged incidents at another college.

In an emotional message, the Council clarified that preparations had been completed from its end. “The bookings were made, the MoUs were signed, the artist was confirmed, and every arrangement had been taken care of. The event has been cancelled solely because of security issues, not because of any lapse from our side,” the statement read. The Heads of the Council described the past two months as “a roller coaster,” adding, “We have fought, we have cried, we have argued and we have begged,” revealing the emotional strain following the decision.

The cancellation triggered dissatisfaction among students, particularly as other colleges under the University of Delhi continued to host or reschedule their fests. One student remarked, “I believe we as students have the right to know the exact reason behind the cancellation of the fest. It’s hurtful to see that other colleges like Sri Venkateswara College and Miranda House, which had their fests scheduled for this week, are having their fests, and other colleges have postponed their fests rather than directly cancelling them.”

Another student emphasised the broader significance of such events: “Fests form an integral part of college life where students invest months of effort, creativity and emotion into building this fest. For the freshers and those who were to attend their last fest, it’s very disappointing, especially when the administration has cited just security reasons without any clarity and transparent dialogue.”

Despite their frustration, students maintained that the boycott was not an act of hostility. “As students, we understand that security is a serious concern, and we respect the administration’s intent to ensure everyone’s safety. However, this boycott is a peaceful and democratic way for students to express their emotions and seek acknowledgement. We hope that our voices are not seen as opposition, but rather as participation in shaping a more transparent, inclusive, and student-responsive college environment,” a participant said.

Amid the ongoing developments, a controversy briefly surfaced on social media. An anonymous Instagram user with the ID “unicorn.7841926” commented under the boycott announcement post, alleging that the President of the Student Council, members of the Sponsorship Team, and the faculty had misappropriated approximately ₹5 lakhs from sponsorship funds. The comment was removed a few minutes later by the same anonymous account. No evidence supporting the allegation was publicly presented, and neither the administration nor the Student Council issued any official statement addressing the claim.

Messages circulated across departments urging students to remain absent from classes on Monday as a symbolic demonstration of unity. Attendance across several departments was significantly lower than usual, indicating substantial participation.

As of Monday evening, the administration had not released a comprehensive public statement addressing the concerns. For many at JMC, February 23 represents more than a missed fest—it marks a collective assertion of the student body’s demand for transparency, accountability, and meaningful dialogue in decisions affecting campus life.

Read Also: DU Proctor Issues Month-Long Ban on Protests and Public Gatherings Across Campus

Featured Image Source- Anonymous

Richa Choudhary

[email protected]

Golden Threads of Time: IIT Delhi’s Rendezvous ‘25 ended officially on 30th September. The fest saw energetic and soulful dance performances and glimpses of some of the iconic influencer’s lives, alongside a concert courtesy 

The final day of the Rendezvous’25 (RDV’25) at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi had arrived on 30th September. However the day started off with heavy rain, but despite the rainy blues threatening to dampen the crowd, there was still an outpour of attendants which made their way to RDV’25. The ramp up to the fest was slow and bumpy but the enthusiasm of the attendees never wavered. People were seen sharing an umbrella or using their friend’s dupatta to shield themselves from the rain.

The day kicked off with Synerz, a dance event featuring duo and solo performances, in the Lecture Hall. The duo performances ranged from energetic bhangra which made everyone cheer loudly to mesmerizing kathak dance performance paying a tribute to deities. The solos were just as mesmerizing, a dancer’s ribbon routine inspired emotions of serenity and calmness, while another heartfelt piece contrasted the curated perfection on social media with the raw, unfiltered reality of everyday existence. The competition ranged on as each participant poured their heart and soul into their performance, leaving the audience captivated with every move, gesture, and expression. 

The audience saw their beloved influencers gracing the stage of Dogra Hall in IIT Delhi, having only met them on their Instagram feeds. ‘Influencers United’ first half saw the faces of Devishi Maadan, Mahir Mulhotra and Bhavika Mothwani, known for their funny short-form videos and lifestyle content. They answered all questions with enthusiasm. However, that wasn’t all: the interviews were followed by a rapid-fire round, featuring questions like,  “Which internet slang has stuck with you?” or “Have you ever posted a video hoping a crush would notice?” 

The second half of the ‘Influencers United’ introduced Mitali Sharma and Satshya who are known for their relatable lifestyle content. The host asked Mitali about her transition from NEET related content to her lifestyle content, while Satshya reflected how she had come full circle from her content about her parents ever since she became a parent herself. The conversation was lively with callbacks to their previous content. Both halves of the event had ended on a high note with pictures being clicked by all die-hard fans. 

Despite the heavy and unpredicted rain that had occurred in the morning, stalls had opened for all looking to eat and play games. Major brands like ‘Belgian Waffles’ had opened up to satiate everyone’s sweet tooth alongside the stalls were challenge games like eating 8 parle biscuits in a minute or hanging challenge. In the evening where energy was at an all time high, the iconic and most awaited concert which happened at 8pm featuring Ankit Tiwari and Shah Mal. As the rain gave way to music and cheers, RDV’25 closed not with a whisper, but with a roar.

 

Image Credits: Manan for DU Beat

Reva Rawat
[email protected]

 

Read More: India-Japan Talent Bridge Programme Organized at Delhi University

University of Delhi’s Sri Venkateswara College witnessed a massive footfall following the culmination of its Annual Fest, NEXUS, in March.

Sri Venkateswara College, under the aegis of the University of Delhi, celebrated its Annual Fest, NEXUS, on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th of March this year. Upon entering the college gates, one witnesses what appears to be the college’s way of presenting an ode to Delhi—a Jashn-E-Dilli, if you will. Every corner has been decorated with banners naming popular sites of everyday pilgrimage, from the Faqir Chand and Sons bookstore to Sarojini Nagar.

An inauguration ceremony preceded the performance of the Dramatics Society of the college as they took to the front lawns on Day 1 from 9.30 A.M. onwards to celebrate Madari’25, an annual street play event, abuzz with the energy of the performers. Crescendo, the Western Music Society of Sri Venkateswara College, presented the Battle of Bands from 1 to 5 P.M. as a tribute to Delhi, the heart of the country’s music revolution. In the midst of it all, Alaap, the Indian Music Society of the college, presented Raageshwari, a polyphony of melodies, at the Indian Classical Choir Competition. While Nrityangana, the Indian Dance Society, took to the dance floor in solo and group dance competitions.

As you enter the building, leaving behind the cacophony of singing voices and the chants of the dramatists, you are met with Mehfil-e-Tamasha, an improv battle taking place in Room 57. If there is one thing that has stood out by now, it was the dedication with which all artists performed, the veneration they heaped onto artistry, eventuating in a showdown for the history books.

Kurukshetra, the crew-based dance competition, preceded the performance of the night by The Frequency Project, who gave music a Sufi spin in their own rendition of popular classics.

Day 2 was marked by Effulgence, Sri Venkateswara’s Photography Society’s annual display, Kodachrome, taking place in tandem with Opera D’Arte 3.0, Leonci Art Society’s annual display. A student from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, who planned on staying for the Mr. Professor’s DJ nights after participating in H#, the Western Acapella Competition, stated:

It’s been an interesting run so far. The wins were well-deserved. I’m staying here till 6 for the DJ.

As is the case with every DU-affiliated college, the sole event that marked Day 3 was the performance of the much-awaited artist. This time, Javed Ali of Guzarish fame took to the stage. Post Dilli Ke Darshan, the concert gave people in the audience a lifetime of memories and then some more.

Featured Image Credits: Arush for DU Beat

Aastha Singh

[email protected] 

As DU gears up for the fest season, the supposed fortress of security seems to crumble each year. Are women’s colleges equipped with the required security measures?

For the past few years, Delhi University (DU) has consistently witnessed incidents of unwarranted male trespassers into women’s colleges every time there is a fest or any event for that matter, with students being sexually harassed, catcalled, and their safe spaces violated. In light of such incidents, the University issued an advisory with guidelines to be followed by all colleges during events likely to be attended by outsiders. Between April 2023 and January 2024, the notifications have been updated thrice ahead of the upcoming college fest season.

Surely, such an advisory may appear to be the need of the hour and perhaps even reassuring, but is it the case that the University has finally recognized the persistence of such pressing issues, or is the advisory, just like security in most women’s colleges, merely performative? Isn’t it high time that the University’s administration, instead of issuing such performative guidelines, actually addressed the larger issue of male entitlement, beyond just ensuring their students’ safety? College spaces, be it women’s colleges or co-educational spaces, should certainly not be places where women (or anyone for that matter) live in a sense of fear, apart from obviously the external world beyond college boundaries. 

It is also important to note that some of the security measures, for instance, the installation of CCTVs, pre-registration through Google Forms, and deployment of security personnel, have already been in place in many colleges, and yet there have been repeated violations. Most instances have been when the ones who “lawfully” entered the college premises became perpetrators of assault. So, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is completely ineffective when it comes to the “male gaze” and entitlement towards women’s spaces in a patriarchal set-up.

“Because our college restricted male entry this year, apart from the participants, it did make the fest safer than last year, where a lot of chaos had ensued with guys passing lewd remarks at female students performing during the dance competition. Although such incidents didn’t take place this year, I believe restricting male entry is just an instinctive response to a much larger problem, that is, patriarchy, which is so deeply rooted in our society. Such measures end up putting the onus on women to protect themselves, as apparently “boys will be boys.” If the administration is unable to restrict students inside the campus, their immediate response is to just stop male entry. We need some long-term solutions to such problems, and sensitization of not just students but even the faculty needs to take place to uproot the actual cause of this problem.”

-said a student from Janki Devi Memorial College.

Students believe that the advisory is just the bare minimum, and the larger problem needs to be taken into account while ensuring security in women’s spaces.

Google Form registrations certainly do not amount to character screenings; thus, the University has no appropriate solution to this issue. At the college’s annual fest last year, the administration, as a security measure, made it mandatory for every male attendee to have a pass with a particular student’s name on it to ensure that they were invited by any of the students. Also, it was ensured that no guys entered the fest in groups. It’d be great if there was security present not just at the gates but inside the college, where a large crowd usually gathers, because that’s where fights usually break out. It would have been great if the University advisory came with a preface condemning the actions that took place not just at IPCW last year but what has been happening in women’s colleges almost every year. They need to realize that such incidents mostly just take place in women’s colleges because patriarchy allows men to feel entitled to women’s spaces and men fear other men, rather than respecting women as equal human beings.”

-remarked a student from Maitreyi College when asked about safety in women’s colleges ahead of the fest season.

A student from Indraprastha College for Women (IPCW) spoke about how the college’s environment has changed significantly since the unfortunate incident at last year’s fest.

The college administration, just like the administration in almost every DU college, loves to put the entire blame on the student body, despite the Student Council being a mostly performative entity in our college now. Since the college is busy with its centennial celebrations, we are not even sure if the annual fest ‘Shruti’ will even take place this year. The advisory issued by the University just goes on to show that the onus of protection is always going to be put upon women rather than holding the perpetrators accountable. Despite there being extensive measures like Google Form registrations and screening of bags at the gate, they were certainly not enough to prevent overcrowding and its aftermath. Our college did not have enough security to handle such a large crowd, and sadly, it took the University that incident and many more past occurrences in women’s colleges to even issue an advisory, which was also the bare minimum, to say the least.”

Thus, the question is: are women’s colleges even equipped with effective security ahead of the fest season, or is just locking up women and not questioning the root cause of the problem, which is patriarchy, going to be the immediate response from the administration in most colleges? 

Read Also: Who Protects Our ‘Safe’ Spaces?

Featured Image Credits: Hindustan Times

Gauri Garg

[email protected] 

 

The following piece may be upsetting for some readers. Trigger warning: transgression of consent, invasion of privacy, harassment.

Students from Bharati College of Delhi University reported a distressing incident that unfolded on the college premises on the second day of Rendezvous, the fest at IIT Delhi.

On October 6, during the cultural festival of Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, ‘RendezvousX’, students of Bharati College reported an unfortunate incident of an alleged breach of their privacy through unconsented videography on the college premises. Team Elantré, the fashion society of Bharati College, participated in a fashion show competition hosted by IIT Delhi, where several members of the team reported observing a mobile phone seemingly filming them through the window shafts while changing costumes in the campus washrooms. The victims, through a statement on the society’s official social media, claim to have promptly brought this incident to the attention of the student incharges responsible for the event’s organisation, who are alleged to have reacted nonchalantly to their concerns. The incharges reportedly shifted the blame onto the victims, asserting that they should have used the designated green rooms for costume changes instead of the washrooms.

The team, through their official Instagram page, claimed to have received a dismissive reaction from the organizing members.
Source: @elantre on Instagram

In response to the victims’ complaints, the organising members eventually informed them that the issue had been forwarded to the college authorities for further investigation. However, a significant concern arose when it reportedly took approximately 2 hours for the alleged perpetrator to be located, despite the availability of CCTV footage. Nearly 3 hours later, the alleged housekeeping staff was identified, but he claimed to have deleted any evidence from the phone in question, citing panic as the reason. Notably, the victims discovered that the phone in his possession was not the same one they had witnessed.

An individual, who claimed to have accompanied the team as a makeup artist, asserted that the concerned authorities assured them that gates had been locked and jammers were in action, after which they were shown CCTV footage of a person entering the aisle beside the washrooms.

Everyone was in shock, especially some of the girls who had already changed before. The authorities were trying to shush us and kept assuring us that they would catch the culprit.

The Organising Committee of Rendezvous, through their Instagram handle, clarified that immediately after the incident was brought to the attention of the volunteers, the Lecture Hall Complex (the location of the event) was shut down to restrict any movement. Additionally, they stated that security is being tightened to prevent any such unfortunate incidents.

As soon as the perpetrator was identified, he was promptly handed over to the campus security and further to the Jia Sarai police station. We are assisting the victims and their families in further police proceedings as best as we can. We strongly condemn the perpetrator and have zero tolerance for such actions.

– read the team’s statement

The fest organizers issued a statement in solidarity of the victims.
Source : @rendezvous.iitd

While the Rendezvous team page asserted that the competition was called off after consultation with the victim and their team, Team Elantré stated that despite the incident, the college continued their event.

Law-enforcement officials at the IIT-D campus.
Source: @elantre , the official page of the fashion society of Bharati College

The victims have filed an FIR (First Information Report) with the appropriate authorities, seeking a thorough investigation. The members of Team Elantre, along with their parents, protested for nearly 6 hours in the college but claim to have received no further updates from the institution.

Read also: The Invasion of IPCW: A Student’s Account

Featured Image Credits: Policenama

Manvi Goel
[email protected]

As the calendar turns to October, the enchantment of Rendezvous, IIT Delhi’s annual cultural fest, once again sweeps through Delhi-NCR. This year, Rendezvous is all set to happen from the 5th to the 8th of October 2023. What began in 1978 as a humble gathering of talents has blossomed into Asia’s most prominent college festival, a beacon of creativity, unity, and artistic excellence. Over 160,000 attendees from more than 1,000 colleges flocked to Rendezvous last time, making it a resounding success. This festival is renowned for its cultural and musical performances, and Pronites where acclaimed national artists such as Nucleya, The Local Train, and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have graced the stage. Our illustrious history also includes hosting distinguished speakers like Aman Gupta and Ashneer Grover, adding intellectual vibrance to its celebration of creativity and talent.

RDV’23 is wrapped up, and RDV’24 is on the horizon for next year. In the middle of this, the IIT Delhi team wanted to embrace a new, evolved identity while returning to their old normal – honouring the cherished Rendezvous legacy. Hence, this year it was christened RendezvousX! Talk about truly bringing the X Factor? 

As RendezvousX takes the stage, they would like to acknowledge the invaluable support of their sponsors. This year, they are proud to have Phillips and Coca-Cola as their prominent sponsors. The commitment of the sponsors to nurturing creativity and fostering cultural enrichment has been instrumental in making RendezvousX a reality.

Philips, a global leader in health technology, brings innovation and creativity to the forefront. Their partnership with RendezvousX underscores their dedication to promoting artistic excellence and technological advancement. Coca-Cola, a household name and a symbol of celebration, adds the fizz to the festivities. Their association with RendezvousX is a testament to their belief in the power of cultural unity and the joy of shared experiences. With these sponsors, RendezvousX promises to be an unforgettable celebration of talent, creativity, and cultural diversity.

This year, the Rendezvous team presents to you the theme of ‘Contemporary Fantasia’. Fantasia, a melange of different forms and styles, a symphony of art, music, and boundless imagination that transcends boundaries. With Contemporary Fantasia, they embark on an odyssey that fuses modern creativity with the rich tapestry of their cultural heritage. Anticipate immersive art, electrifying musical performances, and a celebration of diverse cultures that defies expectations. It’s an invitation to traverse the frontiers of imagination and immerse yourself in a world where art knows no bounds.

Now let’s come to the events at Rendezvous which are the heartbeat of the festival, pulsating with creativity and talent, weaving together a vibrant tapestry of unforgettable moments. They are the essence of RDV, igniting passions, and creating cherished memories. RendezvousX proudly showcases a remarkable lineup of flagship events that truly encapsulate the essence and spirit of the festival. These events go beyond being mere showcases; they promise immersive experiences that will leave every participant and spectator spellbound.

First on the list is Faces of Rendezvous, a platform for individuals to shine bright with their charisma and wit. Next, picture this: the electrifying cheers of the crowd amplifying the rhythm of your music, adrenaline surging through your veins as you stand under the spotlight, heart pounding, and the crowd’s chants echoing in your ears. This is what Blitzkrieg is all about—an ultimate Western Battle of the Bands competition. It’s your moment to shine and mesmerise the audience with your musical prowess.

And then there’s Lifestyle, an event that takes you into the world where fashion reigns supreme. RendezvousX proudly presents Lifestyle as its flagship fashion event, where clothing transcends its utilitarian purpose and becomes a canvas for art. There’s also the Kavi Sammelan and Qawwali to watch out for!

In addition to the flagship events, RendezvousX is proud to host a multitude of activities and competitions organised by their various clubs, catering to diverse interests and talents.

For the dance enthusiasts, there are electrifying dance-offs and workshops, providing the perfect stage to showcase your moves and learn from the best. Drama aficionados can immerse themselves in the world of theatre with captivating plays and dramatic performances in Natika Vatika. Literary enthusiasts can indulge in wordplay and creativity with slam poetry, writing and debating events. Quizzing enthusiasts will find their haven with mind-boggling quizzes with the great waves of quizzes.

These events add an extra layer of depth and diversity to RendezvousX, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy and participate in. It’s a celebration of talent in all its myriad forms, making RendezvousX a true extravaganza of creativity and culture.

Though these events form the core of the Rendezvous, it is still incomplete without our live stage and pronite performances.  Rendezvous Live Stage events serve as the vibrant heart of the festival, consistently enchanting audiences with mind blowing performances by a diverse array of incredible artists. What makes these events truly special is their dynamic nature, unfolding throughout the day and offering a platform for numerous talented individuals and groups to showcase their skills and entertain the audience.

From morning to night, the Live Stage is a hub of cultural exploration, taking attendees on an immersive journey through the electrifying realms of music, dance, and entertainment. Emerging artists and local talents kickstart the day with their raw passion and creativity, setting the tone for what’s to come. The stage continues to be a bustling epicentre of activity, featuring a rich tapestry of performances, ranging from soulful acoustic sets to high-energy dance routines.

Rendezvous Pronites are more than just events; they are monumental experiences that leave an indelible mark on those who attend, creating lifelong memories to be cherished forever. These nights offer a holistic and captivating experience that engages all the senses.

From the moment you step into Pronites, you are transported into a world of pure musical enchantment. The stage comes alive with captivating performances that not only entertain but enrapture your senses. The artists who grace these events, like Nucleya, Sunidhi Chauhan, Benny Dayal, and Shankar Ehsaan Loy, bring a unique blend of talent and charisma, making every Pronite a star-studded spectacle that ignites the atmosphere.

Each year, the organisers commit to raising the bar even higher, promising attendees an experience like no other. Expect to be serenaded by soulful voices that touch the deepest corners of your heart, moved by powerful beats that make you dance with abandon, and transported to a world of pure musical euphoria that transcends the ordinary.

Get ready to dance, laugh, and create memories that will last a lifetime, all within the enchanting realm of RendezvousX-Contemporary Fantasia. RendezvousX promises to be an unforgettable cultural extravaganza. Join in this celebration of art, music, and imagination, and let RendezvousX leave an indelible mark on your heart.

After issuing suspension notices and imposing fines on students for protesting, Hindu College is reconsidering its move. The students have submitted written apologies to the administration, and the principal is reportedly willing to let students explain themselves and address their concerns.

The Hindu College administration had issued notices suspending around 40 students and demanding a fine of Rs. 10,000, citing “gross misconduct” by students protesting against the administrative decision to reduce Mecca to a one-day event. The notice firmly stated that the students would not be allowed to take their semester exams if they failed to pay the fine. It further stated that they would not be allowed to hold any post of responsibility in the future and that “any repetition of such or other misconduct in the future will be treated with the utmost strictness, to the extent of rustication”. Additionally, 15 students have received a notice for financial fraud and cheating. The notice also alleged that the protesters caused damage to college property and behaved disrespectfully towards the principal, blocking her way and not letting her attend an official meeting.

However, after some deliberation and discussions, the principal, Ms. Anju Srivastava, is reconsidering the suspension. On the evening of May 9, a day after the suspension was issued, the principal reportedly held a meeting with the students. The students put forward their demands and concerns regarding the notice and requested that it be withdrawn.

They (the students) have given us verbal apologies and written apologies. We will give students another chance to put forward their sides. We are open to discussion with them. I have asked the disciplinary committee to look into each application separately on an urgent basis. The work has started. We will soon inform the students.

– Ms. Anju Srivastava, Principal of Hindu College, in conversation with PTI

The principal stated that the students will be given a chance to explain themselves and that their apologies will be accepted. It has been stressed that every student’s application will be reanalyzed in depth. The suspension notices drew widespread criticism from students involved in the protests. The students initially stated that they would resort to protesting against the suspension and the imposition of fines if they were not withdrawn.

The RSS-affiliated student body, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), came out in support of the students and requested the administration withdraw the notice at the earliest. Despite all efforts to encourage dialogue between both sides, whether every student will be spared suspension is uncertain.

Read also: Hindu College Suspends and Issues Fines for Protesting Students

Featured Image Credits: Keshavi for DU Beat

Tulip Banerjee 
[email protected] 

Hindu college students face possible suspension for having protested against the decision to reduce the 3-day college fest ‘Mecca’ to just 1. They have been asked to pay a heavy fine; failing to do so may lead to their being barred from writing exams. The affected students have held a meeting with the principal, hoping for the withdrawal of the notice.

On April 20th and 21st, students at Hindu College held protests against the administrative decision to wrap up the three-day fest “Mecca” in just one day. Eventually, the authorities allowed for a two-day fest. On May 8, more than a week after the fest, the administrative body issued a notice suspending the protesting students for two months. The notice states that the protesting students blocked the principal’s way, not allowing her to go for a meeting. It further accuses the students of causing damage to college property as well as “maligning and misrepresenting the college on social and print media platforms”. Furthermore, the students have been informed that they would be barred from writing their semester exams should they fail to pay a fine of Rs. 10,000 by May 12th. According to the notice, the students would also be barred from holding positions of responsibility in the college.

Reportedly, 30–35 students have been suspended and fined. One of our sources informed us that some of the students who have been suspended were not part of the protest but were simply part of the general crowd. They alleged that these students had been arbitrarily named and punished by the college authorities. The protestors claim that the protest was conducted in an organised and orderly manner. One of the protestors stated that the students would organise a protest against the action if the notice was not withdrawn.

What has happened is extremely wrong and arbitrary. Many of the students who are affected by this action were not part of the activity and had nothing to do with the protest. We strongly condemn this action. The protest was not organised by any political group. It was an independently organised protest by the students of our college.

– A student of Hindu College who wishes to remain anonymous

Later in the day, the student body held talks with the principal in order to discuss the concerns of both sides. One of our sources states that the outcome of the meeting is expected to be positive. During the meeting, students expressed their concerns, and the principal reportedly attempted to hear them out and responded to their demands. The students hope that the suspension order will be withdrawn, although there is still some ambiguity around the removal of the fine and the complete dismissal of the notice.

We reasoned with the principal that various students cannot afford to pay the fine as it is a humongous amount. Many of us live off less than Rs. 10,000 a month. It is cruel to demand such a large sum from students. We hope that ma’am understands our concerns and waives off the fine.

– A student of Hindu College who wishes to remain anonymous 

Some of the students have their exams scheduled in less than a week, and the possibility of suspension and the imposition of a heavy fine has caused outrage and agony among many. The students are deeply disturbed by the notice and are keen on resolving the matter at the earliest possible time.

Read also: Hindu College Students Protest for Annual Fest ‘Mecca’

Featured Image Credits: Keshavi for DU Beat

Tulip Banerjee
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