Christmas Spirit

It is an incident that comes to my mind as I decorate my Christmas tree every year on 25 December. The memory has been living with me for quite some time now, and springs up in my mind whenever I think of Christmas. The incident I am talking about dates back to the time when I was in VII standard. My aunt who stays in Calcutta had come to visit us with her kids, that is my cousins – Lalti and Raja. They were both young about 10 and 6 years old respectively. Unlike their previous visits this time they had come during the winter break and were supposed to stay with us during the Christmas celebration for the first time.

That morning I had come down just after decorating our Christmas tree to have ‘tea’. While munching on some home made cookies which my aunt had brought with her from Calcutta, I had a feeling that I was chewing slippers like our pet dogWoolfy. Once I was done with the exhausting chewing job, I picked up my cup of tea and slowly started moving towards the sink. When you are up to some mischief you always have this eerie feeling when you are about to do it and are scared that you might get caught. I had a similar feeling, but today it was stronger. The sink was about 10 steps away, but to reach the place I had to cross my aunt, duck behind her back and pour this cup into the sink! It might not appear scary to some people, but the additional information might help – she was as strict as Hitler and detested people who wasted food – and she considered ‘tea’ to be food. As soon as I took my first step towards the sink my cousin Lalti said “Didi”, I froze the moment I heard it, my face went blank for sometime. She continued speaking “Didi was talking about Santa Claus he comes here every year and gives them gifts!” My aunt interrupted her and said “There’s nothing like Santa Claus in reality.” Lalti persisted “No muma, he comes only to those houses where children decorate trees for him. It’s a signal for him to know that kids stay there and he gives them gifts!” My cousin brother Raja joined in too “Yes muma it’s true, they’ve shown us the gifts he gave them last year!” My aunt who had been listening so far said with a straight face “Oh so it’s for the gifts, look sona there’s no one like Santa Claus in this world. Your uncle and aunt buy gifts and keep them under the tree. I won’t waste any money on gifts, because of some stupid story that someone has told you.” I couldn’t believe m ears, my aunt just broke the loving bond I shared with a non existential Santa, off course I knew he did not exist but there are a lot of emotions attached to certain memories. Memories like waking up one morning to find a watermelon on the television, running in the whole house to find a hidden gift and at last finding it on the rooftop, finding a puppy near the gate – these memories even if not entirely true are so loving and endearing to you that parting with them on any account is very difficult.

My aunt was spoiling the ‘Christmas spirit’. I tried arguing with her, you can onlytry arguing with her as every argument leads to dead end sealed with her comment “I am elder to you.” I tried resurrecting the belief of my cousins in Santa, but now it was difficult to do a lot had been spoken about. I felt exhausted, drained off all my energy, vitality and happiness, was it really Christmas today? With all these thoughts I glanced at my cup, oh I had been sipping tea all this while unaware! My parents and my elder sister – who had been watching all this – started laughing. After all I had finished my cup of tea that I was planning to dispose off in the sink. This was no less a miracle to happen that day. I joined them in their laughter, and in our laughter remains the ‘spirit of Christmas’. It remains with us no matter how hard others try to break it.

My performance at Jadu Utsav 2011!!!

Jadu Utsav which was a two day fun filled event celebrating the spirit of magic in Delhi on 10 and 11 September saw huge participation by magicians from all over India. Approximately 300 magicians were there at the magic convention. I too went with my dad, for the first time officially as a "magician" :P....and it was fun! I participated in the Senior Magic Competition and my performance was applauded by all. I won an "Appreciation Prize" for my performance (picture above). My dad, I could see, was more happier then me. :D One thing that I would love to learn from my dad is his ability to make easy functioning props but with wonderful effect. Wish i get that soon, very important in this profession! :)

Magic show at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Hospital

The magic show at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Center on 11th August was a fun filled event for my dad. The cute kids who were present there just made his day. The event which was in association with 'CanKids... KidsCan' -  is a family support group for children with cancer and their families. He had a nice time interacting with the kids during the show and my dad loved it the most when he called the kids on stage for assisting him. I wasn't as lucky as him, as I couldn't go with him for the show, had an asssignment in college :(  Nevertheless I feasted my eyes on the pictures clicked and sent by Pankaj with whom we were in touch with throughout the event. Thanks a lot for your sweet gesture! :)



For more pictures of the event click here.

Five reasons why I like Anna :)

Lately I have been hearing a lot about Anna, but this time more criticism than praise, unlike before. My college just today organised today a talk in which the guest lecturers lay open the faults present in the Lokpal bill and presented their very own version of the same which they said would be more effective and useful for the people. This made me think over my stand, i was supporting Anna till now, do I still support him!?....I went over everything I think about him and that lead me in reinstating my faith in Anna. Below I list my top five reasons for liking Anna:

1. Yes I know hunger strikes are not the way to bring out reforms, but when was the last time, somebody had such mass appeal without being a celebrity, politician or any other public figure...i cant name anyone. He brought the issue of corruption to the forefront and made it the topic of hot debate, which we had been ignoring for good many years, rather generations.


2. I know the Lokpal bill has faults, but people who are now correcting it and bringing more correct versions of the same forget that Anna was the original inspiration.


3. For the first time one man is leading a campaign by his sheer mass appeal earned not by political tactics, mud slinging on others or other such unconstitutional means (in which our politicians are pro).  He is a living example of  'not asking what the nation has done for us, but what we have done for the nation'.


4. He truly lives for others, read his biography to know more. His contribution are so many they cannot be listed here. But for those who don't know at all about him, I would like tell them that he was awarded the Padma Bhushan—the third-highest civilian award—by the government of India in 1992 for his efforts in establishing Ralegan Siddhi as a model village. He lives in a small room attached to the Sant Yadavbaba temple in Ralegan Siddhi since 1975. He never visited his home though it is in same village. He owns 0.07 hectares of family land in Ralegan Siddhi which is being used by his brothers. Two other pieces of land donated to him by the Indian Army and by a villager have been donated by him for village use.


5. Name one other person like him if you can think of any in today's world, if you are able to I will change my stance and not support his cause. But I know its impossible to think of anybody else, and that sums up why I like Anna so much!

If somebody feels I am still wrong in supporting him, comment below and let me know why, I am open to criticism. Finally I would like to end this blog post by one chant - "Jai Anna"!! :)

Shopaholic guilt attack and Trend Forecast 2011

One thing that I will remember my summer vacations for this year would be shopping! One thing I never believed was that girls are shopaholic, but thanks to my last one month long shopping spree I admit that at least I am one. In the last one month I have been to all big markets of delhi flocked by girls like me: Janpath, Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Kamla Nagar, this year I even explored some new options like: Laxmi Nagar, Chandni Chowk, Moti Nagar, Kraol Bagh, and others. My prediction for this year college fashion according to my market research shows:

• Cloth bags are out, Leather, Rexine, Jute other materials are in.
• Tote bags are out, Sling bags are in.
• Identical shorts are out, Innovative jeggings are in.
• Heavy material is out, Sheer, Net material is in.
• Boring or top to toe coloured look is out, a pop of colour with your look is in.

But despite the lessons I have learnt about the latest inclothes and accesories, I still get guilt pangs of spending so much when my wardrobe is almost bursting! Just hope that I get over this feeling soon. And if you too are lusting after the new bag/shoe/cloth that you saw in a shop days back, just go and get it so that after the lust pangs are over your guilt pang begins...best of luck shopping!! ;)

Merlin Award Ceremony 2011

On 23rd June 2011, about 250 magicians from across the country met up in New Delhi to perform and participate in the International Merlin Awards night. The event had been organised to officially hand over the Merlin Award for the year 2011 to Gopinath Muthukad by the president of the International Magicians’ Society, Tony Hassini. Union ministers Vayalar Ravi, K.V. Thomas and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit were also present during the handing over ceremony.



The prestigious ‘International Merlin Award’ which is considered as the ‘Oscar for the Magicians’ is presented to those magicians who are best in this profession and have proved their skills to highest level which can be achieved by few both in National and International stage. Gopinath Muthukad became the second Indian to win this award after  P.C. Sorcar junior. The awards show included a 45-minute show of “the best of Indian magic and illusion”. The magical night had been very well organised by “MAZMA-Society for Uplifting Traditional Magic and Performing Arts”. 



I was lucky enough to get my pictures clicked with both Mr. Muthukkad and Mr. Tony Hassini, in all it was a fun filled day with loads of colour, sparkle, pixie dust and of course *Magic*!! Looking forward to more such achievements by Indian Magicians in the near future!

Is this Delhi that I see?

While going through my college diary I stumbled upon this poem that I had written in the beginning of June 2010, when preparations for Commonwealth Games were in full swing. Here is the poem: 

Is this Delhi that I see?

No birds, no plants, no greenery

Beautification of the city they said

‘Men at work’ the signboards read

Bricks, mortar, cement, and stone

New structures have been grown

Colour, fragrance, liveliness

Nature spreading happiness

Sweet songs of birds and bees

Pure air and the cool breeze

Now replaced by oil and grease

Smoky air that makes you sneeze

Is this Delhi that I see?

No birds, no plants, no greenery.

2010 Commonwealth Games

It was the culprit to be blamed

But is it right and is it fair

Blame not one it should be shared

Wrong has been done, everyone’s to blame

It was not ‘them’ cause ‘we’ had claimed

Beautification by cutting down trees

Progress and growth that’s what we see

Isn’t it so foolish, isn’t it so lame

Putting natural beauty to artificial shame

Cement structures and stony lanes

Done all this for Commonwealth Games

Oh when will this attitude change?

‘Growth’ by cutting tress isn’t it strange

Not measured by the structures built

But by the trees that we have killed

Can’t change it now we’ve done it all

Letting buildings grow & trees to fall

We’ve done it all

We’ve done it all.

Is this Delhi that I see?

No birds, no plants, no greenery.

Screenshot for my survey :)

screenshot

Ankur - The Annual Prakriti Newsletter for 2010-11 (Pg 1 to 5)

Ankur - The Annual Prakriti Newsletter for 2010-11 is finally out!!! Given below are the first 5 pages of the newsletter, browse through them and dont forget to check out the section dedicated to Prakriti Week! You can click on the pictures to see an enlarged version of the page. Btw...I designed it :D

Pg 6,7,8,9,10 are given in the following blog post, as all the pgs could not come on one blogpost!

Ankur - The Annual Prakriti Newsletter for 2010-11 (Pg 6 to 10)

Ankur - The Annual Prakriti Newsletter for 2010-11 is finally out!!! Given below are the last 5 pages of the newsletter, browse through them and dont forget to check out the section dedicated to Floods and our Mosaic of pictures! You can click on the pictures to see an enlarged version of the page.

Pg 1,2,3,4,5 are given in the above blog post, as all the pgs could not come on one blogpost!

Manto says the blame’s on all

I had written this poem in my first year of college. The poem has been written in the memory of Sadat Hasan Manto – the famous writer – who always preached non violence. The poem tells us Indians to stop our attitude of shedding blood every now and then.

Manto says the blame’s on all

But who cares, we are ready for the fall

He wrote short stories, 250 in all

But who cares, we are ready for the fall.

1947: the year we were free

We went on a killing spree

Brotherhood forgotten, love long lost

Let’s see today, who slaughters the most

Manto was shaken,

And so were the rest

Birds were scared,

Even in their nests.

Some said, ‘its all because of these British

Before they came there was nothing amiss’

We accepted it then

Felt good for the heart

After all we are Indians,

Pretty smart.

Years passed Manto was dead

Trotting trudging lives we lead

Thought we had rewritten our past

So 1984 left us aghast!

Mirrored the same old violence and vengeance

Our thirst for blood wasn’t quenched

For a hollow identity

For something so fake

How could we put our everything on stake?

No one spoke, not only the khadi-clad

Not even you, me or any common lad

Soon we forgot soon we were back

Our normal lives again on track.

1992 our throat ran dry

Long time didn’t see anyone cry

Hunger for some more blood

A little more shroud

How could we live without - it

Our staple diet!

More blood, more gore

Still chanting ‘more, more’

This wasn’t all

Just a bigul ‘call’

A lot was left

Grief, lust, theft

Houses broken, broken hearts

Broken into pieces, shreds and parts

Jigsaw puzzle, did we think it so?

Lives can’t be fixed, they are meant to grow.

It happened then,

It’s happening now,

Only numbers remain,

As years move on.

Manto is dead,

And so will be the rest,

We didn’t care then,

We don’t care now.

So let’s accept our fault, and put a halt

This killing spree must come to a stop

Manto had said the blame’s on all …

                    the blame’s on all …

Is Climate Change an Exaggerated Concern?

Prakriti- The Environment Society, is pleased to invite you to join us for a panel discussion on ‘Climate Change is an Exaggerated Concern’ organised by Green Karbon, a Deutsche Bank- Sanctuary Asia Climate Change- Biodiversity initiative.

Speakers

·         Muhammad A. Khan, Advisor of Law and Policy to Ministry of Environment and Forests

·         Professor Vinod Chandra Menon, Former Member National Disaster Management Authority, Government of India

·         Samir Menon, Head of Eco-Sustainable Services, Tata Consultancy Services.

Speakers from LSR

·         Dr. Kalyani, Senior Assistant Professor, Department of Education, Lady Shri Ram College

·         Preeti Venkatram, President, Prakriti- The Environment Society of Lady Shri Ram College

Date: 24^th March 2011

Time: 11:30 am to 1:15 pm

Venue: Lady Shri Ram College

*This is an open event, i.e. open to those not studying as LSR as well.

Please register at the link given below:

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHRXcXRraVNDMWtrWGsxS0tJMWwyLXc6MQ

LSR Prakriti Week 2011- Registrations Open!!

Prakriti- The Environment Society of Lady Shri Ram College Presents "Prakriti Week" from 21-26 March 2011!

• 21st March: Tree Plantation (intra-college)

• 22nd March:
Environmental Quiz-12:30 pm (inter-college)
1. Each participating team must consist of 2 members.
2. Cross college teams are allowed.
3. The first round will be a written round with Multiple Choice Questions. The top eight teams will qualify to the next round and will be contesting in the quiz.
4. The quiz essentially will be questioning you on environmental issues, environmentalists, global networks supporting the cause of the environment, etc.
5. Prizes worth Rs.3,000 to be won.

Each team is required to register on or before 21st March 2011 by filling out the following: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGpCWXBkSzNYcWs1eVZmV2ZaTVdNdlE6MQ

Eco Friendly Folder Making Competition-12:30 pm (inter-college)
1. Participation maybe either in the form of a team of 2 or an individual.
2. A set of two folders has to be made on any one of the themes given below. Each folder should have a different design or pattern.
• Cartoon
• Traditional
• Natural
3. Each folder should be of A4 size.
4. Only handmade paper can be used.
5. Drawing/ painting/ decoration has to be done on the spot.
6. You will be required to bring any material you require- handmade paper folders, scissors, paints, etc.
7. The decision of the judges will be final and binding.
8. Prizes worth Rs. 1,800 to be won.

Each team is required to register on or before 21st March 2011 by filling out the following: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFFQZWRRcTBFN2pJd3pJdTZDUDJjeXc6MQ

• 23rd March: Green Ad Mad Competition- 3 pm (inter-college)
1. A team of 2 or maximum 3 members can participate.
2. The competition will consist of 2 rounds.
3. Preparation time before each round will be given.
4. Different forms of expression can be used- skit, jingles, slogans, or any other innovative form.
5. Time duration to present each act is 3 minutes.
6. The decision of the judges will be final and binding.
7. Prizes worth Rs. 3,000 to be won.

Each team is required to register on or before 21st March 2011 by filling out the following: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dE5PRUMxMThnVGFLRDRtOG5yY0xKM1E6MQ

• 24th March: Panel Discussion: 'Climate Change is an Exaggerated Concern'- 11:30 am (inter-college)

• 25th March: Film Screening (intra-college)

• 26th March: Lady Shri Ram Model Conference of the Parties (LSR MCOP)- 9 am (inter-college) http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=157058624348045&pending#!/event.php?eid=202974346386758

• Photo Story Competition: Theme- Environment and Growth: Contradictory or Complementary? (inter-college)
1. Only one photo story submission per participant is allowed.
2. Each photo story must have 3 photos in it.
3. Photographs must not be digitally altered in any way (only cropping is allowed).
4. Size of each photograph should be 6" x 8".
5. Each photograph in the story should have a caption and the name, college, course, and contact details of the participant clearly mentioned behind each.
6. Please send all your entries together, enclosed in an envelope to
Faculty Apartments # 21,
Lady Shri Ram College,
Lajpat Nagar 4,
New Delhi- 110024,
India
7. Entries must reach LSR by 24th March, 12 pm.
8. The decision of the judges will be final and binding.
9. Prizes worth Rs.3,000 to be won.

Queries if any can be addressed to lsr.prakriti@gmail.com

LSR Model Conference of Parties (MCOP)

‘Prakriti’, the Environment Society of Lady Shri Ram College invites applications for the first Lady Shri Ram Model Conference of the Parties (LSR MCOP) to be held on 26th March 2011 during its environment festival, ‘Prakriti Week’ (21st-26th March 2011). http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=157058624348045#!/event.php?eid=157058624348045&notif_t=event_wall#wall_posts

• Applications are open for the following positions:
1. Govern...ment Delegates for the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action (AWG-LCA)
Agenda: ‘Sustainable Development through Adaptation to and Mitigation of Climate Change’
2. Media Delegates (choose one of the three positions):
a) Chief Editor (1)
b) Reporter (3)
c) Photographer (1)
3. NGO Delegates (4)
For whichever delegate position you are applying, please write 250 words on why you want to be a part of LSR MCOP, and what makes you a suitable candidate for the position you are applying for (if you are applying to be a Media Delegate please include relevant samples of your work).
Additionally, please mention previous debating and/or MUN experience. Please note however that we will welcome those with no prior experience as well.
Send in the above (on or before 13th March 2011) to lsr.prakriti@gmail.com along with the following details:
Name, College, Course, Year, Email Address, Phone Number, and Top Three Country Preferences* (in case you are applying to be a Government Delegate)
*Countries:
China, Maldives, Australia, Russia, United Kingdom, Bolivia, Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Mexico, Indonesia, United States of America, Brazil, South Africa, Haiti, India, Afghanistan, Japan, Chile, United Arab Emirates, Congo, France, Turkey, South Korea, Malaysia, Iran, and Norway.

• Applications are also open for the Executive Board of the (AWG-LCA). It is mandatory for applicants to have had prior Executive Board experience. Knowledge about UNFCCC and Conference of the Parties is also a must. Positions are:
a) Chair
b) Vice- Chair
For whichever Executive Board position you are applying, please write 250 words on why you want to be a part of LSR MCOP, and what makes you a suitable candidate for the position you are applying for.
Please also mention previous debating and/or MUN experience.
Send in the above (on or before 13th March 2011) to lsr.prakriti@gmail.com along with the following details:
Name, College, Course, Year, Email Address, Phone Number

Prizes:
Best Delegate: Rs. 2,000
High Commendation: Rs. 1,000
Special Mention: Rs. 500

Queries, if any, may be addressed to lsr.prakriti@gmail.com.

LSR College Fest: Tarang 2010-11

TARANG, the annual cultural festival of Lady Shri Ram College is one of the most eagerly awaited festivals of Delhi University. Dedicated to the celebration of creativity, it is a stimulating event brimming with youthful dynamism. TARANG 2011 will commence on the 11th of February, the festivities continuing over 12th and 13th February, each day culminating in a musical performance. TARANG will see the campus turning into a veritable kaleidoscope of people who not only compete in various events but also enjoy informal events, competitions, band performances, discussions and film screenings that are spread over these three days. TARANG also incorporates a food festival, which is an amalgamation of various cuisines and snack brands and is hence a prime attraction in the festival.
Looking forward to fun filled festival ahead! :D

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR TARANG 2011:

11th February:-

• REMIX (Poster Making) Room 28 & 29 9:00-15:00
• For details contact: Shukti- 9810049077
• NUKKAD (Street Play Competition) Principal's Lawns 9:00-18:00
• For details contact: Samira 9811993614
• Indian Classical Solo, Instrumental and Semi Classical Competition Hut 10:00-17:00
• For details contact: Nikhila 9717821598
• Western Acoustic Band Competition Auditorium 10:00-14:00
• For details contact: Grace 9911247480
• QURIOSITY (Quiz Competition) Upper Seminar Room 11:00-13:00
• For details contact: Shambhavi 9971645274
• Rhetorica Room 9 & 9A 11:00-13:00
• For details contact:Kamala 9811460087
• Hindi Parliamentary Debate Tutorial Block ( 2nd Floor) & Room 15 11:00-17:00
• For details contact: Kanika 9953304060
• 'BAILA' Western Dance Competition Auditorium 15:00-18:00
• For details contact: Pooja 9810214492
• Projekt Movie Screening Project Room 15:00-18:00
• For details contact: Kaveri 9971956488
• Display of Photography Competition Entries Lower Foyer All Day
• For details contact: Kaveri 9971956488
• BATTLE OF BANDS Bamboo Grove 15:30-19:00
• For details contact: The Students' Union

 12th February:-

• 'MUDRA' Classical Dance Competition Auditorium 9:30-11:30
• For details contact: Udita 9899639464
• Western Music Society(Solo and Group) Hut 10:00-14:00
• For details contact: Sophie 9711901221
• Aribana (Rangoli Making) Room 28 & 29 10:00-15:00
• For details contact: Akriti 9999099564
• Creative Writing Competition Room 9 11:00-13:00
• For details contact: Kamala 9811460087
• WDC Movie Screening Project Room 11:00-14:00
• For details contact: Reeti 9911859622
• Drama Battle Bamboo Grove 11:00-14:00
• For details contact: Apoorva 9910828780
• Hindi Parliamentary Debate Tutorial Block( 2nd floor) & Room 15 11:00-17:00
• For details contact: Kanika 9953304060
• Reena Sandhu Elocution Competition Room 9 13:30-15:00
• For details contact: Pallavi 9582116680
• Indian Music Society: Sangam Auditorium 12:00-15:00
• For details contact: Tulika 8860825115
• Confessions of a Tattoo(Tattoo Making) Room 17 & 18 15:00-18:00
• For details contact: Vanika 9910152421
• Drama Rama Project Room 15:00-18:00
• For details contact: Priya 9910955932
• Treasure Hunt College Campus 15:00-17:00
• For details contact: The Students' Union
• Display of Photography Competition Entries Lower Foyer All Day
• For details contact: Kaveri 9971956488
• PARIKRAMA LIVE IN CONCERT
• Also featuring JASLEEN ROYAL BACK LAWNS 18:00-20:00
• For details contact: The Students' Union

 13th February:-

• YAVNIKA (Stage Play Competition) Auditorium 9:00-15:30
• For details contact: Samira 9811993614
• Indian Music Society Jugal Gayan Room 12 10:00-14:00
• For details contact: Nikhila 9717821598
• Still Point( Still Life Painting) Room 28 & 29 10:00-14:00
• For details contact: Shukti 9810049077
• Hindi Parliamentary Debate Tutorial Block ( 2nd Floor) & Room 15 11:00-17:00
• For details contact: Kanika 9953304060
• Projekt Film Screening Upper Seminar Room 14:00-17:00
• For details contact: Vani 9810429987
• Street Dance Bamboo Grove 14:00-17:00
• For details contact: Pooja 9810214492
• 'IZRAZ' Choreo Dance Competition Auditorium 16:00-18:30
• For details contact: Lavannya 9971410020
• Display of Photography Competition Entries Lower Foyer All Day
• For details contact: Kaveri 9971956488
• DJ NIGHT BACK LAWNS 18:00-21:00

For details contact: The Students' Union:
lsrstudentsunion@gmail.com
President
Pragya Mukherjee 9650012331
General Secretary
Namrata Neog 9716057063
Cultural Secretary
Ipshita Sinha 9654230476
Treasurer
Aaina Mahajan 9650065448

**Diwali Mela**

LSR came alive with vibrant colours and festivity on 1^st November, 2010. The shift from the boring classes to jubilant exultation, was to celebrate the festival of lights i.e. diwali. The traditional festival of lights with its significant message of victory of good over evil was celebrated with great pomp and show. Every year the celebration is earmarked by a small diwali mela organized by the NSS (National Social Service Organization) of LSR.

The mela was a happy affair with its assortment of food, games, accessories and the like. The presence of Rajasthan dancer’s, Punjabi dhol and a street play group left nothing else to be desired for. The festive mood was in full swing with every stall thronged by girls dancing either to the tune of Punjabi pop or Eminem rap. Apart from the stall’s set up by the NGO’s under the NSS, the different societies of LSR had also set up their respective stalls.

Entretia, the e- cell of LSR had also set up a stall at the diwali mela. Our stall was placed conveniently in the mela so as to capture more eyeballs, sell more products and hence earn more profit. The item’s exhibited for sale at our stall were cool flat chappals, assorted candies’, cloth bags, eco-friendly and multipurpose vase and customized posters. This was not all as there was also a betting game which required the individual to complete the task without tearing the paper given to the individual. Every member of the e-cell contributed in the successful sale of the items in the stall in their own way. For instance, some had taken up the duty of taking charge of the stall and persuading the customer’s into buying the items for sale at the diwali mela. The items were sold at “customer pocket friendly prices” like one pair of chappals for 130 rupees, bag for 165 rupees, and vase for 15 rupees and so on. This was the primary reason for the voluminous sale of our items at the diwali mela.

This effective pricing strategy helped us in earning profit and increasing the immensity of this festivity. The success of the event should also be attributed to all the members of the e-cell who volunteered and worked as a team under the praiseworthy leadership of the e-cell coordinator’s Smriti and Swati.