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Sex Amma

Dear Sex Amma, I am a Fresher to Sexual Experiences

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Dear Sex Amma,
I am a recent school graduate and a fresher in the literal sense to sexual experiences, and a very eager one at that! All my life I have been taught to associate sex with shame. I hear college is way more liberal than school, especially when it comes to this area of life and this makes me scared. Please Amma, help me. How do I go about this?

My luscious little lamb, you are only what, 17, 18 years old? Amma understands you completely and sympathises with your intimate innocence, which I see, our lovely conservative society has had a major role in protecting. To feel that sex is something foreign and shameful is not unusual; thanks to the way we let our children grow up, despite being the world’s second largest populated country.

Do remember, that these youthful years of yours are probably the best years where you can discover your body sensually and allow yourselves the pleasure  you might not be privy to in the future due to biological constraints.

College is liberal yes, but that also does not imply you should feel any pressure to be overtly sexual. Keep in mind my curious kitten, that sex is pleasurable and needs time to be discovered. Do not allow yourself to be shamed for wanting too much or too little sex. Find other non-judgmental ripe munchkins and talk to them about your sexuality. Don’t be embarrassed about being naive about sex. Remember, every cat was a kitten once, even Amma! Your confidence in yourself is the biggest threat to anyone aiming to bring you down by their judgement.

Be sure of yourself, and explore the venereal edens of sexual pleasure and fantasy at your own time. Amma surely didn’t shy away from it. Don’t forget to be safe and always carry an umbrella in this titillating weather. After all, it’s raining men, women or whoever you’re into!

Amma wishes you a safe and lucky semester ahead!

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DUB Speak

How to Break the Ice and Make New Friends as a Fuccha

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Want to be the Fuccha who is outgoing and energetic and makes new friends just in time for Freshers? Well here are a few ways to make it happen. 

Everyone is a little freaked out and jittery, at the start of something new. As you say goodbyes to hemline skirts and tiring ties college opens arms to you not only as a whole new set, but as a great exposure to seize and realize your ambitions. Most of us are nervous during the initial days of college,  especially for those who are new to the city. However, there is little to fear. If there’s one way to overcome your fears is to stand out and be proactive. Take the first step. Be the fearless person, and resonate.

Everyone in your class is new to college like you are.  So here are a few tips and tricks for the fresher’s as well as for the seniors to delve into a good interaction.

  • A hello goes a long way

A simple salutation, but has a vast vast effect. This was the same hello which you kept hidden from your crush in high school, or the hello which could solve old problems. Say bye to all of that now. A simple hello is a flag wave for initiation of a conversation. And since you have all been through the school and admission process think of all the small talk you can achieve on the first day. So don’t shy away from the opportunity of opening up.

  • Remember that it takes time 

Ever been insecure or slightly pained from that one classmate who the entire class adores or who is the sunshine of the class in just a matter of a few days? Well don’t be disheartened. Every individual has his or her own space and time to open up. Some do it faster, some lower. Take your time and embrace it and then let your wings spread and the magic glow. A little hint, don’t be the quiet and the mute spectator for too long! 

  • Be the first one out

Don’t shy away from approaching an introvert. A personal story from my side- when my college days began, I sat next to a classmate who hardly ever spoke to me. I felt quite reluctant and soon my hellos and greetings faded away, due to her shy response. What I did not realize was that she was an introvert. Soon enough I started initiating conversations and then those small talks became long conversations into love, friendship and life, and soon from strangers we became the best of friends.

  • Be positive and offer positivity

Ever seen a sunflower inclining towards the splashing rays of sunshine? Why? It radiates and gives a sense of warmth. Be as positive and as genuine as possible. People truly bind and appreciate your true-self. Be a person who welcomes every one and is proactive and understanding. Your compassion is your strength remember!

  • Don’t try TOO hard

We always stumble upon that classmate who tries to be a little bit too cool, or a little too loud? Well that’s the case when you try to showcase yourself as someone who you really aren’t.  Don’t try too hard and be someone who you really aren’t. It doesn’t take a lot of time to distinguish between what’s fake and what’s genuine. So try your best to not try to make people like you. Just be yourself and let the magic work.

Now as many of you will be interacting with the seniors, and this is for them also, likewise here are a few ice-breaker activities to release that awkward tension and to form a good bond. Ice-breakers are meant for a fun and relaxing way of conversation. To release any awkwardness or shyness and to make the next person more secure.

Here are a few ice-breakers which will help you:

  • Embarrassing memories

Probably a textbook move, but wait till you hear the details of it all. Yes no one really likes to brag about something unless its their ‘conquests’. Here’s a great way to start your bonding with your juniors.

Start by narrating an embarrassing incident which happened to you and then let everyone share bit by bit till you feel there’s time to move onto the next activity.

  • Two truths and a lie

It’s an interesting way to engage your audience and to make a good fool of others. Try doing this in groups of four or five. Start by narrating 3 incidents. 2 of them have to be the truth and one of them has to be a lie. The other participants have to guess which one is the truth and which one is the lie.

  • First Impressions

It might be a snarky pick but trust me it is worth it. It’s almost like a psycho-analysis for you. Start by indicating three traits that the person sees in you, and has to say it out loud, in front of everyone. It is interesting to see who makes it to the bubbly and who makes it to the snobby list.

  • Memorable Catchy Names

“Sassy Neha”, or “Sleepy Sid”, catchy nick names is a good way to engross and to ensure you get to know each other well. They can get as snarky as you want or as cute as you wish. 

  • Jive time

This counts for one of the last activities after you’ve all blended in with each other. A little jive session, to re-energize and to go bonkers for one last time before the next course begins. It’s a fun way to groove and show your moves and just basically have a lot of fun.

College is all about exploring, and giving your best way to accelerate and move forward.

Feature Image Credits: India

Avnika Chhikara

[email protected]

 

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Campus Central

College Societies and New Students

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This article focuses on how the society culture of colleges affects the newly admitted students and what they teach them since many come with a dream of joining one.

Societies are the most fun part of college. So much so that many colleges are primarily known for their societies and the students they have produced. For the students who have just stepped out of school and are entering into the realm of college life, societies are a way of making contacts with senior students and learning things that interest them.

A society in college is not just a mere group of people who share a similar interest towards something and put their efforts into winning all the events that come along, but a family. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that most people prioritise society work over classes and assignments. Getting into a society also helps in building up a social life, especially for newbies.

A college in the University of Delhi is known not just because the students taking admission scored the desired percentage as required by the cut-off but also because of the ‘society culture’ there. One might hear Alahyaa doing their morning routine in Daulat Ram College or one might witness a practice session of Shunya in Ramjas College. Societies never fail to amaze the new students, the very reason why there is a huge line to audition to get into some of them.

Likewise, the society culture helps student look at things from a new and different perspective. One looks up to the seniors in college as he/she manages the work and organizes the fests. One tends to admire instantly the president of a debating society when he/she comes up to speak. There is therefore, a lot to learn from the societies. The most important of all learnings being, teamwork.

Isn’t it absolutely amazing to see how the seniors of your society manage every single thing on their own? As first-year students, we are immediately drawn towards them and admire their art of handling things so well. We learn to voice out our opinion and at the same time listen to what others have to say. We learn management and we learn hard work. We learn to keep our calm when inviting and calling people to our events and we learn to be patient with them all. We learn that our strategies won’t work every time and that a little failure will come sometimes with huge successes and that it is okay.

Image Credits: DU Beat

Akshada Shrotryia

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Admissions 2018

A Note to the Batch of 2021

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Dearest Fresher’s

Savour this moment, as you stand in long queues, sweaty and hassled with the ongoing admissions process, because at this very second, as you make an important decision, will mark the beginning of a great adventure.

You are on the threshold of joining an institution which will introduce you to some of the brightest minds of our generation. Once you finally make it here, throw yourselves into the movements, music, theatrics, and magic of this Varsity and you’ll become the best possible version of you.

We wish we could quote Dumbledore and say, “Help will always be given at Hogwarts (read DU) to those who ask for it”. However, DU is not kind, these old-experienced walls believe in tough love. You will not necessarily get the best infrastructure or faculty, but it will provide you with opportunities to make the best of it. There will be problems, but there will also be protests against those problems. It will be your choice to pick a side which will make all the difference.

With almost a 100 colleges dotted in across National Capital Region, the University is a like a breathing-living spider web. It houses not just the future of this country but also it’s present. And at this moment it is welcoming you, another batch of thousands of stakeholders, into its vibrant universe.  Its sheer brilliance of talent and knowledge can be tempting and intimidating, but with a little patience and confidence you’ll fare well.

We hope these three years give you group hugs, jitters, breakdowns, laughter, and solace which, for the years to come, will translate into splendid stories and memories.

Good luck! We’ll see you around.

 

The DU Beat team

Kinjal Pandey

[email protected]

Niharika Dabral

[email protected]

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DUB Speak

Role of Seniors in College Life

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As exciting it may sound, the transition from school to college can be equally daunting in the absence of proper guidance. Innumerable trajectories open up in college for youngsters, however eventually, many students end up feeling lost. This is where the role of a senior kicks in.

Who is a senior? A person, who is always willing to lend a hand, be it regarding academics or extracurricular activities. Seniors play the dual role of a friend and a mentor. They are the people who have been in your very shoes before you, therefore can empathize with your conundrums. They counsel you on what to study, how to study, projects to take up, internship opportunities, higher studies, and plain old personal problems amongst other things. They are an invaluable inventory of relevant information.

It is a well-known fact that one needs their seniors in college. This is something that we’re all well aware of even before we enter the campus life. In such an alien environment, it is good to have a voice of experience to consult to deal with changes and subjects.

The role of a senior in college is insurmountable. It is a senior who gives us the hacks to deal with that particular grumpy teacher. Seniors, from their inventory of experiences, share the tricks and techniques to deal with that particular tough paper. Besides, providing us with notes, our seniors sometimes go an extra mile to teach us tougher concepts in a subject.

Working with seniors while preparing for an event, can be a basic simulation of a corporate ecosystem. Teaming up with seniors to pull up events or projects helps us to understand the terms of working and instils basic etiquettes needed to be incorporated.

On an emotional level, seniors are better experienced than us in handling stress. They can figure out the sources of stress in most cases. They understand a junior’s position better than any other adult in a way since they are either going through it or recently gotten over it. Experience counts.

Keeping all the points under consideration, a junior must seriously consider building a good rapport with seniors. A fresher should join societies that interest him or her. Societies in colleges provide a platform and space for interaction among juniors and seniors. One should also be very active in department’s work and events. A junior should go an extra mile to initiate a conversation sometime and seek help on academic issues. Trips can be another exquisite way to help to bond with seniors easily.

We won’t live long enough to make mistakes and learn from it but we can be wise to learn from mistakes our seniors committed. Happy bonding with seniors!

 

Image Credits: Youth Ki Awaaz

Sandeep Samal

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Campus Central

Enthusiasm of College Societies Taking Over!

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Admissions are almost over and college societies have started their recruitment process. The freshers, ever so willingly try and make it to the society they wish to be a part of.

Most of the admissions have now been done and dusted and students are getting more familiar with their college. Another eventful phase of admissions is now slowly fading away and freshers might be getting an idea as to how their next year is going to be. They have all waited long enough and worked rigorously to be in the university they once dreamt of. And college societies are something everyone looks up to. Apart from academics, everyone wants to do something more and college societies offer them with the exact opportunity.

All of us have our personal interests and hobbies. Some like to dance while some like to act while some like to write and so on. And once we step into DU colleges, we are acquainted with the various societies based on different fields that are run and sustained by the students themselves. From theatre to entrepreneurship, there is a society that coincides our interests and provides us the platform to work in that area. Be it organizing a college fest or performing in a national level competition, DU societies offer it all.

One cannot simply let go of the chance to have a possibly wonderful experience and doing something extra. This enthusiasm of students, particularly freshers show up once the society recruitments take place. And it is the month where all the societies look for recruitments. Tens of desks are set up with posters or flex that read out the society name with a few guys all sitting with a pen and a piece of paper sit all day long. Hundreds of curious students enquire about the work and functioning of these societies and register themselves as an applicant. Seminar rooms and halls are always booked throughout the week where various societies conduct their orientation. Students carrying their bags rush into these halls in order to get a seat before it’s all full. One can peek in these rooms and see the entire crowd listening to the society members talking about their society and experiences.

Students miss their classes in order to attend a GD or a PI or maybe give an audition to showcase their potential and hopefully be a part of the society they look forward to. Round tables have students around them debating over issues or giving their opinion on current affairs. Everybody tries to convince the interviewing panel that they will be a good fit in the society. These interviews can either be smooth or be very grilling. Some come out of it confident while some have disappointed faces reeling after having a tough time during it. It all happens. It always does.  This little one month phase is the defining phase for hundreds of these students who apply to be a part of societies. This phase is what will somewhat determine how their next year is gonna be.

The intensity of the recruitment process is natural given the scale these college societies cover. They provide an insight of their respective fields and serve as the perfect platform for willing students. Particularly in DU, various societies are very active and are extremely objective oriented. They help in nurturing the aspiring and inculcating interest in others. They help the students develop themselves. And the curiosity to be a part of these societies is evident in the way students apply in them. And it won’t be wrong to say that this aura of enthusiasm is the key to the successful functioning of DU college societies which has resulted in creating a college society culture like no other.

 

Feature Image Credits: DUB Archives

Karan Singhania

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DUB Speak

Few Pieces of advice from the seniors

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Freshers are excited as well as nervous when they enter college, oblivious to some extent as to what to expect besides fun, freedom and studies. Entering one of the most prestigious universities in the country is one big milestone to be accomplished. For the first years, it is a journey of learning new things and unlearning the old. College life is different from the easy going life of the school, here are your seniors giving you precious advice on college life and how to spend these wonderful three years of your life.

Shireen Manocha, Miranda House

It’s going to be hard. You’re in a new place with new people and in a new environment. There’s so much to learn, so much to explore and it’s going to be hard. So, give time time. Let things settle on their own. Try to know your own self. Try to do things on your own and eventually everything will fall into place.

Asmita Pandey, Gargi College

Being a fresher, you must prioritize balancing your budget in order to avoid useless expenditure

Vineeta Rana, Daulat Ram College

Make a conscious effort of getting out of your comfort zone. Not just once but repeatedly. Audition for a bunch of societies, experiment with fashion, work at internships, also try different classes.

Lakshya Chawla, Sri Venkateshwara College

Join a society to hone your skills. Besides, one can’t make memories just by attending classes. Also, choosing the right company of friends is very important.

Srivedant Kar, Cluster Innovation Centre

Try to figure out what you want in future and take small steps to achieve them while enjoying college life. Climbing the ladder is important but it’s more important to climb the right stairs.

Mansi Chawla, Indraprastha College for Women

My advice to outstation students would be to give themselves some time because it isn’t easy surviving alone. Learn to share your feelings with friends and don’t bottle them up. Be open to communicate and connect.

Feature Image Credits: aplaceformom.com

Prachi Mehra

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Arts & Culture

A Guide to Cracking the Freshers’ Contest

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The atmosphere of colleges across the University of Delhi is thick with the repeated mention of freshers’ parties. Conversations reek of both anticipation and bewilderment; two sentiments that newbies are naturally good at emoting, especially so when the takers for the Ms. /Mr. Freshers’ title are so many.

It is more than just okay to want to win the contest because a little adulation does go a long way. Here’s a list of things that you need to keep in mind if you’re in the running to become the Ms. / Mr. Fresher of your college!

Dos

  • Stick to the theme: It is absolutely necessary for you to adhere to the theme of the freshers’, if at all there is any. When the Students’ Union along with the able assistance of the advisory board comes up with a theme, after a lot of contemplation, that is, it expects compliance for the same. If you fail to abide by the theme, chances are that you will lose your eligibility as a potential candidate.
  • Preliminary research on the theme: A Freshers’ contest comprises of several rounds, one of which might be a theme specific question and answer round. Just so you are not caught off guard, acquaint yourself well with the theme. For example, if you happen to have a comic-themed freshers’ party, then it is imperative that you know, what building served as the original headquarters for the Fantastic Four and other questions of the like.
  • Maintain a sartorial splendor: Everyone is excited for the Freshers’; so much that their enthusiasm is palpable even from a distance but the thrill must be such that can be contained or it is likely to lead to a wardrobe disaster. Some people tend to let their exhilaration lead them astray. It is important to look tasteful. A wedding makeover is not what the freshers’ demand; rather a subtle stroke of light make up, coupled with a sartorially pleasing piece of clothing, is probably what it does. It is always important to suit the requisites and not go overboard.
  • Hone your skills: A freshers’ contest is incomplete without a show of the various talents. It is necessary/advised for you to have one specialised skill, at the very least. However, as much as it is important to possess an innate (or acquired) ability, honing the same stands at equal footing with its possession. It is always advisable to prepare well, or think, in advance for this round in particular.
  • Be confident: It is the most clichéd advice in the world but also the most significant one. Self-assurance stands head and shoulders above the rest; word has it that a great figure or physique is nice, but it’s self-confidence that makes someone really sexy. (Vivica A. Fox) If you are in the running to become the Ms. /Mr. Fresher, it is an obligation for you to have faith in yourself and your abilities as an individual contestant. Everyone is a little scared but what is important is to not let the agitation show. The focus should be on showcasing the best version of yourself out there, regardless of how much better or worse your fellow competitor is because trust me, everyone is just as new to that moment as you are.

 

Don’ts

  • Don’t fret: It is essential for you to understand that the panel in front of you is basing its judgment on how well you carry yourself and how bold your personality is. Faintheartedness is very easy to spot and can severely affect your chances of winning. In order to leave an impression on the jury, it is important that you gulp down the nervousness. Even during the question and answer round, make sure to not let your fear get the better of you. Let your conviction speak for itself.
  • Don’t be brash: While it is okay to be assertive, it is not, to be foolhardy. Everyone has their own set of beliefs and convictions and it as much our responsibility as is theirs, to respect them. In situations involving an interaction with the panel, it is a requisition to be accommodating. It is both, disrespectful and reckless to disregard a perspective without hearing an articulate explanation of the same. Understanding the downsides of ideological coercion is paramount in this regard.
  • Don’t confuse it for a beauty pageant: I cannot lay enough emphasis on how absolutely necessary it is for everyone to know that Freshers’ is not a beauty pageant but a personality contest. It is something that should implicitly be understood but needs perpetual reiteration, nonetheless. The contest abides by a very well thought out criteria for selection, which accounts for pretty much everything with the exception of outward beauty. It is especially mandatory for people competing for the title to rid themselves of any pre-conceived notions of the like.

Having said all of the above, it is also always good to remember that freshers’ is meant for the sole purpose of enjoyment.  It is the beginning of a new year, rather a new life, and it should be dealt with just the same!

 

 

Feature Image Credits: TheTab

Lakshita Arora

[email protected]

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Admissions 2017

Dear Freshers: Admissions Special Article

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Dear Freshers,

Welcome to the University of Delhi. Take a moment to feel the joy of having achieved a massive milestone of your life – making it into DU. This might be an accident of circumstances or a culmination of your endless efforts, but for simplicity’s sake, let’s just say that the whole world conspired to help you achieve your dreams. Now that you’ve successfully taken admission in the most prestigious educational institute in the country, it’s time to comprehend the gravity of this stage in your life. Delhi University will give you all that a college experience possibly can – education, amusement, friends, and most importantly, an identity.

Be ready to expect the unexpected. Every notion that you currently hold will be challenged in this campus, where every fleeting moment of idleness is filled with the urge to achieve something. The people you are going to meet, the ideas you are going to encounter, the academic environment which used to be a mark-milking tool for you until now, are all going to change, even as this University continues to be well-known for its almost meme-worthy standards of education. Stereotypes of how DU kids carry jholas and never actually study are hilarious in themselves, but they function as badges of honour for students in their time here. Popular for harbouring, or at least generating, a liberal and culturally aware generation of students, DU allows you to push yourself, whether that be through academics or extracurriculars. Well-rounded and up-to-date syllabi, along with the general elective under the Choice Based Credit System, come together to provide students a holistic education. The numerous societies within colleges, as well as university-wide associations further allow students to expand their horizons and develop their talents. Portraying ideas, thoughts, and injustices through dance, music, and theatre, is no small feat, and you’ll get your moment of glory throughout the much-publicised fest season. We guarantee that being part of a society or student association will give you the experience of a lifetime.

It’s no secret that the varsity has produced a variety of individuals – scholars, athletes, and even numerous Miss Indias. The opportunities that DU offers, coupled with its cultural and ideological diversity, produce a distinctively unique environment. Three years in this place changes you – undoubtedly for the better.

The age-old traditions of skipping classes to chill in the lawns of your college, or to run outside for a quick bite of Tom Uncle’s Maggi in North Campus are just as crucial to the DU experience as the education. You will create an entire bank of memories from this period of your life, such as begging your class representative to mark your proxy and photocopying notes for the entire semester a week before your final exam. But the most significant change in your life will not be learning how to navigate the Delhi metro or how to bargain most effectively for junk jewellery. It will be learning about yourself.

Some people believe that this University thrives on its past glory. We beg to differ. We believe it draws its glory from you. We believe that as you embark on this journey of your college life with a nervous, excited, and hopeful state of mind, you’ll end up with many achievements, but the most noteworthy of these would be your identity. As you steer your life for the next three years among classes, societies, and this mad city, remember that it’s up to you to become a part of the collective pride of this University.

You may leave DU as a completely new person than when you entered, or you may leave as merely a more refined version of your teenage self. But what’s undeniable is that you will be a truer version of yourself after having gone through all that DU has to offer. So sit tight, because you’re in for the ride of a lifetime at the place you’ll soon call home – Delhi University.

We wish you all the best!

 

With love on behalf of the DU Beat Team,

Vineeta Rana

Srivedant Kar

 

Feature Image Credits: The Odyssey Online

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Ramjas College

No DJs, loud music in freshers’ and farewells at Ramjas

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A notice issued on Thursday by the acting principal of Ramjas College says that there will be no DJs or music streamed through speakers at freshers’ welcome parties, farewells or other functions. All functions must also end by 4 pm, and at least two teachers, one of whom should “preferably” be a woman, must be present till the function ends.

The principal said that the notice was passed so as to make sure that there is no noise pollution or complaints in and around the campus.

“It is appalling what the students do. We have received many complaints in the past. I will not go into the details but there have been instances where people have complained of misbehavior. Why are DJs or loud music needed? This is a college, not a club. Even I was a student of this college. We didn’t need to make noise to throw farewell parties. People have to maintain decorum. Also, examinations are starting soon and there should be no noise. Students in hostels need peace and quiet to study. Practical exams have already started and theory exams will start on May 9,” said Principal PC Tulsian.

The notice has received criticism from both students and teachers.

One of the students who did not want to be named said “This is bizarre! Why can’t we play music during our functions? And why must a function end by 4 pm? These rules make no sense for college students. The college itself uses speakers for the functions it holds. Why should the students not be allowed? If the music is too loud or disturbing anyone, the authorities can always tell us to lower the volume. But why the blanket ban?”

The teachers as well criticized the clause regarding the mandatory presence of teachers calling it regressive. “The rules are regressive. Students should be able to hold functions in their own college. Why is the presence of teachers necessary? The notice smacks of unnecessary moral policing,” said a teacher on condition of anonymity.”

 

With inputs from Indian Express

 

Aditya Narang

[email protected]

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