Established in 1936 WEEKLYTHE DOON SCHOOL October 19, 2019 “I sketch your world exactly as it goes” Issue No. 2552 | Founder’s Day Special Edition

ARTS AND FEATURED Ubiquitous Ecology of CREATIVITY The Colonisation of Learning The Ghost of Beatrice Mars Examine the systematic changes required to integrate AI in A brother faces justice when he An extensive insight into the classrooms and their implications. encounters a ghost from his past as prospects of humanity succeeding he returns home. in the colonisation of Mars. Rajesh Majumdar | PAGE 6 | PAGE 4 Varen Talwar Keshav Singhal and Sriman Goel | PAGE 10 Architecture of Change Resurgence Explore the ways in which The winning entry of the 2019 B.G. Chandbagh’s architecture interacts Pitre Science Fiction Short Story with student’s lives and the campus’ competition. natural beauty. Shourya Agarwal | PAGE 5 Sandeep Khosla | PAGE 7 digitalx.com OPINION CHANDBAGH Point - Counterpoint A debate over the effectiveness of Too ‘Trying’? holding protests over individual A reprint from 2010 that delves into action in order to tackle climate the dread faced by Doscos during change. Test Week. PAGE 9 Vivek Santayana | PAGE 6

September 01, 2019, 0013 hours I’ve seen people let their guard down with almost August 25, 2019, 2350 hrs on Chucks! Had a strange feeling when absolute strangers en masse. ear Diary, I was sitting on stage before the debate, Bonded a fair bit with team-mates, too. Didn’t Today was my last Inter-House competition. Was the whole School stared at us. I felt expect it to happen so easily before, but things DIt’s funny. This term has held so many ‘lasts’ an absolute stone calm as I stared back at them. fell into place just the right way – and quite – last Chucks, last DSMUN, even last Mid-Trials. But No emotion, no nervousness, no excitement; unassumingly too. They turned out to be people Inter-House Music is different. My first one was in just a strange quiet. Honestly it was almost as if I I once knew and had lost for a fair bit afterwards. C-form, five years ago. This first experience being surprised myself. Perhaps it was that which gave We shared some genuine moments, which I’m on-stage created an intense love for the Santoor, me this strange focus throughout the debate. My glad of. Met a guy I’ve been seeing in MUNs since and performance and music have formed an integral speech went well. I think it was one of my best yet. B-Form. I remember being a chit-boy then, and part of my identity ever since. There was the ‘Grand Dinner’ the night before then his Deputy Chair in S-Form. Poof, it’s all All of us had rehearsed our performances on the the Finals. Had a lot of fun there. Just for a brief changed. The dynamic. But well, I mean, it had to. MPH stage in the afternoon, but performing in a moment I was comparing this particular one to Maybe debating is the single most impactful dark, packed auditorium is a completely different the ones I’ve had before. Guess Chucks really has pursuit I’ve engaged in. I could almost physically ballgame. Like always, there was pre-performance seen me grow up. Danced for a bit. Went for a walk feel the neurons growing inside my head. Got anxiety, but the constant assault of conflicting after. It was fun. better consistently with each debate. Even emotions was eventually replaced with complete The Chucks is perhaps the cutest event I’ve yet clinched a few tight ones for the team. Glad I did. serenity. The metaphorical ‘calm before the storm’. been to. I mean, everything about it is just so Glad we were in the Finals. The evening started with the Vocal competition. refreshing. First time I saw a bunch of masters I can’t imagine this is something I’ve wanted to I spent the better part of an hour tuning inside the Life The letting themselves loose at the dance. That was do since C-Form, and now that it’s happened, I makeshift green room behind the MPH during the really endearing too, seeing this other side of don’t seem to care as much for it as I thought I first few vocal performances and occasionally came Of An them. Loved the food as well. The judges were would. No, I really care about it, but, it feels like out to listen. After ‘vocals’ got over, I went back in also young – mostly undergrad students from DU. the best has passed. Am I making sense? to tune. Our performance was last, and incidentally, Even they let loose at the dance- the first time Aryan Bhattacharjee it was the final performance of the entire music SC competition. The Raga we were to perform, Raga Bhairavi, is always played as a concluding and final Life February 17, 2019, 2244 hrs themselves. The other tables were bustling with Raga in any performance. It’s only fitting that the Former h, Hello Dear Diary! all kinds of jokes and conversations- these people last performance was to be a swansong by two SCs You must think today was just another obviously knew each other. in Raga Bhairavi. Otypical day, with the occasional twist here Then came the tables that were the most Before I knew it, Nikunj and I were walking onto and there. One that began with me getting up at interesting to observe. These were the ones stage to loud cheering from the audience. Despite seven in the morning for PT, followed by breakfast where people were trying to make new friends. my dismal Hindi-speaking skills, something I have and then classes. Break and more classes. Lunch, The basic subject for most conversations was been teased about extensively, I reluctantly decided of an and finally some free time invaded, as always, career and subject choices-related drivel. Once to go out on a limb and give our introduction in by activities, most of which are academically all discussions on these traditional subjects was Hindi. Luckily, it wasn’t too bad – apparently my demanding. Sports next, followed by dinner, and exhausted, only a few tables managed to move South Indian accent barely came through. The initial then dedicated Toye time. Some time with form- on to other interesting subjects. Otherwise, the sections of our performance, the Alaap and Vilambit, mates, some discussions, some messing around, conversation at many tables would be subsumed went really well. This was surprising considering the and finally to bed. Well, isn’t that how you think by awkward silences, and occasional (and failed) fact that these sections were the most challenging. my day went? Well, today there is something new attempts by either side to revive it. It’s interesting how things play out. The performance that I must tell you about: there was a ‘special’ Meanwhile, drinks (Coke, Fanta, and Sprite) was going well, but we were gradually speeding up SC Former event today— a place for one to meet the better were served. One could see people switching from the composition to uncontrollable levels. Ironically, half, the chance to balance the ratio, a chance to one table to the other with the excuse of looking the final composition (Drut), which was the piece discover one’s hidden feelings. Yes, I am talking for food. Well, this was obviously only a ruse; the we had practised the most, had the most mistakes. about ‘Socials’, which for the worker bees is that real reason was the desire to interact with the Unaffected though, we transitioned to the final time of the term they most eagerly await. On the person they had set their eyes on! section, Jhala. As Nikunj was wrapping up his Jhala, other hand, for the more dormant bees, which, All this while, you must have been wondering his string broke. Typical – this happens almost mind you, constitutes a majority of the batch, it what my part was in this grand event. Don’t expect every time we perform. I extended my section in is just another day. Perhaps it is worse since they much, I was sitting on yet another table where the the hopes that he’d be able to fix his string in time, have been left behind in the race. It is important conversation had come to a most unfortunate but just as he attached one side, the other came for you to know that these so called ‘dormant bees’ demise. undone. I found out later that the audience was also have a set period of dormancy, and when they Then came the much awaited (and equally staring with rapt attention at the drama unfolding. do become active, some even manage to overtake feared) dance, flagged off by the School Captains Unfortunately, I had to finish the piece on my own, a few of the active ones in their endeavors. of each school. Oh, you should have been there: it one bitter moment in an otherwise exhilarating The real twist began at six this evening. One was a sight to see masters pushing the suddenly- evening. could see the ‘dormant-turned-active bees’ flock innocent, diffident bees on to the dance floor. Waiting for the results was as nerve-wracking as first to the place, already gobbling the chips and This was also the time when the single sex tables ever. Unsurprisingly, Kashmir House won the vocal peanuts on the table, every last hair combed, finally showed some animation, while some other category. Instrumental was the last category to be kurtas white as ghosts, and smiles plastered on tables were sad as the commencement of the announced. Tata came 5th, Jaipur 4th, Oberoi 3rd. As their faces. Slowly, the others trickled in, their time dance marked the end of their little get-together. expected, it was down to us and Hyderabad. Finally, of entry based on the degree of ‘scope’ they had at The rest of the day was all about speculation. PRY Sir announced “…and Kashmir House is the the event. Of course, the ones that already knew Most people were, by now, discussing how some winner”. The MPH erupted. At least it felt like it did. their tables, came last, though this too depended had improved their prospects, and how others The next hour went by in a flurry of congratulations, on the degree of their insecurity. It is worth also had already reached the finish line. and we returned to the Kashmir House ‘Quadi’ to mentioning that the ‘studious’ ones, who were I wish you had been there for it all, but isn’t it shout “Best Instrumentalist Hamaara Hai”. In those busy studying in the Main Building — came for weird how I am talking to you during Socials when moments, the entire house shouts as one person. dinner, just before the dance. I should actually be talking to girls instead? Amidst all this, I couldn’t help but feel a slight As soon as the sister school arrived, well.... See you tomorrow, hopefully with another twinge of sadness – this night, this inter-house, this some tables were already full (with boys), while story... experience – they would never return. Still, we might others were occupied exclusively by the opposite Arjun Agarwal as well enjoy it while we can. sex. These bees are those who prefer to keep to Karthik Subbiah

Founders issue-2.indd 1 10/10/19 6:53 PM 2 EDITORIAL Issue No. 2552 | The Doon School Weekly

today, quality is something that dust settles on the books lying in the latter and creativity in the to its greatest depths, only to find sources of inspiration, and have, For Writing’s every Dosco urgently and actively their shelves. former (including, perhaps more depths to explore. in their individual ways, looked needs to seek. In particular, One may ask why I am so most prominently, the Weekly) A Swansong, Looking Forward out for me; for this, I am forever Sake quality must be sought in what critical of the internet. It is not the are low prove that writing in Almost all Founder’s editorials, indebted to them. Credits for the Ansh Raj we read, and what we write. internet itself which is a source School is far from what can if I recount correctly, talk either Weekly are also due to IHS sir, Read, Think, and Write of the degradation of quality, be its peak. Creativity may not about the Weekly or the Chief and now PKB ma’am, for their he idea of using an edited In my maiden Editorial, I had really. It is how we have come be the only measure of quality Editor’s journey. In that regard, invaluable inputs. Finally, I would Uncle Sam poster to mentioned how the proliferation to rely on it, and subsequently for publications, but its nature this editorial is a break from like to thank PDT ma’am, whose Tencourage contributions of internet usage in School had treat knowledge, that is really allows it to subsume all other tradition. Having said that, it guidance and love have helped for the Founder’s issue was given students great access to worrisome. The almost fleeting parameters. It is creativity that can would be most incomplete both the Weekly and me grow. exciting for us at the Board, information, causing us to re- rapidness with which we consume change the nature of an inward- if a few people close to my I end my swansong, dear reader, especially to me. Over the year, examine, among other things, information has worked greatly looking commentary (or rant) heart aren’t acknowledged. I not with remorse, but by looking voluntary submissions to the the role of the Weekly. This to incapacitate us from reading on School to a forward-looking am grateful to my juniors for forward in hopes for a better Weekly had increasingly (and relationship with information, in depth — we simply lack the satire with open interpretations. bearing my occasional wrath future. To sum this sentiment, alarmingly) dwindled. As such, however, has begot more patience and the persistence It is creativity that can turn the and working diligently for this as well as my editorial, I would a multi-coloured poster taken pertinent issues which require required for it. A direct result of bitterness of criticism into light- institution. My own form mates, apologetically like to misquote (and modified) from the pages of thought. The most prominent this is our now limited ability to hearted humour. It is creativity Aryan, Karan, Divyansh, and Uncle Sam again: history would perhaps be a more among these pertains to our think, both creatively and deeply. that can expand itself. Aryaman, have been my biggest “I want you to write.” refreshing sight than the black- reading. It is no lie that as we This reflects strongly in the kind How do we break from this and-white pages of the Weekly, and rely more on the internet, we of conversations we have and the inertia of shallow thought? How inspire young writers to churn up subconsciously push our books things we do for entertainment do we achieve quality? Shifting something. Indeed, the response, aside. The internet makes and leisure. Most importantly our focus to richer literature, as at first, was relieving. However, available quick, concise, and though, it reflects in our writing. argued earlier, is a part of the reality soon set in as we realised diverse information at our In Search of Creativity answer; for this will give us the that there will still be a dearth fingertips. Books, on the other One would lose count if one depth to broaden our creative of “quality” content. Quality, a hand, are slow of purpose and were to list all the platforms we horizons. This is not all though. word that I had despised in my demand effort and patience have in School to write. Other Writing is an art, and just like art junior years as it was used smugly in order to be absorbed. Why than the myriad publications, is done fundamentally for art’s by past editors to reject articles should precious time be spent on there are also several essay sake, so must writing be. Let us that failed to meet the Weekly’s books then? It is no wonder that competitions that prompt us write not just because we have standards. Having rejected a few the Library is now a place where to write in a way we would to address a problem or protest articles myself, I may sound like a most students visit primarily to not have normally conceived against something. Let us write so hypocrite. I probably am one. But use computers, even as more of. That both participation in that we can stretch our thinking

nights have you lost wishing for maze of perspective, of sides so or the day after that because Love Letters to something that will never come? objective it’s like flipping through oh, look, there goes my will, my Stop searching in other poets pages in a book to know what ten life in the hands of that knife I The Editorial Board Myself what you can write for yourself. people think under the same sky. carry in these hands. The sharp Editorial Aryaman Kakkar You are not the filth you were. You can float, not fly, but you are edge caresses these hands, these You are what they say: sweet and quiet. You think you need your palms in my nocturnal timetable Editor-in-Chief Ansh Raj 30th September 2019 a little bit meetha. You can stand space because the wrong people and I throw these kitchen blades like daggers hitting a target on the Editors Aryaman Kakkar e are meant to do outside while it rains and clutch are parasites crawling on your Divyansh Nautiyal everything except your notebook as if the rain - as skin and in your brain and you plastered wall to train, to defend myself from every rugged man, Senior Editors Aryan Bhattacharjee sleep, it seems. We it disguises your tears - will be prefer the solitude of the night to Karan Sampath W thief or misguided paedophile are busybodies who carve and inspiration for you. You are as scratch and itch and bleed into that comes off the highway. But Associate Editors Adit Chatterjee chip away at niches in sport, in sticky and persistent as red wine the marble. Aviral Kumar art, and in academia, if fate be on white cotton to talk to the It’s okay that you do not spend we all know what the knife is Keshav Singhal kind. It’s okay. Dreams are in the people you know, the ones who time. Your parents can’t raise you there for, right? Because nobody Sriman Goel Varen Talwar eye sof the beholder, and if you can see that something in you is the same way their parents raised in their right mind would caress follow someone else’s dream, slightly off kilter. It’s fine that you them, they were all born for such a sharp beauty. There, Special Correspondents Aditya Jain I did it again. I called bloody Advaita Sood you may turn blind to your own. stay in their houses and make different times but you flipped Aryan Agarwal It’s okay. You are not everything pancakes and laugh and talk till the paradigm to create your own instruments beautiful. It’s okay. Kabir Singh Bhai they think you are. They think two and you’re not thinking of micro realities of empty beds, It’s okay! You can sometimes Samarth Kapila you are kind, good, maybe even sleep at all. It’s okay. You are as growling dogs, and the same bathe emerald-specked blades Correspondents Ahan Jayakumar happy. You know the weight of lost and listless and apathetic thirty-four songs on repeat not with rubies. You can go on not Armaan Rathi your lies, of your head as it lolls as you think you are. There because they are all you listen bathing for days because the Shreyan Mittal in your chair in bright daylight. are downsides and upsides to to, because they help you sleep. dirt makes you feel the same, Faculty Advisors Priyanka Bhattacharyya How many beds and swords everything, and you can see every I don’t know what I’m going to constant; it petrifies you. You Purnima Dutta have you conquered, how many side of this four-dimensional do with these beautiful thoughts can go on swigging glass bottles Published by Kamal Ahuja in my head. I don’t know what of coke in the sunrise halls like to write for the divine rage of it’s some sort of intoxication you Special Thanks the gods as a driving force in pray will sate you. It’s okay. Not Arts and Illustration everybody knows this side of Sophocles’ Oedipus. The effect Cartoonists Paras Agarwal Matthew Raggett of the Lavender Scare on the you so for them, it’s just words Pratham Bansal Stuti Kuthiala being rattled, tattled, spread off Saatvik Anand Arjun Barthwal community. The discarded essay Jayanti Chatterjee ideas that were on my desktop less of a teenaged, dirty, unbelievable Vijayaditya Rathore than an hour ago. Oh look there mouth from a footstool. It’s Ameya Shawak Sterling Preferred Printing goes my will, my love, my life. I okay. You can go make chocolate Hindi am so careless with everything I pancakes now. You can go have Editor Sudhir Chowdhry salami on a Tuesday. You can ©IPSS: All rights reserved. own and everything I have. If I Correspondent Aadi Jain have money in my pocket I will scoff at the pandit that performs Faculty Advisor Arvindanabha Shukla Contact us at: always spend it to the last paisa. the rites. It’s okay. They will never [email protected] A phone in my hand, I cannot never gape at you. It’s not their stop looking. Looking. Looking thing you see. Challenge them for love, for warmth on autumn to say anything, they will always nights and free days because retreat behind gossip and dark there is nothing better to do in talks, and the family feuds they these holidays. Yes I do care perpetually perpetuate. about my future but apparently Spit venom when you can. not enough to care about what Spare some for me, will you? I’m going to work on tomorrow Love me not, pinterest.com or day after, or the day after that

spent almost four years on this issues. Between the vexatious of people with similar interests anything but one and definitive, the speakers in the community An Institutional publication and with half of my designing to the repeated proof and outlooks. Very soon and it is imperative that we discuss have to say. To put it simply: school life revolving around this readings to pestering individuals very nonchalantly, they turned them when the time is ripe and speak up if something feels wrong Love newspaper, the same question to meet their deadlines, while I from more than just a set of take tangible initiative if we do and do not hesitate in using the Divyansh Nautiyal continues to remain unanswered. did certainly learn and grow as friends to a set of people whom arrive at a conclusion. At the Weekly as your pillar of support in With a special love for hearing a writer, I also learnt about the I could always trust and rely very same time, it is also unfair the process. circle of seven Junior and reading stories, and making institution that we live in. It was on. Everything from a treat at for us to expect change to take In a country where private Correspondents stand some of my own, I wanted to not the critical article and the PDT’s place or completing the place instantly and rapidly, not schools are mushrooming Anervously in front of churn out a few by myself and reading of it that helped me grow Founder’s Issue droopy-eyed realising the presence of the rapidly, a public institution like the Editor-in-Chief (resting on credit them to my name. It was so much in School as seeing the at three in the morning almost various stakeholders who have a ours only becomes scarcer with his stone slab throne outside an intention as innocent as that response that various segments became normal routine with the role to play. While all these are time. With the competition the CDH) with the entire board which made me want to write of the School had to it. It was people I had the chance to work topics of constant discussion, it around us only increasing both looking intently upon them. A and work for the Weekly. It was the anticipation of being at the with and learn from. For all of is discussion itself and dialogue in number and intensity, staying memory which stretches far back also the lost B-form-me wanting receiving end of the criticism this and so much more, I cannot that will lead to the answers that ahead of the curve requires to B Form when a few of us were to find a footing for himself and as well as the compliments of thank the Weekly enough. we as a community seek. To fulfil more of an initiative from every handed over our termination hoping to leave a mark with the issues that were made and Often in School, we discuss the the purpose of discourse, it is member of our community. To letters, with yours truly being whatever best I could receive distributed to the School. way our institution is evolving imperative that we use platforms ensure that we maintain the one of them. Within the next out of the Weekly. Somewhere However, beside the academic and changing. With every policy like the Weekly to bring forth the unique identity we have, we need few months, as I found my way was a part of me which wanted a experience of learning, writing change, the same questions arise ideas we have and want to share. to put our best foot forward and back to the board of the Weekly, platform of expression and it was and debating, the Weekly turned once again: Are we losing our In an increasingly digitised world, use democratic institutions like I really questioned myself as to exactly there when the Weekly from more than just a professional traditions? Is change happening as our attention span deviates the Weekly and many others that why I wanted to be a part of this stepped in for me. duty to something which I attach for the sake of change? Amidst (and shortens!), an institution are so unique and characteristic institution, as well as the reason What ensued was an onslaught far more sentimental value to so much heat and tension like the Weekly becomes futile of a public institution like ours. for my recruitment on the board. of reading, writing, and working than anything else in School. It regarding these topics, when when we as a community fail to Surprisingly enough, after having till late in the night, finishing the was the place where I found a set the answer to these questions is engage with what the writers and

Founders issue-2.indd 2 10/10/19 6:53 PM Issue No. 2552 | The Doon School Weekly 3

I remember being asked to action would position you better On Community Why the leave the Editorial Board in my than you already are. I, however, A-Form. It was in the meeting do not regret anything…? I know and Censorship Weekly? after dinner that I was “front and that the person I have become Karan Sampath Aryan Bhatthacharjee centered” as the others watched. today, a person I am truly proud I remember Arjun Singh (then of, would not be if not for that here are two main hat does the Weekly Chief-Editor) distinctly saying specific sequence of choices, stakeholders in the mean to me? A the words “Your membership those particular mistakes Tcreation of a publication: Wforum for intellectual on this board is terminated with endured. And that, the process of the sender and the receiver. Much discourse? A platform for immediate effect”. I cried on my becoming who I am, is one I have like a dyad, this inextricable pair catharsis? No. way back to the House that night. come to value far more than the often has opposing incentives. I spent most of my B-Form When I returned from exile, craving for status felt earlier. While one wants to express freely, in ‘the room’. It was home at the sometime into S-Form, I felt this So, what does the Weekly the other often wants to control time. I kept my books in the outsider status pervading my mean to me? More than a series and calm the rhetoric, often due many drawers on the desks - my presence on the board – a gentle of black and white pages printed to the fear of communal reprisal. hidden stash of tuck too. I worked mocking to everything I said or every Saturday morning (Friday The Weekly is no different, with on the issue, almost religiously, did. Maybe it wasn’t so, maybe evening if I were to reveal to the School Community having to allow for such rich discussion rebellious mood soon took over. between three and four each these were just my biases. But it you a secret). Even more than a an active role to play in its and therefore education as well. Regular confrontations over afternoon. At four thirty, I’d was then that I stopped seeing fraternity. It has come to represent conception. Censorship is a part The discussion on censorship pieces meant that there was a pull out my earphones and value in engaging as fiercely with a journey to my mind. A journey, and parcel of this, along with the brings a deeper idea: it is always general frustration in the School surf YouTube, watch a debate, School. I decided that everything in many ways, inseparable from idea of every individual having a more convenient to err on the with the Editorial Board, leading force myself to read the news, I did would be towards the sole my School-life as a whole – and stake in the publication — from side of caution, but we should to individuals disconnecting skim through the New Yorker end of my own growth and perhaps my identity too. I do not giving feedback to defending always aim for the exact opposite. from the publication. While without really understanding satisfaction. know what I would have been if its editorial independence. How is this achieved? In School, the frustration has perceptibly anything. Right before dinner, I’d I confess I haven’t contributed not for the Weekly. I owe so much As members of the School this can best happen if there is gone down, reconnection has rummage through old issues and remotely as much as I should to the people who became a part Community, there remains an an active involvement by our not led to a necessary increase almost memorize the articles of have as Senior Editor. In fact, of my life through the Weekly, expectation of us to play an active community to value and protect in involvement. This has meant the revered Editors of the past, all the times my sporadic and the extent to which they role in our flagship publication, the publication. Involvement can that the criteria for censorship a glow of intense admiration attendance is greeted with the influenced me. So much is owed and it is vital that we fulfil it. range from just passing comments has become broader, and fewer within. On the way to the CDH, taunting “Look who’s finally to the masters-in-charge, present The ability to censor, most to actively raising attention in pieces make it past the existing I’d picture myself with a similar here”, I feel the B-Former within and past, whose houses I have of us would agree, is one that forums where action can be filters. This can be extremely status in my SC-Form. It was only me curse the person I’ve become. invaded at the oddest hours, in must be used as sparingly as taken. However, for it to be truly harmful, because when the the promise of being similarly Perhaps he’s being but too hard whose company I have eventually possible. It follows then that effective, it must have popular Weekly is unable to act as a remembered that drove me on me. I haven’t engaged too begun to seek solace. So much is the criteria for censorship be as participation. If you’re reading voice and vent for our views, in those years. I tried hard to fiercely with School after that owed to those six printed sheets transparent as possible. Not only this, you’re on the precipice of these views are buried deep become an intellectual, in my dismissal. But what is regret? The that circulate the CDH every does this include articles with involvement. Being involved or expressed in other, more eyes alone if no one else’s. belief that a different course of Saturday morning – without fail. inflammatory rhetoric, but also means going further, bettering harmful ways. Burying anger articles which can damage and the publication and protecting and strong emotions can cause severely “harm” the School’s its foundations. This is part of psychological harm, which must D-FORM reputation, considering the our moral duty as members of be avoided at cost. This can only Weekly is globally accessible the School Community and as happen if the Weekly is able to lived in a real life Jurassic World? you are so bored that even on the internet. But what does conscientious human beings. serve as an effective platform to Free Time When I snap back to reality, I start changing the TV channel is a damage to reputation include? In a global context of media voice our thoughts. An involved to remember all of the mundane struggle. D-Formers especially Is it criticising School in any being under attack repeatedly, School Community can ensure it Blues tasks I have to do. Mundane they are trapped in boredom as we form, or does the tone matter it is only through intelligent is able to. Vivaan Sood may be, but at least it’s something don’t have much to do. We as well? Does the length of the popular outrage to protect its At this point, the Weekly faces a to do! Sometimes even the mind- do realise that we are being piece matter? In the midst of independence can foundations chronic lack of involvement from My worst nightmare is having numbing task of cutting nails can unproductive; given a choice, we the semantics, it is far better for of news media be protected. the School Community. This nothing to do. Nothing to play, stave off boredom. would rather be doing something the School to err on the side of The Weekly’s ability and involvement will help not only no one to talk to and becoming Boredom sometimes makes us than be left to our own devices, risk, because the hallmark of willingness to assert itself and protect the publication itself, but restless. I’m certain many other do crazy things. I like to call the which is possibly why I’m writing the strength of an institution’s express as freely as it wanted will help the community as well people have a similar problem. phenomenon of being overly this article. I think if your brain ideals is to what extent is it to has fluctuated throughout in the future. Fundamentally, When all your regular activities bored, “Boredom Fever”. Often, is unproductive for too long, it willing to stand for it. If Doon my time in School. While it as members of the School have disappeared and you have people with this symptom start might turn into a neural soup. stands for free speech, allowing initially began as a symbiotic Community, it is vital that you about two hours to spare, it’s to do crazy things like wandering You could just sit on your bed or for controversial and even relationship between publisher and I involve ourselves as active quite boring. What if the answer into a random dorm and stand on a bench, and start to think of abrasive writing only increases and censor where a modicum receivers of The Doon School to this problem is the journey to there gaping, or bothering others things to do. Our mind is like the our reputation outside, as our of self-censorship and goodwill Weekly. the solution? What I mean is that with inane conversation while sea— there are many things left school is perceived as being able meant few changes made, a thinking of things to pass time is on the way to any activity. Some to discover. You can think of all a way to pass time. feverishly bored guys may resort the things you’ve been wanting Sometimes when I’m bored to hooliganism. to do ever since you’ve come to that is needed. One of them was aspirational university applicants my mind starts to wander and Some people prefer to vegetate this school, which should be a From the Kailash Satyarthi, who shared projects, say and do; we have conjure up crazy things. What if an in the common room and watch lot, and try and think of ways to the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 robots, smooth talkers and doers. apocalypse envelopes the Earth TV. This does sound like an ideal do them. Another way is to think Headmaster’s with Malala Yousafzai. He shared All good schools are in the and I’m the last human? What if I Sunday routine, but sometimes of anything, literally anything and his experiences of building civil business of preparing their ponder over that. After that your Desk action in the form of marches to graduates for success in life, train of thought should connect Matthew Raggett influence policy makers and bring not simply for success at the the dots, and then you have a about legal and constitutional end of the school. Achieving thought process. It can go on for wo weeks ago I was in changes that have already helped one’s potential in exams and a long time. Indore for the Round 90 million children in India getting into a good college are I find that this works because, TSquare International alone have a childhood and an an indicator of capacity, but by searching for things to do, Conference that was being education in the last two decades succeeding once you get there you’re keeping your mind on the hosted by the Emerald Heights (though there are still 160 million and on into the adult world is lookout mentally, by trying to International School. There were in work). As usual I made notes the real indicator of success. remember things that you used 1600 students, teachers and as the speakers shared their Every year the feedback we get to do, and physically, by actually principals from over 150 member thoughts, deeds and reflections from students who have made it looking. schools around the world, and all and, as usual, I tried to knit their into their chosen college is that I think this sums up what most of the students stayed together ideas together with the picture of they need to work harder than Doscos face when they are in the school’s boarding houses, the world that I have created with they imagined to succeed, to do jobless. There could be another built to be a home-away-from- 46 years experience of living in it. more than they thought and to way to keep yourself occupied if home for 2000 boys and girls. If I’m honest, Kailash was read more in less time than they you have nothing to do, but this The theme of the conference not a good speaker; he was very were used to and to write far should help you. Or you could was Sarvodaya (Progress for slow, there was little energy in more than they imagined. The do the revolutionary thing called all): the world we wish to see. It his delivery and when he tried to feedback we are getting from sleeping. 123rf.com is almost impossible to attend engage the audience it fell flat. He our recent graduates is that they an educational conference or used no photographs or slides to are not as well prepared as they symposium these days without show what he had done or what thought… or more specifically, as people is getting clouded with grown up to be, however old you the theme being the future, the- a march that included 15 million they thought they needed to be. Me, Myself the fearful thoughts inside me? are. reboot, v. 2.0 or the uncertainty; people looked like. He was not The difference that I have Does it include thoughts of not Being you also means not the VUCA environment and charismatic, polished or eloquent seen over the years is that it’s and I being accepted into society and trying to brag or bring people the paradigm shift that feels (the afternoon speaker on the our doers who flourish. Robots Neel Sahai thoughts of being alone and down to make yourself feel as though it’s coming for this same day was Sashi Tharoor… manage and spend their time how this affects me? To me ‘be better. Don’t misunderstand me, generation of school leavers. wisely chosen as the after-lunch wondering what they should be e yourself. Even though yourself’ is what you make of it. you can be yourself while still Rather like the groundswell of speaker precisely for his energy doing. Smooth talkers make easy I’ve heard this phrase Sometimes you are yet to find listening to others’ opinions and voice and action around the and charisma, Sophia, the first friends and they love the life… countless times, I can yourself. I think every person is thoughts. Trust me when I say climate crisis, the effects of which B AI citizen spoke the following until the work catches up with never get the grasp of what it a blank canvas— you can either this, even if you are popular and have been very close to some in morning) and yet what he was them and things unravel. The means. What does ‘be yourself’ make it a masterpiece or throw it everybody likes you, you always our community this year, there is able to share has stuck with me doers are the people who take mean? People say it so frequently, away. will have that feeling in your gut, a movement in education around and captured my imagination. action, seize opportunity, make that it sounds like something I Being yourself is living life the that people don’t like you for the learning and skills crisis that In the context of The Doon connections, love their learning could do on command. People way you want to, not based on who you are and for what you are youth around the world need for. School and of the students that and, as a consequence, they say it in a way that is so simple. It others’ thoughts and opinions. posing to be. The keynote speakers for I have worked with around the excel — academically, socially, annoys me every time people say You can never change what other Who knows, if you stop trying the event were certainly able world, the comparison between emotionally, spiritually and it, even though they always mean people think, you can never to pretend being more than you to talk on the theme, having words and action, and style and eventually, in the teams, research well. Does being the ‘popular change the world to make it work are, you will start to find who you also demonstrated through substance that I saw on stage in groups, careers and life. kid’ make me happy, or is that your way. Being yourself means are and what you can do. Life has their actions what they are Indore reflects something that So, how would you describe just a ‘messed-up’ me? Or does you respect yourself, changing endless possibilities. prepared to do to live into their I worry about when looking at yourself? it just mean that my judgment, what you are to satisfy others is committment, to be the change what many outcome-focused, thoughts and interaction with throwing away what you have

Founders issue-2.indd 3 10/10/19 6:53 PM 4 ARTS & CREATIVITY Issue No. 2552 | The Doon School Weekly

her way to becoming the “most the chair under the lamp as she door slammed itself shut, and the The Temple of Heartbreak The Ghost of respectable wife and mother devoured the succulent eatables. scarlet woman was up on its weak the town had ever seen”, as her Meanwhile, Johnathon walked legs. She pulled on his hair, and Yanglem Akash Singh Beatrice midwife often exclaimed, and to slowly towards her, savouring threw him into the pool of blood on Tears streaming down his face Varen Talwar which her young eyes showed the the approach of the climax of his the hard floor. The river continued Breaths in short, rapid gasps unquestioned renouncement of meticulous efforts, as his hand from the face, drowning the whole Hands working furiously, ehind him, the long corridor all other ambition. extended to grab hold of the room in the boiling crimson liquid. Heart beat pounding extended into darkness. The He finally reached the end of the unsuspecting Beatrice. All was red. Slashing away Bhall stretched infinitely in hall, and turned right to the wooden As soon they came into contact, Frank would always remember Angry words in black ink on front of him. Giant double doors door, behind which he believed the motionless head aggressively Beatrice’s crying face. The life had on either side stood wide open, Pure white paper. lay the origins of the beautiful jerked backwards, banging into been sucked out of her blue eyes, welcoming him to this monumental harmony for which he had tread the stone wall behind, revealing and her bruised face had started room, which was dimly lit with the such a dangerous path through his Sweat beads his forehead the face. The ghastly visage was a to bleed. Frank had been tied to faint yellow flames of enormous memories to witness. Standing just map of scars and wrinkles, with the chair by Johnathon in a hurry, Anguish in his eyes candles, giving the bead of a foot from the door, the sound was red spots of blood scattered as if to so the knots were quite loose. Words on his lips perspiration trickling down from louder than ever before. He reached mark places on the ugly landscape. Though he had to struggle a lot And agony in his heart. his temple an unnatural, orange for the door knob, twisted it, and The mouth was wide open, making to free himself, when he finally

hue. The distant singing reminded pushed the door open. him aware of the loud, shrill and did, he committed the blunder Up, down, the words are slashed him of the path he knew only too Apart from the family, the demonic scream filling his ears. that would haunt him for the rest Big angry strokes of pain well. servants’ quarters housed over Outside, at that moment, of his life; the reason why he had Sometimes, the paper recoils As Frank Scott stood in the 15 members who toiled day and Frank, then only fifteen years come to this place now - he had Tearing under their anguish exact same spot he had stood night to keep the house in a state old, entered the hall and was stood up, and ran straight out of The very air cringes from him on all those years ago, seeing as immaculate as it had been in making for the kitchen opposite the room for his own life, rather Writing in aching, heart breaking sympathy. his childhood home for what he its golden age. Johnathon’s room in search for than helping Beatrice. had supposed was to be the last However, of these 15 people, an evening snack. When the parents had later Eyes black as midnight time, he couldn’t help but think there was one malign man – Inside, Johnathon pinned returned, they had found Shining with the radiance of a thousand about the tragic incidents that Johnathon, the new kitchen boy. Beatrice to his bed and tied her Beatrice lying dead on the bed Fiery stars had forced his family to abandon He hid his evil behind a fake arms and legs with the rope he with a bloody face, wearing Now blurred… their ancestral house against congeniality. In the day, he would had kept in his drawer for this very her red gown. Johnathon had With the mists of misery. all sentiments. Memories came work in the kitchen like any other moment. He jumped onto the disappeared. rushing back, and he remembered worker, indifferent and focussed. little girl, who was screaming at That night, when the house And… the long corridors and archways In the night, however, he would this sudden brutality. Johnathon was mourning, a scream shot If you step closer the ancient building had boasted let down his façade, and in his forced her down, bringing to life out of the room. When everyone And care to look at the words of in the his early years. The giant room, which was just beside the what had been his fanatsy all reached there, they saw all the What you will see is sure double doors and extensive halls hall, he would let loose his malice, along. three workers who had been To break… adorned with intricate carving writing appalling descriptions of The screams reached Frank tasked with cleaning the room, Your heart. and illuminated brightly by a paedophilia in crude language in loud and clear, and he turned lying dead in front of the chair, million candles during the feasts his unkempt diary with his rough towards the other door, scared where they had found Beatrice’s Your eyes will fill of that winter materialised in hand. to death, realising that it was corpse. Your hands will tremble front of him. The obvious victim of his Beatrice. He ran to the door and The next day, the house was Your shoulders will shake Before the events of those few lust was little Beatrice, who was tried to open it, but it was locked. abandoned as the suffering And you will bow your head disastrous days of November blossoming in her adolescence. He banged on the door with caused by Beatrice’s ghost was In obeisance of 1799 could convince him to It was tantalising to Johnathon his fists, but the screams of his far too much for them to handle. At… retreat, Frank reached the front as he stared at her eating, singing sister’s pain drowned his efforts. Frank never spoke of the incident The temple of heartbreak. door, and for the first time in or playing in the gardens. He Inside, Johnathon continued to anyone. over five decades, he inserted the befriended her by giving her violating Beatrice, acknowledging But now, in the evening of key into the keyhole, and pushed sweets he made himself, and the helplessness of the little his life, he was back, longing the enormous door open. waited for the perfect day to boy outside. If anything, it gave for the fate he had deserved Barriers He crossed the threshold and execute his elaborate plan. him more pleasure to make him that November evening to be Kabir Subbiah followed the central path to the The room seemed empty, but the witness his sister’s rape. Maybe it delivered to him by the hands Gothic windows on the opposite sound of the singing continued. One was that thought that made him of his long-dead sister. So, as The raging lights oppress wall. Passing the long array of side of the room was illuminated by leave Beatrice for a while to open he lay in the pool of blood with The rough expanse of blue, tables and benches with shaky feet, the timid yellow light of a lamp. On the door, pull Frank inside, hastily the ghost of Beatrice glancing Know not that they possess he winced every time he heard his the other side, a broken lamp on the and clumsily tie him to the chair expressionlessly through the red, That which makes one of two. feet fall on the hard floor, not as wall hung uselessly, and just below and then return to Beatrice. all he could do before embracing much because it scared him, but it, was a wooden chair. Seated on The spots of blood started to his destiny was to say the words They marry at the horizon because it interrupted the sweet it was a woman in a red gown, expand, soon covering the whole he had craved to say all those Which brightly shows the lights sound of music he had longed to her head drooping and her long face in red. The flow continued, and years of his miserable, unmerited, A sheep amongst sheep, hear all those lonely years. hair falling to her feet. He walked the blood gushed onto the floor. The futile life –“I’m sorry.” A night amidst nights. Now that he was inside, Frank closer to the chair, his body shaking allowed his memory to traverse violently with fear and anticipation. The dark waters are slayed the sad events which had By the time he was just beside it, the By the radiant beacon of death, occurred just before the turn of singing had changed into a forced The wedding led astray the new millennium. melody into his ears, and verged By He who kills, dismayed. The house used to be the on a scream. He gathered all his shelter of a family of five people courage, and extended his trembling These awful proceedings mar – his parents, an elder brother, hand towards the woman. The rage above. and a younger sister. However, The day before the family Why shine, a star, after the tragedy, only four abandoned the house, the With no hope of love? remained, as the youngest of all, parents had gone away for the the sister Beatrice, all of twelve, evening and the staff were to was consumed by the evil lurking have a party in the nearby Should outing clothes be worn in those dark corridors and restaurant. Johnathon grabbed secret rooms. Beatrice was the this opportunity. He knocked on during DSMUN? apple of the everyone’s eye. Her Beatrice’s door, and told her with sweet voice would pervade the his noble face to come with him if entire house during her singing she wanted sweets. She followed practices, in times of crushing him enthusiastically through the silence, much welcomed by the long corridor, the hall, and into inhabitants who would revel in his room. the beauty of her shrill, melodic He took out some sweets from singing. Her innocence won a wrapping on his table, and pinterest.com everyone’s heart, and she was on handed them to her. She sat on

73.6% 7.9% slowly, but steadily. I remained crippled me. I wasn’t going to give and I cried in anguish. I was Danger Awaits alert at all times, wary of any up so easily, and let out a blatant helpless and begged for mercy Aditya Jain movement other than our own. “No.” This really angered the but those unsympathetic people Suddenly, the bushes rustled. men. The chief ordered two men did not seem to care anymore. 18.5% Afraid, I hesitantly walked with My heart skipped a beat and my to hold my daughters who were All they said was “You should my two teenage daughters in daughters leapt back, clutching now separated from me. They have realised the consequences the darkness through a dense my hand tighter than ever before. continuously wailed for help and of casually denying our deal thicket. The waning moon acted I could sense the anxiety gushing I was powerless. The man struck earlier.” I was tired and could as the only source of light. We through their veins. All of us me across my back twice with a hear continuous screams of were going to the nearest railway feared one thing - an ambush. lathi until I fell down with a loud “Mumma...save us, they are station to catch a train. Papaji It was exactly that. Five Muslim thud. He tried to strip my clothes taking us away.” had stayed behind to protect his men had now surrounded us, and and I resisted till my utmost It was at that moment when Yes No Can’t say mulk. Houses were completely in the dim light it was obvious capacity until the man finally I realised how women had little The DSMUN has grown to be one of the largest School held burnt, and there were several half that they loathed us and wanted gave up. I was gasping loudly and place in the world and how they events annually, and is participated by delegates around the torn, ill-fitted posters hanging to devour us, simply because we felt seemingly unconscious. He were being oppressed. It was then country. Its importance lies not just in its participation levels, on the streets - some promoting were Sikh women. I took a step had now taken full custody of my that I realised how it felt to be but also in the learning value that it imparts. However, in the Hinduism and Islam, while the forward and was ready to protect daughters. I was not to give up so treated like an inferior. Time had recent past, as fancy suits and accessories have become a staple others glorifying various political my daughters at any cost. The easily and I tried lifting myself. completely ceased. I lay defeated, item in a Dosco’s wardrobe, a few feel that this goes against leaders. Signs of riots and five men waved their axes, spears But my legs didn’t support me. as now, I had lost everything. The the School’s ethos, especially against Arthur Foot’s idea of an massacres were everywhere— and swords at us. A confrontation I tried thrice but miserably soft breeze blowing had finally aristocracy of services that is inspired by ideas of unselfishness in the broken buildings and was inevitable. failed each time. They all had stopped. The rustling of the than of wealth. Therefore, it has been suggested that Doscos burning cars. Chants of Allah hu Their leader smirked and in an their weapons pointed at my leaves stopped. The wailing of should be made to wear their outing uniforms instead. However, Akbar and Sat Sri Akal echoed apathetic voice said, “Give me daughters, as if they were ready to my children slowly merged into a resounding seventy three percent of the school community down the streets. The Partition one, and I will set you free with slit their throats open. The men the distance and my eyes closed does not agree with this view, and supports Doscos wearing had completely torn the country the other.” This left me shell- continuously threatened to kill slowly. clothes of their choosing during DSMUN. apart. shocked. The mere thought of my precious children. Tears were My legs quivered as we walked doing so crushed my heart and now streaming down my cheeks

Founders issue-2.indd 4 10/10/19 6:53 PM Issue No. 2552 | The Doon School Weekly 5

lost its absolving essence and complete reversal of fortunes. even the shrillest cries of misery Resurgence Shamu had been reduced to an During an earnest dive, Shamu had failed to penetrate. The Shourya Agarwal oceanic ragpicker. encountered a fascinating sight. researchers were soon sprawling Shamu had never detested He saw a unique breed of turtles. the coast for the genetically Winner of the BG Pitre his life. The slender boy of The organism was smeared modified organism. The turtle Science Fiction Short Story seventeen had accepted even in red rather than the regular was snatched from his master. Writing Competition, 2019 the contaminated ocean as the green. The creature had grown Again, Shamu was alone amidst extension of himself. One dive in size and had various extra the flux of his surroundings. he sea was Shamu’s at a time. Slowly, his hands appendages. Shamu lacked the On the next day, a huge wave sustenance. He hailed would scour the ocean surface, formal education to identify the engulfed the entire coast. The sea Tfrom a lineage who extracting any hidden treasures. obvious case of genetic mutation. had had enough. In one stroke survived on the gifts of the ocean. His hands were adept in the His economic status that had the tsunami cleaned the shore His forefathers had explored subtle art of unearthing objects on which he had already danced been bleached off all colour. The deprived him of education had of its pollution. The debris of the the enigmatic seabed for any stuck in the sea bed. After a in his dreams. He viewed science scientists would have lectured also enriched him with a heart research facility was united with valuable object that could keep lifetime at sea, his eyes gleamed as magic. He was waiting for a about the implications of the of gold. The compassionate the tatters of humble dwellings. the stove warm for the night. with sea-like tranquility and his magic potion to clean all plastic alarming developments, but the boy extracted the turtle from its There are varying accounts Back in those days, the sky had breath swelled and fell like the bottles from the turtle homes. reality was set in stone. The ocean misery and chaperoned him to a to why the tsunami came. The not yet been chained by the mesh tide. All along, the ocean had However fanciful as it may seem, was dying, and along with it the comfortable home on land. scientists will point at the of telephone wires. The horizon carved him like the beautiful isn’t it true? Isn’t science a means balance of life it had shouldered Shamu was unaware that his shaky tectonic plates. I think had not yet been blacked out by beaches of sand. to make the lives of ordinary for millennia. new pet had been mutilated the sea had tolerated the selfish the smoke of various fires- of A research facility had people better? Every night the tide would to acquire abilities which interests for too long. The scales hunger, pollution and diabolical been built beside the distant The water was becoming more fill the coast with carcasses of strengthened its chances at of balance had slowly tipped envy. lighthouse on the coast. Shamu’s and more toxic. An expert marine dead fish. The radiance of dawn survival at both land and sea. out of equilibrium. The hordes Those days, the ocean gifted limited understanding could biologist would have enchanted exposed the need for action The red turtle was genetically of transgressions had alighted the brave divers with gems of presume that the research was Shamu with the ambiguity of as the rooting beach became stronger than the others. Shamu’s the shore for too long. The all- fortune. Sadly, Shamu had not done to improve lives of people volatile graphs, posted in offices a center for communicable innocent joy was about to be pervading force of sea restored seen those days. Now the trash like him. He keenly waited for the furnished with luxury. The rising diseases. The waves which once interrupted. the balance. The water broke emanated from the seabed. The druids from the facility to spray pH of the sea consumed his life’s brought pearls to the frontiers of The fame of the red turtle all barriers humans had grown dive of hope had been reduced to a streak of silver liquid and bring joy. He no longer saw the frolic humanity, now bore pathogens spread like forest fire. The around each other. Finally, the a plunge in eutrophicated water the flagrant BOD levels down. He of the fish and turtles during instead. The giver of life became purveyors of gossip carried it to juggernaut from the sea satiated gleaned with filth. The sea had yearned for the clear ocean bed the plunges. The red corals had the embodiment of death in a the distant research facility where the human desire to colonise.

just broken our fast at my cousin’s the bus. Dust entered my eyes, Mayur was incredibly close to bed to his springy, elevated Guilty house and we were exhausted. but I wasn’t giving up. I tried Only Flowers his grandfather. He was drawn bed. Not knowing that he was Eid was tomorrow and I had to pushing myself up, but my hands by his grandfather’s voice, violating all traditional norms, he Kabir Singh Bhai be fresh for it. I stepped in as gave in. I tried again and again, Were Seen which was imbued with equal approached the body, hesitantly. soon as the bus pulled up and until finally on the third try my Aryan Agarwal amounts of gravitas and gentle He urged his grandfather to wake walked down the street handed my ticket to the driver. It feet stood their ground. My shirt endearment. Mayur usually up and entertain him, but he just clutching my daughter’s was bound for Sanoi- just a few was drenched in blood and my eep and breathless wails saw his Dadaji on Sunday wouldn’t oblige. In the state of Ihand. It was way past the minutes from here. The driver mind was awash with thoughts woke six-year-old Mayur afternoons. He would be wearing utter confusion, he went to his sun’s bedtime, and the only examined me top to bottom that I wasn’t going to give in too. up. The wails were his unblemished kurta, reading; father and sat on his lap. light was from the waning moon D and said, “Get out”. I was taken Just then I saw my daughter in his pitiful, but in his state of semi- during which his grandfather’s In the meanwhile, the and promised street lights. We aback. “Why,” I asked politely. arms and a gun to her head. “Jai consciousness, he passed this metal-rimmed spectacles would onlookers felt pity for him, waited patiently at the bus stop, But as I looked him in the eye, I Shri!” he screamed in triumph detail. He turned his head around always hang from the tip of his and cursed themselves for but we knew it was going to be knew why. His look of contempt and as he pitifully looked at me, with an irritated sigh and laid it nose- but never fell. This was a their inability to help the child late again. Multiple posters of a and loathing—it was obvious. I I pleaded for my daughter’s life. to rest on his pillow, and thrust queer fascination for Mayur. understand. politician were clumsily stuck on had seen it many times before— “I will do anything, anything. Just the woollen blanket over his ears. In the car, an unusual gravity In his state of overwhelming the wall. Against the backdrop of like I was a parasite, a virus to let her go.” Soon, he heard the door hung —even Mayur could sense incomprehension, Mayur went the crumbling slum, it fit right be eradicated. He repeated in a “I want one thing and one creak gently. He cocked his it. When the car arrived at his to his father and sat on his lap. in. Written in a big font was a jarringly unsympathetic voice, thing only. Scream Jai Shri!” head spontaneously and saw his grandfather’s house, Mayur saw “Papa, why is Dadaji sleeping religious slogan that was no “Get out”. Fear crippled my legs, He was relishing every moment father with shoulders slumped an abnormally large hoard of here?” Mayur asked while staring longer just a party slogan, but cut off my hands and sealed my of this. “Maa!” she screamed, her and head bowed. The skin under chappals and shoes. A familiar into his father’s eyes. a national anthem. It echoed lips. But I didn’t care and I wasn’t voice echoing down to every part his father’s eyes was moist, and face glanced by him and turned His father held him reassuringly down valleys, it swam in the going to go. I turned to him, of my body, every inch of my his eyes were as if staring into to embrace his father, who by the arms.He was undecided rivers, it hid in smog - it was felt blood boiling in my eyes and resistance. an inescapable void. In what flopped into her arms. as to what to tell his son. At the everywhere but seen nowhere. It this time I was the one looking “Jai Shri” I choked, “Jai Shri!” seemed like ages, Mayur’s father Mayur entered the house, moment, he wanted to preserve walked into living rooms, turned in contempt. ‘No’, I said plainly. From the floor I could see his walked up to him, and gently which resounded with powerful Mayur’s innocence and protect one brother on the other and left. His hefty hand struck me across hand on the trigger, I could see nudged with his trembling hands, waves of ominous religious him from sorrow and pain. The Finally, in the distance, I could the cheek. My daughter let out it stretch back, it was almost like saying that it was something chants. A wall of people stood knowledge that his grandfather see the bus. Its headlights stared a sharp cry. Tears came gushing I waited, waited to hear it. Time that needed to be attended to before him. He tried to get a had died would crush the spirit us in the eye and warned us, but out of her eyes. slowed down and all I could immediately. Mayur could only glimpse of the spectacular object of the child. Finally, he decided who were we to listen. We had I lay defeated on the floor of focus on was my daughter’s wonder what had put his father that he presumed they were to tell Mayur a milder version of face. Her jaw hung low, wailing, in a state like this? His father did staring at, and caught sight of a the truth. “Mumma”. I had failed. not seem like himself. mountain of flowers. Intrigued, “Mayur, come here.” he Or have WE failed? Isn’t it our Mayur shuffled behind his he pushed his way through the beckoned in a mellow voice “The fault that we let such incidents father and stepped inside the car adults, who were oblivious of his gods have requested Dadaji to happen? We are guilty of being the that waited outside, in the cold presence. live with them. He is now a star passive observer that sits at the winter air. Mayur held on to the He was greeted by drooping, in the sky that will look out for back row and watches incidents insides of the car straining his grey feet. His Dadaji was our well-being.” like these happen. We are guilty neck to see beyond the window. draped in light clothing, and lay Mayur took a moment to fully of polarising our nation, of letting The car passed his favourite ice motionless on a low wooden understand what his father had propaganda brainwash us to turn cream parlour and was now bed. Mayur was bewildered told him. He was taken aback by on our brothers. We are guilty. crossing his school. Mayur’s eyes by this. He wondered why his the gods’ apparent selfishness. And we have failed too. sparkled with joy and he sprang Dadaji would want to lie down He complained to his father with from his seat. “We are going in front of other people. He was an air of possessiveness. “Well, I to Dadaji’s house aren’t we?” also unable to grasp why most know exactly what the gods want. Rock-Paper-Scissors The reply from Mayur’s father people were staring at the bed. Word about Dadaji’s stories has Microfiction was a weak, forced sound of But, the most elusive question spread, so they must have got to y favourite childhood game was Rock-paper-scissors, affirmation, barely able to move of all was why his grandfather know too. But it’s unfair that he Eeshan Mehrotra offers because I was unbeatable. So I decided to take things up the air around it. would prefer a rickety wooden won’t tell me stories anymore” a different outlook on the Ma notch, try something challenging, play with someone as genre of fiction. good as me. So I did. One night, I was playing with my reflection in the mirror and he smiled after he finally won. Darkness Near End Strangers at Home Aryaman Kakkar met this incredible lady through an What shall we do these holidays?” Oscar asked online dating platform, fascinated by Carl. “Trekking with the Sherpas? Camping with Darkness is not despair, though we have made it to be. It is not a fear a monster (incorrectly her profile that said she was an avid the Xhosa people?” named, for monstrum meant ‘the one who warns’ / we are constant perpetuators of I “ misnomers for we believe the old demons to be gods). It is simply the absence of light, the reader, a Cynophilist and loved going to the “Kayaking with the Inuits?” suggested Carl. cinemas. Oscar and Carl loved cultural adventures; meeting unknown. And man humanity fears everything it cannot understand. We’d been dating for a smooth month strangers and making friends. and two weeks. The authorities had termed “The house will be empty. Better tell the next door Darkness is not grief or pain, though we have ascribed it to be. It is simply beyond you; the her as the Fifty-day killer. neighbour,” urged Carl. “I wonder what his name is universe of you simply cannot comprehend what lies beyond your reality. So for you, my I was that close. though?” universe is darkness.

For Hills to Climb Yet, we grow. Yet, we see light. Paras Agarwal Fear is unwanted, unneeded.

I may write of dark things. That for me is words, thoughts, and the genius of oppressively suffocating history that paints the dark with colours, names you so dislike. You so don’t understand.

My darkness is beyond your reality. You cannot begin to comprehend the infinite possibility of the void. If devoid, means empty, shouldn’t darkness mean everything?

Nonetheless I accept your reality. I cannot comprehend but feel envy. I cannot know but feel lonely. So hear me when I say, when I reside in darkness, everything helps me love glimmers and rays as best I can. It is the only thing darkness will give me. Love for the impossible light.

Founders issue-2.indd 5 10/10/19 6:53 PM 6 CHANDBAGH Issue No. 2552 | The Doon School Weekly

we have more time to study a of the syllabus periodically rather basis of our overall performance. The Perils of Being a Dosco Too ‘Trying’? smaller volume of our syllabus, than sporadic, examination- Objectivity need not be an issue Adit Khosla Vivek Santayana hence covering a narrow section intensive study. Therefore, it is as these are mere internal report in great depth: we deal with two- best we disperse our assessment card tests. They don’t need to In the morning, while the darkness fades, (Ex-369 O, 2011) hour unit test papers. This indeed rather than focus it. The Trials- be as serious as an end-of-term The main field showcases a sea of five different shades. est week has now become prepares us for an examination like environment is too serious examination. They need not And as the distant bell tolls, the equivalent of a as exam orientation requires us and harrowing to be considered be as objective or concrete as a This sea is dismissed till the next morning. Tmidterm examination. to practise presentation, time a test week or a report card. final transcript, but should only In the evenings, forests of wooden sticks are grown, When I first heard of the new management, writing answers Also, with the earlier system of be an estimate of the student’s and little white balls are seen zooming across, ravaging everything in system, I was fascinated. Maybe and any number of any other periodic, small-scale assessment, capability. their paths it was just something new that I ‘skills’, rather than only acquiring there were enough opportunities This system is on one The calmness of the still water in the pool was willing to try out. I did feel, knowledge. It does not suit the for us to make up for one bad extreme, and, unfortunately, it is ruined by deep dives and continuous laps. initially, that giving us more purpose of periodic revision as we report card. With the new system is the extreme of pressure and The quadrangles are disturbed by some football or time to study, suspending all focus on a confined segment of there is no much sought-after tediousness. A more flexible distinct lines made by the mark time. school activities and taking these the syllabus disproportionately. second chance (especially for IB system would greatly ease the tests more seriously would be Furthermore, it renders our students, whose predicted grades stress that students are facing. We At night, everything changes; beneficial, academically. After curriculum examination- are the line). There is also no have forgotten what the report- having appeared for my first oriented. This one-time testing question of missing a test week, cards were originally meant to While one corner of the house is silent and studies, ‘mini-Trials’ this year, I developed even caters to our tendency to the legitimacy of the reasons be: a recurring exercise to set Another matches its movements to distinct beats or certain reservations: I felt I was procrastinate. As we are given notwithstanding. benchmarks for our progress. Makes musical notes and melodious sounds. in too deep over my head. The ample time and opportunities, Also focussing entirely They also measured, to a great Finally, as everything dissolves for the day, pressure was just too much for a we can study at the last moment, on examinations is, in my extent, our learning rather than the serenity of our beds calls us for a rejuvenating stay. test week. rather than be consistent with opinion, not the right way to just serving as preparation for an We have to be discerning about our course of study. go. Assessment should be more examination. While the ‘in-depth the objectives of such internal, Somewhere, we should inclusive of our actual learning studying’ may be welcomed, during-term testing. There are reconsider the objective of rather than performance in there is no de0nying that we are three broad objectives: to keep having report-card tests. I was occasional tests. We should heading in the wrong direction. us in touch with our syllabi, always of the opinion that a perhaps develop a system of pop train us for the exams and have report-card test was to keep boys quizzes, class tests, interactive us learn something. The testing in contact with the course that assignments or other such testing Originally printed in Issue no. method must correspond with has been transacted and to make methods. Teachers should have 2245, March 27, 2010 the objective. As far as I can see, them revise the covered sections the freedom to grade us on the

they also learn how to live in a and what isn’t. that six years in an all-boys a few years? Surely, the result guide us through this complicated From Tyrant society outside of the classroom; These scenarios beget the boarding school bring about. can’t be great. What I believe will and tumultuous process. The a society which includes nearly question: Are we, in School, Really, the added benefits of such help is teaching our students the few life skills classes, occasional To Leader seven billion other people. developing the said traits that will an attempt would yield far better extent of their responsibilities. interactions with a female Adit Chatterjee Naturally, for a boarding school, make us socially and emotionally results as Doscos graduate out of If they are responsible to teacher or female Dosco, and SC this responsibility is magnified smarter? Are we being taught School. It’s no secret that a large punish and discipline, then they form socials can in no way be ’m sure it can be agreed that a exponentially. Students should what is acceptable and what isn’t? number of Old Boys feel distant must do so wisely, and with an sufficient. They also happen to school’s duty and prerogative be equipped to develop the I believe the answer is a from School due to the way acute awareness of where their be unguided and therefore fail Iis not solely to churn out social and emotional intelligence resounding no. Now, I am not they were treated during their responsibilities begin and end, to teach our students anything, academic toppers and Ivy League required to thrive in society, as suggesting that Doscos lack time here, and they attribute for responsibility without the and may actually even leave candidates. Children are sent to what a student may be able to emotional intelligence as a much of it to the senior-junior knowledge of how to enact it is them with more confusion learning institutions at extremely get away with in the insulated general rule; the few months we hierarchy they faced here. Of as good as no responsibility at than they began with. However, young ages, to learn not just an environment of a school, he/ spend at home surrounded by course, one may tote the adage: all. If more importance was given if workshops or organised academic syllabus, but also to she may not be able to get away friends and family do a fair bit to “It’s character building”, when to our students learning to wield guidance were to be provided learn social norms and develop with in the outside world. Lack stimulate our social intelligence. justifying a majority of practices their responsibility, perhaps as and made fundamental aspects emotional intelligence, amongst of such development may result Having said so, there are many here at Doon, and in a majority of boys we would learn to respect of our leadership program, other things. The fact that all of a in potential job dismissals due to more measures that we as an cases, they’d be right. However, each other more, treat each other perhaps the outcome would be child’s formative years are spent the lack of a good work ethic, or institution could adopt in the what happens when one of our better, and to simply be kind and different, and all of the benefits in school proves the importance even worse, being hauled to court eight months spent in School to students passes out of School nurturing people. I mentioned above may become of school in developing for a case of sexual harassment build and exacerbate such skills, and suddenly finds himself Apart from learning to be reality. We spend countless socially beneficial, intelligent due to the simple truth that they and really chip away at the toxic without the absolute power he respectful and nurturing leaders, hours developing leaders; and nurturing members of weren’t taught what is acceptable masculinity and ‘bro’ attitude wielded for a little more than such measures may also help us workshop after workshop, tomorrow’s society. One could learn how to interact with the session after session. If some of even argue that school can often opposite sex, a crucial process the time within these workshops impact children’s development to aid us in learning how to was devoted to imparting these more than even their parents, respect women, to interact with unique skills as well, I’m sure considering the sheer amount them decently, and to simply Doscos would be able to learn of time a child spends in school. coexist in the future in college, at to develop their emotional Further, the fact that teachers work, and at homes. To achieve and social intelligences more provide their undivided attention this, we don’t need to turn holistically. to children, when for many, their Chandbagh into a co-educational Our school is prestigious, and parents are not able to provide campus, as some of my more it is proud of its heritage. I am the same amount of attention optimistic peers would suggest. certain that if the development and care, illustrates the deep There is no guarantee that even of these social and emotional impact that schools have on actual interaction with girls in intelligences was prioritised children’s development. a controlled environment like slightly more, the results would The impact of one’s school on school would prove effective, for be truly outstanding, and the his or her development cannot even boys from co-ed schools overall development of a Dosco be underestimated. Schools have can prove to be as emotionally would be significantly boosted. It the immense responsibility of handicapped when it comes to is then that Doon would truly be not only ensuring that students such interactions. However, it able to boast that it creates future excel academically, but that does lie on School’s shoulders to leaders for tomorrow’s society.

game changers. These have promoting ideas to bring about their need. The higher order space for advancing the learning ubiquitous ecology of learning Ubiquitous the power to replace ‘physical measurable changes in teaching- cognitive self-evolving systems continuum. keeps on advancing. They boundaries’ and ‘confined real learning processes, students’ of communication architecture In the last few years, we have are now looking at AI, and at Ecology of time spatial interactions’, and understanding levels, and adding addressing the century’s seen the emergence of the virtual bringing in the quantum change. hence need a slow but definite to their knowledge base for many requirements of collaboration learning environment(VLE) The best systems have already Learning treading. Critics will immediately years. Incidentally, this year it and skills are definitely a far cry. in School but this has been started adopting AI-based Rajesh Majumdar jump to argue that any VSA will is promoting AI based impacts. Today, technology in education restricted mostly to the communication architecture, need mobile devices, regarded This essentially indicates how is not being used for dumping or reproduction of documents, and are now emphasizing the n my previous articles ‘The as naturally distracting, and far the reach of AI has been in replicating resources but creating minor data processing, and self- need for such systems even at the New Order’, published start alluding to elite institutions developing pedagogy. a communication architecture motivated activities. It is quite primary level. It is hence quite Iin Issue No. 2475, and like the Waldorf School in San Our VSA, in its fundamental which can ultimately lead bemusing though, that few who frightful to see us missing out ‘Transformational Change’ in Francisco which banned the use form, seems to be more of a to heutagogical approaches. have been venturing into VLE on developing a realistic virtual Issue No. 2492, I intentionally of laptops for its students. On support system and much less Ubiquitous ecologies are based for some time now, did not even platform and further losing out emphasised my thoughts and the contrary, I would rather flip a learning platform. It provides on such advanced architecture. bother to develop their own in establishing an augmented suggested making systemic the apprehension to strengthen some elements of self-directed This looks quite unbelievable communication architecture for and virtual reality-based ecology. changes in School’s learning my arguments and say that the learning strategies, though this in our context but actually the new learning. The virtual We are stranded on a much lower environment. Strengthening my school, in the middle of Silicon virtual space is used to engage Office 365 used in the school space could have been used plane where there seems to be argument further, I would like Valley, had the courage to devise with the regular and/or additional is a potential keystone for that to evolve a system to enhance no real intention to end this self- to emphasize the emergence its own systems and sailed against study materials, commonly used architecture. It is unfortunate learning of the main coursework. imposed status quo. of ‘ubiquitous ecologies’ in the the winds of change elsewhere, to in our classrooms. This kind of that we have not realized this yet. I understand that the graduation Our dream to be among the new world of connectionism in establish new norms suiting them. architecture is primarily based on In the absence of a progressive to heutagogical levels of best can make no real headway if school systems. I do not propose taking away the incubation of resources taken VSA in the school system, engagement requires an intrinsic we delude ourselves with pseudo In my previous articles, I laptops/computers in our school from various domains, mainly students are actually clueless on desire to incorporate academic pursuits. If we can’t even handle brought up the sub-systems as it might not serve a similar the internet and a few old time how to engage with coursework discipline as an inherent trait. a simple machine which can of ‘teacher as a resource’ and purpose. I also do not know for tested hand-outs and worksheets. even though they have advanced I think given the level of our otherwise change our life how ‘assessment structures’ which how long Waldorf can sustain The structure in its purest form versions of mobile devices. It relationship with technology, then do we prepare for future? I required transformation. In their ban on computers, since is nothing but a customized is actually rather funny to see we require at least a decade to just recall Oren Harari’s saying this article I will finally come interactions between learners are version of a textbook for a these sophisticated resources establish such a system. On which is quite relevant here- ‘The to the two most profound and being virtually augmented even suitable audience. Primordial being used as music and movie the other hand, in advanced electric light did not come from relevant sub-systems of virtual by artificial intelligence (AI), unidirectional communication systems. We have to understand school systems, doing well in the continuous improvement of space architecture (VSA) and disrupting prevalent pedagogical is embedded in the system, used that these machines are actually the Program for International candles’. heutagogy which are potential notions. UNESCO has been occasionally by learners as per entry gates to a vast virtual Student Assessment (PISA), the

Founders issue-2.indd 6 10/10/19 6:53 PM Issue No. 2552 | The Doon School Weekly 7

Food Glorious Food Saatvik Anand Should students fill feedback forms for their teachers?

Here at Doon, we have always prided ourselves upon the level of transparency and depth that exists within the relationship 32.7% 18.8% between our teachers and students. Subsequently, the Teacher Feedback Form was conceptualised, giving students a platform to provide their teachers with constructive feedback and/or criticism, and our teachers a consistent method of improving their teaching. That being said, the results of our poll have clearly shown that the debate over the feasibility of such a form has shown no signs of calming down. While approximately half the School believes that students are in a viable position to 48.5% comment upon the methods of their teachers, an equal number have either disagreed, believing they aren’t qualified enough to do so, or remained neutral, choosing not to comment on the matter.

Yes No Can’t say

responsiveness however, the sightlines, and trees on campus executed renovation spread over Architecture of building is contextual. The were also maintained in this the past 5 years. I spoke to the yellow slate walls are redolent scheme. Shared patches of green conservation architect Aishwarya Change of the nearby Shivaliks, the red promote a sense of community. Tipnis on her conservation brick tiles resonate with the Main A combined study/library has strategy that started with treating Sandeep Khosla (Ex 489 Building and with the rest of the been provided in each unit the building for structural stress, JB, ’87) reflects on the brick architecture on campus, so students can interact with waterproofing, plinth protection recent architectural changes and the olive coloured corrugated teachers without infringing on and rainwater management, and in School. metal sheets are in harmony their private space. ultimately led to the design of the with the rare collection of trees There is an exciting play on vibrant smart classrooms. n the summer of 2007, my surrounding the building. The the facades of these apartments I think the biggest triumph of architecture firm was faced internal volumes are filled with with the familiar gabled roof this effort is the inconspicuous Iwith a unique and exciting a wonderful quality of soft north vocabulary. A child grows up manner in which educational proposition- we had just won a light via a series of skylights, drawing a house as a floor, two technologies have been competition to design the new which minimise the use of walls and a gabled roof, and it is integrated into the building. Art and Media Centre here at artificial lighting during the day. this very iconography that makes “While integrating acoustic Khosla Associates Chandbagh. The old Art School All studios open into courtyards its way onto the elevations of paneling, flexible seating, and and the art master’s residence had or terraces, allowing easy the housing. “Gabled portals smart technologies into the concrete steps, into a light and undertaken over the past six both been declared structurally interaction with the outdoors in the corners are pulled out classroom, I was keen not to hide airy space with a sunny yellow years, as well as future projects unsafe and were to give way and ample cross ventilation. The into shaded balconies to act as any of the original features of colour scheme. This space, I hear, like a state of the art Indoor to a state of the art 25,000 sq design also preserves the vital sit-outs to the bedrooms, and the building. I wanted to expose is one of the most loved rooms in Sports Complex. ft. facility. This was a sort of north-south pedestrian path that similarly portals from the living the Jack arches on the ceiling the entire building. I was encouraged to see that emotional homecoming for me, moves through the campus, via room extend onto a recessed and the lofty arched windows to The renovation respects the there is a certain syntax, a train having served as the School Art an overhead bridge connecting verandah sit-out”, says Raman. retain and glorify its Edwardian 100-year-old heritage of the of architectural thought that Secretary in 1987. The Art School, the two halves of the building. The message to students is clear, architecture”, says Tipnis. building, while creating future- shall hopefully continue into all where I had spent a better part of Integral to our concept was that these are warm, welcoming, The other striking intervention proof educational tools that keep future buildings and renovations my S and SC-Forms holed up in the journey of an artist and his homey, and approachable spaces. in my opinion has been the pace with School’s pedagogy at Chandbagh. The Headmasters, a small and musty room with my or her process of self-discovery. I was also pleased to see a liberal use of colour in some of of teaching. The heavy wooden BoGs and the CDC have been charcoal sticks and Strathmore Our aim was to bring art and sense of continuity, materially the renovated classrooms. Tipnis desks and chairs from our time the conscience keepers for the paper, and frequent visits from creativity to the very core of the speaking, in the houses from largely credits Headmaster have given way to light and aesthetic beauty of Chandbagh. my art master Mr. A.Z. Khan, had intellectual life at Doon. where we left off. Brick tiles like Matthew Raggett for this. I think flexible furniture, which improve Future developments must be nurtured my creativity. Getting With frequent visits to School in the AMC maintain a visual this is bold and contemporary, movement and interaction rooted to have a sense of place the opportunity to design a over the past decade, I have integrity with the rest of the adding an unexpected contrast between teachers and students. and context; they should respect significant building at the historic enjoyed getting feedback from campus, and the vocabulary and cheer to the otherwise Although I have highlighted the topography and rich flora heart of the campus, facing the young artists on the quality of has been subtly and sensitively austere building. Two pilot only three projects, the eager of the campus; they should be iconic 100 year old Renaissance- natural light in the studios, and extended into a light terracotta classrooms were created for involvement of the BoGs and sustainable and subscribe to the inspired Main Building and how the building has inspired for apartment recesses, and beige Founder’s 2015, one with a beige/ CDC in the careful research and tenets of green architecture, while South Garden, was intimidating. them. I also had the opportunity Gwalior sandstone for sit-outs brown colour palette, the other planning of each project was being easy and cost effective I, however, felt responsible to walk around Chandbagh and and fenestrations. in pastel blue. Feedback was encouraging. At a recent IPSS to maintain. They should look for setting a precedent for the appreciate some of the other I had a cup of tea on my last sought from students over the meeting the outgoing CDC chair, at our past for inspiration but direction new architecture could infrastructure that has left an visit with a teacher living in next year. Particularly interesting Sumanjit Chaudhry, elaborated should be wholly contemporary, take in School. The Board of indelible impression on me. one such residence, and was to me was that most Humanities on the exhaustive list of projects innovative and forward-thinking. Governors (BoGs), the then- Last year, on a visit to particularly impressed with the students responded positively Headmaster Dr. Kanti Bajpai, campus, I took a stroll to the ease with which these buildings to the conservative beige/brown Rain Check and the Campus Development wonderful masters’ residences interact with the landscape. scheme while the Science Committee (CDC) led by Rohit at Hathikhana and at the Mall The other significant design students gravitated towards the Saatvik Anand Handa, all agreed that we were Road site, designed by Delhi- intervention on our campus colourful blue. I had thought it at a point of inflection. School based Anagram Architects. I has been the renovation of our would be the other way around! had embarked on a journey of chatted with Madhav Raman, iconic Main Building. This has The refurbished AV room has embracing positive change while co-founder of Anagram, about been a sensitively and carefully been freed of the heavily loaded still holding on to its core values his thoughts while designing this and traditions, and this needed cluster of eighteen residences. As to be reflected in the spirit of the we all know, at Doon, teachers’ Should a One Activity One Sport new architecture of Doon. interactions with students is In form, the building breaks not confined within classroom rule be applied to all students? away from the past, not walls. The new masters’ housing referencing the existing gabled addresses these needs practically With the numerous activities School has to offer, Doscos colonial edifices of campus. and lyrically. I liked the fact that can find themselves pursuing a series of interests that divert Neither does it attempt to the teachers’ apartments have them from making use of their academic time. Therefore, it mimic some of the earlier post- been designed to be welcoming, is constantly being debated as to whether students should modernist interventions. It not isolated. “The barriers of be limited in the number of activities they are allowed to is viewed as a contemporary the old masters’ houses with the participate in, so that they may focus on their academics. composition of abstract front garden and the demarcated sculptural forms of varying hedge have been done away materials and textures emerging with,” says Raman, “giving way from a central spine. to an accessible approach from a In materiality and climate central axis.” Existing pathways,

8.2% 78.8% 13%

Yes No Can’t say Khosla Associates

Founders issue-2.indd 7 10/10/19 6:53 PM theweek.com 8 OPINION Issue No. 2552 | The Doon School Weekly

Saatvik Anand Education for All? Shreyan Mittal

ur lives today have become a rat race, where Owe compete to achieve great college admissions, well- paid jobs, and earn as much money as we can. This especially applies to students who are striving to receive admissions offers from elite institutions. This is nothing new to a Dosco. Every year, juniors see their seniors work day and night to realise their college aspirations. theweek.com To add to this heap of pressure are parents who are Another major discovery is John staff, who succumb to greed and overwhelmed by their children’s Wilson, who not only paid for his accept these bribes, that these college offers. While it may not son to get into the USC, but also scandals are routed. What is even be wrong to worry about such for his twin daughters to get into more dismaying is the fact that challenges, it is indeed wrong Harvard and Stanford. these prestigious institutions to push their children for better This scandal has received risk their reputation and respect college placements just in order attention not only because of for money, something that they to boost their pride in front of the individuals and institutions already earn so much of. It has other parents. However, parents involved, but also because of how taken many years of effort and are not willing to take the risk of it portrays privileged individuals investment for colleges such as their child failing to get in, and in society. It says a lot about Stanford and Harvard to come cannot fathom the thought of how they are able to use their to be known as the world’s most being embarrassed. It is due to money and power to engage in elite institutions. Scandals of this very reason that they go to unethical practices despite living such a nature compromise their extreme lengths to ensure that in a country that prides in the standing in unimaginable ways. their children get in. values of merit and hard work. Even though the act of In a recent sting operation The USA is often known as the bribery is in itself enough to named Varsity Blues, the Land of Opportunity— countless make ‘Breaking News’, when American government managed students come in search of equal it is connected to academic to unearth over 30 cases in which opportunity and better lives. In institutions of the highest guardians had bribed universities such circumstances, hundreds standing, which are already rich to accept their wards. What of students have to deal with the with endowments and grants, is even more surprising is that painful realisation that no matter the student who believes in merit even prestigious Ivy League how talented and deserving they and equality will be disheartened institutions such as Harvard and are, they will still fall victim to beyond measure. As more cases Yale have been found guilty in this the manipulations of privilege. like these emerge, like the recent scandal. Reports show that over They will be disillusioned by racial discrimination case alleged 25 million dollars were exchanged the manner in which their ideals against Harvard University, we as between 2011 and 2018 as bribes of effort and honesty have been a society must question the moral for college admissions. Apart devalued. standing of such institutions. The from these eminent universities, However, one must also realise whole point of these schools is popular celebrities such as Lori that the parents are not wholly to educate students into leading Loughlin and Golden Globe at fault in this scenario. The society towards justice. In a winner Felicity Huffman have universities must also be blamed way, these institutions are the also been accused and found for scandals such as these. It guardians of our morality. guilty of paying off colleges. is often through members of But who will guard the guards?

on time lost during school days. it is an unfortunate reality that Today’s age demands an adults would find unbearable will parents are wrong in asking the Diamonds or As academic stress increases, parents put pressure on their exceptionally hectic schedule, only drain the child physically, best of their child. However, I so does the stress of extra- children to excel academically. and it is hard to attempt so many mentally and socially. All three am requesting them to be a little Dust? curricular activities. The essence Apart from the stress of activities and do well at each. facets are imperative to a child’s more considerate towards their Ahan Jayakumar of childhood becomes diluted. As examinations that children Children undergo “training” to development, and perhaps child’s capabilities. While it is the responsibilities and workload experience, they now have to deal improve almost every aspect cutting back on an activity or two good that they are trying to push t is believed that the best pile up, one begins to lose time with the added pressure of not of their CV (Life). Free time would be extremely beneficial. their children to be the “best time in one’s life is one’s for oneself, something that I disappointing their parents in any becomes a luxury, one that This would allow much more versions of themselves”, they Ichildhood. Freedom prevails, believe is incredibly important field. If a student were to perform is only available to a selected time for the child to relax, should be careful so that they and it’s almost like the weight of for one’s personal development. poorly in an examination, not few. Parents, in the pursuit of focus on the other activities don’t eventually push them too the world doesn’t exist. This is Introspection is an important only would he or she have to deal excellence, push their children as he is pursuing, as well as excel far. Instead of trying to force a true till we reach a higher grade, asset in performing better and with the sorrow of not receiving hard as they can to do well. They academically and maintain a sense of determination in kids, and the stresses of grades, CV- correcting mistakes. a good college offer, but also the are expected to become a master social life. Even better, the long- they should try to help their kids building and sporting excellence Children almost always need disappointment of his or her of all trades. Unfortunately, term benefits of such a practice build it within themselves so that begin to weigh in. Everything to be on top of their grades. parents. Frankly, I believe that it sometimes this well-intentioned would yield happier children who they become self-driven rather one does eventually leads back However, in many cases, it is is detrimental to a child’s growth, nudge from ones’ parents may are more focused on the activities than drained. Remember, the to working for that college offer. not something that comes from as expectations lead parents to be beyond tolerable, causing they pursue, which undoubtedly right pressure can turn coal into Vacations lose their essence from within, but something that is scold and diminish their children, the child to buckle under the improves their performance in a diamond, but the wrong into being a break to becoming a instilled in them. Some are fine rather than nurture and help pressure. Asking a mere child to their respective fields. dust. window where one can cover up with not being in the top 5%, but them improve. balance a workload that most I’m not trying to say that

it seems that religion becomes to let go of sometimes outdated non-believers to further mistrust incredibly hard to change others renowned physicist, provided Bhagwaan Ko obsolete. Of course, many of us beliefs. This is the conflict that religion and places the purpose for the better, which is what us with an interesting insight. challenge traditional notions and religion presents, as society of religion under scrutiny. If religion aims to do, but we can He said, “The most important Maante Ho? turn into agnostics or atheists, divides itself into believers religion were to improve human change ourselves easily – by question facing humanity is, ‘Is Sriman Goel but only a handful consciously and non-believers. The debate beings, why would followers having the right beliefs. Those the universe a friendly place?’ For consider religion and give it is of logic against religion, as act in this manner? Has religion who act to hurt others have if we decide that the universe is egardless of your faith, a chance to create change in the popular idea among non- failed to positively change us? misguided beliefs that lead them unfriendly, we will put our every you do have a position on themselves. In the dynamic and believers is that religion is no Followed rightly, religion is to act in a particular way, but resource to protect ourselves Rreligion, don’t you? Maybe conflicted world of today, we longer logical. based on logic itself. In Islam, those with the right state of mind against this unfriendliness and you are a devout follower of a need to question religion, but also This tide against religion is praying five times a day is can see the reasoning behind may destroy ourselves in the religion, or you believe that we be cognisant of what it may offer, fuelled by religious scandals and encouraged. The implicit logic customs and act accordingly. process. But if we believe that the cannot confirm any God, or and not just be a blind follower extremists acting out in the name is to ensure devotees create a It is up to each one of us to universe is friendly, we will put maybe you believe that the idea without an understanding of the of religion. In the past, religion routine and learn to discipline create change in ourselves where our resources into understanding of God is man’s own creation. reasoning behind religion. has been used to influence themselves. Similarly, the Islamic religion can only act as a guide to that universe, and we will fight to Have you tried asking yourself, This begs the question - “What uninformed people, with a few fasting time of Ramzaan is a righteousness. keep it that way.” “How has a belief in a god, or the is the purpose of religion, really?” misguided individuals using faith period of abstinence to teach self- Lastly, Albert Einstein, the lack of such beliefs, changed my “Why must we believe in a set of to exploit and hurt others. An control and to cleanse one’s body. life?” rules that may be thousands of example of this are greedy priests This is true for many customs It’s not a question we ask years old?” One answer is that in the Catholic Church of old, and rituals across religions but ourselves often. Most people the purpose of religion is to tame who manipulated churchgoers is often overlooked as outdated. today don’t attentively evaluate human beings and teach us to to pay the church by using the Even devout followers do not the benefit religion could have be better versions of ourselves. fear of judgement and hellish see this reasoning behind most on their lives. Religion passes The most-followed faiths are consequences. A second example religious customs, and most just down through families as a reliant on holy books, which, if that we see today are religious accept the rituals blindly. requirement and as a custom. In followed, are bound to create the extremists using violence to I believe that the answer to all households that are reluctant to happiest and most prosperous ‘protect’ their religion, and harm these questions is an unorthodox accept faith blindly, religion dies devotees. Notwithstanding, some non-believers. What is important viewpoint. Religion is a set of without being given a chance to argue that these books were to note here is that this behaviour beliefs, and ultimately it is our make its case. According to the created for a different time and is not endorsed by the religion’s belief on how we must act that Census of 2011, religious beliefs are not suited to our world today. customs, but the actions of a results in our actual actions. If our appear to be receding in most This is a recurring debate - with few people who believe they are belief is that religion is helpful urban households in India. As dedicated devotees adamant at doing the right thing. The tainted to us, we will make decisions generations shift and rethink, such a suggestion and unwilling history of some religions push that make our life better. It is

Founders issue-2.indd 8 10/10/19 6:53 PM Issue No. 2552 | The Doon School Weekly 9 Protests Are a More Effective Way Than Passive Individual Action to Bring About Awareness Regarding the Climate Change Crisis

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. Day by day, the situation becomes more dire: melting ice caps, soaring temperatures, floods and numerous other natural calamities are all indicators of the increasingly sinister state of affairs we may find ourselves in. A large driving force for climate change are the corporations that constantly indulge in activities that are immensely detrimental to the environment, and they get away with it due to nonchalant laws and legislators who are all easily convinced to look the other way by the fat cheques these billion dollar corporations send them. In recent times, however, youth movements all over the world have risen, demanding that policy makers take strict action against these corporations, and refrain from sacrificing the future of the planet in their own selfish motives. Unfortunately, they are not free of opposition, with many countering these protests by claiming that it is not protesting that will solve the issue, but informing people about the actions they can take as individuals in order to counter climate change. This bring us to the debate, where Adit Chatterjee and Varen Talwar argue that protesting is more effective than individual action, and are argued against by Rushil Choudhary, who advocates for individual action.

toppled the most tyrannous of warming? heroes and messiahs in hindsight, prevention. Similarly, if people by sitting alone. Point rulers and the most stringent of The answer is as simple as it is and not revolutionaries creating are not aware of the dire reality Lastly, the urgency of the mores. implausible. It is simple because unrest aimlessly. that their specie is under the climate change issue has far Adit Chatterjee and Varen Talwar So, why is it that when we it is the same as all the other On the other hand, it is imminent threat of extinction surpassed the stage where lot of major reform in start doing the same for our times such objections have been implausible because these people because of their pursuits of such ‘individual action’ is humanity’s way of life has very survival - the most intrinsic raised. The privileged white world are choosing their affluence materialistic luxuries, they will an acceptable solution. In a Asprung from the protests of all human cravings - that we complained when its ‘superiority’ over their existence, or that of not change their ways to prevent world where all our troubles to of the oppressed. It has been seen encounter so much criticism? was being threatened; British their posterity! It contradicts a that. compost and plant more trees in the Communist revolution in Why is it that we are told to colonists resorted to imprisoning reasonable assumption we hold Furthermore, this stimulation are undone by the blind actions Russia in the early 20th century, bring about change at our own the person leading the resistance about mankind- that the ultimate of change does not end here, of big corporations and the the American Civil Rights’ individual levels, and trust other against them when he gained goal of our species, like all others, for when people realise a truth governments they control, it is Movement of the 1960s, our very oblivious people to follow suit, an unprecedented influence - is its sustained reproduction. as grave as climate change, they quite clear such an approach own struggle for independence rather than demand action and now, just like then, huge The very fact that some people don’t just keep it to themselves. cannot working. Individual through the Civil Disobedience from those responsible? Why is corporations are opposing this choose personal benefit despite There is an extreme sense of actions can only succeed if and the Quit India movements, Greta Thunberg repeatedly told new rebellion because it is hurting the threat of extinction - the urgency that such a realisation every individual performs and most recently, the fight for to go to school and become a their position of power. That is most terrifying of all threats - is carries with it, one that forces these actions, and that level of LGBTQIA+ rights. History then climate scientist to solve the why we regard these leaders - Dr shocking, and, to most, utterly people to take the initiative to singularity can only be achieved gives us reason to believe that problem, instead of continuing Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma incomprehensible. further spread the message. This through widespread awareness protest is effective, for it has her fiery campaign against global Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela - as Having established the will result in fast dissemination campaigns. invalidity and ludicrousness of knowledge and increased The bedrock of democracy is of this opposition, let us now awareness in people regarding the voice of the people, and these elaborate on why protest is the environmental crisis, protests convey exactly that, beneficial, for it is not only the which cannot be rivalled by a a voice which says, loud and ridiculousness of the criticisms dependence on a extremely slow clear - we refuse to tolerate the that negates the need to pay any and inefficient “demonstration consumerist rape of the planet heed to them, but also the merits effect.” any longer. In November last of the method we advocate. For instance, if Dr. Martin year, Greta Thunberg sat alone Firstly, protests are essential Luther King Jr. had kept his dream outside the Swedish parliament. because they create public to himself and tried to fight off Today, she has the support of awareness about problems, white supremacy alone, would millions across the globe. Such which is one of the most the Civil Rights Act ever have rapid growth for any climate- important steps towards any come into existence. Through his related cause, or any cause at all, reform. If people do not know speeches, marches, and protests, is unprecedented, and reflects that their activities are causing he created a sense of solidarity the dire straits we have placed problems they are not aware of, among the oppressed African- ourselves in. Therefore, we they will continue to practise American population, which believe, that to secure the future them. That is why we launch finally rose to secure equality. of humanity and democracy, awareness drives about social It is fostering this same sense protesting is the only way issues like open defecation, of solidarity which is key to all forward, and we encourage you btlonline.org waste management, and disease revolutions, and it does not come too to spread the word!

considering other viewpoints. civil society. Therefore, while flooding the streets with bright despite the ethical soundness strength of individual action is Counterpoint Recently, well-intentioned respecting the urgency the issue posters when our families still of her evocative protests, the yet to be tested on a global, all- children have been proposing warrants, it becomes essential use electricity in unconscionable criticism that they drew, and encompassing scale. The millions Rushil Choudhary solutions that seem impractical. to adopt a more feasible way of amounts? Quite visibly, taking will inevitably continue to draw, of children who have already very day, the newspapers Governments will never make generating actual measurable definite action is many miles reduced the effectiveness of participated in the ongoing inform us of countless the desired legislative changes, change – individual action. asunder from pushing others to the movement. On the other student strike for climate could Emerciless gun shootings, or even if making such changes Humans have a tendency of do so. The essence of the famous hand, there is no criticising benefit the environment more of shocking incidents of blatant may be essential to combating conveniently extrapolating the Mahatma Gandhi quote – “Be the individual action; our ability to by rather individually ensuring racism or discrimination. Despite climate change. Although such responsibility of problem-solving change that you wish to see in the tell right from wrong instinctively that everyone in their vicinity, the growing protests condemning expression of one’s right to free on to others in society, asserting world”- identifies most concisely categorises such action as sacred, for example, in their families, these atrocities, they still occur speech is an inalienable one, the other’s greater capability to this intrinsic necessity of taking as something that cannot be whole-heartedly contributes alarmingly regularly. After all, disrupting the daily life of many inspire change as the reason. individual action. The difficulty opposed or reasoned against. to environmental protection, a small ignorant group with to advocate what are unfeasible Then, in the absence of the of this conditions our feeble Only consistent individual action rather than staging mass outrageous and dangerous beliefs solutions to problems is not the desired change, we even go on minds to seek an easier method can, therefore, unite humanity in demonstrations that might not are enough to wreak all sorts of right approach to solving the to blame the entities that we to show one’s ‘concern’ for the its struggle to survive as a species, even achieve the intended effect. havoc. Even now, tragedies like problems of the future. ourselves elected to posts we feel environment- by protesting, helping us discover how we can After all, it is equally possible the Peshawar school attack, in Many protests are deeply they no longer ‘deserve’. But why rather than forgoing the comfort protect the environment without to influence others with subtle, which 141 people lost their lives, marred by hypocrisy, as protests not be the change rather than of our air conditioners at night. squabbling over who should do yet real, actions as it is with are blamed on a few extremist advocate changes which running after it? After all, not all It’s clear then that only so. powerful demands that are yet individuals. On contemplating the protestors may not have leaders are unreasonable; they individual action can succeed in In a world which is dependent to convert into any tangible this situation, one cannot help themselves achieved. By solely do understand the dangers that effectively fighting the growing only on rarely efficient political benefit in the imminent future. but wonder what influence demonstrating an ideal world, climate change poses. Where threat of climate change. Just action, individual action offers a So, let us not quarrel over who protests exert over people whose and, specifically, what the the difficulty and implications look at Greta Thunberg, the much-needed authenticity and should help fight climate change, obviously flawed beliefs seem to government should do to achieve of implementing environmental Swedish child environmental effectiveness. Although protests and in what manner. Climate remain unchallenged. It’s then it, environmental protests laws on such large scales prevents activist whose protests found have, in the past, been effective action ultimately begins with us, that we realise the importance neither reduce individual any sort of significant change global support. The journey that in bringing a host of issues in to and with our small, regular, and of individual action, and how carbon footprints, nor do they from occurring fast, we must, she undertook across the Atlantic the limelight, individual action ultimately effective, efforts. We only this can propel humanity contribute in stabilising rising before commanding others, in a zero-emissions ship in order surely appears as the better must all then be conscientious to unprecedented, yet necessary sea levels. Supporters of such ensure that we ourselves reach to attend a U.N climate summit method in combating climate and motivated in our endeavour levels of social welfare. demonstrations might retaliate the stringent standards that we was one of the only instances that change. While the honest efforts to bring about change, to be the The problem of climate change, by stating that such protests have set. Are we doing justice drew support and appreciation of protests globally have failed change ourselves. as is already obvious, has proven help influence people, namely to such voracious demands by from all sections of society. Yet, in halting climate change, the to be painstakingly difficult to those in the government, who solve. Even the thousands of could enforce ‘real’ change. environmental protests that have However, at least according to occurred over the years have current realities, the possibility failed spectacularly in affecting of this seems improbable. With change. Over a billion cars still world leaders torn between the spew carbon dioxide into the aspirations of uplifting those atmosphere, while sea levels trapped in ever-increasing continue to rise at accelerated penury and indebtedness and rates to life-threatening levels. listening to the demands of those Then, have protests been able who, insulated by their relatively to really achieve much, apart stable economic situations, from giving the media fodder go on protests, the belief that for sensational headlines, and protests alone can affect change inconveniencing people? is indeed far-fetched. Now, it’s Protests, I find, are not essential that protestors, even sustainable or efficient as though they possess the right to they generally involve over- openly express their opinion as enthusiastic, sometimes part of a democracy, recognise not entirely well-informed, their duty to at least try to individuals who gather to voice reduce the growing extent of the their opinions, often without bifurcation that currently plagues

Founders issue-2.indd 9 10/10/19 6:53 PM 10 OPINION Issue No. 2552 | The Doon School Weekly

In this era of change and innovation, we as a species have looked for ways of survival. Since our ability to save our planet continues to be questioned time and time again, Mars is being viewed as our last resort. Are we being The Colonisation of MARS too ambitious in our endeavours? At the same time, are we also forgetting our responsibility of preserving our home planet?

Keshav Singhal and Sriman Goel answer these questions.

ne of the few positive planet. In addition, the viability truth. What this also means is on the Red Planet, what would effects of the Cold War of almost all plans put forth by that we would have to find some order be like on another planet? Owas the so-called ‘Space NASA has been questioned time form of middle ground to dock a How will a colony operate? Who Race’ in the latter half of the 20th and time again. The plan involves spaceship, refuel them, and then will be in charge? Will countries century. New innovations and increasing greenhouse gas resume the journey. The only own land on the planet? developments in the field paved emissions on Mars - ironically, spot where we could build space Luckily for us, there are plenty the way for the consideration it’s these emissions on Earth that stations and dock our ships is of space pacts that can answer of life beyond our home planet may force us to search for life the Moon or a satellite station. these questions. International Earth. While this view may have elsewhere. In NASA’s Artemis program, agreements such as the Outer been thought of as a distant glory Using its orbiter around the plans include building lunar Space Treaty and the Benefits in the past, extensive research planet, NASA discovered frozen landers and space habitats on the Declaration have tried to outline into this field has presented the carbon dioxide on the north and Moon. By building landers and the practicality and order human species with the sound the south poles of Mars. Since the a common port, space agencies required to carry out such an possibility of expanding life planet has a thin atmosphere, the can resolve the issue of the vast endeavor. beyond the boundaries of Earth. heat levels on the planet can reach distance between the Earth and We can understand the Mars, given its terrestrial features, extremely low temperatures at Mars. laws governing outer space has been looked towards as a night. To counter this problem, Thinking further, even in a by conceiving of establishing potential base for taking humans NASA plans on vaporising the situation where we are able to a settlement in Antarctica or closer to their aim of expanding carbon dioxide, releasing heat land humans on Mars, how will the middle of an ocean - in weburbanist.com their civilisation. into the atmosphere and making we sustain life on the planet? In international waters. In the is simply for staying temporarily, traces of water and produced The Red Planet, as we know the planet warmer, and thus more terms of agriculture, the most fictional movie The Martian, as and there can be no permanent methane suggest that microbial it, has been explored by a sustainable for human life. Such viable practice is hydroponics, Mark Watney travels out of NASA residents… as of now. One could life forms have a likelihood of number of space probes in the a project would be carried out which involves growing crops property on the surface of Mars he buy a deed to the land on Mars existence. Furthermore, there last three decades. By launching by a solar flare that would direct in nutrient-rich solutions declares, “I’m going to be taking a since there are websites that are possibilities of flowing water orbiters around Mars, renowned sun rays towards these poles, instead of soil. The soil on Mars craft over in international waters provide such offers, but most in underground tunnels that can space agencies such as NASA subliming the carbon dioxide, comprises 60% water, adequate without permission, which by of these are promises that hold support such life forms. Through (National Aeronautics and and making the red planet more to sustain the growth of plants. definition... makes me a space no value until a Mars landing is the study of meteorites from Space Administration) and the habitable. A scientist at MIT However, humans might have pirate.” As interesting as this realised and extraterrestrial real Mars that have struck Earth, ESA (European Space Agency) has also invented an oxygen- to transport themselves back to may sound, it’s true that since estate becomes available through astrobiologists have concluded have been able to fill up a few producing machine that would their primitive stages and live no one nation can impose law in a major modification to the Outer that “apparently Mars has had of the large holes riddling this create a breathable environment in underground caves since the international waters, maritime Space Treaty. organic carbon chemistry for tremendous ground of mystery. by pumping oxygen from Mars’s dangerous cosmic radiation on law will apply in space where As far as rights are concerned, a long time.” There is enough Yet one of the greatest paradigm atmosphere itself. the planet would not allow us to one could do just about anything any person who wishes to go evidence to suggest that chances shifts took place when the But all these inventions and build space habitats to live in. they want to, within the basic to Mars or build a habitat there of life do exist, and if there is a Curiosity Rover discovered research projects would be in vain This may sound like a stretch boundaries of the Outer Space is free to do so (as Elon Musk possibility, we must consider erosion due to a steady flow of if we fail to find a way to reach – even discouraging – for a few. Treaty. has already vowed), provided that even visiting Mars could water on Mars in the year 2012. Mars. In fact, no space agency has However, if we wish to make the First off, the Outer Space they take permission from their make these life forms extinct. We While this discovery has been a rocket strong enough, including colonisation of Mars a reality, we Treaty states that no nation can government to launch a rocket, kill microbes every second here significant to our civilisation, the revolutionary firm SpaceX’s would now need to think anew, claim land on any celestial body. do not claim extraterrestrial land on Earth, and ‘colonising’ Mars it only serves as a cog in the world’s most powerful rocket and think fast. Though some believe that a rights and do not blow up nuclear essentially means harming any machinery needed to make the Falcon 9, to take us to Mars yet. SPACE LAW? loophole allows them to privately weapons in space (surprisingly, such organisms on the planet. vision of Mars colonisation That the enormous distance Mars settlement has caused own land on another planet, one this has happened before). Furthermore, we may impose a reality. Scientists still strive separating these two planetary the word “colonisation” to be cannot own property where there Of course, we would require Earth’s own bacteria and other to look for a way to develop a bodies cannot be traversed in mooted often. Considering we is no state granting that property some level of law and order in microscopic life-forms that would sustainable atmosphere on the a single journey remains a hard even establish a small settlement right. This means all land on Mars space too. Therefore, in any compete with any extremophiles colony by a private company on Mars. Spacecrafts are already like SpaceX, the laws within that decontaminated today for this habitat and the spacecraft used to reason, so that we can keep Earth get there would be of the country microbes away from accidentally where the company is registered inhabiting other worlds. (the USA, in SpaceX’s case). Even if we do not find life IS IT ETHICAL TO LIVE ON forms on Mars, there could be MARS? evolutionary change occurring Regardless, the biggest argument on the planet right now. Similar against the colonisation of Mars is to Earth, single-celled organisms the ethicality that accompanies it that may be in the process of – the contention transcends state formation could be harmed by boundaries, and instead involves our trip to Mars. mankind and the natural world This means that even if we itself. We may be allowed to do do get to Mars, we need to what we like in space, but what consider this ethical aspect of we need to consider are possible Mars colonisation and make our Martian life-forms. As improbable decisions accordingly. Maybe the as that sounds, life forms called first human will step on Mars in ‘extremophiles’, which are our lifetime, maybe we will still usually present at a microscopic have a longer way to go then – we level, can survive the common don’t know. What we do know is freezing temperatures of -70 that it will be a spectacle worth degrees Celsius on the surface the wait. of the Red Planet. Identified

My usage of past-tense is quite be considered as the impetus for only flashy cars, grand mansions is the key word here – it can that may have been both under- Desi intentional – with every passing this ‘television renaissance’. In and foreign vistas would suffice – be said that these shows have represented and unappreciated year, Indian television is gradually Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and no, the Indian audience of today introduced the flaws of human otherwise. Renaissance producing a now-consistent so on, Indian actors, producers, wants to see grittier, realistic, nature to Indian entertainment, The best part is that the Aviral Kumar stream of quality shows which and writers were given the even ‘grimier’ (in the literal sense bringing an unprecedented level movement isn’t an exclusive have garnered a huge following opportunity to work with already of the word) stories that paint an of relevance and humanising one; the film industry is clearly It would be an understatement across the country. When established, financially powerful accurate picture of Indian society the conventional, perfect stories getting the message, and even to say that India as country talking about these shows, one global brands who weren’t as a whole, discussing themes that Bollywood had built an more established actors such as is diverse. Home to several instinctively thinks towards the conceived and developed such as sexual orientation, abuse, entertainment empire upon. Saif Ali Khan and Kalki Koechlin religions, more than two hundred flag-bearer of the movement, within a society that had, psychological trauma and such. These shows are also providing have made their way over to the languages and innumerable Netflix’s Sacred Games, but it until now, sustained itself on The smoke-filled, neon- new opportunities to actors small screen. Simultaneously, dialects and cultures, it is a vast would be easy to lose oneself in melodramatic soap-operas and lit alleys of Sacred Games’ who weren’t suited to what movie writers are also beginning melting pot. Within this dynamic the show’s popularity and forget reality television. Rather, these Gopalmath encapsulate this; it’s masala Bollywood demanded of to understand that critics and landscape, if any one facet of that Sacred Games would’ve streaming services came from that Mumbai, whether that be them. Actors like Nawazuddin audiences alike will no longer Indian culture could lay claim to faced a very different reception an American market already the 90’s or a modern iteration, Siddiqui, Radhika Apte and be satisfied by just mindless being unchanged, ever-present even half a decade ago, and well-versed in producing more may be a city of dreams and Arjun Mathur, who could only be entertainment. Yes, there will and universally appealing, then that it is a combination of both grounded and varied content, the gateway to superstardom, provided more supporting roles always be a place for the ‘Bhais’ it would undoubtedly be our technological innovation and, and they in turn have provided but it is also a cesspool of due to their perceived lack of and ‘Badshahs’ within Indian film industry. There seems to more importantly, social change our writers with the creative corruption, prostitution and marketability, have now gained hearts, as well as a market, but the be something about the lavish, within our country that has freedom to produce shows of a crime. Similarly, underneath the national recognition. These failure of flicks such as Student glittering lifestyles of our actors propelled the Netflix thriller and similar nature. educated, ‘South-Delhi’ etiquette actors have been given a platform of the Year 2 and the success of and the films they make that similar shows to the forefront. While streaming provided of Amazon’s drama Made in where they can work on a slew of films like Pink, T3en and Kabir captures the adulation and To begin with the more the accessibility and financing, Heaven lies an interweaving web more unorthodox, avant-garde Singh clearly shows that times imagination of hundreds of straightforward of the two, there has also been a major shift of complex people who each projects which allow them to are indeed changing. millions of Indians. Rather, there the introduction of streaming in terms of what our consumers possess a dark, troubled and showcase the full range of their was. services can and should rightly want. Gone are the days where ultimately flawed side. The latter acting capabilities, something

Founders issue-2.indd 10 10/10/19 6:53 PM Issue No. 2552 | The Doon School Weekly HINDI 11

की सफलता के पीछे दादासाहेब का मीना कुमारी, मधुबाला, नारिगस जैसे बॉलीवुड ही हाथ था। राजा हिरश्चंद्र पहली अिभनेताओं को प्रमुखता दी जाती िफर खोने का डर भारतीय िफल्म थी, िजसे लंदन में कराह रही है तेजस शर्मा है। संगीत का उल्लेख नहीं होने पर तमीम जनरल 1914 में प्रदर्िशत िकया गया था। यह लेख अधूरा होगा। गाने भारतीय मानवता बॉलीवुड, दुिनया का सबसे बड़ा महाभारत जैसी कथाओ और धर्मों िफल्मों का एक महत्वपूर्ण िहस्सा प्यासी रूह ने समंदर नहीं देखा, उत्पादक िफल्म उद्योग है। 1913 पर आधारित िफल्म 20 के दशक में हैं। गानों की भागीदारी ने भारतीय बहकते िदल ने क괼न नहीं देखा, डर लगता है मोहब्बत की 崼लती कर तो ली थी, चंदन घुघत्याल में पहली भारतीय िफल्म हिरश्चंद्र लोकप्िरय थी। ये िफल्में मूक थीं और िफल्मों को अन्य विदेशी उद्योगों तमीम जनरल मोहब्बत करने में संसार ना देखा। से लेकर अब तक की िफल्मों, इस एक बड़ी सफलता थी । यह भारतीय पर ब褼त दी है। तीसरा चरण 1980 मंिजल पाने की हो蔼 में - वक़्त लगता है लोगों को अपना बनाने उद्योग में िविभन्न प्रकार की िफल्में िसनेमा के इतिहास में पहला बड़ा के दशक के अंत से 2000 के दशक िकया था वादा हरदम साथ िनभाने हर पल हो रही दौ蔼 में - का, में, बनाने और भारत को मनोरंजन कदम था। एक िनयिमत आम आदमी तक है। इस चरण ने िफल्म िनर्माण षड्यंत्रों की रेलमपेल में , अब वादे करते भी डर लगता है, मगर पहली बार उन्हें बेवक्त िबछ蔼ते प्रदान करने का उल्लेखनीय इितहास की कहानी पर िफल्मे बनाई गई थी प्रक्िरया में सबसेि अलग बदलाव देखा, िरश्ते नाते गौण हो गए हैं || िलखता था पन्नो पर नाम उसका, रहा है। यह यात्रा पहली िफल्म क्योिक ज्यादातर दर्शक गांवों के इश्क़ बड़ा ज़ािलम था, देखा। 1970 के दशक में बॉलीवुड में अब उस नाम को दोहराने में भी हिरश्चंद्र से शुरू हुई और तब से यह उसने बेपरदा होने से पहले जग ना अहम् श्रेष्ठम् के अहंकार में , गरीब लोग थे। अब 1940 से 1960 से मसाला िफल्मों को भागीदारी देखी डर लगता है। देखा, पद, पैसा, कुर्सी के लालच में - लगातार जारी है और भारतीय समाज दूसरी अविध आती है। इस अविध को गई। राजेश खन्ना, धर्मेंद्र और कई कया करता था इश्क़ बयान उसपर, बातें बहुत ही शर्मीली सी थी, अनुचित को उिचत ठहराने में , का एक महत्वपूर्ण िहस्सा रहा है। िफल्म इतिहासकार भारतीय िसनेमा अन्य जैसे अिभनेताओं ने दर्शको को अब आिशक़ी का जि़क्र करने से भी उसकी आँखें बहुत ही नशीली थी अंतर्मन बेमौत मर गया है || 1913 में जब से पहली मोशन िपक्चर का स्वर्ण युग मानते हैं। ‘आधुनिक खुश रखा । शोले, इस युग की सुपरहिट डर लगता है। होंठ म夼मल से थे आई है तब से मोटे तौर पर भारतीय भारतीय िफल्म उद्योग का िवकास 夼र्च करता था समय उसपर, फिल्म थी। अमिताभ बच्चन एक प्यार बे बुिनयाद सा था सही गलत की िववेचना अब, िसनेमा के 4 युग हो चुके हैं। प्रत्येक अब तो पैसे 夼र्च करने से भी 1940 के आसपास हुआ। इस अविध सेलेबि्रटी और इस समय के मुख्य हाँथ कोमल से थे, बीते 焼माने का दस्तूर है | डर लगता है। आयु पिछले एक से िवकिसत हुआ में िफल्म उद्योग का एक उल्लेखनीय सुपरस्टार थे , जोिक कुली और दीवार िमजा焼 रेशमी कहलाता था, जायज नाजाय焼 सोचना, हँसता रहता था उसके आस पास है और यह उस तरीके को दर्शाता है और िवशाल िपरवर्तन देखा गया। जैसी हिट फिल्मों से प्रिसद्ध हुए । वो मेरा वहम था, बस भ्रम मात्र है- रहकर, िक कैसे भारतीय समाज सदियों से सत्यजीत रे जैसे प्रिसद्ध िफल्मकार अंितम चरण 2000 के शुरुआती दौर आिशक़ी का वहम, क्योंकि दौ蔼 जीतना जो है || अब तो ख़ुश होने से भी डर लगता है, बदल रहा है। पहली अविध के लिए इस अविध के दौरान प्रमुखता से िजस्म का ग़ुरूर था से लेकर अब तक चला आ रहा है। कुछ समय तक आँसुओं ने भी जो 1920 के दशक से 1930 के दशक म夼माले होठों का क़ुसूर था, सांप नेवले जैसे रिश्ते में - उभरे,समाज की समस्या पर िफल्में शाहरुख खान, माधुरी दीक्षित जैसे हाल पूछा था उसका, इश्क़ का मझब कहलाता था प्यार आपसी धींगामुश्ती में, के अंत तक था। भारतीय िसनेमा बनाते थे। सामािजक संदेशों वाली अिभनेताओं का उदय हुआ है। िफल्में अब तो उन्हें भी मेरा, चक्रब्यूह रचना में - के अनुसार, दादासाहेब फाल्के ने िफल्में उद्योग में उभरने लगीं। वास्तव सामािजक मुद्दों के इर्द-गिर्द घूमती इसकी जुदाई में िनकलने से एक दफ़ा हुआ करता था इ焼हार मेरा, प्रेम सहयोग बस बेबस है || जारी िकया 1913 में पहली िफल्म में वह युग था जब भारतीय िसनेमा ने हैं और िफम्लो को बनाने की तकनीक डर लगता है। अब उन लफ़्ज़ों को सुनने की आदत ‘राजा हिरश्चंद्र’। मूक िफल्म एक सबसे अधिक पिरवर्तन और िवकास काफी बेहतर हुई है। भारतीय िसनेमा कुछ महीनो से सहकर्मियों को चित करने में, शायद छूट सी गयी है व्यावसाियक सफलता थी। इस िफल्म देखा। राज कपूर, िदलीप कुमार, दुिनया के सबसे बड़े िसनेमा उद्योग कलम भी नाम पूछ रही है उसका, लाशों के पायदान पर च褼ने में, वो लफ़्焼 जो एक दफ़ा फूल थे अब तो, हृदयिवहीन अट्टहास लगाने में - के आँकड़ों के िहसाब से दुिनया का अब काँटे है कलम को का崼焼 को चूमते देख भी अच्छाई बरबस बेचैन है || सबसे बड़ा उत्पादन है। आज भारत वो शायरी जो कभी बेदर्द हुआ करती डर लगता है। में हर कोई बोलीवूड में काम करने के थी, डर तो लगता है सादगी सरलता तो अब - अब दर्द की कशि्तयाँ चलाती है सपने देख सकता है । भारतीय िसनेमा अब, उसके वापस आजाने का दिखावे की भेंट च褼 चुकी है वो डर जो उसे एक दफ़ा खोने का था अब आर्थिक रूप से िवकसित हो गया उसे दोबारा खो देने का, ,कर्मठता को ग्रहण जोलग चुका है अब शायद पाने का है है और पैसे के मामले में एक पावर डर तो लगता है ‘भाटों’ का ही जलजला जो है || वो मेरी थी, हाउस है। भारतीय िसनेमा अपने उसकी इल्म से िलखी शायिरयों से शायद कुछ पलों के िलए, इितहास में सांस्कृितक और समृद्ध मशहूर हो जाने का चकाचौंध ही अब- आ괼ताब के िनकलने से पहले रो िलया है और यह अब भी तेजी से ब褼 रहा और उसकी मोहब्बत में जीवन आधार बनबैठा है , करता हूँ, िफर से मश्रूफ हो जाने को, मूल्यों का हर क्षण हो रहा ह्रास है; है। भारतीय िसनेमा हर भारतीय की इस म焼हब के सामने अपना ग़ुरूर जाने डर तो लगता है पाशविक विचार का ही बोलबोला पहचान का िहस्सा बन चुका है। िदया करता हूँ thenewsbangla.com उसके आगे जीत जाने का है - अभी भी तुम िबन जो हारा हुआ समझा करते है सदगामी तो ‘भीष्मा’ मौन हैं || उपहार तो िमल जाया करता है उन्हें जीत कर िदखाना ? िचट्ठी िकसी और की हो जाया करती यह भी क्या म焼हब है जनाब धर्म संस्कृति बखारने वाला, नहीं । पुरुषों के न्यूरॉन्स में महिलाओं है अपने आप को इस अंधविश्वासी है बना डाला ; पुरुषों और से अलग मशीनरी है। वो ज़ुल्फ़ें याद आती है बातूनी इश्क़ में िवनम्र व शांत स्वाभाव वाला, आिखरकार, आपको यह एहसास िज़न्दगी की रेल मगर उन्हें भुलाने की कोिशश करने सािबत करने से डर लगता है “ऑउटडेटेड” कहलाने है लगा || मिहलाओं की होने लगता है िक सवाल यह नहीं प्रथम गुप्ता लगा हूँ है, हम अलग तरह से क्यों सोचते सािबत करने से इश्क़ में हार मानना सीख नहीं िकन वक़्तों का यह साया हैं, डर लगता है। फूं फां तू ता कहने वाला - सोच में अंतर हैं परन्तु यह है िक क्यों हम अलग अब भी दुिनया को जीत कर िदखाता हूँ, िकसी िख蔼की से आता हुआ आज गलाकाट दौ蔼 का सिरमौर बन बैठा तरीके से नहीं सोचते हैं। इसका एक तुम्हारे आने के डर से ज़्यादा है | आदी जैन िहस्सा यह है क्योंिक हमारे िदमाग जो हम पर लहराया हैं । तुम्हें िफर खोने का डर है, पद पैसा ही तो है अब अन्नदाता ; बहुत प्लास्टिक हैं। वे उन कार्यों के िकन तूफानी घि蔼यों को, िफर खोने का डर। नव पिरवेश में कराह रही है मानवता वर्त्तमान समय में घिटत कई घटनाय लिए अनुकूल हो सकते हैं जो शायद वह पार कर आया। || दर्शाती है कि समाज पुरुषों और उनके िलए िवशेष रूप से िडज़ाइन कैसे इस मुकाम पर, मिहलाओं के साथ समान व्यवहार नहीं किए गए हैं। लेिकन एक और आज वह पहुँच पाया हैं। नहीं करता है। और हाँ, हम शारीिरक िदलचस्प िवचार यह है िक शायद कब कौन िकस राह का राही हैं, डर हम एक ही समस्या को हल करने के रूप से अलग हैं, लेिकन क्या हम िकसने कौनसी मंि焼ल से मुलाक़ात इंदरवीर िंसह ओबेरॉय किसी अलग तरह से सोचते हैं? खैर, लिए विभिन्न रणनीितयों का उपयोग चाही हैं। इसका जवाब हां है, लेकिन जितना कर रहे हैं। ज焼्बाती तो हुआ हैं यह कई क्यों आखें नम है तेरी , आप सोचते हैं उतना नहीं। ‘I.Q’ को लिया जाए तो पुरुषों के िसलिसलों में। क्यों यह 夼ामोशी है मेरी , आमतौर पर मिहलाएं भाषा सम्बंिधत िदमाग बड़े होते हैं, इसिलए तकनीकी क्या आज भी हैं यह हलचल उन वो गुमनाम शहर क्या बात है वो जो होठो तक आई , कार्यों में बेहतर होती हैं। और रूप से उनके पास उच्चतर आईक्यू िदलों में ? और ख्याल बनकर रह गई। तमीम जनरल अंतिरक्ष में चीजों को व्यवस्िथत होना चािहए। लेिकन वे नहीं करते! ि焼न्दगी ने हमें बहुत कुछ िसखाया हैं, करने में औसतन पुरुष थोड़े बेहतर उनके पास मिहलाओं के समान ही कभी हँसाया हैं, यह इश्क़ है तो दर्द क्यों? 崼म की महि괼ल लगाए बैठा था, होते हैं। लेकिन वास्तव में िलंगों के आईक्यू हैं, और ऐसा इसिलए हो तोह कभी रुलाया हैं। तेरे नाम कुछ बातें कर बैठा था, भीतर की तुलना में िलिगों के बीच सकता है क्योंिक मिहलाओं के पास यह मोहब्बत है तो गम क्यों ? अगर प्यार मीठा है तो यह क蔼वा क्यों , होने न होने से अिधक पिरवर्तनशीलता है। पुरुषों ग्रे पदार्थ की मात्रा 焼्यादा है , क्योंिक ि焼न्दगी की जो रेल हैं, अगर इश्क़ आिशर्वाद है तो यह 焼हर क्यों ? बस तुझी से और मिहलाओं के मस्ितष्क में एक इसिलए उनके पास अिधक न्यूरॉन्स संकटों का मेल हैं। हैं । यह वहाँ नहीं रुकता। हमारा दुिनया कहती है प्यार सच्चा होता है , आिशक़ी लगाए बैठा था स्पष्ट अंतर होता है। तुलना में, पुरुषों कभी पहेली, तो कभी खेल हैं। वो गुमनाम शहर तेरी यादों का था का दिमाग स्त्िरयों के िदमाग से १० िदमाग कुरूप हो सकता है: िवशेष रूप तो यह झूठ क्यों? वो क़ालीन तेरे ख़्वाबों का था % ब蔼ा होता है िकन्तु मिहलाओं के से हमें कुछ चीजों में बाधा डालने के अगर आिशकी जीने की वजह है , अक्सर सुना करता था वो िकस्से तेरे १५-३० प्रितशत मोटा कोर्िटकलिि लिए बनाया गया है तािक िलगों के तो क्यों मर रहा हू मैं। जो कभी हो न पाए िहस्से मेरे, पदार्थ होता है िजसपर सोच-िवचार बीच एक स्तर का मानसिक खेल का यह िमज़ाज़ों का शहर कुछ ख़ास िनर्भर करता है। मैदान बना रहे। मेरा दून तू होकर भी नहीं है , माना जाता है मिहलाओं का िदमाग बाएँ और दाएँ और यह वास्तव में आकर्षक हो मैं होकर भी मैं नहीं , इसकी हवाओं में वो ख़ुशबू पुरानी है गोलार्ध के बीच काफी संतुिलत जाता है जब हम मानिसक वकारों चंदन घुघत्याल 焼िन्दगी है पर मैं िं焼िदा नहीं , इसकी हवेलियाँ नूरानी है लगता है । जबिक पुरुष अपने िदमाग के बारे में सोचते हैं। यहाँ िलग यह हमारी पहेली है पर वो कहानी नहीं, इसकी रातें कुछ तेरी है के दाईं ओर अिधक भरोसा करते हैं। अंतर हैं - महिलाओं को प्रमुख िशवािलक आँचल में बसा, श्री एस आर दास का रचा। इस रंगीन दुिनया में सब बेरंग क्यों है ? इसकी सुबह कुछ मेरी है और यह मतभेद केवल यहां तक ही अवसादग्रस्तता िवकार से पीि蔼त राते काली, िदल खोखला क्यों है. होने की संभावना दोगुनी है; पुरुषों जग में न्यारा, सबका प्यारा, इसके सपने कुछ हमारे है सीिमत नहीं । उन स्थानों पर मतभेद यह चेहरा है या कोई नक़ाब , में सिज़ोफ्रेिनया से पीि蔼त होने की द दून हैं उत्कृष्ट हमारा। िजनके परदे कुछ उठाने है हैं जहां हम पुरस्कार और भावनाओं सब जाने , अनजाने से क्यों लगते है , संभावना 10 गुना अिधक होती है। और, को संसािधत करते हैं। हार्मोन लें, तो यह तेरा प्यार है या मेरा डरा मन। ये फर्क पुरुषों और मिहलाओं की शिक्षक छात्र का अनूठा िरश्ता, आसमानो में उड़ाने है पुरुषों में अिधक टेस्टोस्टेरोन होता है द दून को अतुलनीय है बनाता। आि夼र ये गुमनाम शहर हमारा है। और मिहलाओं में प्रोजेस्टेरोन और मस्तिष्क-शक्ित को संतुिलत करने सर्वधर्म संभाव फैलाता, डर लगता है अब इश्क़ करने से , इसकी लहरो में तुम्हारी आवा焼 है, एस्ट्रोजन अिधक होता है - लेिकन वाली मशीनरी की िवफलताओं से ज्ञान अन्वेषक िवद्यालय हमारा। डर लगता है उस आग में िफर जाने से, इसके पेड़ों में मेरे गीत, ये िसर्फ हार्मोन के रूप में कार्य नहीं हो सकते हैं। शायद इस सब में सबसे आश्चर्यजनक िहस्सा यह है िक डर लगता है की िफर जीने लग जाऊंगा , इसकी परछाईं में तुम्हारा साया है करते हैं। ये रसायन न्यूरोट्रांसमीटर ज्ञान कुंज यह ऋिषकुल जैसा, हम केवल इन मतभेदों को समझने डर लगता है की िफर कही मर जाऊंगा , इसके तारों में तुम्हारे प्रीत की तरह काम करते हैं। वे हमारे सोचने प्रेरणास्त्रोत है सबका। इसके फूलों में तुम्हारी ख़ुशबू है के तरीके को बदल देते हैं, यहां तक िक की शुरुआत कर रहे हैं। हम वास्तव डर लगता है की यह िदल िफर खाली हो जाएगा पाठ्यत्तर क्िरयाकलापों से बच्चा, डर लगता है की आगे ब褼कर भी यह होंठ तेरा नाम लेंगे , इसके िदल में मेरी ध蔼कन, डीएनए के स्तर को भी। पुरुषों में एक में केवल अन्य आधे के बारे में सोच जीवन कौशल यहाँ है सीखता। अब, आिशक़ी कर्ते है वाई गुणसूत्र होता है; मिहलाओं में रहे हैं। डर लगता है की अनजाने में वही भूल हो जाएगी , डर लगता है की इस िदल को तेरी कमी िफर महसूस हो जाएगी , इस सपनो के शहर चलते है उन्नत िशक्षा की बयार बहती जहाँ, उन बाघों में ढलते है िविवधताओं का अम्बर है यहाँ। डर लगता है की शायद िफर होश आ जाएगा, कुछ इस तरह सम्भालते है पूरा भारत िजसमें समाया, डर लगता है की यह जान िफर जीने से मना कर देगी। िजस तरह, चहुँ ओर डंका इसने बजाया। डर लगता है, अब डर लगता है , साये में धूप होती है तेरे होने से डर लगता है, पेड़ों पर पिरंदे सजते है कला संगीत सािहत्य सीखता, तेरे जाने से डर लगता है आँखों में आँसू टिमटिमाते है डॉस्को नाटक किवता भी रचता। अब डर लगता है। िजस्म में रूह जाय焼 होती है, खेलकूद में अव्वल रहता, उसी तरह चांदबाग की रौनक ब褼ाता। चलो, िफर कुछ नया करते है, चलो एक बार मोहब्बत कर साहिसक क्िरयाकलापों से है जु蔼ता, इस गुमनाम शहर चलते है सामािजक ि焼म्मेदारी भी है लेता। बस एक बार चलते है। भरी इनमें सूझ बूझ व गुणवत्ता, ‘डॉस्को’ सम्पूर्ण िवश्व पर है छा जाता। etsy.com nytimes.com

Founders issue-2.indd 11 10/10/19 6:53 PM 12 Issue No. 2552 | The Doon School Weekly

professional and personal level is Divyansh Nautiyal Aryan Bhattacharjee Karan Sampath The Weekly in his departure. From debating something I will always cherish. ivyansh, or ‘Nauti’, Success is 20% content, and aran’s bumbling presence alongside him to swimming Gone By By Keshav Singhal has always been an 80% confidence.” Hearing and messy appearance against him, our journeys have Dinspiration to me. His “these words from Aryan Kcan be misleading to been greatly intertwined, and Ansh Raj ability to balance his intense Bhattacharjee, whom I had the untrained eye, but a closer though we have been at opposing Aryaman Kakkar look reveals someone who has faces many a time through these salute to our Editor- CLAT prep alongside writing always classified as the ‘serious been a monumental presence in four years, his ability to forgive in-Chief would be eing the newest in the the Week Gone Bys, Debating intellectual’ before working with numerous fields across School. and forget is unparalleled. The incomplete if the word outgoing Board, whatever and being the voice of change in him during this year’s DSMUN, A the School Council has always was shocking. However, as I His impeccable work ethic and Editorial Board shall miss him, commitment was to be left out. Aryaman lacked in B seemed superhuman – since worked more closely with him, ‘always do more’ attitude are but Chandbagh will certainly feel Ansh’s acknowledgement of experience he made up for his defining features, and these empty without him. his responsibility towards the with his diligence, bringing a I’ve never seen Nautiyal say no I realised that they perfectly features shall be missed most By Adit Chatterjee Weekly along with his emotional nuanced and sensitive mindset to what was needed of him. His encapsulated ‘Bhatta’, whose attachment truly surpassed any that perfectly balanced the more positive response to everything unrivalled smartness came with of my expectations. Although hyper, zany characters on the has been ‘Ho Jayega!’ and to me, the most senseless humour and harsh and firm at times, Ansh board. Aryaman was not only an he is proof that striving to attain a a bluntly fun-loving nature. His was willing to understand and excellent editor, but also chipped vision can get you there. Nautiyal carefree outlook on the spectacle connect with us, something that in with some wonderful poetry has forever pushed the editorial of life was a great inspiration for defined his role not only as a when the Weekly needed him to. It board to improve the publication me, and the consistency with Editor, but as a devoted mentor didn’t take him long to grasp the and better our efforts, helping which he produced rib-tickling as well. I found a confidante in reins of working on the Weekly, all of us through the sweat. He Week Gone Bys was a standard Ansh, something that enabled and once he did, he worked with has constantly been my logical the whole Editorial Board aspires me to never hesitate before a sincerity I have seldom seen and moral support, and I greatly towards. At the close, I am sharing anything with him, be it across my time on the Board. treasure the times I’ve spent greatly thankful for having the about the Board or something Wherever he goes, I wish him the with him. I wish him well for his opportunity to work with him, else. His ability to maintain best of luck. potentially incredible future. and for having him as a friend. this relationship both at a By Aviral Kumar By Sriman Goel By Varen Talwar Crossword 1 2 3 4 Interesting Facts Across 5 6 3. The fattiest organ in our body. 5. George Orwell was born in this state. 7 6. This country’s national anthem has no words. 8 10. This former British Prime Minister won the Nobel Prize for Literature. 14. These reptiles have three eyes. 9 10 11 17. This ex-One Direction member has a fear of spoons. 12 13 19. The word for a single strand of spaghetti. 14 21. This person discovered the RMS Titanic’s wreck. 15 23. The longest word that can be typed on one row of keys. 16 24. The first Governor General of Independent India. 25. This famous director has a bizarre phobia of the police. 17 18 28. The national animal of Scotland. 19 30. This recreational drug was once used as a medicine for headache. 20 21 22 23 Down 1. The book Alice in Wonderland is banned in this Asian country. 2. The Beatles made a song after this city. 24 4. This famous Russian mystic survived being shot, poisoned and stabbed. 7. Adolf _____ is considered the architect of ‘The Final Solution.’ 25 26 8. This famous composer who wrote ‘Symphony No. 40’ did not attend school. 9. The only non-mammalian species able to recognise itself in a mirror test. 11. The first known contraceptive is the dung of this animal. 12. The first Indian epic. 13. This technological feature was named after a 10th century ruler, King Harald. 30 15. This physicist declined Israel’s presidency. 28 16. The phobia related to the fear of heights. 18. The author of Grapes of Wrath. 20. Japan uses more paper to make _____ comics than toilet paper. 29 22. The author of Matilda who also served in the Royal Air Force. 30 26. He is credited with the phrase, ‘White Man’s Burden.’ 27. The name given to a group of bees. 29. Youngest player to score in a football World Cup match.

You losted its originality.

9. Magpies 18. Steinbeck 18. Magpies 9. Ansuhtup Giri, one of a kind.

8. Mozart 16. Acrophobia 29. Pele 29. Acrophobia 16. Mozart 8. THE VERY BEST OF

7. Eichmann 15. Einstein 27. Colony 27. Einstein 15. Eichmann 7. I literally saw the ball thrice, but I

4. Rasputin 13. Bluetooth 26. Kipling Kipling 26. Bluetooth 13. Rasputin 4. didn’t see it.

2. Dehradun 12. Ramayana 22. Dahl Dahl 22. Ramayana 12. Dehradun 2. Saatvik Anand, clearly 1. China 11. Crocodile 20. Manga Manga 20. Crocodile 11. China 1. UNQUOTABLE QUOTES

hallucinating. Down I’m idealess. I am a very dumbo. Laptop will not on. Bhai Kabir, on probation. Aryaman Kakkar, having an CSG, switched off.

This is the happiness of sadness. 19. Spaghetto 19. epiphany.

Udaya Goel, living the paradox.

17. Payne 30. Heroin 30. Payne 17. Why didn’t it get sticked. I didn’t have a Spain food. 14. Iguana 28. Unicorn 28. Iguana 14. Jinay Borana, sticky situation. The man was non-reachable. Yuvraj Sarda, trying new things.

Switch on your notebooks. 10. Churchill 25. Hitchcock 25. Churchill 10. Siddhant Agarwal, Mission

GYA, from the future.

6. Spain 24. Mountbatten 24. Spain 6. How do you know my dreams, are Impossible 7. I am agree with you. 5. Bihar 23. Typewriter 23. Bihar 5. you a psychopath? DKY, let’s agree to disagree.

Fat people look thin. 3. Brain 21. Ballard 21. Brain 3. Arnav Chaudhary, hypnotised. Mark your mans.

Shreyan Mittal, you wish. Across Aryansh Sharma, the hockey My legs are standing here. The hospital is not a place for mastermind. Tarun Bhide, standing ovation. Pass the vegetarian paneer. sickness. Aryan Prakash, desi Gordon Dr Amar Lanka, *cough*. Mine CV is better. Infertility is inherited. Ramsay. Sargun Mehram, Ivy League Shaan Bulchandani, Biology Sudoku Duck the germs out. aspirant. topper. Pass the penne sauce. Keshaw Singhania, maintaining Yatin Gaur, following Aryan’s hygiene. My old school has an underwater These lemons are broken. footsteps. swimming pool. Saatvik Anand, bitter revelation. Only facts can be wrong. Maharshi Roy, Indian Aquaman. I need to go someone. Shrivar Kanudia, evidently. Switch off the door. Tanay Gour, lost. The floor was tallness. Ahan Jayakumar, off his hinges. I won’t see any dinosaurs because Shreyan Mittal, scaling new I want to be an architecture when only a few of them are left. heights of stupidity. Can you increase the fan of the I grow up. Ribhav Bansal, Shrivar agrees. speed? Rajveer Singh Machre, building I run one hour in ten minutes. Ansh Raj, in a whirlwind. castles in the air. Aviman Singh, breaking world records. Stop overshooting the time. 9/11 happened in 2012. VKL, in extra time. Aryaman Goyal, conspiracy Since the MPT has the dengue, theorist. I am the Boy-in-Charge of the I’ll eat paper cuts. House. Krishang Arora, hungry for Make sure you do your works. MKS, ‘scoping’ season? more. Ansh Raj, roger that? I stoled it. Donald Trump is the butt on my Amrit Agarwal, honesty is not pimple.

Key the best policy. Varen Talwar, angry young man.

Founders issue-2.indd 12 10/10/19 6:53 PM