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LSR Indefinitely Defers Tarang, Cites Security Issues

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Lady Shri Ram College (LSR), has indefinitely deferred their annual cultural fest, Tarang, citing safety and security of the students as the main reason behind its cancellation.

On 5th February 2020, a statement released by the organisers of Tarang, states “keeping in mind the present environment and concerns regarding the safety and security of students. Tarang has been deferred until further notice. We apologise for the inconvenience caused.”

Dissenting Voices of LSR, a collective started by students within the college, released a statement which states, that “Tarang, which was supposed to take place after a poll by the students. The poll decided it would take place, and, was not cancelled by the students who spoke out against it”

They point out the ironic nature of how “a huge majority of students in a liberal arts college believe they can curtail an individual’s fundamental right to protest.” they also allege that the Student Union, which has initially brought up the idea of cancelling Tarang is deliberately shifting the “blame for the fest being cancelled by the repressive admin to the marginalised students.”

The cancellation of Tarang also affects the societies within LSR. As Disha Rawal, one of the coordinators for Projekt, LSR’s Film and Photography society said, “ I think as a society we really looked forward to Tarang, and we planned a lot for it. We had an exhibition, film events, and photography events. As a society, we really looked forward to Tarang as the one place where we will get to showcase your work and interact with the circuit, which is very important. The effects it has had along with morale going down is that to establish yourself in the circuit, you need to have events and Tarang was our main event now we will have to look for other things which will be smaller in scale and size, secondly, this will lead to a trust deficit with the sponsors. On the other hand, I do understand where the admin has come from, there is a security concern, so we are assured now that no threat will play out.”

DU Beat has reached out to the administration and members of the Students’ Union and received no comment as of yet. This report will be updated on receiving further information from them.

Feature Image Credits: DU Beat

Prabhanu Kumar Das

[email protected]

 

 

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Arts & Culture

To Have or Not to Have Tarang: LSR Students’ Union Asks Students

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Students’ Union of Lady Shri Ram College proposes cancelling Tarang, their Annual Cultural Fest in the current political scenario, however, receives arguments on both ends.

In a political scenario as such being faced by the country today- with unpopular bills being enacted into laws, unlawful internet shutdowns being imposed, students widely protesting across the country and many being victims of sheer violence by the Delhi police while others not being protected by them, the Students’ Union of Lady Shri Ram College (LSR) proposed the cancellation of Tarang, the annual cultural fest of the college, which was to be held during the first week of February.

Tarang is a platform for societies to organise inter-college competitions and for students to enjoy pro-nights with popular artists being invited by the Students’ Union. It is a commercialised event where sponsorships are raised to fund these artists (their fee, travel and accommodation), setting up of stages and food-stalls etc.

A General Body Meeting (GBM) was conducted by the Students’ Union on 9th January so as to discuss whether or not Tarang, a celebration, should be hosted in today’s political situation. The GBM entertained arguments from both sides- those who believed Tarang should take place, and those who felt otherwise.

Some of the claims of those against the cancellation of Tarang suggested that this cancellation would be a rather tokenistic action by the college and the students should instead actively participate in protests and carry out dissent during and beyond Tarang. Some believe that cancelling Tarang isn’t enough to represent solidarity if other DU colleges continue to host their annual fests. They believe that this would not guarantee any impact on the government and only be a huge waste of resources.

Students, particularly from performing societies, argued that these societies and the Organising Committee (OC) have worked tirelessly for months preparing for this event and with the cancellation, will also incur a huge financial loss given the sponsorships were raised several months prior. However, they suggested that if this loss is compensated for, they would not have any reservations against cancellation.

Other arguments were presented suggesting using Tarang itself as a platform of expressing dissent via art forms, moulding the agenda and theme of the event so as to make a political statement. They suggested removing the “celebration aspect” of the fest, particularly the pro-night.

These arguments were countered by the claims of students advocating the cancellation of Tarang. It was argued that in this grim scenario where public universities and fellow students are under attack, and where our democracy is in danger, it would be “insensitive” to hold Tarang, while the students of LSR affirm to support the students’ struggles. A commercial fest in such a scenario appears unfitting.

They believe that cancelling Tarang would be the most decent and bare minimum step by the students, making a strong political statement. Given that it is one of the biggest college fests in the country, it would also set a precedent for other colleges to take equally significant political stances in their capacities.

“My personal opinion is that we shouldn’t hold Tarang during these fascist times where students like us are protesting day and night, where brave woman of Shaheen Bagh have taken up the streets leaving the comfort of their homes to raise their voices against what is happening in the country. We cannot justify having a celebration when we do not know what is happening in Kashmir, Assam and people have lost their jobs, degrees, daily wages and lives. Dissent is never comfortable and we, as students of LSR need to look beyond the factor of our enjoyment. Tarang cannot be politicised so anyone believing that we can is just cannot look beyond their apathy, indifference and insensitivity”, quoted Prashansa Singh, Treasurer of LSR’s Students’ Union.

Some students also argue that this commercialised fest has also failed to be inclusive of the marginalised groups. It usually represents a homogeneous culture and most of the food stalls, etc. are not affordable for everyone.

The minutes of this GBM was shared by the Students’ Union across the students of LSR where in the opinion of the union was cited- “The union expressed that they do not feel appropriate to have Tarang at this point, given that it revolves around a sense of enjoyment by having pro nights and food fests. While going to protest is a choice, by cancelling Tarang – a student body initiative the students have the power to make a huge political statement against what’s happening in the country right now. Furthermore, protest and resistance are not meant to be comfortable and convenient. Students’ Union feels that even if Tarang moulds itself as a way of showing active dissent, it would be an appropriation of the protests happening on the streets in an enclosed safe space”.

The Students’ Union has suggested the release of a poll on the matter so as to collect the general opinion of the student body. However, this too is opposed by many students claiming that polls would fail to collect well-versed opinions. Some also argued that by favouring majority vote, we would be basically “oppressing” the minority, leaving no difference between ourselves and the very government we are opposing.

On an Instagram page “overheardlsr”, multiple anonymous messages were received suggesting that the GBM held by the Students’ Union on this issue was highly biased and appeared to be “threatening” to those who supported the hosting of Tarang. The Students’ Union allegedly seemed judgemental against the performing societies and did not allow easy arguments against their own stance.

Feature Image Credits: DU Beat Archives

Aditi Gutgutia 

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Campus Central

LSR and the Concern of Juxtapose ’19  

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The Annual Academic Meet- Juxtapose’19 to be held on 7th and 8th November 2019 at Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR) was cancelled a day before the event.

The Annual Academic Meet- Juxtapose’19 to be held on 7th and 8th November 2019 at Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR) was cancelled a day before the event.

The Department of Journalism was at the forefront of discussions inside the gates of Lady Shri Ram College for Women since the last week due to concerns centered around the Annual Academic Meet- Juxtapose 2019.
Juxtapose’19- scheduled for 7th November and 8th November 2019, was aimed to be focusing in a quest to engage students in a two-day event raising questions and saving the integrity of Media as a whole. However, the event ceased to face the light of dawn. The reasons behind the cancelling of the event are majorly cited as administrative and departmental glitches and communication gap.
The RnR held in the campus on 8th November 2019 put forth the take of the Department of Journalism which comprised of the President, Treasurer and the General Secretary. The Department Union expressed the incident to be disheartening as it culminated the hard work of 1.5 months. It was said that the proposal for the Academic Meet was not signed, as a result of which-the Union had to wait for long hours for sanctioning of the needful.
The Student Union of the Department admitted the fault on their part of circulating a message which reiterated their concerns, parts of which received backlash. Thereby, a message was issued which mentioned an apology for the manner in which the message was framed and its articulation.

The Organising Committee of Juxtapose released a WhatsApp message which stated that the Principal had not checked the proposal despite frequent visits of the students. However, soon after, the department issued an apology stating that their intention was not to defame their Principal but to bring attention towards their issues.

Another WhatsApp message mentioned that, “We phrased a new theme, reworked a competition, invited another key note speaker, made new trailers for the event, edited the posters and proposals to incorporate the changes. However, at 2.30PM in the afternoon, the students were told that Juxtapose cannot happen since the proposal cannot be signed one day before the event.”

Adequate response could not be gathered from students as one of them responded, “We as a department have decided to be united and have only the union talking about these matters.”

The statement further informed that the Union plans on engaging in a healthy conversation with its faculty to discuss the concerns and to formulate a plan of action in order to ensure that similar incidents do not take place in the department again.  The Union mentioned that a statement would be released soon and did not wish to respond as they mentioned that they are “in the middle of making a plan of action which requires the consensus of the entire department.”
Arpita Chowdhury, first year student pursuing English Honours who witnessed the meeting during the RnR said, “The meeting was fruitful because I wanted to get a clear view of the matter. It was a good idea to clarify on this issue. It also made me come across the proceedings of the college.”

The Department released its official statement on 10th November 2019.

Image Credits: Department of Journalism, LSR Image Caption: Statement released by the Organising Committee of Juxtapose'19 (Part 1)
Image Credits: Department of Journalism, LSR
Image Caption: Statement released by the Organising Committee of Juxtapose’19 (Part 1)
Image Credits: Department of Journalism, LSR Image Caption: Statement released by the Organising Committee of Juxtapose'19
Image Credits: Department of Journalism, LSR
Image Caption: Statement released by the Organising Committee of Juxtapose’19 (Part 2)

A response from the staff and administration is awaited. A General Body Meeting is said to held on 11th November to discuss the matter further.

Feature Image Credits: Career India

Priyanshi Banerjee

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Campus Central

LSR and the Third Eye of CCTV

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The second General Body Meeting (GBM) of Lady Shri Ram College (LSR) held on 26th August 2019, was centred around the college’s decision of installing CCTV cameras on the college campus. Mixed opinions surfaced as the event unfolded.

LSR witnessed the second GBM for the current academic session on 26th August 2019. After receiving great response from students as witnessed in the first GBM which discussed the change in the syllabus and its effects, the second GBM revolved around the recent step of the authorities to “put CCTV cameras in a huge number inside the college spaces”.

The discussion, initiated by the Students’ Union, put into light the issue of installation of CCTV cameras. As the meeting progressed, an enlarged spectrum of opinions was put forth. Two majorly conflicting opinions emerged as we asked the students about their take on the issue.

The first side brings into light the positive aspects which would follow if the college takes the step. This argument was supported as the students talked about the enhanced security and supervision in and around the college. It was further added that the CCTV cameras would reduce underlying violations and, in a way, would establish
transparency. Cameras would also serve as good sources of evidence collection in case of an incident or mishap of a severe turn.

A student who did not wish to be named said, “My first day of college did not turn out to be a delight as I wasn’t informed about the infamous back gate. I do not wish to say what happened but harassment does lurk around the back gate area. I would definitely feel safer if cameras are installed and hence, I support the move.”
Another student from LSR, Arpita, pursuing English Literature, said, “I would say somewhere or the other, students would be agreeing to it, (my remark is) not a direct attack on the facilities of the college, but the hype created for CCTVs is not worth it.” She further added, “Cameras can be used in a strategic manner to take into account the security of the students as well as the faculty, keeping in mind that right to privacy is not curtailed.”

On the other hand, some students did not support the decision of installation as they considered it as an invasion of privacy and not a very viable way of allocating the funds. Royina Chhabra, a first-year student says, “It is quite absurd that the college is concerned more about installing CCTV cameras inside the campus, whereas we all know the back gate is the place which needs more security measures and especially placement of police vans. CCTV cameras are something very secondary and not the need as of now. We have other things to focus on like sports equipment, more chairs, and better infrastructure.”

While we also see a leeway as some students suggest that the installation should be at places which are ‘strategically sound locations’, meaning the locations which walk along the demarcation of privacy and security. “In this way, funds can meet both ends, the near to death, panting fans, and the security concerns, both can be resolved hand in hand,” says a student who wished to remain anonymous.

DU Beat tried reaching out to the Students’ Union and the authorities, but received no response as they state that “matters are underway”. As the GBM progressed, a clear outcome could not be induced. Rather, it was put forth that the upcoming GBM would again draw light upon this very issue. It was further added that a petition or form would be circulated to the students to take into account their mandate. A concrete answer to the question of the conformity of installation of CCTV cameras and its judiciousness remains unanswered.

Feature Image Credits: Lady Shri Ram College Website

Priyanshi Banerjee

[email protected]

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Campus Central

Impact of the Syllabus Controversy on the English Department

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The English Department of the University of Delhi (DU) continues to be negatively affected by the Syllabus Controversy. 

The Executive Council of DU has approved the syllabus for English for the first semester, but this approved syllabus continues to be a mystery for not only the students, but also the professors. In fact, even the Head of the English Department, Professor Raj Kumar has not been made privy to the new syllabus. This continued delay with regard to the syllabus has now moved beyond ideological and ethical debates, and has started to negatively impact the students, causing mass worry and frustration across the University campuses. 

In most colleges, professors have started to teach the first-year students the old syllabus, but they are not sure about whether what they are teaching the first-year students is going to be relevant to them with respect to the upcoming examinations. Priyanshi Banerjee, a first-year student of English at Lady Shri Ram College, said, “No one seems to know anything about the new syllabus and this is causing a lot of problems for us first-years. Examinations are not going to get postponed, but considering the current slow pace of studies I don’t know how we are going to manage to complete our course work.”

Students are not even able to procure the books being taught currently because the bookstores in the college campuses are not stocking them, because of a lack of clarity with respect to the prescribed texts. Shyla Sharma, another first-year student of the English Department, said, “All of us are very anxious. It is very odd for us to see other department’s students going about their course work when we don’t even know what our syllabus is. Even the professors seem upset and lost, and this is causing a lot of confusion. We don’t even have all of our books yet, as we have been told not to buy them. I hope the syllabus is soon released.”

In spite of the mass tension, an academic debate in the midst of the syllabus controversy continues to flourish. Royina Chhabra, a first-year student of the English Department, said, “Restrictions are being put on our academic freedom. We should have a right to study what we want to, especially our history and culture irrespective of whether it is good or bad. How else are we supposed to learn and think for ourselves? This entire controversy is taking a huge toll on our education.” Many students also seem to be specifically upset about the negative debate with respect to the exclusion of the Queer Literature Paper. A first-year student of the English Department, who wanted to remain anonymous, said, “Queerness is a part of our lives. Section 377 no longer criminalises homosexuality, so why is our education system doing so? In fact, I believe that it is the responsibility of our education system to educate people about queerness because most people in India aren’t aware of, or comfortable about it. The fact that our new syllabus is probably going to be politically motivated and authoritarian in nature highly antagonises me.”

The Syllabus Controversy began when right-wing organisations like the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) objected to the English Department for including certain study material relating to caste and gender in the new syllabus. Specifically speaking, they had an issue with the story Manibein alias Bibijaan in which the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bajrang Dal are portrayed negatively, with respect to the 2002 Gujarat riots, and the inclusion of the depiction of Hindu deities in queer literature by taking references from texts like Bhagvath Puran, Sankar Puran, and Shiv Puran. Counter-protests for academic freedom by organisations like the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA), Students’ Federation of India (SFI), All India Students’ Association (AISA), Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS), and Pinjra Tod soon followed, leading to ideological and educational confrontations. This controversy has led to the syllabuses of many subjects not being released, even though the new academic year has already started. 

Feature Image Credits: Sriya Rane for DU Beat

Juhi Bhargava

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DUB News

Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist joins LSR

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The 17-year-old Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Manu Bhaker has secured direct admission at the University of Delhi’s Lady Shri Ram College for Women where she is set to study Bachelor’s in Political Science through the sports quota offered at the University.

Ace shooter Manu Bhaker had applied for admission through the sports quota, enrolling herself for undergraduate education at the University of Delhi.

The University of Delhi is known as one of the finest meeting grounds for sports players from all fields, with a highly competitive spirit present in the space. Extremely qualified sportspersons find the University of Delhi as a ground to open up opportunities for them in activities and academics apart from their areas of expertise in sports.

The University’s guidelines for seeking direct admission under sports quota mention that sportspersons who have represented India in competitions recognized and funded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) will be given Direct Admission without Sports Trial. This includes competitive events such as the Olympics, Paralympics, Commonwealth and Asian Games amongst others.

Bhaker, who is an internationally acclaimed Indian face of shooting has won several awards in and outside India and had also been applauded by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for her feats in shooting.

 

Featured Image Credits- Scroll

 

Amrashree Mishra

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Admissions

Live! DU Releases Fifth Cut-off List

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The University of Delhi has released the fifth cut-off list today on the official website.

The admission under the DU 4th cut-off list ended ended on June 17th. The DU 5th cut-off list will be all about filling the seats in the reserved category in most colleges.

So far, the University has filled 67,419 seats out of the total 62,000. After the release of DU 5th cut-off, the admissions will take place from July 20, which will also be the first day for those who have already completed the admission process.

The candidates should note that this year, the university will notify just five cut-off lists.

Check this space for the latest updates on the fifth cut-off.

Click here to check the fifth cut-off list P.G.D.A.V. (E) College.

Click here to check the fifth cut-off list for Gargi College.

Click here to check the fifth cut-off list for Satyawati College.

Click here to check the fifth cut-off list for Shyam Lal College.

Click below to check the comprehensive fifth cut-off lists:

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Campus Central

DU Alumnus Appointed as World Bank CFO and MD

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Only days after Hon’ble Minister of Finance, Nirmala Sitharaman, an M. Phil in Economics from the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) presented her maiden financial budget successfully, another Economics graduate from the University of Delhi (DU) has been entrusted as the next Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of The World Bank Group, making her the first woman to hold this prestigious post.

Ms. Kant will be responsible for financial and risk management of the World Bank Group, reporting directly to Mr. David Malpass, Group’s President at Washington D.C. Her duties will include risk management and financial reporting and she will work with the bank’s CEO Kristalina Georgieva on mobilization of International Development Association (IDA),  WB and other financial resources.

As a student of the University, Ms. Kant has an Honours degree in Economics from Lady Shri Ram College and a post-graduate degree in Economics as well  from the Delhi School of Economics.

“Anshula brings more than 35 years of expertise in finance, banking, and innovative use of technology through her work as CFO of the State Bank of India,” quotes Mr. Malpass. 

“She’s excelled at a diverse array of leadership challenges including risk, treasury, funding, regulatory compliance and operations. I look forward to welcoming her to our management team as we work to increase our effectiveness in supporting good development outcomes,” he adds further. 

Over her three-decade long service at the State Bank of India (SBI), Kant rose significantly to emerge as the group’s MD by sheer hard work and dedication, as shared by her colleagues. Kant has also served as Chief General Manager of Mumbai SBI and was Deputy MD of Operations for National Banking Group. Appointed as the MD and member of the Board since September 2018, till the date of her superannuation in September 2020, Kant will now join the league of Aparna Subramani, Saroj Kumar Jha, Sumila Gulyani & other qualified Indian officials holding key positions at the IRDB or World Bank. Since 1965, Indians continue to form the tThird largest Ethnic group at the World Bank earning prestige and honor for the Indian soil, and aspiring millions to achieve such big feats. 

Ms. Anjula Kant is a fine paradigm of global Indian women who are excelling at Banking & Economy;, the likes of Arundhati Bhattacharya,  Archana Bhargava, Usha Ananthasubramanian, and Naina Lal Kidwai being some other worthy mentions, adding to the field’s foster for equality of opportunity. 

Ms. Kant is a huge inspiration for many students, especially those of Delhi University who aspire to achieve these great feat. 

Team DU Beat wishes her very best! 

Feature Image Credits: The Economic Times

Md. Faizan Salik

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Admissions

DU Releases Third Cut-off List; Percentage Predicted to See a Marginal Decline

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With less than 20,000 seats left to be filled in the University of Delhi (DU), the principals of colleges affiliated to the varsity said that the cut-offs for admission to courses will see a marginal decline in the third list, on July 7, 2019. According to the data shared by DU, 43,854 admissions have taken place after 778 withdrawals since the beginning of the process. The number of cancellations since the second cut-off stands at 3,082, as reported by India Today.

Check here for live college cut-off updates.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Gargi College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Shaheed Bhagat Singh College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Satyawati College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Shri Ram College of Commerce.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Vivekananda College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Shivaji College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Kirorimal College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Maharaja Agrasen College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Aditi Mahavidyalaya.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Zakir Husain Delhi College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Ramjas College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Jesus and Mary College..

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Janki Devi Memorial College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Shaheed Rajguru College of Applied Sciences for Women.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Mata Sundri College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Miranda House.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Keshav Mahavidyalaya.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for P.G.D.A.V. College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Lady Shri Ram College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Hansraj College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Shyam Lal College.

 

Click below to access the comprehensive third cut-off lists:

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Feature Image Credits: Akarsh Mathur for DU Beat

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Admissions

Chaos at LSR During the Admission Process

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Lady Shri Ram College for Women witnessed long queues during the admissions to first cut-off list due to lack of staff and technical issues. Volunteers played an important role throughout the process.

The corridors of Lady Shri Ram College for Women witnessed chaos and anarchy as students had a hard time during the admission procedure at the first cut off. The students who entered the gates on the first day of announcement of first-cut off list for admission to the college i.e. 28th June 2019 were stuck in the college premises till 8 p.m. after which the college declared that the admission procedure could not be continued. It was also observed that some applicants had to be stay back in the campus till 10 p.m. for completing the admission procedure. Candidates who couldn’t get admitted on the first day were compelled to report the next day and could only get admitted till 6 p.m. on 29th June 2019.

“Lack of proper execution was clearly evident as many students who got their tokens at 11 a.m. were done with the process. On the other hand, those who got their tokens at 9 a.m. kept waiting,” said Manvi Sharma, a student who witnessed the chaos herself.

Lack of staff involved in the admission process and frequent technical setbacks were cited as the primary reasons behind the colossal delay.

The outstation students had to face more problems as many had to search for an accommodation. Many missed their flights and trains, thereby obstructing their schedules. Leha, an applicant who resides in Greater Noida said, “My home is two hours away from the college. It’ll be extremely late when I reach home. The college must adhere to these issues while executing the admission procedure.

Parents had to wait for long hours which led to skirmishes between them and the administration. Rakhi, a parent who was present on the first day of admissions said, “My ward got her college enrollment form at 11 a.m. and was not able to get her admission formalities completed till 8 p.m. It was only the next day when the parents put forth their grievances, that the college followed a proper system.”

The volunteers were seen patient throughout the process. They addressed the grievances and assured both the applicants and their parents that the admissions would be completed at the earliest.

It is expected that the second cut off would unfold in a less chaotic manner unlike the first day of the verification process

Feature Image Credits: DU Beat Archives

Priyanshi Banerjee

[email protected]

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