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Established in 1936 The Doon School WEEKLY “I sketch your world exactly as it goes.” - Arthur Foot October 7, 2017|Issue No. 2481 POINT-counterpoint MIDTERM REPORTS Roving eye Should there be a Doscobilia store in An insight into the treks undertaken by The Weekly reviews the infamous School? Doscos in September 2017. ‘S-Form Second Term’ Page 5 Page 6-7 Page 8 Editorial The Path of Progress Arjun Singh We’re all familiar with change: it boundaries of our design – with reduce our usage of previously seems to be happening so quickly the focus bringing higher quality. unnecessary elements to maintain nowadays. The sleek renovation of Thus, after months of reviews, elegance, and thus redesigned classrooms after an 80 year-staple, feedback, changes and the whole article headers to reduce blotchy a new curriculum after 44-years of process all over again, we’ve colours. Substituting them, more ICSE; a new schedule, Chairman, arrived at and present the new and icons and graphics will ensure these Headmaster, faculty, infrastructure, redesigned Doon School Weekly. sections remain as intriguing as calendar…the list goes on and on. On the whole, the result is a modern, before. In this issue, our signature It seems overwhelming, but this minimalist style while infusing satire ‘The Roving Eye’, Under the change is important, especially figments of traditional formats, Scanner, and Point-Counterpoint for the oldest institutions, where which in our opinion, produces have been reworked along these systems demand refurbishment at an Issue less visually dense and lines, with more to follow. times. It’s also our natural instinct: more elegant. The most marked But throughout this momentous the constant drive to ‘improve’ and change you’ve already witnessed effort, the labours of the entire lift ourselves and constructs to a is our Masthead – the flag-item of Board have been at the highest higher pedestal, being part of the that caps each edition. Redesigned, notch. Each figment of this design endless journey called ‘progress’. we’ve included the Rose Bowl has been included after their Remaining constant throughout from last year’s Founder’s cover, patient thought and deliberations the history of this institution, and which to us symbolises the spirit over long-days and nights in the perhaps becoming one itself, the of Chandbagh in its confluence Publications’ Room. For me, in Weekly now seeks to change as of holistic pursuits - that’re only my last weeks as Chief Editor, it part of progressive momentum. too visible at this time of year. piqued me to see the loyal resolve It began over ten months ago, Additionally, we’ve included our of our Board to this exercise where Amal sent me a proposal motto “I sketch your world exactly as that’ll redefine the Weekly for for a ‘new and refined’ design to it goes”. Set out by Arthur Foot in the foreseeable future. Their replace that of our existing Issues. the Weekly’s very first volume, it exhaustion defines the sacrifice While having served us well, the encapsulates our duty to represent that serving on this publication former design often reduced our the School in truth, and enshrines often entails - offering their selfless flexibility to arrange and exhibit the free speech we’ve strived to service without question. To them, content, both textual and graphic. maintain. As you flip through this as to me, the Weekly is something Plus, across-the-page rows of text Issue, such changes will be evident. special demanding not only work, had imposed a strain on reading Perhaps the biggest departure but fidelity. In that spirit, as we horizontally – a practice which with this move is the removal seal our efforts with this Issue, has been phased out by most of across-the-page lines, being and (hopefully) leave you in major international publications. substituted by two or three-column anticipation for Founders’, we’re While there were certainly areas pieces that make for easier, quicker certain to have elevated the Weekly that were erroneous, things didn’t reading – aided by refined font and to a higher platform, knowing this have to necessarily be ‘wrong’ to descriptive elements at the ends constant path of progress is long, invite change. Since progress is an of each page. Complementing tiring and inevitable, but evermore end of itself, we chose to push the this content, we’ve also aimed to upward. 2 the doon school weekly Note to the Editor AQUATIC ACCOLADES Dear Editor, The School Swimming Team participated in the Kudos for the editorial (‘Conspicuous Contempt’ in 7th Wynberg Allen Swimming Meet held at the Issue 2479)! Threats like these don’t really work in the Wynberg Allen School, . The team was long run. adjudged the runner-up, with Tarun and Anish Bhide In Delhi University, in the ‘good’ old days, the dadas being adjudged the Most Promising Swimmers in and mahadadas from other colleges would use friendly their respective age categories. persuasion to get us to cheer for their college in the Well done! tournament - after giving us a glimpse of the daggers they were carrying. between the crosshairs An apocryphal story about Stalin was that, after the The School participated in the 14th All IPSC great man spoke, there was loud and continuous Shooting Championship held between September clapping. The guy who stopped clapping first would 27 and October 1, 2017 at The Daly College, be shot! Indore. In the U-19 category, the team comprising There are, of course, less painful alternatives. You Akshat Jha, Varad Mann and Shourya Aggarwal won can hire ‘applauders’. The French, trust them, have a the bronze medal. Shourya Aggarwal secured a word for these people, claques. individual silver medal in the U-19 category. Perhaps the seniors were looking at more cost- Congratulations! effective options. Yours in sorrow, unquotable quotes Bhartendra Baswan (180-H, Batch of 1961) Michael Schumacher is in a state of a vegetable. Around the World in 80 Words Ranvijay Singh, in a critical condition. A shooting at a Las Vegas concert left 58 dead and The date was very here. over five hundred injured. Spain’s autonomous region Arjun Singh, making history. of Catalonia held a self-legislated independence How can you assume my sister’s gender? referendum, with the result in favour of secession. Raihan Vadra, politically correct. Three militants were killed in a suicide attack in Udaya Goel is the best cycler in school. Srinagar. Elon Musk unveiled his plans to reach and Aarnav Sethy, downhill, certainly. colonise Mars by 2022. Manchester City beat Chelsea I beg for you for your cello-tape. 1-0 to retain their spot on top of the Premier League. Shantam Gilra, a sticky situation. Saudi Arabia’s King lifted a ban on women’s ability Hold on one second, five minuites. to drive. Kanishkh Kanodia, time constraints. Every people die. Arjun Singh, Amen! It is during our darkest moments, that we How can someone purposelly jam-up grammar. must focus “to see the light Lakshman Santhanam, rhetorically! My acccent was brown. Aristotle Devang Laddha, dark humour. Sleepless Nights Krishnav Singhal and Pratham Bansal

Saturday, October 7 | Issue No. 2481 the doon school weekly 3 Behind the Scenes Ethan Chamberlain recounts his stay at Chandbagh and the problems faced by him. I came to Doon School to get my GCSEs. It was a to me in the past, I always expected the worst to second chance for me but things have not gone to happen again. Mr Raggett said to me that because plan (as you may know). However, before I leave, of my fear I can sometimes be defensive and even I want to get a few things off my chest and talk aggressive. I agree that I have not always helped about being the only openly gay boy to have ever myself, but I think I’m getting better. I’m grateful been in Doon. for everything the School has given me. I have I didn’t know much about India before I came. found academics hard but I have learnt a lot about My biggest surprise was when I found out that it’s myself which is why I do not regret my decision of illegal to be gay. When I first arrived at The Doon School, my appearance (and yes I know, my attitude) was not what the School expected. My hair was too long, my nails were too fake and I think people felt like my personality was just the same: way too loud. Back in Wales I had not been in school for two years because I didn’t feel accepted. So when I came here it was a big shock. I felt like I wasn’t allowed to be like myself again. It’s hard to explain how difficult it was at the start. Imagine someone telling you that you cannot be who you want to be. I saw that the Sikh boys were allowed to keep their hair long and thought that it coming to Doon. was unfair I was not. I spoke to the Headmaster Being here has made me realise the importance and he was understanding. I am grateful to him of holding onto your identity. I think I understand because he really listened to me. He let me keep why all of us have to dress the same and follow my hair long, but I had to get rid of the nails and the same rules. Some boys at Doon have lots of make-up. money, but there are others who have much less. Has anyone ever wondered why my hair is so So it’s good that everyone can feel equal when they important to me? Ever since I can remember, are here. I have felt like I was born into the wrong body. However, I also feel that Doon should let people I don’t feel like a boy. As I have grown up I’ve be themselves more. My identity is who I am been criticised for being like a girl. If you look at but when I cannot express it, it makes me sad. photos of me as a kid, I was never a typical boy. I Whenever I was sad I did not want to be here and never played football or enjoyed doing the things did not want to learn. I have been speaking to some boys do. I was different. My family always knew boys at Doon and I have found out that I am the who I was and have always accepted me at home. only ever openly gay boy at the School. I don’t think that this is right. I have wondered why there My hair was too long, my aren’t any other openly gay boys. Our teenage years are when we are finding out nails were too fake and I think who we are and if boys feel scared about being people felt like my personality themselves, it is painful. I have missed the support of my parents while I have been here. This has was just the same: way too made me think that if you are gay at The Doon loud. School it must be really scary. I do feel good about the future of our School. Mr However, school in Britain was still tough. This is Raggett let me keep my hair long. This is a good why I’m grateful to everyone at The Doon School sign and even though I found it hard to fit in here, for trying to accept me. However, it has still been I have made some very kind friends during my time a tough journey. I have tried to fit in and have at Doon. I’m glad I attended The Doon School and never been attacked here like I have been in my am proud to be the first openly gay Dosco. old schools. I have been given a chance to learn I hope I won’t be the last. without being scared at The Doon School. This has been amazing. But because of what happened

Saturday, October 7 | Issue No. 2481 4 the doon school weekly ‘I Am The Danger’ Divyansh Nautiyal writes about Antiheroes and their prevalence in the current cinematic age As the film and television industry continuously this case the protagonist, being Walter White from progresses in every aspect ranging from acting Breaking Bad). Furthermore, the change in societal to directing, it is more importantly to evolve in conditions has been another large factor. For ensuring the media represents its audience. On that instance, Frank Underwood from House of Cards; note, every generation has its own fascination with although being a protagonist; is selfish, hungry for a particular actor or character style, with an example power and crushes his enemies to rise to supremacy. of this being the ‘angry young man’ played by The audience can make a connection with such a few decades ago – symbolizing characters, as they wish to see more realistic elements the dissatisfaction with the License Permit Raj era in cinema as the ‘perfect’ and flawless heroes of the and incremental bureaucracy in India. Today, the past are neither true nor appealing anymore. We feel idea of an Anti-hero is presently the burning rage of these industries with characters like Deadpool and Wolverine only a few. While the idea of an anti-hero was prevalent in these industries decades ago - seen through F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye - it has recently seen a large gain in terms of popularity, especially through televised media. An anti-hero is essentially a protagonist lacking classical qualities of courage, idealism or morality and is different from the archetypal ‘hero’. He or she might do the ‘right things’ but their motivation for doing so might not be driven by the right reasons. better about ourselves on watching these anti-heroes Anti-heroes essentially do what they do out of self- because we can relate to these flawed characters interest and aren’t driven by any moral cause. that actually mirror human nature. Moreover, we It is also important to note the distinction between see a change of motives within an anti-hero over vigilantes and anti-heroes. Vigilantes are essentially the course of time. A tragedy struck anti-hero characters that take the law into their own hands on fighting back for redemption cannot become a more feeling that the authorities are incapable of solving appealing storyline: Walter White from Breaking an issue. Batman, a prime example of a vigilante, Bad initially started as a drug manufacturer to fund saves Gotham from Bane and the Joker and in doing his family. However, conditions change and one so, overrules the authorities of Gotham. While a sees him transform into a drug lord for his own vigilante is generally an ideal and moral figure, it is selfish interest. It is easier to sympathize with such not necessary that the traits of an anti-hero may not characters as they have a larger space to evolve and be found within a vigilante. develop. Anti-heroes are also liked is because of their rebellious nature towards social constraints and The ‘perfect’ and flawless their confidence in eroding them. With increasing desensitization across the globe for numerous heroes of the past are neither reasons, these anti-heroes who are often insensitive true nor appealing anymore. are extremely appealing to the masses. Furthermore, with a social climate that allows one to espouse his However, what exactly has made these pop culture frustrations rather than contain them, anti-heroes figures extremely prevalent in the current times? Anti- become perfect figures to represent and promote it. heroes are complex characters who are multifaceted With all of this, the ideology of an anti-hero remains and have several layers to their personality. They are up for still up for debate. On one side, anti-heroes unlike the conventional heroes, whose uprightness are considered to be mirrors for human nature. and morals become predictable over the course of Contrarily, another belief states that the methods of time. The moral ambiguity of an anti-hero is much anti-heroes are unrealistic as they carry a negative wider than that of a normal protagonist, which influence with them. However, with the shows of allows them to take unpredictable actions that add anti-heroes like Sopranos, Dexter, Breaking Bad and to the show’s suspense and thrill for viewers.The Sherlock becoming the most loved shows ever, we phrase in the title which had dark connotations know that a dawn of a new age of cinema is now is very unexpected to be used by a protagonist(in upon us.

Saturday, October 7 | Issue No. 2481 the doon school weekly 5 Campus Commercialised Should there be a Doscobilia store in School? POINT COUNTERPOINT Zoraver Mehta Ranvijay Singh A few days back, a majority of School left for The opening of the Doscobilia Store has raised midterms. On our return, we found that the old many eyebrows. This is due to the fact that the store Video Club room in the Library was turned into the leans very close to being pointless. The first of the ‘Doscobillia Store.’ The opening of the store saw many reasons why it is so, is the very fact that the several Doscos indignantly dismissing the idea, the G-Store already exists for the purchasing of Dosco famous first impression of many, when they witness Memorabilia. The Doscobilia Store, I feel, is quite the any new development in School. waste of space. In terms of demand, memorabilia The idea of having memorabilia is to keep objects is mostly bought during Founders, when a stall is for their association with memorable events or places. always set up to sell them. The Ex-Dosco’s and other Having a store in School gives easy access to such customers who come any time other than Founders, items as clothing, lamps, stationary and more, bearing could easily purchase the memorabilia from the the Doon School lamp. This allows Old Boys, parents G-Store. Creating a store, which will have few or visitors to purchase these items easily that they customers other than during the period of Founders, will take back as genuine memories of the campus is no doubt a waste of space that could have been used as reminders of their memorable experiences with for something the students actually needed. While Chandbagh. on the thought of the need of the students, another Importantly, all the work, as well as resources that reason why the Store seems forced upon School is the has gone into making the store is supplied by Old Boys. very fact that its establishment was never discussed in The costs that have gone into building the store have any student forum. been paid by the DSOBS, who have also enlisted the Secondly, there is the issue with the type of help of designers such as Tarun Tahiliani to curate the memorabilia being sold at the Store itself. The product line as well as to design the scarf, tie, buttons utility of many of the memorabilia being sold at the and cufflinks. Samrath Bedi (471 T- 1993) of Forest Store has been questioned throughout the School Essentials is making an exclusive ‘Dosco Essentials’ Community (Selfie Stick, USB Fan, USB Lighter). Of fragrance for the store that will remind Old Boys of course, the issue of utility is highly subjective, what their Schooldays. He is exploring several options for can be questioned for sure is the usage of our School the fragrance including ‘the goodly smell of rain on logo, the Lamp of Knowledge, on products such as dry ground’. The shop made a turnover of around these. Another issue with many of the products being one lakh rupees on the first day of its opening! Part of sold is their appropriateness to their surroundings. the earnings of the store go to School. The clothes in Selling whiskey glasses and ‘USB lighters’ so openly ‘Doscobillia’ are of good quality, what Doscos would on a School Campus is surely going to send the wrong wear outside of School. The General Store does not message out to the School Community. On a campus have the range nor the quality of memorabilia that with 560 students that can imbibe in themselves this store offers, and for the sake of variety, such a habits very quickly, such kind of memorabilia being store is needed. found on campus is sure to do harm. Also, school puts in considerable resources for Lastly, the actual design and positioning of the store advertising. Doon School jackets and t-shirts being is very conspicuous. Although this might be highly worn by proud ex-Doscos all over the world would successful in terms of the marketing strategy of the surely serve the purpose. Doon School Old Boys’ Society (DSOBS), seeing Frankly, after the Video Club abandoned the room, a board of a memorabilia shop as one of the first it didn’t seem to be of much use. The store has made things when you enter an 80 year old institution, is it a pleasant corner in School. The boys, when their not quite telling of what School actually stands for. I parents are around, can purchase items which can feel that the Doscobilia Store is just a waste of space be used during midterms, classes, in their study etc. and the funds of the DSOBS. As current students However, the appropriateness of selling whiskey of The Doon School, we really have no say on the glasses and ‘USB lighters’ bearing the School Lamp usage of these funds, but this should be kept in mind is surely indecent something that requires more by the DSOBS while creating other such projects on reflection. campus.

Saturday, October 7 | Issue No. 2481 6 the doon school weekly |MIDTERM REPORTS| Hiking to Hemkund Kamvalethu Sabela In the early hours of Monday a brief breakfast we set out for a acquired some information about morning, I, along with the B-Form long trek that loomed ahead us. the Gods residing in the sacred of Jaipur House, embarked on We trekked for approximately six , some of which was a journey to Haemkund Sahib hours. The trek was filled with also hard to swallow. The trek back to explore the Himalayas and interactions with the local people was comparatively longer and, the religious places resting in its of the area. I was asked about interestingly, a barren of mules shelter. The overall experience my nationality very inquisitively trekked with us simultaneously. was one which pushed us to our by the local people and was also On Thursday, we trekked further limits emotionally, mentally and asked for a few ‘selfies’. If not down to Hotel Bhagat and also physically. The first part of the this, then I was blatantly stared at visited the sacred place, Badrinath. journey comprised a twelve hour by the other people. On reaching We again encountered many locals bus journey which seemed endless. our second hotel, we found to our and the experience was pretty The road, full of bumps and sharp disappointment that the rooms much like the earlier one. Friday unexpected turns, gave us a tough were less spacious with combined was the day that marked the end time, but we ultimately managed to beds. The lack of TVs in our rooms of our journey. reach our first destination where added to the misgivings. However, The trip taught me to be grateful we resided in Hotel Bhagat. this didn’t dampen my mood as I and appreciative of the smallest of Unlike the high expectations that got engaged in a card game with things and to recognise the effort had been set for our stay, we had to the B-Formers. Through the that goes into providing even the survive the first night by sleeping course of this, I also got to know smallest of help. However, most in cold rooms and taking a shower some of them personally. importantly, these midterms made in freezing water. The meal was On Wednesday, we reached me mentally stronger, and taught also not satiating. We were woken Hemkund Sahib and the scenic me to believe that I can overcome up the next day by loud bangs on view presented to us a number of anything. I will truly cherish these our doors by DKM who got us temples nestling in the cradle of memories for the rest of my life. ready for a long day ahead. After snow-capped mountains. I also Kedarnath Pilgrimage Shivya Majumdar The B-formers of Kashmir rays of the sun. We reached our prayers to be heard. During this House and the tutors decided to camp by 3:30 in the afternoon. The time, one is completely mesmerised undertake the trek to Kedarnath next day we trekked for another for midterms this time. The kilometre to reach the city of disaster of 2013 caused the trek to Kedarnath where the holy temple change from a 14 km route to an is actually located. We visited the arduous 22 km. temple, went around the city and On the second day we packed also met the locals to know the our lunch and took off at 7:30 legends and myths of this sacred am from Gaurikund with a lot dwelling. of enthusiasm. The trek, itself, The temple has separate halls: by the utter devotion towards God. was a sight to behold. The huge the outermost hall consists of Those who like a good trek that mountains, covered with dense the statues of the Pandavas (who leads to a beautiful destination, green forests, stood out clearly were believed to have built this the trek to Kedarnath is a dream. against the rich blue sky which was temple), mother Kunti and their The strenuous 8-hour trek leading dotted with white puffs of clouds. wife Draupadi. The sanctum to the ancient temple elegantly A little ahead of Jungle Chatti, sanctorum (Garbhagriha) has the nestled between the snow- we could see the beautiful snow holy pyramidal Shivling which covered mountains of Himalayas, covered peaks shining brightly in is worshipped by pilgrims. The radiating the true piety to God, will the sun. The effect of the bitter temple is full of people during rejuvenate not only your body but wind was nullified by the toasty the evening Aarti, all wanting their also your heart.

Saturday, October 7 | Issue No. 2481 the doon school weekly 7 The Climb to Roop Kund Shiven Dewan In the wee hours of Monday descend to the river soon became and somehow, we kept on plodding morning, a group of five our biggest tormentor and the to Bagobasa. enthusiastic S-Formers ventured lush meadows were only seen The sudden ascent had taken its out to tame the once-sought after after a five hour toil. The bugyal toll on us and I was down with a land of Roopkund and Junargali. was a stunning place to camp with severe headache. Nevertheless, the An exhausting 12-hour drive to exquisite views of 7000 meter ‘mountain fever’ took over and the apparent ‘base camp’ of Wan peaks, which included the fabled we began ‘summiting’ the next witnessed frequent stops to tend Trishul climbed by Mr Gurdial day at 4 am. The rocky and steep to one of our members’ motion Singh. It was here that we ran into terrain was at its extreme now and sickness. Nevertheless, we arrived our Oberoi House Juniors. Luckily trekking in the dark presented its at our GMVN by dusk. for them, we had loads of hot own challenge. We huffed and chocolate! puffed in the harsh cold and were The next day would prove to eventually greeted by the infamous be much more challenging as skeletons at Roopkund. With the path to Bagobasa was laden almost diminished will powers, with loose rocks and soils and we carried on to the ridge and extremely steep climbs. Leaving were rewarded with, perhaps, the the sanctuary of Bedni, the only most beautiful views of our lives respite was at the scenic campsite at Junargali. Overlooking the We commenced our trek the of Pathar Najoni. The route after cloudline and, at the same time following day with Bedni Bugyal Najoni was extremely challenging being dwarfed by the humungous as the destination for the day. and painful with endless meanders. snow-capped peaks was a sight to The innocuous climb after the The ridge loomed in the distance behold. Scenes from Rudraprayag

Jaiveer Misra Our midterm excursion took us to Teaching students basic English On the last day we trekked from the scenic town of Rudraprayag. and Mathematics, and singing Kanakchauri village through the The town is at the confluence of to them was a lively memory. At forest, to the the Kartik Swami the Mandakini and Alakananda the same time, we learnt about Temple, which was dedicated to rivers, which merge to form the their hard lives, especially after deity Shiva’s elder son, Kartik. The Ganges, and is thus home to many their homes were lost due to the views of the snow-clad mountains significant Hindu temples. floods. Moments like these helped from the temple were breathtaking, Arriving after a long and winding us exit our bubbles of privilege to with the constant chime of bells bus journey on the first day, we empathise with the majority of our adding to the serenity. In another arrived at the scenic Alakananda country. Indeed, it was a humbling breathtaking moment, we had the and Mandakini, which were of moment. privilege to watch Mount Nanda different colours (the Mandakini Wednesday saw us trek up to Devi against the backdrop of being brown, and the Alakananda Devariya Tal. Both rocky and sunset. being teal) and merged at a single beautiful, the silent green forest was Overall, our mid-terms were point (where Hindu deity Rama is quite pleasant, and the overview memorable in many ways: playing said to have stood). The unusually of the Saari Village’s paddy fields cards, long bus journeys and large force of these rivers reminded was indeed scenic. As we reached intimate conversations which gave us of those who lost their lives in the lake, our jaws dropped at the us great moments to bond. Thanks the Floods, and in the sight of crystal clear water that go to our escorting Masters for auspicious presence we offered a reflected the Chaukhamba Peaks. planning a unique midterm, one silent prayer. Sitting by the lake to observe the that we are sure is the first of many We spent the second day at Taxila beauty, coupled with the silence, to come! Junior High School, which is was a breathtaking alpine-esque financially supported by the School. pleasure.

Saturday, October 7 | Issue No. 2481 8 the doon school weekly oR oving Eye By Socially Intelligent Beings As we type this with our own laptops (knowing ‘the from Kashmir House, for whom ‘everything seems to Mac’ is back), the annual entertainment segment of be going wrong’. Like a certain American candidate, The Doon School ‘Scoping Hunting Season’ enters he too has relied on family support in hopes of a its last act as all the rats gear up for the final leg of emulating a surprising victory. the race. But, before many successes are made and Not surprisingly, other campaigns across the hearts are broken, it’s our responsibility to keep the transparency in the school community intact and update you on the foibles, manoeuvres, hypocrisies ...’Okay’ stands ahead of the and other attempts of the current S-Form – this being curve, with plans to keep this one ‘humble effort’ to assist the judges (and thereby increase certain prospects), with only time telling us Dark Horse from a dark tie next who emerges as the lead canine amongst this pack of ‘roving’ wolves. term. Speaking of canines, the jackals roaming School at night have had some loud company recently during the campus have been equally feisty, of which Lone Eagle mishap between two neighbours in deciding the ring hopes for bright prospects with his repeated attempts leader of next year’s pack. This has caught the entire to please. In the arena of diplomats, he currently School’s attention, from the Headmasters right down runs against his ‘Okay’ form mate, whose skills with to the D-Formers. Indeed the ‘Virtuvian’ Man, long diplomacy are too well-known. Indeed, after a very seen as the blue-blazed favourite, has held sessions visible presence during this year’s General Assembly, to ‘Physically Train’ younger students in preparation word has it that he is pegged to assume the role of for next February; for a better outcome in both Chief Diplomat at the year’s second-biggest political competitions. Although his chances seemed shaken, event (much to the dismay of our Associate Editors). ironically, with an off-late extra PT, he still holds firm Parallel to this runs the Presidential race, where backing from all politicians in the House of Lords, Maharanjan seems to have created a red romance to who (like a certain judge) seem deeply impressed with take this high post from the ‘High’ Man, who’d hoped his Eton College chronicles iwn this very publication. his legacy quota would suffice. Busy as these hopefuls Across the quadrangle, the Topper seems to have may be, their involvement in the publications realm encountered Yellow caution lights as he and a Red has been intentionally vigorous. The Weekly itself Comrade have frequented the road to Martyn House. sees a fair share of competition amongst the Three In spreading their manifestoes, a supposed campaign Debaters (who engagement in some fiery rhetoric over violation prompted a home visit from the Blue cybersapce leaves the results uncertain), while the two Policemen that led to a TOYE-room courtroom-style ‘contributing’ Eagles practically flew away long ago. Again, from these two, the Lonely Zero’s opportunism has drawn his hopes upon the sporting subsidiary, but Although his chances seemed faces near annihilation from 2K. Like Ms Clinton, his shaken, ironically, with an off- email controversies on both publications may consign him to the same fate. However, the annual picture late extra PT, he still holds firm book, set to appear at Founders’, is caught in a Cold backing from all politicians in War between some of the MUN-hopefuls previously mentioned. In yet another field, the Topper’s top rank the House of Lords, who (like has been under threat by the royal opponent seeking a certain judge) seem deeply to save his Presidency and please the ‘Dark power’ controlling both. As expected, ‘Okay’ stands ahead of impressed... the curve, with plans to keep this Dark Horse from a dark tie next term. drama featuring the Kingmaker(s). Meanwhile, the Coming to the meat of this piece, the hallmark lone Eagle has been flying in empty skies recently; competition for prefectship has seen twists-and-turns and should perhaps play himself some piano blues. as the form wriggles its way through the grime. In the Despite this, he has been eager to keep a soaring nest, the House Captain of Berry House (Mr Kamel) position in this race, employing his House Captain seeks to add an Eagle’s feather to his cap after a star and former campaign committee with experience in Basketball performance, but lacks favour with the such pursuits, as well as the Upset Actor/Director powers that be. Once again, the Lonely Eagle has

Saturday, October 7 | Issue No. 2481 the doon school weekly 9 hoped that ‘Bloody Joker’ will keep his seat warm. To we enter a cooler term. However, be prepared for the quote last year’s piece, the prospect of five prefects final stretch, for as one successful King said “winter roaming the halls has got this Assistant Housemaster is coming.” working harder than the rest. Otherwise, his namesake |POETRY| has been running for a lower post after sharpening his political skills at I-Parliament. Across the field, though, the Black Swan seems to have locked up the Day 50 race. If a wildcard ensues, he is expected to secure at Aayush Chowdhry least one-of-two School Captaincies come February. Helpless, hapless, and without power- Gulabo and the Mathematician, on the other hand, Day 50- I stand atop a high tower. seem to be trying very hard (joined by the Lonely The curator moves me to this spot; Eagle) to also scramble a spot at the table. From The place, unknown to me not. there, a short walk back to ‘School’ finds us at the House of ‘Gentleman’ at the centre stage of this I, now, see the real world below me: year’s activities, where for months Big Brother has Tormentors, narcissists, and criminals free. been watching all. The Maharanjan seeks to establish They all seem like indifferent cattle; an upcoming reign amidst the Topper’s aims to beat everyone again in this examination of leadership. Yet, Galore, their endless prattle. the present Captain K’s Snapchat stories starring the Red Devil, however, have recently tinted this race. On Entrapped by the agonizing game, that note, the Red Corner of campus hasn’t ceased The largest mammal piercing my vein, to surprise us, (especially after some scandalous My heart squeezes one last thump ‘midterm reports’), with the Bad(minton) player and And I, with my whole life, jump. the Junglee currently employing guerrilla tactics to control these wild lands. Once again, Khaansaab (the A blur of my whiskey-sodden father passes; Next to him, mama with her disfigured glasses: Blood riddled, pieces of metal jutted out To quote last year’s piece, As my brother gives a sharp shout. the prospect of five prefects But, roaming the halls has got one Another, more defined, image appears: Assistant Housemaster working Father behind bars, no more tears. Vividly, I recall, mother forcing me to stay strong; harder than the rest. I shall join her after so long.

Red Comrade) has been playing the stakes on this Then, I see the semblance of my soul: brother domestic front – seeking to outmanoeuvre the ‘High’ Bright, jubilant; all smiles and laughter. Man like his climbing partner. Yet, I had embraced the whale; Meanwhile, back in the House of Lords, where I see, how as an elder sibling, I fail. strangely, the politics and pandemonium of other houses ceases to exist. With nearly everyone’s I extend a meager hand; votes in the ‘V for V’ column, the four-man-mafia Bleakly, wanting to hug him but can’t. are shamelessly working to push the confirmed I see the blind idiot I had been Captain upward and add a fifth. Should that happen, And he had still, some hope in me, seen. the Badshaah seeks to rule the Nizams but faces some competition from the S-Form Starboy. The Kingmaker, on the other hand, has redefined the term I, finally, realize my cowardice, for the hand grasp of a friend, and seems permanently It stands tall, shadowing the other lies. affixed to the King and being his Eye-of-the-Storm Desperation was my biggest blunder, campaign manager. Elsewhere, the junior Nepali has To the truth I now surrender. been using his country connections to curry favour with ‘the Maan’, and has of-late developed a taste for Seeking for a cure, I had started the game, bananas. Unthinking, irresponsible, selfish; to my shame. With that, we’ve come to the end of this progress Drowned in self pity, I just couldn’t see: report on The Doon School Rat Race. Do expect All along, panacea was right beside me. more developments to follow all that’s written. Yet, given the current climate on the campus, we advise Brother, now, as I fall from the tower high, S-Form to be wary of things heating up too much as In the last second of my life I really don’t want to die.

Saturday, October 7 | Issue No. 2481 10 the doon school weekly The Curtain Call Lorcan Conlon pays tribute to Padma Shri Tom Alter on the occasion of his death. On September 29, 2017, renowned Taneja. After graduating, he made and extensively wrote about it actor, author, commentator and his debut in Saheb Bahadur directed in publications such as Outlook, Padma Shri awardee, Tom Alter by , following which Sportsweek, Cricket Talk and the passed away at the age of 67. he appeared in over 300 movies. Sunday Observer. In 1966, he was The veteran actor contracted skin Fluent in and , and invited to Singapore to provide cancer early last year, and was knowing a little Tamil, Punjabi cricket commentary in Hindi, for diagnosed with a reoccurrence in and Telugu, Alter quickly became Indian viewers, on the popular September this year, and after a extremely popular and well known sports TV channel ESPN. short period, passed away. in the film industry. Aside from Alter was born on July 22, 1950 being a actor, he also to two American missionaries. performed in numerous plays and He was educated at Woodstock in 1977, along with Naseeruddin and at eighteen, left for higher Shah and Benjamin Gilani, formed education at Yale. However, he a theatre group called Motley returned a year later because Productions. Their first production he had not liked the rigour of was ’s play ‘Waiting studies there. At nineteen, he for Godot’, performed at Prithvi obtained work as a teacher at Theatre in in 1979. He Sr. Thomas School, Jagadhri, would go on to be awarded the . He worked there for six prestigious Padma Shri by the months, simultaneously coaching Indian government in 2008 in Tom Alter will be remembered his students in cricket. Over the recognition of his services in the by all for his memorable next few years, he would teach at fields of arts and cinema. performances on the big screen. a few different schools, leave for Shortly after the formation of He remains till date as one of the America and return home again. Motley Productions, Alter married largest personalities of Indian Alter’s acting career started Carol Evans, a Welsh Cricketer. cinema and theatre who had the taking shape after he saw the movie They had two children together: a unique distinction of having Aradhana. After mulling over the son, Jamie, and a daughter, Afshaan. broken all boundaries. His legacy thought for two years, he joined Alter wrote many books, including continues to remain after his the Film and Television Institute The Longest Race, Rerun at Rialto, passing away and it is one we all of India in . He studied there and The Best in the World. He also must strive to preserve. from 1972 to 1974 under Roshan showed a great interest in cricket, Opening the Red Box Aryan Chhabra writes on the declassification of the files on Subhash Chandra Bose. Every nation’s history is moulded beliefs propounded through the open to the public. In a democracy, by a few figures who give their forward bloc, Netaji’s contribution the citizens have a right to know lives to a cause greater than to the freedom of this country what their leaders, present as well themselves. Relentless in their is immense. However, it grieves as the past ones, did to safeguard pursuit, these figures were willing me to think that, as a nation, we the nation. They also have a right to sacrifice everything to further are still kept in the dark about to know what happened to the their ideals and objectives. Whilst the circumstances of his death. leaders that we so fervently look for our nation many of these Now that it has come to light up to today. Providing people with personalities have long gone, their that Subhas Bose wasn’t killed complete knowledge about their honourable deeds have given them in a plane crash, it is our duty as leaders helps them understand true immortality and they stay citizens to inquire into why and these personalities in a more with us forever in our hearts and how he met his demise. What is effective way. Furthermore, it also souls. One of these personalities is more appalling is that there are helps them learn more from the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. files existing which document the chapters of history. From his efforts to liberate exact nature of how Netaji died, Having said all this, however, it India with INA to his ideological but these files have yet not been will be unfair of me to say that

Saturday, October 7 | Issue No. 2481 the doon school weekly 11 the government has not made it on ‘key’ times for electoral gains? the aides of Hitler, there are a any efforts to declassify these While I am sure that Netaji has his plethora of tales one can hear files. In fact, this year itself the share of supporters and critics, about the life of Netaji. It is this government has declassified about one thing all of us would agree context that it is important to 304 files for the public to assess out on is not to politicise this issue. believe in facts, not stories. In fact, of a total of 990 that it possesses. After all, the pages of history that such conspiracy theories raise the Fifty more of these files were later encapsulate our proud, glorifying needs of declassifying these files. released, on the pretext of more freedom struggle deserve to be Otherwise, there is no end to transparency. What struck me a bit greater than daily, petty politics. the false beliefs of people. So to queer about this action, however, Further, the absence of any all the naysayers and conspiracy was its timing. The declassifying concrete information on the theorists, I say: let there be light. of these files happened to be just disappearance of Subhas Chandra Let us strive to shed more light before West Bengal elections. This Bose has raised many conspiracy on the passing of the titan that raises a rather important question: theories. From being hunted down was Subhas Chandra Bose instead is our government withholding by Mahatma Gandhi or Jawaharlal of spreading conspiracy theories information from us and releasing Nehru to being murdered by about his disappearance.

of 2008, and here is where many Under the scanner Catalonians claim their problem The Catalonia Referendum | Aviral Kumar lies. For all the contribution Catalonia makes, it feels it is given Amidst the political upheavals it illegal without the region’s back much less by the Central that Europe has faced over the consent, and has thus provoked Government. According to figures last few months, yet another has a dramatic response from the in 2014, Catalonia paid 9.89 billion emerged, this time plaguing the Spanish government, who have Euros more into Spanish taxes Union’s second largest nation, deemed the referendum illegal and than it received in spending. On Spain. Catalonia, an autonomous its outcome invalid, with Spanish the other hand, Spain argues that community within Spain, located Premier Mariano Rajoy outright Catalonia has been given a fairly at its easternmost border, has stating that the referendum won’t large degree of autonomy, and voted for independence in a happen. still considerable when compared self-legislated referendum. It is Opposing this, Catalonian to other regions. While both one of Spain’s most wealthy and President Carles Puigdemont has arguments have credibility, it’s productive regions, and in recent boldly claimed that “No other court important to ask – does it have the years has perhaps become its or political body” has the right to credentials to be called a country? most turbulent, with separatist suspend his government from In short, yes. Catalonia has over sentiments taking hold over power, and this is a belief shared one thousand years of rich history, its populace since 2014, when by many Catalonians, evidenced and its own culture and language an unofficial poll conducted by the sheer support for the unique from the rest of Spain. by Catalonia’s self-contained referendum, and the subsequent Catalonia has its dreams of government revealed its peoples’ chaos the region is experiencing. Independence and ‘Demokrazia’, desire for independence. Consequently, the Spanish Police Since then, a number of took severe measures to scuttle the campaigns and movements have voting, issuing fines, threatening taken place advocating Catalonia’s arrests, and physically preventing right to exist as a separate state, with people from voting, with the matters reaching a breaking point ensuing riots leading to over 400 last week, when the Generalitat injured people. of Catalonia issued an official Regardless, a referendum has referendum on the 1st of October, taken place, primarily for economic asking its citizens if they wanted reasons. Catalonia is a major against Spain’s wishes. As both Catalonian self-determination. economic powerhouse for Spain, governments prepare to lock horns, This decision directly comes contributing to nearly 19% of the all of Europe holds its breath, eager in conflict with the Spanish nation’s GDP. As such, the region to witness the outcome, confident constitution, which doesn’t allow is put under particular strain to in the knowledge that whatever it voting on the independence of any provide financial support, one only may be, the Iberian Peninsula will Spanish region whilst also deeming worsened by the economic crisis undergo a considerable make-over.

Saturday, October 7 | Issue No. 2481 12 the doon school weekly the very least. But despite all the is running late, late nights, with The Week action the school witnessed (night Martyn House probably suffering robbery; the goods have been the most. Meanwhile, designers Gone By recovered, but the perpetrator are wanted on the publications is still at large), life has been as front, as the present ones are Omar Chishti and Salman Mallick unforgiving as is during Founder’s. burdened with infinitely (one poor Returning to this column together Entering classrooms after almost bloke having to do FIVE different for one last time after a long a month’s ‘break’ (and a three day publications). hiatus, it falls to one Mohammad weekend for good measure), faces Speaking of affairs, some young to be sentimental and to the other are actually drowsier than ever. Warriors do come to mind. to be funny. With SCs having to In fact, with the loss of a week’s On that final controversial note, churn out college essays faster worth of work due to Founder’s our last words will humbly differ than they wrote lines in their junior being earlier than usual, many with Jonathan Swift’s century old forms (who would’ve known of the activities in school are, admonition against the enjoyers that’s possible?), handing over the along with the people involved in of satire and satirists - through baton to our successors is now a them, are walking the tightrope, our journey with this column, bittersweet necessity. physically and mentally. While and through the sardonic humour The SC form’s absence in school stage setup is taking up a large permitted to the Weekly, these two certainly stirred something in the chunk of the limited time on offer editors have discovered a great deepest underbelly of school, for the English Play, the Hindi Play deal both about everyone else, and as the few days before and after is stuck between Gandhi Jayanti about themselves. It’s truly been a midterms were eventful, to say and Founder’s. Music, as usual, pleasure to serve this readership.

Publications Around 1 Crossword the World 2 Across 2. Magazine, famous for its ‘Person of the Year’ award. 3. Business magazine known to rank companies and 3 4 people. 5. Men’s lifestyle magazine idolized both for its portrayal 5 of nudity and rabbit logo. 6 8. London-based magazine known for its liberal stance. 7 9. Primarily a South Indian newspaper, known for 8 being one of the two Indian newspapers of record. 10. British newspaper which revealed the existence of 9 10 11 the PRISM surveillance program in the USA. 12. The New __ is an American magazine having a logo 12 of a dandy peering through a monocle at a butterfly. Down

1. French magazine attacked by terrorists in early 2015. Note: All answers related to publications in this crossword refer to their last names.

7. Yomuiri 7.

4. Founded in 1949, the oldest newspaper in Ghana. Economist 8.

6. Journal 6.

6. American business-centric newspaper named after Yorker 12. Playboy 5.

4. Statesman 4.

the metonym for the US financial markets. Guardian 10. Forbes 3. 1. Hebdo 11. Dawn Dawn 11. Hebdo 1. Hindu 9. TIME 2.

Down

7. The _____ Shimbun is a Japanese newspaper having Across the world’s largest daily newspaper circulation. Crossword Week’s This to Answers 11. Founded by Muhammed Ali Jinnah, Pakistan’s most widely read newspaper. Source: http://worksheets.theteacherscorner.net/make-your-own/crossword/

The views expressed in articles printed are their authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Weekly or its editorial policy. Online Edition: www.doonschool.com/co-curricular/clubs-societies/publications/past-weeklies/ [email protected] ©IPSS: All rights reserved. Printed by: The English Book Depot, 15 Rajpur Road, , Uttarakhand– 248001, India. Published by: PK Nair, The Doon School, Dehradun. Editor-in-Chief: Arjun Singh Editor: Aryan Chhabra Senior Editors: Nehansh Saxena, Omar Chishti, Salman Mallick Associate Editors: Aayush Chowdhry, Devang Laddha, Kanishkh Kanodia, Kushagra Kar, Zoraver Mehta Hindi Editor: Shubham Dhiman Special Correspondents: Ansh Raj, Aryan Bhattacharjee, Divyansh Nautiyal, Karan Sampath Correspondents: Aviral Kumar, Jai Lakhanpal, Varen Talwar Cartoonist: Ameya Shawak, Pratham Bansal Webmaster: Vishal Mohla Assistant Managers: Anamika Ghose, Purnima Dutta, Arvindanabha Shukla Technical Assistant: KC Maurya Picture Credits: Gautam Singhal (Page 6), Justdial (Page 10), Politico Europe (Page 11)