Those brown orbs of eyes, those perfect whites etched in a beautiful smile , perfect angular  face, chiseled masculature & charasmatic persona. I am talking about none other  than Ranbir Kapoor (Most of the girls would be suffering battering butterflies by now). Born to 70s superstars Rishi kapoor and Neetu singh , on 28th September 1982, one can guess where he inherited his looks from. His name Ranbir Raj Kapoor inspired from none other than his own grandfather, Raj Kapoor a.k.a legendary SHOWMAN. 

Kapoor studied film in America  and  began his career by assisting, one of the established director's- Sanjay leela bhansali (for movie Black) and hit screen with his debut in the year 2007 in movie Saawariya . The movie may not have been box office hit but the towel dance certainly brandished headlines .  The cute- chocolate- boy image created then, prevails till date.  He broke thousands of girls heart, when news of his being involved with one of the leading contemporaries’, Deepika Padukone, started doing the rounds. However , this relationship did not last very long and the news of their break up was soon hitting air. Later, the actor was linked with  many of the leading ladies such as Katrina Kaif and Nargis Fakhri. Tagging his name with that of a Cassanova. This ,however, did not stop people from loving him. He's a charmer  all the same. [Being friends with many dosen't make you flirt with them.]

Contrary to the popular belief , Ranbir Kapoor is a mumma’s boy . He confines everything in his mother, be it his girlfriend or a usual emotional turmoil and contrastingly a very orthodox relationship with his father.  Kapoor was an average kid throughout his life, scoring in late 50’s. [No, Im not kidding]. Getting his report card from school was worse than being hit by a truck , as for most of us it still is.

His limelight era began with his performances in Wake up Sid, Ajab Prem ki Ghazab Kahani and Rocket Singh, even thought these movies weren’t much of a hit with lay man. Then released Rajneeti, which was a huge commercial success and since then there’s no looking back for Ranbir. Well it never was, climbing the ladder of success, banking one hit after another. Ranbir Kapoor happily joined hands with the 100 crore club with Rockstar, a huge hit. His rogue persona in the movie was considered ‘Lascivious’ by many, recent accomplishment being Barfi , which is now NOMINATED for the OSCARS. However , the film has also been accused of copying other legendary movies [Copied or not , the movie was outstanding] .

Kapoor's currently working on ‘Yeh jawaani hai deewani’, Deepika Padukone being the female lead. It will be a must watch for obvious reasons!

I'd rather conclude with a heart warming line- Ladies, don’t lose hope, the most eligible bachelor in country is still Available!



Nikita Sud
Correspondent
University Express

When one talks about India, one can write pages about this wonderful subcontinent of ours which has place to accommodate all cultures , religions, traditions, ethics, languages etcetera but one thing that surely binds the multifarious people of India is their firm and resolute belief in the many superstitions which prevail in every nook and corner of our beloved country.

There are some household beliefs which is true for all Indian families such as not using the ‘jhaadu’ to sweep the floor right after the person has left the house, the use of "VAASTU" as a guide for floor plans of a house or bathing a new born child in the Ganges . Animals are not far behind when it comes to superstitions. The sacred cow which is considered our ‘mother’ is a part of many beliefs for example the tail end of cows is considered as the most sacred part as fortune Lakshmi resides there!! The cats that seem docile and harmless play a negative role in the bizarre world of superstitions. People believe that one must not proceed if a black cat crosses their way as it brings omen or looking at the cat in the morning is a jinx. People who feel blessed with cat eyes, different from the typical ‘Indian brown eyes’ shouldn’t be so as they are considered if one must say in Hindi terms ‘chaaloo’ and one should never trust them. Days and numbers too are very popular in the Indian superstitions scenario. According to many beliefs people should not shave on Mondays and not wash their hair on Thursdays. Non vegetarian must curb from eating meat on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Saturdays which is called ‘Shani ka din’ one must give alms to the poor so as to not anger the god. People change the spelling of their names as they feel the numerology of their name will bring them success. In the film industry we have seen Ajay Devgan who has changed his name to Ajay ‘Devgn’ as he feels by doing so he will achieve success and deliver hits. Karan Johar, famous for his ‘K’ movies (K3G, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kal Ho Na Ho) believes that ‘K’ is an auspicious alphabet which will bring him success. Tarot card reading is the latest in the superstitious beliefs.

While some say these superstitions are crazy and don’t make sense, some live their lives on the basis of their beliefs and can go to any extent to fulfil them.  Whether it is the illiterate or the educated, rich or poor these superstitions which have existed from time immemorial form an integral part of many traditions and cultures in Indian homes and will continue to do so even in the future. 


Meghna Jain
Editorial Department
University Express

When it comes to beating the austere & showcasing the alacritism "Shaheed Bhagat Singh College" blows its clarion. Quite voguely the college witnessed a blissfull event in the form of " Economics Department Freshers Party". As it had been for years, the whole event was stuffed with vigour and enthusiasm that almost each fresher took a dig at their chance to savour every bit of the muffled moment . 



The event was  kicked off by the introduction of the seniors of the Economic Society  to the entrants which was very well trailed off by the welcoming and felicitious speeches by Augustine Principal of the college & the man in the cult , Chief  Guest of the event Dr. I.C Dhingra. After the soothing spate of speeches , the Cabinet members of the Economic society were brought to the knowledge of the entrants. Mystically as any event is rendered incomplete without the performances, it was very well taken into consideration as the freshers were cordially invited  to the dais the deliver their breathtaking performances in different pursuits that included dance, music, drama etc & the freshers willingly took part in that which was an another positve note of the day.

The well-lit and the glistening room of the college also confronted a bit of talent scouting as the freshers were made to go through several rounds of performances. In the very first round it was all about beating the beat with the partner in a quick fix one minute snap. Students from both the sections were dropped in the tangle in a bid to transform it  into a long lasting friendship for three cherishing years. The pairs performed with utmost rapture and grit that was enough to lure out words of appreciaton from each and every one present their. The freshers were made to go through two more rounds where in the final round they competed for the tag of Mr & Mrs Fresher and that could be hailed as must to watch hour of the event. Moping it up, moment that left every one chuckled was when the seniors grabbed the stage and started dancing quite merrily & that was the big icing on the cake. The splendour of the event was too supported by the felicitation of Mr & Mrs Fresher by the Chief Guest and the sideway clicking and snapping of  pics by the seniors and the freshers . Literally the gilmming eyes of each head was  worth seeing and it took the event to the  Zenith's height.


Mrighansh Jain
Correspondent
University Express

Madhubani painting or Mithila painting is an antique art form practiced by women of all castes and communities in the milthila region of Bihar. This  art form  traces back its root to the time of Ramayana, but was recognised in 1970 when President of India honoured Smt Jagdamba Devi, a  mithila painting artist. Well known all over  India ,this is also a geographical indicator of Mithila.

 Around the region of Madhubani (a small district in Bihar), this anitque painting form has been practiced over thousands of years. Traditionally done on freshly plastered mud walls and floor of huts, with the help  of natural colors made up of tree leaves, flowers and other naturally available commodities. Tulsidas talked about mithila paintings in his epic Ramacharitamanas during the wedding scene of Lord Ram and Sita (also known as Maithili, being the daughter  of Mithila Naresh).

These paintings are basically painted by women of all classes and castes of mithila. In the old times since they were not free to go outside their houses, it was their source of expression. These paintings were the medium for the women to highlight their feelings. Through their creativity they voiced their desires, hopes, dreams and expectations. Madhubani paintings imparted them the freedom of thoughts -a right they never had elsewhere. When any of the ladies painted the walls or floor, other ladies sang to help and suppport her, so this cuture conatins many forms of creativity (painting,writing,singing etc). However, in modern times, women used this skill to fulfill their financial needs since they couldnt go out for labour or any other work. This art acted as a messenger of God for many families and helped them to get through thier bad times.

These paintings  usually depict man and his association with nature and the tales of dieties from the ancient epics. Natural objects like the sun, the moon and religious plants were also painted along wid events like wedding ceremony.These paintigs are manifestation of the journey of Indian civilization for love and peace. Realism and abstarctialism ,both find its place in these paintings especially in the work done by modern painters.

Generations over generation ,this art has been carried forward, although the content and style has remained same but its form has changed. Modern transations of the wall paintings on cloth and canvas can be seen all around these days (mainly due to commercial purposes). Now a days these are used as motifs for cards and dress materials. Change is quite visible in these peices  of work, cultural change and change in the tastes of viewers has made the painters change a bit. Bawa Devi, Sarita Devi, Sita Devi, Ganga Devi, Padhmashri Mahasundari Devi etc have brought Madhubani paintings to a pedestrain ,to such a height that now its well known and well available in almost all parts of India.

 Although the recent trends of consumersim and seliing attitude of the atrists have made this art a salve of rich people and although it has surrendered the entire traditional creativity before the buyers, yet the essence of a whole culture can be smelt from each and every piece of this art. 


A whole civilization run in front of the viewers ,an entire ocean of emotions flow out of these works. These paintings are not just mere paintings ,rather,they are an anthology of a whole culture.



Aditi
Correspondent
University Express

Author:                      Suzanne Collins 

First Published:           October 31st, 2008 by
                                  Scholastic Press

ISBN:                          0439023521 (ISBN13:
                                   9780439023528)

Genre:                         Dystopia, Young Adult.

Setting:                       Post-apocalyptic North America.
                                   A nation called Panem.

Narrative:                     First person, present tense.

Reviewer’s rating:         5/5

There are books that you read, and then there are books that you live. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is definitely the latter. Written in the voice of 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen, the story doesn’t talk about something that happened in the past but something that’s happening right now, at this very moment. This narrative technique is able to keep the reader hooked to the very end of the book. 

The story is set in an unknown period of time in Panem, a nation established in the post-apocalyptic North America. Panem consists of a magnificent city of the Capitol - the centre of power – and 12 poor Districts, each of which serves the needs of the people living in the Capitol. There were 13 such Districts but the last one was obliterated when the districts rebelled against the tyranny of the Capitol. The days of rebellion were called the Dark Days which came to an end with the victory of the Capitol and the beginning of The Hunger Games.

The Hunger Games, which are telecasted all over Panem like the present day reality shows, are the main source of entertainment for the people in Capitol. Only, it isn't a game. It is a death trap; a reminder to the Districts that rebellion against the Capitol will be the last thing you will ever think of. Every 8th day of the month of May, a boy and a girl (aged 12-18) of each District are selected by a draw (called The Reaping) to participate in the Hunger Games as “tributes”. Each of the 24 tributes is taken to an open arena to fight for his/her life. You have to survive the weather, the Game-makers' sadism, your competitors' wish to be alive and therefore kill you - because only the last one alive is the winner.

The story begins on this 8th day of May. Katniss, from the coal-mining District-12, enters the 74thHunger Games in place of her sister (Primrose) who gets ‘reaped’ in the draw. And there begins a heart wrenching story where she has to choose between survival and humanity, life and love. The Games are as vindictive as could be and the tributes are tested till the end of their tether. The topic of death has been touched upon so well by the author that the reader can not help but feel the pain of being in the arena along with Katniss. After enduring the entire emotional and physical ache, the book ends with Katniss defying the Capitol and winning the game, but not in the terms of President Snow. Will life be any better outside the arena? Will the horrors of the Hunger Games ever be forgotten? Questions like these will keep the reader on tenterhooks to read the sequels of The Hunger Games trilogy: Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

This book is so well written. Each word, each sentence is so well structured. It leaves an impact so deep that it stays long after the book has been read. The Hunger Games is a book for everyone. The realistic central characters target the teenagers caught between the battle of head and heart. The captivating plot-twists target the adults fighting their way in a world which is beyond their understanding. A simple reading of the book will focus on the life of Katniss, the choices she’s forced to make, and her victory against all odds. An even more serious reading of the book brings out the deep political and Marxist aspects in the book. The accumulation of money and power in the hands of the Capitol and their exploitation of the Districts re-assert Marx’s point that the “working” Districts have to find a way to outsmart the capitalist/materialist government in order to change their condition. 

Being true to the genre, The Hunger Games will make you sad and scared. You’ll get afraid with every leaf that rustles in the arena where Katniss took shelter. You’ll be as itching to know about Prim and her safety as Katniss was when the action shifts to The Games. You’ll feel the same angst against the Capitol when Rue (another Tribute) dies. You’ll be as clueless about the future as Katniss is.
But the book will make sure you understand where you are and the effect you can have. The book is worth every experience and definitely worth a shot. So go ahead and grab the book! 

Happy Reading and May the odds be ever in your favour!

Mansi Sharma
Correspondent
University Express

In the midst of South Delhi, situated in Kalkaji is the large sprawling campus of Deshbandhu college. Named after the famous the freedom fighter Deshbandhu Gupta, it was established in 1952. It is the oldest college of South Delhi. The college is popular for its science courses and is also making a name for itself in the commerce and arts department lately. The most sought out course is Economics honours.

While hearing all this when students would take their first step in the college, they would be a bit disheartened to see the infrastructure of the college (a normal affair for most of the collge in DU). But one would fall in love with the library and the web access centre which is over two floor large with electronic ID system. Plus the campus is a wi-fi zone. But sadly the canteen looks like more like a Dhaba with a limited no. of food items. But the lack of good canteen is compensated by popular fast food joints McDonalds and Café Coffee Day within a radius of half a kilometre from the college.

But all this can be compensated by the academic part, the faculty are exceptional and quite dedicated. One would be befooled by the name n would think that in harldy any teacher would take any class but this is just a myth. After spending a year in college and with my own personal experience I can say, hardly there was a day when we got an off and the teachers would take all their prescribed classes and this was the scenario in all the courses.

There are a number of active society in the college and some of them have created a good name for them not only in DU but outside Delhi also. Every popular course organises its departmental fest which includes various academic events n students from different colleges participate. The most famous society is the debating society- ‘The Crusaders’ which is one of the most famous debating society of Delhi University. Many of them have won prize at national level. On an average Crusaders win atleast 30-35 awards in one academic year. Then there is ‘Jazba’ the street play society which has also won many laurels in the past. Apart from these there are other society which include dance society, music society, drama society etc.

In the field of sports Deshbandhu college can boast about its Volleyball team which have won them many laurels. Some weightlifters and Javelin throwers have performed at the National level. Aprat from these there is a cricket team, football team, archery team, chess team which have also won awards in the past.

In totality joining these societies may mean working a bit extra but to be better than the rest u need to shed some extra sweat, isn’t it? Being a part of these society leads to an overall development in the personality of a student and help them have an edge over others with these X-factor.

Last but not the least, the annual cultural festival “Sabrang” is like icing on the cake. A three day event full of fun and excitement with star performers like the famous Bollywood playback singer Javed Ali, the Hard Core rapper Hard Kaur, the electrifying band Nasha and the coolest DJ SumitSethi performing live.

Just one year in college and we feel our lives changed so much. In such a short time college plays such a vital role in nurturing us. Even if there is a roller coaster ride of highs and lows life in college is one of the best moments of anyone’s life. Therefore it won’t be wrong to say that Deshbandhu is a very nice college to be at. Just like there are two sides of a coin, similarly every college has some positives n some negatives. It just depends from which side we see it and what we incorporate from it.

Pratish Shraman
Correspondent
University Express

In response to the recent racist attacks on North-East students in Pune, Lady Shri Ram College For Women came out in support by organizing a cross-country run 2012 with the theme ‘Run for the solidarity with the people of North-East’. 

More than 700 students gathered together for this event organized by the college NSO union.Shweta Choudhary, an international shooter as well as an LSR alumnus flagged off the eventat approximately 6 am. 

The guest of honor, Mr. Abhijeet Bhattacharya, the captain of Indian volleyball team accompanied her in this event. The run was for a total of 3 kms won by Aancha lBhola, a second year Economics student. Coke and Uni-style Image were the sponsors providing the participants with t-shirts and refreshments for the event. It was altogether an inspiring and enthusiastic event backed by a strong cause.

Mehak Saini
Correspondent
University Express

The study of History as an academic discipline is valued by those who want to learn lessons from the past. The three year History Honors course provides a wide range of ideas and concepts that cut across disciplinary boundaries. It has not a variety of subjects which has to be studied; it deals with just “HISTORY” which is then further sub-divided into various categories according to the period of time and the papers which one has to study in these 3 years are as such :-


FIRST YEAR

 History of India (beginning to c. 750)

 Social Formation and the Cultural Pattern of the Ancient and Medieval World.

 Concurrent Papers

SECOND YEAR

 History Of India (c.750 to 1550)

 Rise of Modern West.

 History Of United States Of America (C. 1776 – 1945), History of the USSR (c. 1917- 1964), History of    Africa (c. 1500 – 1960s), History of Southeast Asia – The 19th & 20th Century (Students can take any one subject)

 Concurrent Papers

THIRD YEAR

 History Of India(c. 1550 to 1750)

 History Of India(c. 1750 to 1950)

 History Of China And Japan (c. 1840 to 1949)

 History Of Modern Europe (c. 1780  to 1939)

 Concurrent Papers.

There are various colleges in Delhi University such as Lady Shree Ram College, St. Stephens College, Daulat Ram, Hindu College, Hans Raj College, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, Satyawati College, Ramjas College, Miranda House College, Kirorimal College and many others which provide the students with this course. The best part is, this course is easily available to all mediocre students as the cut off for this course is also not high as compared to the other courses in the University. But, yes because of the ever increasing competition amongst the youth, the cut off list for this course is even getting higher and higher with every passing year.

As far as the scope of this course is concerned, History Honors is not having many great scopes as the other courses provide but one should never forget that nothing in this world is small or useless, everything has its own value, it’s true that with just an honors degree in history one cannot get everything they wish to have but with the help of this degree one can definitely find their ways which will lead them to success. The study of history is rewarding for its own sake, as well as providing opportunities for those seeking more tangible benefits.

The History Honors course is a valuable preparation for a whole host of courses and careers after graduation. The training in the study of history is a lifelong asset. Students who have studied history have excelled in various walks of life and some of the very popular names are –

Gauri Khan- She Pursued History Honors from Lady Shri Ram College and is presently a Film Producer  and Owner Of “ Red Chilies Entertainment”

Sheila Dixit – She is a graduate with masters in History from Miranda House. She is an Indian Politician who has served as Chief Minister of Delhi since 1998

Niret Alwa- He is a graduate In History from St. Stephens college and presently he is an Indian television and producer, he is also a co-founder of Miditech- A television software company, but he is most famous for producing “Indian Idol”

Manoj Joshi- After graduating fin history from St. Stephens College, He is presently an Indian Journalist and Author and working with MAIL INDIA as Comment Editor.

Ram Narayan Rawat – He is currently a historian of Indian Subcontinent and a professor at “University Of Delaware”. He Did his B.A Hons (History) and PH. D from Delhi University.

Sagarika Ghose – She is an Indian Journalist, News Anchor and an Author. She did her graduation In History honors from Delhi University.

Shashi Tharoor – He is an Indian Member of Parliament from Kerala who completed his graduation in history from St. Stephens College, Delhi University.

Dr. Vivek bhandari. - He did his bachelors and Masters in History from Delhi University. He is well known as the 11th director of “Institute of rural management Anand” a premier management school in India.

It has been seen that Majority of the students with the ambition of becoming a Civil Servant do this course as it helps them a lot while preparing for the UPSC examination. Else wise, there are many other scopes which can be taken up. After getting a degree of History Hons, one can be a teacher, lecturer, professor, an archivist, an information manager, librarian, politician, public relation officer and record manager. One can even appear for banking examinations, or work with newspapers or magazines. The combination of Journalism with History Hons also provides a great scope. After pursuing this combination, one can even apply for jobs in renowned magazines like - National Geographic Magazine, Outlook and Business India.

Hence, History Honors is certainly a great Course to be taken up by the students. It provides a student with uniqueness as only a few people have the courage to take and study this course, but the ones who take this course can never regret because it helps a person reach heights. History is always kind to people who intend to write it.

Aditi
Correspondent
University Express

In the middle of the chaos and controversies stands Ram Lal Anand College. It is not only “The College near Venky! “but a lot more than that.

Life in Ram Lal Anand is in the green, peaceful lawns, buzzing corridors and in the mouth-watering combination of samosas with masala tea at the canteen.

In winters, the stairs near the courtyard is the best place to sit, have lunch and soak up the sun. In summers, it is the shade under the trees of the front lawn where one could always chat up with friends and share food with curious squirrels.

The English Department of the college is known but also the college is one of the few colleges in the University, which offers Microbiology and Hindi Journalism. It has a good infrastructure, which is lacking in many other colleges of Delhi University.

The societies of the college are active and new societies come up every year, like the Photography Society (Visual Anthology) came up recently in 2011. Our Dramatics Society HASRATEIN has reached new heights and won the First prize at IIT Kharagpur. The annual fest of the college SPLENDOUR has been attracting a whole new bunch of people after the performance of Pakistani Band-JAL.

The college canteen is self–sufficient and serves a variety of food items. And if the appetite of the students for variety still isn’t fulfilled, you will most likely find them in one of the various food outlets in Satya Niketan mainly Pizza Hut, QD’s, Kev’s Maggi Point and Idli King to name a few.

A few weeks back the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections were held in which you could see faces you had never seen before while the college was buzzing with excited fuchhas competing in their first elections and other students promoting themselves and trying to garner as many votes as possible. However, in these few days of elections and campaigning an enormous amount of litter was generated which was thrown all around the college and sadly nowhere near any litterbin.

Having said all that, people of other colleges do not really have any good word to say about RLA and have a tendency to always look down upon the students studying there. They say the crowd is unwelcoming and rowdy, that you can’t even pass a day without getting a snide remark from someone to which most of the students of RLA also agree but what I want to remind everyone is that there are two sides to every story there are people in RLA who are very helpful; they are not restricted to their own departments or interests. After the shocking case of the murder of Radhika Tanwar (who was a 2nd year student of RLA) the students as well as teachers stood together for the safety of women.

In other words, the crowd of the college is not as bad as people describe it to be and one should understand that every college has different students from different parts of the society having a different mindset, and if helpful and caring people exist in any college it cannot be a bad college. We have to learn to accept, mix, match and make friends and live it to the fullest to make it memorable.

For the students, who are going to step into the gates of Ram Lal Anand College (RALLA or RLA), it is full of surprises and you can always expect the unexpected here!


Onusha Dey
Correspondent
University Express