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Natural Selection: Unpacking Diversity in DU Societies

By DU Beat May 24, 2023

Student societies are a quintessential part of Delhi University. DU is a melting pot of cultures, but can the same be said about its societies? This is an attempt at examining student-run societies through the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity) Lens.

Delhi University continues to be known as a hub of academic excellence and scholastic development. Equally popular and beloved is the vibrant extracurriculars and co-curricular scene at the University. The idea of ‘Learning beyond the classroom’ is on the rise, and college student-run societies are the perfect playing ground for students looking to explore diverse passions. Be it the sharp-witted eloquence of Debating Societies, the dynamic hubbub of Dramatics Societies, or the intellectually-stimulating discussions of academic societies, most colleges offer students a wide range of options to choose from.

Delhi University is a popular destination for students from not just all parts of the country but abroad as well. DU is always scoring points for diversity within its student and staff bodies – whether this is tokenistic or empowering remains to be seen. While academic spaces have thrown their doors open for all individuals irrespective of their backgrounds, the same cannot be said about activities outside the classroom. Student-run societies, clubs, and cells are often ridden with elitism, bigotry, and toxicity.

Bade Log Societies

With several societies (numbers going as high as 50+) jostling for space, funds, and popularity within the college, insurmountable hierarchies are established and meaningful change seems improbable. In an already elitist university, some societies project themselves as top-tier owing to their legacy, work, or alumni. The rivalry between newly minted clubs and age-old soc machinery with admin backing is a familiar scene. This essentially pits creative pursuits like dance, drama, or music against co-curricular ones like economics, political science, or consulting. The never-ending battle for supremacy is won semester after semester on metrics like the number of students joining a society or the grandeur of its annual fest.

Despite their goals to be safe spaces for one to explore their passions and interest, entry into these societies is quite similar to the race for meeting the sky-high cut-offs of the ‘dream colleges’ in DU. Starry-eyed freshers flock to orientations that promise them riches in the form of self-development, CV pointers, and a second family. Societies battle for prime-time slots and locations to conduct these orientations – while some can book the air-conditioned seminar hall or provide refreshments (as bribery perhaps), others are stuck discussing their activities in sun-beaten lawns.

Turns out the seminar room was booked two months in advance for orientation by 5-6 societies. We didn’t even know when the new batch would be coming in.

– Secretary of a student club.

Equity – A Level Playing Field?

These societies are characterised by rigorous application processes involving elements like group discussions, personal interviews, research tasks, and auditions. More often than not, those with a certain level of pre-existing expertise in the field have the upper hand. Students from privileged, high-income, English-speaking backgrounds have a clear edge over their peers from marginalised sections. Tier 1 societies in colleges are often crowded with students who had access to private schooling or have connections and money for societies to exploit.

Also, applications often open around the same time, bombarding freshers with countless options and hollow promises. Societies that were set up to provide solace from academic rigour and a space to unwind, end up becoming a key source of frustration. A student’s worth which was earlier measured in marks and percentages is now linked with the societies or extracurriculars they choose to pursue.

I think getting into SRCC was easier than making into its societies. I would rather get 99% in boards than sit through another GD.

– a frustrated first-year from SRCC.

Diversity

With ‘woke’ culture and progressive and liberal ideas on the rise, these societies are quick to join the bandwagon. Competitions and discussions on topics like women empowerment, queer solidarity, tackling casteism, and body positivity are popular. However, the irony lies when one takes a cursory glance at the organisers of such events – upper class, high-income and privileged. Authentic representation takes a tumble when societies erect entry barriers for minority students.

“Galore – the fashion society, has a narrow view when it comes to selecting candidates – thin, tall, and fair. I find this funny since every event of theirs focuses on body image and body positivity.” – a student of Maitreyi College calls out the double standard of DU Fashion Societies.

The recent transphobia incident at Mark-It, the marketing society Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Student also raised outrage and questions about the lack of queer representation within the society which allowed such an event to transpire.

Even when entry is granted, non-confirming thinkers are ostracised and targeted. Group think and bias are widely prevalent with juniors acting as ‘Yes-Men’ for seniors.

“Debating allows you to express your opinions. However, I was actively discouraged and shunned from putting forward views which went against those of the Society President. This was especially sad seeing that it was a Debsoc.” – a student recounting her time at Trenchant, the English Debating Society, Maitreyi College.

Often students from South-Indian and North-East states have to deal with microaggressions or blatant discrimination from seniors and peers within these societies.

Inclusivity – The Way Ahead

After repeated call-outs and introspection, societies are acknowledging their shortcomings and working towards creating diverse and inclusive spaces. Open societies are such a step where everyone, irrespective of experience is granted entry and collaborative learning is pursued. Proactive changes to the induction and cabinet election processes have done small but meaningful wonders.

We recently had our executive council elections and the council also holds reserved seats for caste and gender minorities. In our soc, we have people from several different backgrounds, even people from non-English medium backgrounds who have unique ideas, and with debating are also honing their English skills

– A First-year member of The Debating Society, DCAC talks about inclusivity within the collegiate debating circuit.

Experiences vary across societies and colleges. Ultimately it is the student body, POR holders, and TICs who can create and incorporate mechanisms to tackle elitism. Age-old restrictive practices need to be done away with and massive structural upheaval is necessary. DU societies should actively reflect the rich diversity of its student body. There is much ground to cover ahead but the power to create sincere change lies with every student interacting with these societies in any capacity.

Featured Image Credits: Dramsoc SRCC Instagram

Bhavya Nayak

Of Students and Study Materials: Exploring DU’s Readings Market

By DU Beat May 19, 2023

How the inexpensive readings market of DU becomes a student’s saviour, from course textbooks to previous years’ papers.

After watching hundreds of videos on “a day in the Life of a Delhi University Student”, when the freshers finally enter the campus, realizing the necessity to survive such an academically rigorous structure takes its most miniature form – the study material. Kamala Nagar, Delhi School of Economics, Patel Chest, Satya Niketan, or Tilak Nagar – something that they all share in common apart from their bustling food corners and hundreds of students crowding in lines is that all of these places and many more, provide the much-needed gear up for every student panic-stricken with approaching exams. We are talking about the readings!

Notes, readings and study materials form the crux of studying in an institution like DU, where the curriculum prescribes textbooks and references of numerous national and international writers. This is where such complexes step in and act as the “friend indeed” to thousands of students, providing all reading material at heavily slashed prices. Some of these work factorially and produce appropriate study material, handpicking readings from various authors and bringing statistics, factual information, research papers, archives, essays, and even photocopied versions of expensive branded textbooks – all into a thick bound spiral.

Opting for History as a Generic Elective means reading essays from about ten historians in a single unit. Instead of looking for them all over the internet, it is extremely comfortable to purchase the readings from DSE (Delhi School of Economics) at a price much more affordable than what costs for actually buying the prescribed textbooks.

said Janhavi, a second-year student from Ramjas College.

Delhi School of Economics has transformed into a hub catering to all the students completely dependent on notes and reading material because of their low attendance in classes due to ECA or internships. From Commerce to Economics and from History to Political Science, you can get neatly catalogued readings for every course at the cheapest possible rate. The photocopy lane at Patel Chest consists of dedicated stores providing readings specific to colleges like SRCC or St. Stephen’s, as well as course-specific bindings.

Another such place that has garnered a monopoly over students’ textbooks, reference books, as well as competitive manuals, is Bookland – now a major textbooks brand in the Kamala Nagar market. The bookshop has a partnership with Shivdas and Worldview, two leading publishing companies dominating the market of textbooks prescribed under the University of Delhi’s curriculum as well as the previous years’ question papers for the majority of the courses the varsity offers, supporting a large DU-centric audience. Worldview publishers have entirely monopolized the varsity’s English literature syllabi and keep publishing texts with supportive critical essays authored by academic scholars and professors proficient in the area, along with detailed background information about each of them. Be it William Shakespeare’s Macbeth or Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, they have got you covered. With hawk eyes on any changes in the curriculum, the company makes sure to provide the amended material from the subsequent academic session. Shivdas’ previous years’ question papers cater to nearly all the courses and are bought by students preparing for their exams looking for glimpses of expected questions along with their solutions.

While the offline readings market makes everything affordable and readily available, the Undergraduate study material of the varsity’s School of Open Learning is a priced possession not just for the students enrolled at the SOL, but also those pursuing the offered courses from other regular colleges. Prepared by qualified academicians of the SOL, online notes have proved to be a boon for students of Commerce, Political Science, BA Programme, Economics and English, spanning and serving everything the students need to study in just one PDF file. Clearly, it is a thesaurus since it is available to access free of cost and has become so reliable amongst the students that a day when the SOL website went dysfunctional sent chills down the spines of the stakeholders.

Thus, a discussion of DU’s reading market leads us to a common ground of similarity to its quarters – the affordability that it dispenses which makes it easier for students to manage their academic expenses along with their usual budget. While we get readings and question papers at a cheaper price, it is evident and rather important to interrogate the ethical immorality that much of this market substrates upon. Neglecting copyright regulations and editing out research credits from the material highlights that quality education gained from the readings of renowned authors is sold at the stake of honesty and ethical obligations. This leads us to juggle with the idea of how much plagiarism and research denouncement are negotiable for the sake of affordable learning. What becomes important for university education – is it the benefit of the student body for cheaper resources or crediting the work of academics, critics, and scholars who have prepared it after years of assessment?

Image credits: So City

Aryan Vats

Delhi University Students Organize a Protest Against Attack on Tribal Students on Campus

By DU Beat May 14, 2023

Delhi University students organized a protest in the Delhi School of Economics against the recent violence and attack on tribal students in North Campus. The attack on the students was an extension of the crisis in Manipur. With the protest, the students tried to initiate important discourses around mental health, student safety, women’s safety, xenophobia and various other sensitive issues that affect tribal students on campus.

On 12^th May, students of the University organized a protest at the Delhi School of Economics to spread awareness about the attack on tribal students in North Campus that took place the previous week. As inter-community violence grips Manipur, even those living away from home are constantly tormented by the possibility of being attacked. Last week, a group of Kuki students were reportedly attacked by a group of around 30 students who identified themselves as belonging to the Meitei community. The victims were followed as they left a prayer meeting near Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute in North Campus. The women were pushed and the men were beaten up. The incident has left tribal students across the university concerned about their safety.

During the attack, women were molested and threatened to be raped. The men were badly beaten up. They have sustained injuries and have scars all over. They are traumatized. Delhi University is a campus for all students. But being tribals, we do not feel safe anymore even on campus

– a participant who wishes to remain anonymous

The protest was an attempt to create a space in which tribal students could express themselves freely and be part of a larger community of students with shared experiences. Students gathered near the Ratan Tata Library at the Delhi School of Economics and expressed their concerns, fears and experiences with one another. Students from different colleges, across the university joined in. The participants spoke about the trauma that tribal students have been experiencing and pointed out that there is a general atmosphere of fear that has affected not only the victims of the attack but all tribal students from Manipur. One of the speakers pointed out that earlier, students would stay out and study in libraries till 2 a.m. in the morning. However, after the crisis unfolded in Manipur, many fear even going outdoors. Such an atmosphere of hostility is hardly conducive to academic growth. It was repeatedly stated that although the situation in Manipur is deeply disturbing, it is important to ensure that what happens in Manipur, stays in Manipur and does not culminate into further violence outside the state.

We are really concerned about the safety of tribal students here. On the night of 4^th May, there was a mob attack on Kuki students by the other community which we vehemently condemn. We should not be against each other. This is an academic space and we need a peaceful space to progress in our academic career.

– Mr. Haokip, a research scholar at the university

Many of the students were concerned about the impact of the traumatic incidents on their academic life as they are in the middle of their semester exams. Reportedly, many tribal students have been experiencing cyberbullying on social media platforms for being vocal about the crisis in Manipur. They have been receiving death threats and rape threats for their social media posts on Manipur. The victims of the attack and those who have received online threats have become so paranoid that they could not bring themselves to join the protest. One of the participants spoke to DU Beat about the online harassment, transphobic and homophobic slurs that they have been enduring ever since the violence unfolded in Manipur. They further elaborated upon the systematic oppression and xenophobia that tribals experience in Manipur.

Growing up in Imphal, we were used to people calling us (the Kuki people) illegal Burmese immigrants. At school, we were bullied and shamed for our tribal identity. We are mocked a lot for reservations as well.

DU Beat approached multiple stakeholders to include their experiences and insights. However, owing to the matter’s sensitivity, many were uncomfortable speaking openly about it and declined our request for interviews. Nonetheless, the participants at the protest made their demands. Overall, the gathering was a peaceful one.

We would like to put out the message that we all are here for progress. During my 5-year study in DU, I have never felt unsafe. But now, even though I am not a victim myself, I have to constantly look over my shoulder after that incident. We are here to protest against the attack. We are not here to target any community, but simply demand that the culprits are arrested.

– Another participant who wishes to remain anonymous.

Image Credits: Tulip Banerjee for DU Beat

Tulip Banerjee

Demand Raised for Permanent Principal in SBSEC (Evening)

By DU Beat May 11, 2023

A section of Delhi University’s Executive and Academic Council members have demanded the appointment of a permanent principal at Shaheed Bhagat Singh College (Evening) and have halted teachers’ interviews until the need is met.

Professor Arun Kumar Attree, principal of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College (Morning) has been the ‘acting principal’ of the Evening college since December 2022. Several teachers from Delhi University’s Executive and Academic Council penned a letter to the Vice Chancellor, Yogesh Singh recently on Sunday, 7^th May 2023 demanding the recruitment of a permanent principal at the evening college claiming that such a temporary arrangement for a full-fledged working college goes against the “ethos and practised norms of the university.”

The letter also highlighted that the staff association is deeply concerned about the future of the college as the “incumbent principal in collaboration with governing body chairman has been instrumental in displacing a large number of experienced teachers from the morning college in a recently held recruitment.”

The letter also requests for upholding the “university ordinance” and appointing the senior-most professor of the college as the acting principal unless the permanent principal is recruited. While citing that no major efforts were made to fill the vacancy for a year, it appeals for a speedy recruitment process and the halting of all faculty recruitment interviews unless the permanent principal is appointed in the “larger interest of the institution and the genuine demand of the staff association.”

As DU Beat ventures to converse with students at Shaheed Bhagat Singh College (Evening), we find out that the agitation among the staff circle has not affected student forums in the college much. A student of B.A. Programme at Shaheed Bhagat Singh College (Evening) who wishes to remain anonymous alleges that the appointment of Professor Attree as the acting principal has “significantly improved” the condition of the evening college- in terms of academics and infrastructure in a matter of four months.

Whenever I have sought help from Professor Attree, I have found immediate action. Previously, under the former principal, my classes were irregular, our teachers would sometimes be unwilling to take classes and only 4-5 students would come. Professor Attree looked into that and placed strict attendance rules due to which 40-50 students come for evening classes without fail now. Not only that, he has revamped the washrooms, improved the library seating, made the evening timings for the library more flexible, and initiated building lifts in the college while also making sure the sincerity of teachers and students in taking regular classes. I am very satisfied with him being the acting principal of the evening college — a student at Shaheed Bhagat Singh College who wishes to remain anonymous.

As claimed by the students, in general they are facing no discrepancies in their academic schedule caused by the conflicts against the position. However, there is no clarity as to why the senior-most professor of the college was not appointed as the acting principal on the retirement of the former permanent principal, Dr. S.K. Sinha and instead, Professor Attree was chosen. Most students allege that Professor Attree in spite of being “burdened” with additional responsibilities of the Evening college has done an exemplary job compared to his predecessor.

This rising demand among the teachers could be a political agenda and even personal motives could be involved. The students in general do not support the removal of Professor Attree –a student activist at Shaheed Bhagat Singh College (Evening) allegedly claims.

The appointment of a permanent principal at the college has become a burning issue within the forum and needs urgent attention from necessary authorities to resolve it in due time in order to preserve the educational integrity and progression of such a reputed South Campus institution.

Featured Image Credits: Shiksha.com

Priyanka Mukherjee

Top Picks

The Third Act: Convenor Denies the Allegations of the Senior Members

By Ankita Baidya May 6, 2023

The third-year students of The Third Act had claimed to have faced abuse by the convenor. However, the convenor denies the allegations and claims their disorderly behaviour was the reason for their suspension.

The recent events that took place in the dramatics society of Satyawati College spurred a row of accusations. In a conversation with the convenor, the professor informed that the college has not done anything. The third-year students have made a huge issue, which was not supposed to be, and due to the ruckus they created, they had to be suspended from the society.

The professor went on to inform us that the letter that was sent to the students, talked about the indiscipline that they created. He explained that due to the news that went up one-sided, the college has asked the students for clarification on the irregularities that have occurred in the dramatics society. The college has asked both the students and the convenor to respond to the same.

The chats that have taken place between the students, as claimed by the professor, has addressed the professor in a disrespectful manner by using only his first name. The professor also asserted that nobody has done anything with them. Just a disciplinary action has been taken against the third-years.

The students have claimed that they have been tortured and what not but nothing of that sort ever happened. Rather, there are chats where they have been completely disrespectful towards the teacher (me).

-Convenor, The Third Act

Further, the professor has informed us that The Third Act page on Instagram is being run by a pass-out student, Nikhil Pandey. The admin was changed a few days ago after the fiasco erupted. Moreover, according to the professor, the letter-head that the students are using is not the correct one. The name ‘The Third Act’ is also not verified by the council yet, though the name was given by the convenor and a few other teachers in 2014-15. Before that, the name was ‘Sarang Natya Samiti.’ Back then, as claimed, the professors were new appointees and were not aware that the name must be verified by the council. Now the students are using a letter-head that is not verified by the college and it also consists of a contact of a student who is not even in the society.

The third-years are also claiming that they are being suspended from the college and they would be barred from sitting for the exams. However, as the convenor claimed, they have been suspended from the society only and nothing else.

According to the convenor, the cybercrime that the third years are claiming is not from the professor’s tenure. All of this came to light only after the students were suspended. When the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) came to the convenor, it was signed by the students. The professor explained to them then that whatever they are doing might result in criminal offences and in the future, they should not indulge in anything of this sort.

As claimed by the convenor, the students tried to physically assault a second-year student. The convenor was an eye-witness, along with other two teachers. After the incident, they lodged a formal complaint.

I decided to suspend the students, which is my constitutional right as the students went against the disciplinary rules. Also, this suspension does not jeopardize their career, they have been simply suspended from the society.

-Convenor, The Third Act

The professor went on to explain about the Rs. 8000 that has been taken from the college. He said that if the amount belongs to the college, even if any crime has taken place, it must be returned to the college. It is a government fund and it needs to be returned, no matter what.

The professor also claimed that irregularities in the bills have been found. The society went on to get clearance for a bill in Bihar in the accounts section without the prior knowledge of the convenor. They also went on for a competition in Chandigarh without informing the teachers. Moreover, claims of bills of November 2022 have been manipulated and are being shown in 2023. The convenor also claimed that there was a bill of Rs.7385 (approx.) of Muzaffarpur which is apparently a fraud. The bill is of a shop that belongs to one of the students. According to him, the advance bill settlement application is dated 23 March 2023 and 24 March 2023 but the bill submitted by the students is also dated 23 March 2023, which made the authorities raise an eyebrow. He also said that the students had gotten money sanctioned for the costumes and since those costumes belong to the college, they are supposed to be in the college to which negligence was shown.

Given the situation that the students were going to go in five days and I thought of doing something that would not be harmful for the students so I defunct the entire society. I did not even bother about the bills and finances initially but when they start misbehaving, I asked for the bills and then the irregularities in finances were realized.

-Convenor, the Third Act

Moreover, according to him the students issued MOU with the president’s signature, that too a scanned copy which is wrong and is supposed to be signed only by higher authorities. All in all, he claimed that the irregularities in the funds of the society made by the students are being highlighted because of their own actions. The college called the senior members on 4 May 2023 for clarifications on the matter. However, according to the convenor, the students did not come. Professor informed us that the students would be sent another notice in regard to the same.

Featured Image Credits: satyawati.du.ac.in

Ankita Baidya

Arts & Culture

Oh Lal Chutney Waale, Apni Degree to Bata

By DU Beat May 4, 2023

This article adds to the buzz and discussion surrounding the “degree-walas”- the graduates who have been taking not only social media but also the street food industry by storm.

“Graduation ke baad college ke bahar momos ka stall kholenge” (after graduation we’ll open a momos stall outside college) and “Yaar maggi wale bhaiya kitna kamate honge?” (how much do you think the maggi seller earns) are just a few of the many statements that define a college student, particularly one unsure of what the future holds. For most of us, they are merely a lighthearted escape from the constant degree and college slander and are not intended to be taken seriously. These statements, casually thrown around in after-class conversations, are among the many promises that are made and buried over the course of a degree. But much like how some are able to finally turn their Goa and Manali trips into reality, some capably materialise this as well. I dived into writing this piece without realising the commonality of what I was writing about. It turns out that the relationship between rigorous academic degrees and simplistic street food is more ubiquitous than one would have thought.

From MBA Chaiwala to B.tech Panipuri wali, recently it has been quite hard to overlook viral videos on social media wherein fancy degree holders are venturing into classic street food businesses with an added touch of their own. From fire kulhad pizzas to comforting rajma-chawal, there is something for everyone!

Most recent is the virality of Tapsi Upadhyay, a 21-year-old engineering student who captured the attention of food enthusiasts by giving the beloved panipuri (I prefer the term golgappe) a healthier spin. With “air-fried” pani puri and “organic” tamarind and jaggery sauces, she started her business to contribute to a ‘Swasth Bharat’. As much as one could concur our nonchalance towards “healthy” street food, the idea appears to be working for her. Within just 6 months of operations, her team has been able to expand to four carts at multiple locations across Delhi. However, internet users’ reactions to a video detailing her inspiration and hardships, which has gained over 13 million views on Instagram, have been conflicted.

“Hats off that she is doing everything it takes to be her own boss and being financially independent.”- an Instagram user

“A degree doesn’t guarantee a good job with good living standards. Good to see she started something of her own. All the best to her.” – said another user on social, complimenting the business

On the flip side of the coin, a small part of users have also been vocal about this apparent misdirection.

“Not demeaning anyone but can’t understand why people after doing a good education start street food and term it as entrepreneurship. After completing B.Tech one should think of new technology and innovation rather than selling street food.” – a third user on Instagram

“Wearing a cap is cool but wearing a helmet is a taboo.” – remarked another person in reference to “Panipuriwali” being spotted driving a Royal Enfield Bullet without a helmet.

Snippet from the viral video showing B.Tech panipuri riding a bike with her pani puri stall attached behind, Image Credits: @are_you_hungry007 on Instagram

The tags such businesses possess, which undoubtedly attract intrigue and help with fame, may sometimes have a hint of clickbait as well. For instance, when one hears of MBA Chaiwala, they would inadvertently think of somebody who after slogging for a degree they have no interest in, spent years in the tortuous corporate sector only to realise their true love for making and selling chai. However, the idea simply developed from a rejection from the three-lettered dream college franchise of many graduates. So maybe, if you are looking for a sign to “follow your passion” AFTER doing an MBA, this might not be the best one.

But it goes without saying that one would question how these individuals break free from the shackles of log kya kahenge? (what would people say?) More specifically, why would they need to?

For starters, the ‘hustle culture’ is a term with exceedingly mixed opinions and something that most university students unwittingly fall victim to. However, Indore-born student Ajay is a true example of what grit and perseverance are all about. He sets out at night with “Indore’s first chai on wheels” in the hopes of selling his “Cycle-wali-chai” and making enough money to pay for his coaching, education, and a comfortable sustenance.

Ajay sells tea at night to pay for coaching classes, Image Source: The Indian Express

For others, it might be about embracing the entrepreneurial spirit and the startup wave India takes immense pride in. In an exclusive conversation with DU Beat, Prasenjit Bhowmick talked about his inspiration to work on ‘Engineer Momowala’.

“I always wanted to be in the IT department but my parents forced me to go into mechanical. But I started learning about things like web development and government documentation from YouTube so I could work in a real estate company. But the turning point was when I realised that if I could help a company go from a shuttered office to 8 branches in a single city in just 10 months, then why couldn’t I build a successful company of my own?”

For a Bangalore couple that went viral for reportedly earning 12 lakhs a day, ’Samosa Singh’ was about owning something of their own and possessing the desire to take it to newer heights. Transitioning from high-paying jobs and selling their apartment to build the company further must not have been the easiest of tasks, but their love and devotion towards samosas and its “reclamation of the rightful place among Indian snacks” got them where they are- a company with an annual turnover of 45 crore rupees.

People jumping on this bandwagon might also be doing so as a means of escaping the grind of a 9–5 job. With India recently becoming the most populous country (yes,that day has finally arrived and no, it’s not 2030 yet) and job seekers outnumbering quality job openings, this could offer significant respite from the dearth of employment opportunities in a highly competitive economy. This is what was experienced by Priyanka Gupta, a 25-year-old economics graduate from Bihar, who became Patna’s ‘Chaiwali’ after failing to crack bank examinations for two years. Being a student of economics myself, I would understand the need to do away with the quantitative distress the degree unfurls on you (smiles painfully), but starting a ‘tapri’ of your own is harder than it sounds.

“I went to different banks and asked for a PM Mudra Loan, but they refused. Finally, after running around for one and a half months, I borrowed 30,000 from a college friend.” – Priyanka Gupta, ‘Graduate Chaiwali’

Lastly, I wonder if the fame and existence of such ventures is short-lived. With over 50 million videos across social media, are these only for a one-time experience and places restricted to a couple of Instagram stories and reels? I wonder if we are responsible for over-popularizing them, it is after all just chai and samosa.

Featured Image Credits: Hindustan Times

Manvi Goel
[email protected]

Features

SSCBS Mark-It: Devil’s Advocate or Blatant Transphobia?

By Sanika Singh May 3, 2023

The following piece may be upsetting for some readers. T.W. transphobia, queerphobia, hate speech, suicide, mental illness

From April 24–25, Mark-It, the marketing society of Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies (SSCBS), organised their flagship event, Excelsior 2023. A case study round within one of the competitions, unabashedly and arrogantly titled ‘Unscripted and Unapologetic’, saw the platforming of blatant transphobia and hate speech.

Self-described as “one of the best marketing societies across the DU Circuit,” SSCBS’ Mark-It is known for its annual flagship event, Excelsior—a national-level marketing cum management conclave that brings 10,000+ college students together to participate in events such as Best Manager, HR-PR, Corporate Strategy, and Marketers. This year’s Excelsior featured a similar host of events. However, it was a case study round, based on the Mr. Beast, Chris Tyson, and SunnyV2 controversy, organised on the first day of HR-PR, April 24, that crossed all boundaries of what may be deemed responsible or ethical.

Explaining the SunnyV2 Controversy

For the sake of context, it is important to consider what the original social media controversy was about. Jimmy Donaldson, or MrBeast, is an American internet personality and YouTube tycoon who is regarded as the largest individual creator on the platform and known for his boisterous and over-the-top challenge and stunt videos. His videos feature a crew of friends, of which Chris Tyson was to be the unfortunate victim of this controversy.

A childhood friend of Jimmy’s, Chris Tyson, went through a series of very personal matters that were brought out and scrutinised publicly, including their marriage and separation from fellow influencer Katie Tyson. In April 2023, they announced on Twitter that they had been undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and that it had “saved their life.”

The announcement was met with some support, but as is the case with the Internet, there was no dearth of transphobic backlash. Bigoted remarks and comments attacked Chris’ feminine appearance and went so far as to question their ability to parent their young son. However, the most divisive hate came in the form of a video by YouTuber SunnyV2, titled “Why Chris Will Soon Be A Nightmare For MrBeast”, in which the creator made the outlandish claim that Chris’ gender transition was going to negatively affect MrBeast’s channel performance. The video served to fuel much of the transphobic abuse that had already been hurled at Chris across all platforms, but somehow provided a uniquely insensitive take on the situation by dehumanising and reducing Chris to a mere content prop in MrBeast’s videos.

This video was met with sharp criticism as MrBeast himself took to Twitter to call out the transphobia of the video and state that Chris is his “friend and not a nightmare.” Many others commented across social media platforms to defend Chris too.

The Case Study Round

Back to the story. The case study round organized by SSCBS’ Mark-It introduced this controversy and asked the participants to create a 3-minute response video as SunnyV2, addressing the criticisms and accusations that the creator’s video had faced. Shockingly, the brochure explaining the task at hand read,

“Your response should not be thoughtful, respectful, and inclusive. Promotion of intolerance and misunderstanding towards the LGBTQ+ community should be the goal.”

In the name of being “unscripted and unapologetic,” Mark-It thus blatantly asked participants to make a hate speech video that would defend the deplorable actions of an online creator that had directed transphobic abuse against an innocent trans person. Whether this was a convoluted attempt to challenge contestants to play devil’s advocate or something more malicious, the end result was utterly reprehensible and dangerous for the college environment.

A Participant’s Account

In conversation with DU Beat, Sanya (name changed for the sake of anonymity), a participant in the event, shared the traumatising experience of having to sit through such a competition.

“I felt taken aback. We had to make a video, and the criteria was that we had to be hateful, that you shouldn’t be respectful towards the LGBTQIA+ community. At first, we thought that maybe we had not read it properly and maybe there was a catch. We read it twice, thrice, 4 times, and we realised that this was something we cannot do. This was not even about being comfortable or uncomfortable; it was about our integrity as people.”

– participant in the case study round

Sanya and her teammate approached the organisers with their concerns, asking the team to change the topic or scrap the round, or else they were going to walk out. They were first met with the direct response to walk out, but later offered the option of making a simple apology video that was not hostile in nature.

The team decided to walk out. Much to their and our horror, they were the only team of the 28 total participants to do so. The rest of the teams continued to make the video without opposition in the name of “completing the task at hand.”

Assessing the Repercussions

The immediate repercussions of the competition were felt after Sanya’s team walked out, and the news that such events had transpired was found by queer cells and collectives of different colleges. The Queer Straight Alliance (QSA) members of SSCBS themselves came to know about this through external sources.

“It was very upsetting and regretful for us to hear, especially because we were being informed of this by another QC (queer collective). The person who had approached us was very triggered; they raised their concerns about what could be done. We were really shocked that a college society would actually do something like this.”

– anonymous member of the SSCBS Queer Straight Alliance

People have voiced concerns about the long-term impact that such an event is likely to have and how it reflects on the college environment’s inclusivity. The display of such explicit malice and hatred against the queer community is highly alarming. Further, the fact that it was legitimised all in the name of breaking boundaries and doing things out of the box, really raises a question about the levels that college societies are ready to stoop to. Mark-It, through its actions, has made an utter mockery of the real-life experiences and trauma that LGBTQIA+ individuals must go through on a daily basis.

Beyond the ignorance and hatred of a few bigoted transphobes, what is even more astonishing is that an entire society deliberated and decided upon such an event. Many have accordingly questioned how such a case study competition came to see the light of day in the first place.

“Having made a lot of case study competitions myself, I know that there is a proper thought process that you put in for a month. There’s a whole team that sits to understand the case, make the case, and make multiple drafts which are seen by seniors and others. So, this wasn’t a silly mistake that a few people could’ve made. It never goes like that. It’s always that the whole society knows what’s going on.”

– anonymous student at SSCBS

Members of QSA alleged that much of Mark-It’s initial responses claimed the rhetoric of them being “mediators who are just giving a platform” and “not taking any side because we are all educated enough to know what’s right or wrong.” Mark-It has since responded by saying that this was “an independent statement made on WhatsApp by a participant.” Statements like these, regardless of who make them, fail to take into account is that some issues cannot have a neutral stance. If the question is between basic human rights and dignity for a community and the lack thereof, there is no middle ground that can be found. Actions like such propagate the platforming of hate and transphobia without any recognition of the scale and magnitude of harm they may have caused—not just to a queer person who may have participated and felt highly triggered by the content of the competition, but to each and every queer person on the college campus who will feel infinitely more unsafe amid the prevalence and normalisation of transphobia.

Actions Taken

Following conversations that reportedly involved the faculty, members of Mark-It, and the QSA, an apology was issued to all participants and the QSA. The apology to QSA assured “remedial/redressal measures,” which included a public apology on Mark-It’s Instagram handle, a team meeting to address the issue, and promises to institute a “regular sensitivity training mechanism” and “a representative equity cell within the society.” The letter also said that the society plans on “keeping TICs in loop and having all cases vetted by them,” since allegedly that was not the case this time. An apology issued to all participants informed them that the case-study round had been scrapped and the evaluation process of that round had been halted permanently.

However, the briefness of the public apology, as well as the lack of mention of the events that had actually transpired, really bring into question the sincerity of the gesture. To quote one of the comments on the Instagram post, the tone was that of a “ChatGPT apology” and felt more performative than heartfelt. People in the comments section also pointed out that the damage had already been done in terms of making the campus space dangerous and unsafe for queer individuals. No number of hollow words or apologies can undo systematic propagation of queerphobic hatred.

It takes a lot of mental gymnastics to call yourself an ally and profess that it goes against the value of the organization, considering that the decision to make the study and go forward with this task wasn’t taken in a silo, without any chance or scrutiny by others, be it at the time of ideation or the event run.”

– read one of the comments on Mark-It’s apology post

A History of Problematic Behaviour?

Sources have alleged a history of problematic behaviour by the marketing society Mark-It, claiming that events held in the past have involved themes of slavery, objectification of women, etc. There were also reports of another horrifying round in the competitions held during Excelsior 2023. Allegedly, the event involved a case study or situation-based competition inspired by the tragic Burari deaths case from 2018, involving the mass suicide of eleven family members of the Chundawat family. Grotesque paper cut-outs of humans were hung from the ceiling to represent the situation, along with religious iconography scattered across the room to represent some of the ritualistic details of the original case. Despite the availability of photographic evidence, not all of these claims could be verified. Any updates on the story will be taken up and reported by DU Beat.

Featured image credits: shiksha.com

Sanika Singh

The Third Act Seniors Accuse the Convenor, Students Deny the Allegations

By Ankita Baidya May 2, 2023

The third-year members of The Third Act have accused their society convenor of displaying atrocious behaviour. However, the other students of the college deny the allegations and claim the accusations to be false. Read ahead to find out more.

The third-year students of dramatics society of Satyawati College, The Third Act, have alleged that they have been facing an “atrocious behaviour” for the past couple of months. They have claimed that their convenor has been bullying them and the professor’s behaviour has gotten intolerable. The students have reported that they have been accused of financial frauds and have been threatened to be sent to jail. The students have further added that their convenor has asserted to shut the society as he wants everything to run according to him. Further, it has been claimed that a threat to fail the said students in their respective internals has been given by the convenor of the society. The students have reported that the reason behind the failure to organise their annual fest, “Pravaaz,” was because the convenor did not sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). He was not present during the proposed dates and denied to take any responsibility for it, and did not assign any other teacher in-charge. It has been asserted that the convenor has been verbally abusing the students and has threatened to send letters to the parents of the students due to the behaviour displayed by them. However, the latter has rejected such an assertion against them. The third-year students have informed that the convenor has not held any formal meeting and whenever the former went for the same, they were always asked to sit in the Staff Room Lawns where rather than discussing important matters, they wasted 4-5 hours listening to their convenor’s personal stories.

The students have alleged that any decision in the college must pass through the Principal and the AO. However, the students have been suspended from their society at their convenor’s discretion and the latter can run the society as he wishes to while taking the juniors along with him for the same.

The third-year students have lodged a formal complaint against their convenor with the principal. However, they have been dismissed. Further, on knowing about the complaint, the third-year students asserted that the convenor called for a meeting with the second-year students and pressurised the first-year students for the same. It is alleged that the convenor had asked the first-year students to take back their signatures and pin everything on the third-year students. Moreover, the third years have claimed that their convenor made the second-year students sit with the first-year students to keep a check if the latter were recording him threatening them. The third-year students have put out a post on their Instagram handle calling out the entire incident and asking for help.

We seek only one thing and that is the removal of Dr. Pandey as our convenor. We will take legal action if college authorities don’t help us. We have been suspended without any reason and he is threatening our Juniors that he will debar us from college. He has threatened us that he will send letters to our parents. He is blaming us for financial fraud as well.” -Third year Students of The Third Act in conversation with DU Beat

While talking to other students from the college, they revealed that the third-year students wanted to organise an unofficial farewell at a farm house and it was decided that every member would be contributing some amount for the same. However, the amount that the members raised was not enough to cover the entire expense so the third-year students decided to take the remaining amount out of the society fund without the knowledge of anyone. They roped in a second-year student and tried convincing them to take the amount out but the student went on to talk to their batchmates first where the latter rejected the proposed idea.

The society fund is for the betterment of the college, to purchase lights and equipment, not for wasting it on a single night partying. If one wants to celebrate and party then they should be doing it with their own money.” – Student of Satyawati College

According to the student, things started getting escalated from this point. The annual fest that was supposed to take place got cancelled by the principal. The reason for cancellation was that none of the MoUs were signed by either the principal or the convenor. It carried just the president’s signature. The third-year members of the society asserted that they were given only a week’s time to prepare for everything since on the initial date the convenor was not available and did not assign any other teacher in-charge. However, the fest finally got cancelled again and according to the students, though they were dismissed on the grounds of MoUs not being signed by the concerned authorities and the failure to conduct any formal meeting, the former was not aware about this entire procedure.

The students from Satyawati College also reported that when bills had to be cleared in the accounts department, it was revealed that they were from Muzaffarpur, Bihar reportedly and were amounting to up to Rs. 7000 for coats, shirts, and pants. However, the students informed us that they wore their own clothes and the bills attached were false.

According to the bill, the blazer was of Rs.3500, the shirt costed around Rs.2000, and all of the items amounted to Rs. 7000. There was another bill for the tent that amounted to Rs.15000. The students had attached false bills. When all of this was questioned, the third-year students went into frenzy.” – Student of Satyawati College

Further, reportedly, there is a third-year student in the society who has Rs. 8000 from the society fund with them. On asking for the amount back, the student informed that a cyber-crime has taken place with them and hence was able to return only Rs.600 out of the Rs.8000 they had.

According to the students of the college, the third-year students have changed the login details of their E-mail and Instagram handle. They have started posting things on their own and are now falsely accusing the convenor.

Featured Image Credits: @the_third_act

Ankita Baidya
[email protected]

‘No event without Police NOC’: DU Releases New Guidelines for College Fests

By DU Beat April 19, 2023

In response to the recent events at IPCW, DU released new rules for the conduction of forthcoming fests and events by colleges.

On Monday, April 17, Delhi University’s advisory committee outlined certain suggestions for the subsequent conduction of fests and events in the university. According to DU officials, the new guidelines were framed by the proctor’s office in consultation with the Delhi Police, following the unfortunate incident that occurred during the annual cultural fest of Indraprastha College for Women on March 28. Men were seen entering college by scaling the boundary walls and allegedly molested students attending the fest.

According to DU proctor, Prof. Rajni Abbi, the college officials would be in charge of conducting events and they should exercise due diligence while planning such programmes. The rules suggested carefully evaluating the venue’s capacity in proportion to the anticipated number of participants.

“Information on the capacity of the various venues should be mapped and the total number of participants allowed should be in accordance with the available space. Keeping in mind the number of their own students, teachers and staff members present at the event, the number of outside registrations should be kept below the venue’s capacity” -DU proctor, Prof. Rajni Abbi

Guidelines stated that a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the police would be necessary for holding events that permit outsiders’ entry. Similarly, prior to the conduction of any event, colleges will mandatorily have to hold a “proper Advance Security Liasoning (ASL) meeting” with all the concerned stakeholders. These include the police, the electricity department, college representatives, college security and the event management company. The suggestions also call for the institutions to expand their security infrastructure. Authorities must install concertina wires to stop miscreants from scaling the college’s boundary wall if it is low. The recommendations call for several gates equipped with operational CCTVs and public announcement systems. The police department has also asked colleges to hire door frame metal detectors to ensure the safety of attendees.

Sagar Singh Kalsi, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) claimed that the police were taking a number of steps to maintain a safe campus atmosphere.

“We applaud Delhi University for its recent actions. We are devoted to keeping the community a place of peace and harmony. Additionally, we are setting up cyber training and self-defence seminars across colleges.” – Sagar Singh Kalsi, Deputy Commissioner of Police

Featured Image Credits: Anshika for DU Beat

Manvi Goel