Showing posts with label activities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label activities. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Self immolation and Tibetan identity


I often go to Majnu Ka Tila after college it’s quite and not crowded, very unlike most of Delhi. It feels good to be there, specially the cafĂ© at the very heart of ‘MT’ as we fondly call it! Even after having innumerable cups of coffee and the street side treat laping, I had never thought that the same place would one day turn out to be the home of a hero who sacrificed his life for his people, for his country and most importantly for ‘Freedom’. I am talking about Jhampel Yeshi, a 27-year-old Tibetan living in exile in India, set himself aflame at a protest on 26th March 2012 in New Delhi against the forthcoming arrival of Chinese President Hu Jintao. It was at least the 30th time a Tibetan had self-immolated this year alone, a shocking statistic. But as Yeshi’s fiery protest took place in India - rather than in Tibetan areas of China, where most of the immolations have occurred - it received more coverage by the press.

Yeshi died from his injuries a day later, prompting more demonstrations by Tibetans in India against what they consider the brutal Chinese occupation of their homeland. The Indian government, nervous about upsetting China, engaged in a full-on crackdown, arresting close to 300 Tibetans on an archaic colonial law that wards against such dissent.

Yeshi before self immolating left a poignant hand written note. He wrote, ‘the fact that the Tibetan people are setting themselves on fire in this 21st Century is to let the world know about their suffering.’ The number of Tibetan self immolations in China has crossed over thirty. But is the world listening?

Soon after the incident as usual the Chinese authorities put the blame on the Dalai Lama. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei accused the Dalai Lama of ‘masterminding’ the series of self immolations. The Chinese officials also ‘complimented’ the Indian authorities for their ‘handling’ of the situation. Apart from officials, not many in India would be enthused to receive such a compliment!

And yet the Chinese refuse to take a second look at what is actually causing such unrest in Tibet. Areas inhabited by Tibetans are under harsh security cover. Many new road check points have been built and they are manned by heavily armed Para-Military Police. The Chinese have also instituted ‘monastic management’ plans in order to control religious life. About 21,000 Chinese officials have been deployed to ‘befriend’ Tibetan monks and dossiers have been created on most of the latter. In addition, over a million national flags and Mao portraits have been distributed; monasteries have to compulsorily hang Mao portraits. Such heavy handedness is causing great disaffection amongst the general Tibetan population.

Sadly for the Tibetans, apart from human rights activists, no country has spoken up for them or for their obvious suffering. When a Tunisian street vendor Mohamed Bouazizi self immolated in Tunis on 17 December 2010, he actually helped launch the so-called ‘Arab Spring’ which led to widespread changes in the Arab World. Unfortunately for Jamphel Yeshi, nothing similar seems to have happened in Tibet. Even when the Chinese occupied Tibet in 1950 and the Tibetans took their case to the UN, no major country including Nehru’s India supported their case. While most are demonstrably anxious about the goings on in Syria and critical of the killings of innocent civilians there, few if any are prepared to shed a tear for the hapless Tibetans.

The reasons are not far to seek. No one wishes to annoy the Chinese. The People’s Republic of China is a permanent member of the UN Security Council. It is the second largest economy in the world after the United States and of recent has also grown considerably in military might. Western countries which used to raise Tibet as an issue in their relations with China now also appear to overlook or bypass it when dealing with China.

On the eve of the anniversary of the failed 1959 Tibetan uprising, mass protests were launched by Tibetans and their support groups from their exiled capital Dharamsala, India. Hunger strikes, Candle light vigils, remonstrations and public anger were witnessed in every Tibetan community across the world.

Lobsang Wangyal, an exiled Tibetan entrepreneur living in India says, "Tibetans in Tibet have long said they are not happy under Chinese rule. The self-immolations are saying that they mean it. But the world is paying little attention. It gives a feeling that 30 Tibetans risking their lives is still not enough to make a point and as if more lives should be sacrificed." 

However, all is not lost for the Tibetans. With the evolution of the new media and social networking websites such as Twitter, Facebook, etc., the suffering of the Tibetans is now known worldwide. Millions all over the world who saw the self immolation of Jamphel Yeshi could not but have failed to be moved at the gruesome sight and at the plight of the hapless Tibetans. As more such self immolations take place, the revulsion for Chinese policies in Tibet will grow exponentially.

I for myself will continue going to Majnu Ka tila, to enjoy my cup of coffee and savour the spicy laping; but now MT will no t be the same old MT for me, from now on it is a sacred site where a benevolent soul like Jhampel Yeshi once resided. Bhod Rangzen!! *


* Bhod means TIBET, Rangzen means INDEPENDENCE, in Tibetan it means FREE TIBET.

(I had written this article exactly two years from now, and on the 2nd anniversary of the incident I am finally uploading it on my blog. MT will always have a special place in my heart, forever!)

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Sights and Sounds at Okhla Vegetable Market - Part II

Location: Okhla Vegetable Market
Time: 04:10 a.m. to 5:30 a.m.

20 sounds that I liked:
  1. Namaz – coming from the tent put up for the auspicious Ramzan season.
  2. The sound of stray dogs being kicked intentionally or unintentionally, in any crowded places is common.
  3. ‘Aao! Aao!’ – Shopkeepers keep shouting this to lure customers.
  4. ‘70 Rs. bahot ho gaya’ – the price may change but this is one dialogue you get to hear from both the customers and the shopkeepers.
  5. As a vegetable market is a crowded place the commotion of people, the mixing of chatter, with the sound of walking and other activities creates a noise unique to the place.
  6. ‘Hato!’ – Very commonly heard by the workers carrying big sacks or huge boxes on there backs when somebody is blocking there way.
  7. A radio playing in the background is common to a lot of places, but a vegetable market is one place where in order to here it you would have to close your eyes and feel it.
  8. ‘Papita!?’ – the item may change, they may know you are not there to shop, but a good vendor will never let an opportunity pass by to inquire if you need something.
  9. ‘Puch ke laga cheezein’ – a shopkeeper instructing a worker under him, or a father teaching his son, this is very often heard in various forms.
  10. Sound of the honking of cars from the road, and the trucks in the mandi are a constant sound effect in a vegetable market.
  11. Thumping noises caused by beating of hand against the sides of a truck, signaling it to back or stop is common here. This avoids any mishaps and allows smooth movement in the market.
  12. When vegetables like potatoes, onions, corncobs etc. are dumped, along comes a lot of dust and irritants which can cause coughing. So coughing is another common sound.
  13. Sound of dumping of sacks, after they have been packed into the truck.
  14. Taking off the big brown tapes that seal the fruit boxes is another frequently heard sound, especially near the fruit shops.
  15. As the ‘Okhla Sabzi Mandi’ is near a railway stop, you can constantly hear the train’s horn whenever one passes by.
  16. By the time we were leaving, it had started raining. And there was already a big puddle on one side. So whenever a truck would pass, it would make a splashing noise.
  17. ‘Aye rickshaw!’ – used to call a rickshawala, grab his attention for some work.
  18. ‘Kacha, Hara’ – sometimes the vendors use innovative words like these to grab the customers’ attention. He says ‘Kacha, Hara’ but doesn’t specify what he is selling. It could be anything dhaniya, chilly, banana, mango, beans, capsicum, bitter gourd, etc. so when you hear this, you tend to look for the shop and see what he is selling. Good marketing strategy!
  19. As we were exiting, a man’s mobile started ringing in a funny Bollywood ring tone. It was funny and at the same time very symbolic of our visit. As that was the only moment when people around us actually silenced a bit, to see where it was coming from.
  20. Whistling – I spotted these few people who were using whistling as some kind of codes to call out to each other and signal certain actions. It actually comes handy in a crowded and difficult to move around environment like a vegetable market. 

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Mr. Lochan and his suspender pants

A chequered shirt, a freckled face
Yet a smooth overall appearance
Spectacles hanging from his neck
On a strand of thread
His hair black but mostly white
And off course, how could one miss
His ‘suspender pants’:P

The class all quite, all eyes on him
But are they interested, in awe or just scared of him
He modulates his voice,
Changes its texture,
Throws his hands around,
But do my friends really understand what he says,
Cause if they really did, why would they scared?

Sitting in the centre, of the circle we make around him
He says he doesn’t like people sitting at the back,
But if we someone’s at front, someone has to be behind,
And someone who’s been himself a backbencher all his life,
Should I really listen to him?

His suspender pants, just sum him up
It binds him,
So that he dosent go off the track
It controls him, so that he doesn’t lose count
It sizes him up, and off course they hold his pants in place
So that he can jump around in his thoughts.
I wonder how would he be, had it not been for them,
What a crazy person he would be!

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Magic for a Reason :)

I had interviewed Magician Akash P.R.  for the magazine Megarth - which showcases Social Leaders and Organizations, Individuals and Businesses that create exponential Social Change - here it is:

What is your definition of passion and when did you discover that magic is your passion?
Passion means madness to me, you keep thinking about it all the time, no matter where you are, what you are doing. You are unconsciously always thinking about it and drawing connections from your normal life, daily routine to that one thing that means the most to you – your passion! I discovered my passion or rather say realized my love for magic when I was in 5th standard (approx). Everybody has witnessed some kind of magic as a kid even if not by a professional magician. Sometimes adults try to fool kids by telling them the reason for something rational that they can understand by telling them that its magic. That was beginning when a child is not taken in by the lies adults and the society around us tries to cook up. When you are not taken in by such lies you develop rationality after knowing how things works , you are ready to use the ability to create myth and illusion on your command and use it to entertain people. That is how I discovered my passion for magic. 

Whenever you go up on stage to perform, what are your thoughts before performing?
I only think about my act, how I am going to do it. I just concentrate on my performance. My mind is clean of any other thoughts except my next act. My support staff takes care of the rest.

Magic is one passion that energizes you, but what are other hobbies or activities you are involved in that keeps you happy?
Sketching is one hobby that has been a constant part of my life along with magic. I also paint and carve, modern art being my area of interest. Humming songs in my free time also keeps me energized and going.

There might be ups and downs in the pursuit of your passion but what keeps you motivated to move forward?
When a rough/low point comes in the pursuit of your passion, you sometimes feel like giving it all up and moving ahead with your life, with a lot less tension. But then because it is your passion, and you cannot stay away from it you come back to it and start working ways out. Sometimes when an act goes wrong due to some problem in stage, props, or human fault, after getting frustrated and saddened by it you come back and try to repair, fix or reduce chances of faults happening. You can never let go off your passion.

What is your source of inspiration for magic?
All creative people who have struggled hard and made a name for themselves be it in – singing, dancing, acting or magic, etc – they all inspire me. I love reading about them and there struggle for surviving against all odds inspires me to keep going.

Magic has an entertainment value but can this be used for any other purpose like spreading a social message?
Yes surely. Magic shows can be customized to suit any social cause and spread a message through such magic shows. We also have an organization MFR – Magic for a Reason which solely works for giving magic a human touch. We wish to impart social messages and uplift the society and remove the taboo associated with magic as black magic and not as a performing art.

Please share your thoughts about the perspective towards this form of art and its future.
Magic is an art form which needs no language to convey an idea to the audience. Magic has a universal language which everybody understands and everyone wants to see. But a lot of people still believe in black magic and don’t consider it an art form. We need to work on eradicating this idea from the masses.

The future looks bright for magic and if in India it gets the much needed government support and government gives it the status of a performing art. Only then it is possible that research and development in the field of magic will happen and it would be able to regain its lost glory in India once again!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Manmohan in a mess!!!! XD

I won the first prize in Inter College Cartoon Making Competition - Bazinga...here's my entry! :)
*
Topic: Sometimes even my lucky rocketship underpants won’t help!!!
Idea behind it: The cartoon focuses on Manmohan Singh and the sticky situation a few months ago he was in and still is. Anna Hazare and the anti corruption protest, the slew of scams and corruption scandals that were unearthed, the Food Bill and the newly revised BPL index, followed by Kapil Sibbal’s attempt  at monitoring all online content,  all these were responsible for making the situation worse for Mr. Singh. In short nothing can help our Prime Minister Manmohan Singh from the ugly situation he is stuck in!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

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!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

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!

Monday, March 21, 2011

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: 24th 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:


Tuesday, March 1, 2011

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

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

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.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

**Diwali Mela**

LSR came alive with vibrant colours and festivity on 1st 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.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Prakriti Activities 2009-2010

Prakriti, the Environment Society of College, organized a plethora of activities round the year. It continued to make its mark in maintaining the environmental consciousness and aesthetic greenery of College. The society inaugurated the year with the sapling plantation for freshers. This was followed by a talk by Dr. Aarti Bhalla on “Impact of Climate Change in India ”. The society worked towards promoting a peaceful Diwali by organizing a workshop to paint diyas that were then were sold at the NSS Diwali Mela. The Prakriti stall saw a host of products such as painted ‘kulhads’ which could be used as pen stands, saplings, recycled paper etc. The English Debating Society and Prakriti organized The Murlidhar Memorial Debate on the theme of “Climate Change”. The society also conducted a paper recycling drive. One of the major projects of the society was the mapping of the college’s carbon footprint. A report on this was presented to the college community during Prakriti week. The week also witnessed a series of events including talks on “Youth and Environment” by members of IYCN. There were two movie screenings. The first was The Hunted about tiger poachers and the second was A Degree of Concern about the impact of melting glaciers in Leh, Ladakh. There was a photography competition organized on the theme of ‘Capturing the secrets of Nature’. The week culminated with a nature walk conducted by Mr Ajay Mahajan. Prakriti won accolades at the DU Flower show.  Its members won second and third prize in the eastern style flower arrangement and third prize in the western style flower arrangement.
Showing posts with label activities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label activities. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Self immolation and Tibetan identity


I often go to Majnu Ka Tila after college it’s quite and not crowded, very unlike most of Delhi. It feels good to be there, specially the cafĂ© at the very heart of ‘MT’ as we fondly call it! Even after having innumerable cups of coffee and the street side treat laping, I had never thought that the same place would one day turn out to be the home of a hero who sacrificed his life for his people, for his country and most importantly for ‘Freedom’. I am talking about Jhampel Yeshi, a 27-year-old Tibetan living in exile in India, set himself aflame at a protest on 26th March 2012 in New Delhi against the forthcoming arrival of Chinese President Hu Jintao. It was at least the 30th time a Tibetan had self-immolated this year alone, a shocking statistic. But as Yeshi’s fiery protest took place in India - rather than in Tibetan areas of China, where most of the immolations have occurred - it received more coverage by the press.

Yeshi died from his injuries a day later, prompting more demonstrations by Tibetans in India against what they consider the brutal Chinese occupation of their homeland. The Indian government, nervous about upsetting China, engaged in a full-on crackdown, arresting close to 300 Tibetans on an archaic colonial law that wards against such dissent.

Yeshi before self immolating left a poignant hand written note. He wrote, ‘the fact that the Tibetan people are setting themselves on fire in this 21st Century is to let the world know about their suffering.’ The number of Tibetan self immolations in China has crossed over thirty. But is the world listening?

Soon after the incident as usual the Chinese authorities put the blame on the Dalai Lama. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei accused the Dalai Lama of ‘masterminding’ the series of self immolations. The Chinese officials also ‘complimented’ the Indian authorities for their ‘handling’ of the situation. Apart from officials, not many in India would be enthused to receive such a compliment!

And yet the Chinese refuse to take a second look at what is actually causing such unrest in Tibet. Areas inhabited by Tibetans are under harsh security cover. Many new road check points have been built and they are manned by heavily armed Para-Military Police. The Chinese have also instituted ‘monastic management’ plans in order to control religious life. About 21,000 Chinese officials have been deployed to ‘befriend’ Tibetan monks and dossiers have been created on most of the latter. In addition, over a million national flags and Mao portraits have been distributed; monasteries have to compulsorily hang Mao portraits. Such heavy handedness is causing great disaffection amongst the general Tibetan population.

Sadly for the Tibetans, apart from human rights activists, no country has spoken up for them or for their obvious suffering. When a Tunisian street vendor Mohamed Bouazizi self immolated in Tunis on 17 December 2010, he actually helped launch the so-called ‘Arab Spring’ which led to widespread changes in the Arab World. Unfortunately for Jamphel Yeshi, nothing similar seems to have happened in Tibet. Even when the Chinese occupied Tibet in 1950 and the Tibetans took their case to the UN, no major country including Nehru’s India supported their case. While most are demonstrably anxious about the goings on in Syria and critical of the killings of innocent civilians there, few if any are prepared to shed a tear for the hapless Tibetans.

The reasons are not far to seek. No one wishes to annoy the Chinese. The People’s Republic of China is a permanent member of the UN Security Council. It is the second largest economy in the world after the United States and of recent has also grown considerably in military might. Western countries which used to raise Tibet as an issue in their relations with China now also appear to overlook or bypass it when dealing with China.

On the eve of the anniversary of the failed 1959 Tibetan uprising, mass protests were launched by Tibetans and their support groups from their exiled capital Dharamsala, India. Hunger strikes, Candle light vigils, remonstrations and public anger were witnessed in every Tibetan community across the world.

Lobsang Wangyal, an exiled Tibetan entrepreneur living in India says, "Tibetans in Tibet have long said they are not happy under Chinese rule. The self-immolations are saying that they mean it. But the world is paying little attention. It gives a feeling that 30 Tibetans risking their lives is still not enough to make a point and as if more lives should be sacrificed." 

However, all is not lost for the Tibetans. With the evolution of the new media and social networking websites such as Twitter, Facebook, etc., the suffering of the Tibetans is now known worldwide. Millions all over the world who saw the self immolation of Jamphel Yeshi could not but have failed to be moved at the gruesome sight and at the plight of the hapless Tibetans. As more such self immolations take place, the revulsion for Chinese policies in Tibet will grow exponentially.

I for myself will continue going to Majnu Ka tila, to enjoy my cup of coffee and savour the spicy laping; but now MT will no t be the same old MT for me, from now on it is a sacred site where a benevolent soul like Jhampel Yeshi once resided. Bhod Rangzen!! *


* Bhod means TIBET, Rangzen means INDEPENDENCE, in Tibetan it means FREE TIBET.

(I had written this article exactly two years from now, and on the 2nd anniversary of the incident I am finally uploading it on my blog. MT will always have a special place in my heart, forever!)

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Sights and Sounds at Okhla Vegetable Market - Part II

Location: Okhla Vegetable Market
Time: 04:10 a.m. to 5:30 a.m.

20 sounds that I liked:
  1. Namaz – coming from the tent put up for the auspicious Ramzan season.
  2. The sound of stray dogs being kicked intentionally or unintentionally, in any crowded places is common.
  3. ‘Aao! Aao!’ – Shopkeepers keep shouting this to lure customers.
  4. ‘70 Rs. bahot ho gaya’ – the price may change but this is one dialogue you get to hear from both the customers and the shopkeepers.
  5. As a vegetable market is a crowded place the commotion of people, the mixing of chatter, with the sound of walking and other activities creates a noise unique to the place.
  6. ‘Hato!’ – Very commonly heard by the workers carrying big sacks or huge boxes on there backs when somebody is blocking there way.
  7. A radio playing in the background is common to a lot of places, but a vegetable market is one place where in order to here it you would have to close your eyes and feel it.
  8. ‘Papita!?’ – the item may change, they may know you are not there to shop, but a good vendor will never let an opportunity pass by to inquire if you need something.
  9. ‘Puch ke laga cheezein’ – a shopkeeper instructing a worker under him, or a father teaching his son, this is very often heard in various forms.
  10. Sound of the honking of cars from the road, and the trucks in the mandi are a constant sound effect in a vegetable market.
  11. Thumping noises caused by beating of hand against the sides of a truck, signaling it to back or stop is common here. This avoids any mishaps and allows smooth movement in the market.
  12. When vegetables like potatoes, onions, corncobs etc. are dumped, along comes a lot of dust and irritants which can cause coughing. So coughing is another common sound.
  13. Sound of dumping of sacks, after they have been packed into the truck.
  14. Taking off the big brown tapes that seal the fruit boxes is another frequently heard sound, especially near the fruit shops.
  15. As the ‘Okhla Sabzi Mandi’ is near a railway stop, you can constantly hear the train’s horn whenever one passes by.
  16. By the time we were leaving, it had started raining. And there was already a big puddle on one side. So whenever a truck would pass, it would make a splashing noise.
  17. ‘Aye rickshaw!’ – used to call a rickshawala, grab his attention for some work.
  18. ‘Kacha, Hara’ – sometimes the vendors use innovative words like these to grab the customers’ attention. He says ‘Kacha, Hara’ but doesn’t specify what he is selling. It could be anything dhaniya, chilly, banana, mango, beans, capsicum, bitter gourd, etc. so when you hear this, you tend to look for the shop and see what he is selling. Good marketing strategy!
  19. As we were exiting, a man’s mobile started ringing in a funny Bollywood ring tone. It was funny and at the same time very symbolic of our visit. As that was the only moment when people around us actually silenced a bit, to see where it was coming from.
  20. Whistling – I spotted these few people who were using whistling as some kind of codes to call out to each other and signal certain actions. It actually comes handy in a crowded and difficult to move around environment like a vegetable market. 

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Mr. Lochan and his suspender pants

A chequered shirt, a freckled face
Yet a smooth overall appearance
Spectacles hanging from his neck
On a strand of thread
His hair black but mostly white
And off course, how could one miss
His ‘suspender pants’:P

The class all quite, all eyes on him
But are they interested, in awe or just scared of him
He modulates his voice,
Changes its texture,
Throws his hands around,
But do my friends really understand what he says,
Cause if they really did, why would they scared?

Sitting in the centre, of the circle we make around him
He says he doesn’t like people sitting at the back,
But if we someone’s at front, someone has to be behind,
And someone who’s been himself a backbencher all his life,
Should I really listen to him?

His suspender pants, just sum him up
It binds him,
So that he dosent go off the track
It controls him, so that he doesn’t lose count
It sizes him up, and off course they hold his pants in place
So that he can jump around in his thoughts.
I wonder how would he be, had it not been for them,
What a crazy person he would be!

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Magic for a Reason :)

I had interviewed Magician Akash P.R.  for the magazine Megarth - which showcases Social Leaders and Organizations, Individuals and Businesses that create exponential Social Change - here it is:

What is your definition of passion and when did you discover that magic is your passion?
Passion means madness to me, you keep thinking about it all the time, no matter where you are, what you are doing. You are unconsciously always thinking about it and drawing connections from your normal life, daily routine to that one thing that means the most to you – your passion! I discovered my passion or rather say realized my love for magic when I was in 5th standard (approx). Everybody has witnessed some kind of magic as a kid even if not by a professional magician. Sometimes adults try to fool kids by telling them the reason for something rational that they can understand by telling them that its magic. That was beginning when a child is not taken in by the lies adults and the society around us tries to cook up. When you are not taken in by such lies you develop rationality after knowing how things works , you are ready to use the ability to create myth and illusion on your command and use it to entertain people. That is how I discovered my passion for magic. 

Whenever you go up on stage to perform, what are your thoughts before performing?
I only think about my act, how I am going to do it. I just concentrate on my performance. My mind is clean of any other thoughts except my next act. My support staff takes care of the rest.

Magic is one passion that energizes you, but what are other hobbies or activities you are involved in that keeps you happy?
Sketching is one hobby that has been a constant part of my life along with magic. I also paint and carve, modern art being my area of interest. Humming songs in my free time also keeps me energized and going.

There might be ups and downs in the pursuit of your passion but what keeps you motivated to move forward?
When a rough/low point comes in the pursuit of your passion, you sometimes feel like giving it all up and moving ahead with your life, with a lot less tension. But then because it is your passion, and you cannot stay away from it you come back to it and start working ways out. Sometimes when an act goes wrong due to some problem in stage, props, or human fault, after getting frustrated and saddened by it you come back and try to repair, fix or reduce chances of faults happening. You can never let go off your passion.

What is your source of inspiration for magic?
All creative people who have struggled hard and made a name for themselves be it in – singing, dancing, acting or magic, etc – they all inspire me. I love reading about them and there struggle for surviving against all odds inspires me to keep going.

Magic has an entertainment value but can this be used for any other purpose like spreading a social message?
Yes surely. Magic shows can be customized to suit any social cause and spread a message through such magic shows. We also have an organization MFR – Magic for a Reason which solely works for giving magic a human touch. We wish to impart social messages and uplift the society and remove the taboo associated with magic as black magic and not as a performing art.

Please share your thoughts about the perspective towards this form of art and its future.
Magic is an art form which needs no language to convey an idea to the audience. Magic has a universal language which everybody understands and everyone wants to see. But a lot of people still believe in black magic and don’t consider it an art form. We need to work on eradicating this idea from the masses.

The future looks bright for magic and if in India it gets the much needed government support and government gives it the status of a performing art. Only then it is possible that research and development in the field of magic will happen and it would be able to regain its lost glory in India once again!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Manmohan in a mess!!!! XD

I won the first prize in Inter College Cartoon Making Competition - Bazinga...here's my entry! :)
*
Topic: Sometimes even my lucky rocketship underpants won’t help!!!
Idea behind it: The cartoon focuses on Manmohan Singh and the sticky situation a few months ago he was in and still is. Anna Hazare and the anti corruption protest, the slew of scams and corruption scandals that were unearthed, the Food Bill and the newly revised BPL index, followed by Kapil Sibbal’s attempt  at monitoring all online content,  all these were responsible for making the situation worse for Mr. Singh. In short nothing can help our Prime Minister Manmohan Singh from the ugly situation he is stuck in!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

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!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

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!

Monday, March 21, 2011

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: 24th 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:


Tuesday, March 1, 2011

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

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

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.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

**Diwali Mela**

LSR came alive with vibrant colours and festivity on 1st 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.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Prakriti Activities 2009-2010

Prakriti, the Environment Society of College, organized a plethora of activities round the year. It continued to make its mark in maintaining the environmental consciousness and aesthetic greenery of College. The society inaugurated the year with the sapling plantation for freshers. This was followed by a talk by Dr. Aarti Bhalla on “Impact of Climate Change in India ”. The society worked towards promoting a peaceful Diwali by organizing a workshop to paint diyas that were then were sold at the NSS Diwali Mela. The Prakriti stall saw a host of products such as painted ‘kulhads’ which could be used as pen stands, saplings, recycled paper etc. The English Debating Society and Prakriti organized The Murlidhar Memorial Debate on the theme of “Climate Change”. The society also conducted a paper recycling drive. One of the major projects of the society was the mapping of the college’s carbon footprint. A report on this was presented to the college community during Prakriti week. The week also witnessed a series of events including talks on “Youth and Environment” by members of IYCN. There were two movie screenings. The first was The Hunted about tiger poachers and the second was A Degree of Concern about the impact of melting glaciers in Leh, Ladakh. There was a photography competition organized on the theme of ‘Capturing the secrets of Nature’. The week culminated with a nature walk conducted by Mr Ajay Mahajan. Prakriti won accolades at the DU Flower show.  Its members won second and third prize in the eastern style flower arrangement and third prize in the western style flower arrangement.