Established in 1936 The Doon School

“I sketch your world exactly as it goes.” - Arthur Foot December 9, 2017|Issue No. 2489 IN TRANSITION Perspectives on the transition from S to SC-Form. tHE TERM gONE bY A review of the goings-on in School over Aviral Kumar While in no way am I suggesting the course of Autumn 2017. B-Form that this problem exists in every Page 4-5 As the end of the year approaches, case, it has shown itself on several it begins to dawn upon me that occasions and therefore needs to THE GAMBLE FOR GUJARAT very soon, many on this campus be addressed. A commentary on the upcoming Gujarat will go into their final year in Archit Barthwal elections. School, and consequently, take up SC-Form Page 6 various positions of responsibility Disclaimer: Since I am writing across the activities that School this after having sent 90% of all THE SMALL THINGS DO MATTER has to offer. The excitement that my college applications, I would An opinion on the School’s adaptation of precedes these appointments is like to make it very clear that the ‘No Shave November’ campaign. always a highlight of the School these are all my heartfelt thoughts, Page 8 calendar, as numerous hopefuls and are, under no circumstances, aspire to be present in the next written with an ulterior motive. NO SHAVE NOVEMBER roster of Captains, Boys-in- Also, if, for any reason, someone Our favourite moments from the Charge and Editors-in-Chief. is offended by anything I have photoshoot. Unfortunately, it is what follows to say, I do dearly apologise in Page 9 these appointments that, I believe, advance. is a cause for concern. Making the jump from A to S Conserving culture Without a doubt, assuming a form was quite big enough, or so A commentary on the fading of tradition position you have aspired for since I thought. Teachers began treating in society today. a long time is a great sensation, but you with a little more respect, as if Page 10 the fact is that these captaincies to acknowledge your adulthood; are tools and mediums through and the system in general, gave AN EXCERPT OF HUMAN BLUNDERS which the quality and values of an you your well-deserved space. A reflection on the impacts of recent activity are meant to be upheld, and The transition from S to Sc form, human actions on the planet. not mere badges of power. The however, is far more dynamic. Page 11 reality, however, is often different. Besides respecting you more, While boys may work tirelessly teachers also start to factor in an hOLIDAY cHECKLIST for the great majority of their individual’s accountability; you’ll A list of things to watch, read, play, and School life within their preferred see masters beginning to trust listen to this Winter. fields, once they are handed a (Continued on page 3) Page 12 position in that field, they often tend to undergo a drastic change. The kind, approachable senior who was once an inspiration, is replaced by a boy who is lackadaisical and indifferent, revelling in his newfound authority and swimming in arrogance. This arises from the idea that now that the position is acquired, nothing can challenge it. 2 the doon school weekly BLAZInG LAMPS Editorial The following have been awarded Scholar’s and Kushagra Kar Games’ Blazers: Another term comes to an end, and with bitter-sweet Games’ Blazer: Anish Bhide, Harshit Bansal and memories packed off into our trunks, the Weekly bids Udaiveer Jaijee the School Happy Holidays! Scholar’s Blazer: Salman Mallick The year has been turbulent, both in the world and in Chandbagh, but that’s nothing new. What is new Congratulations! though, is the chapter the Batch of 2018 has added to the pages of our history. From the games fields to the a war of words toyes, they have continually given School more than The following are the results of the Inter-House expected, reminding us time and again what it means Hindi Debating Competition, 2017: to serve. They strove for excellence in all they did, 1st: Tata which is what made them special. We will remember 2nd: Kashmir them as mentors, friends and fellow Doscos, for that 3rd: Jaipur is what they stood for. As their final Golden Night 4th: Oberoi grows ever near, we bid them well in all to come, and 5th: Hyderabad thank them for their guidance and love. Kudos! The Weekly too has also seen turbulent times this year, and such incidents have made me realise something. Buzzer Beaters The Weekly, a team which works together every week The following are the results of the Inter-House for years on end, characterises the potential School Basketball Competition, 2017: has for forging everlasting friendships. When these 1st: Hyderabad relationships get compromised for the sake of issues 2nd: Jaipur too trivial to give so much weight to, we fail ourselves 3rd: Kashmir as a cohesive group. Now take this on a macro-scale: 4th: Oberoi The Yearbook, the Audio Visual Squad, the School 5th: Tata Orchestra and Choir and so many other places where we work with the same people day-in, day-out. So Well done! when we quarrel over positions and power, we end up limiting ourselves to the bounds of School in Impressionists The following are the appointments for the year everything from body to mind. We develop unspoken Art : rivalries for the sake of prefectship, sometimes 2018-19 allowing it to degenerate to loudly spoken face-offs at School Art Secretary: Kushagra Bansal obscure hours. Relations built over years can be, and STA Boy-in-Charge: Raghav Grover have been, so easily splintered for the sake of a tie. SUPW Boy-in-Charge: Aradhya Singhal I say this for two reasons. Firstly, when we return from the Holidays, a new set of prefects will be Congratulations! appointed, a day historically known for its destruction The Final Stretch of friendships. Secondly, after a year of pettiness, we Anant Ganapathy now have a chance to start afresh, in the New Year, as better people. So take this month to reach out to those you haven’t spoken to in months. Take this month to remember that everything is forgivable, and everyone can improve. Realise that the tenth chance can be made the eleventh, because no person is worthless enough to be given up on. Above all, remember that the people you will meet here could continue to be your friends and guides years after they’ve left Chandbagh. As a very close friend of mine keeps reminding me, “if we stay friends for seven continuous years, statistically speaking, we would remain friends for life.” So Happy Holidays, and enjoy the New Year (but not ‘too much’).

See you next term! Saturday, December 9 | Issue No. 2489 the doon school weekly 3 (Continued from page 1) the role of an adult, they will difficult and one has to self-reflect. you more. Among other things, always expect you to act like one, One student, in his submission of they will let you take outings and forgetting that as a high school the application form, mentioned, forgive you for skipping a meal student, you’re bound be reckless. “It is difficult, sir!.” Transition every now and then because they It can be annoying how people entails risk. The risk of working trust you and they believe that you just become very unforgiving, and independently yet inclusively and are doing this for a reason, and almost leave a sour patch on your sometimes, mutually exclusively. that you only defaulted because relationship with them. In S form, Most importantly, this shift you really, really had to. On the they just make a judgement and requires the experimentation flip side, there are individuals who let you be. of new ideas, often with far- will typecast you into particular In actuality, our S and SC forms reaching goals, which are not roles, and quite ruthlessly, carry are quite the same. Where a always appreciated by the current that preconceived notion that blunder in S form will be ignored community. It allows you to do you are not responsible, cannot because people are ‘assessing’ things freely knowing everybody be trusted and are incapable of you, in SC form, they will ignore is watching you. It is about your making your own decisions. a blunder either out of empathy, own moral compass. As pointed Because of the trust, or lack or just mere indifference. Where out by a student “to finish your race thereof that one builds as an SC, a you can fix a mistake in S form by and not to let off in between.” lot of personal bonds with people apologising, it seems that doing Transition is often about are formed; masters start feeling the same in SC form just won’t convenience. One does notice that like parent figures - some even have the same effect. Perhaps, in it is at the peak in S form and slides feel like big brothers. At the same SC form, you have really grown exponentially in SC form; often time, though, because people up. with good reasons. Interestingly, assume that you have taken up everyone wants to take the task. As one student stated, “The hunger Mr. Anjan Chaudhary Housemaster for responsibility often leaves others When I was requested by the your strengths. The transition starving.” On further investigation, Editor-in-chief of the Weekly to compels students to do their bit his views and observations on express my views on the transition for the community; with a sense the transition turned out to be of a Dosco from an S-former to a of profound love for this place very different. He noticed in his SC-former, I tried to place myself - with laughter and kind faces. junior forms that the convenient in the shoes of a student to better This transition is about preparing path was collective punishment relate to this experience. yourself to reach the highest level and as he took responsibility in During a recent Assembly, in music and stepping into the his SC form, he figured out how a student spoke about the ring within minutes to face your mentoring and giving time were importance of choices. Sitting opponent. The list is endless. This far more essential. there, I could visualise why my transformation is about stepping At the end of the day, transition predecessors had reinforced the up to the journey without a mask. should never come as an obstacle value of student leadership in It is about being who you truly are to your call of duty and above the SC form. The strength of and freely express what you want all, your friendship, your moral this institution still lies in this to say. An anecdote I often use to compass and your sense of fundamental belief. I have also explain this remarkable journey gratitude towards this place. It seen that this transition allows is that of flying a kite. It gives often happens that we take this you to execute choices cautiously you the power of both releasing place for granted, and only start amidst all your individual and stretching on. It is about enjoying it when our days are needs. This transition entails challenging your own discourse numbered. implementing your leadership, and not being a-yes man for a As mentioned in the book mark giving you time and showcasing temporary period. Above all, of the Chuckerbutty debates this your control quietly, often going quoting from Ms. Malvika Kala’s year by Hillary Clinton: “What we un-noticed. The transition is article in the Founder’s day issue, have to do in this transition…. that of leading your School in a it is about ensuring how to build is to find a way to celebrate direction with a vision; upholding an empathetic tomorrow. our diversity and debate our some traditions and yet It becomes clear, therefore, why differences without fracturing challenging others. It is not always the Headmaster has changed how our communities.” about getting yourself noticed but we appoint our leadership, and rather, letting others benefit from it reminds us that transition is Saturday, December 9 | Issue No. 2489 4 the doon school weekly The Terms Gone By Aayush Chowdhry and Kanishkh Kanodia The second edition of the mispronounced words, missed were stuffed in just one month. modified Autumn Term, with the cues, wardrobe malfunctions, and However, the Doctor’s assemblies Diwali speed breaker in the middle, broken sets. Many parents also and students’ extensive use of the began with the full momentum as found themselves in the face of a walk in sessions with Ms. Naila the future leaders returned from tragic dilemma: to attend between Grew did help the boys to not places across the country and our Founder’s or to attend that take stress or committing suicide. abroad. Post a tranquil ten days of our sister school. However, The relaxation and no stress led to in July, various aspirants prepared the spectacular Hindi play, the some tardiness and absenteeism in themselves to showcase some opportunity to see our boys boys, causing a hike in the number exceptional diplomatic finesse showcase their thespian skills in of Yellow Cards being handed out. during DSMUN. The effort put in the English play, and the chance However The CDH also tried to during the late night sessions did to interact with our Chief Guest break the monotony of School by bear fruit, as the DSMUN team proved to be the deciding factor. introducing a new sound device. managed to pull off the best one With Founder’s coming to an end, Talking of new things, the School in the recent past. many boys didn’t have the heart hosted its first TEDx event with From the classy suits and sassy to wish their companions happy eminent people “from around kurtas, Doscos jumped into their holidays as they were disheartened the globe”. We also celebrated swimming trunks and dove into by the prospect of returning in our victory in the Chuckerbutty the pool for the Inter-House just a week. Debates; however, the event Swimming Competition. The No sooner did the boys return sparked off a more contentious blues extended to September as from the “vacations”, than parallel debate regarding the much-awaited Soccer Inter- the Headmaster ignited the compulsory attendance for events House was hastily done with. ‘vicious rumour’ of No Shave in School. Before the grand and The School also hosted its first- November. The new appointees infamous S-Form second term ever Infinity Mathematics Quiz of the Yearbook faced their came to an end, our future leader and its traditional Kamla Jeevan first challenge as their hopes of put up an entertaining show last Hindi debates, with the home a clean and elegant picture hid night— which was all in good team bagging both trophies (no under the facial fur of the boys. humour of course! surprises there!). As our boys However, even a bigger obstacle moved from the field straight to was confronted by the new Editor- the examination hall, the SC-Form in-Chief of this publication due As the SCs went (and the S-Form IB ) worked to the distribution of uncanny home to further their longer and harder for their college. pamphlets by his predecessor on As the SCs went home to further one “calm morning”. Talking collegial endeavors, their collegial endeavors, the rest of hindrances, the S-form faced the rest of School of the School slid into their frigid their fair share on the road to sleeping bags at higher altitudes. the infamous Rs. 8000 tie with slid into their frigid Midterms proved to be physically this year’s Prefect’s Workshop sleeping bags at exhausting, more so for some than being supplemented with research others, as boys returned from the questions, discussions, plan higher altitudes. pleasures of the outside to either formations, activity reports, and glory or punishments. the letter of application. :et us With such a comic end to a Post the excursions academics hope that this elaborate process rather stretched yet crammed, were still on the backburner is successful in producing the true eventful yet monotonous, exciting as Founder’s was just round leaders of tomorrow. yet tiring, and diplomatic yet the corner. However, with Moreover, in November, our fiery term, many boys embraced preparations crunched into just much awaited Inter-House happily their deserved holidays. ten days, zombies could be seen activities faced claustrophobia We too hope that our boys have a running around the campus as badminton, tennis, squash, productive but relaxing winter and tirelessly preparing for the grand table tennis, English debating, let the New Year bring in the new celebration. Naturally, due to basketball, Hindi debating, quiz, set of leaders and happenings in the lack of practice, the English athletics, Shanti Swarup, poetry this institution. play went completely wrong with recitation, golf, and boxing Saturday, December 9 | Issue No. 2489 the doon school weekly 5 The Term Gone By Pratham Bansal

Saturday, December 9 | Issue No. 2489 6 the doon school weekly The Gamble for Gujarat Ansh Raj comments on the Gujarat elections 2017, that begin today. As Gujarat enters its first phase of legislative elections today, almost a three-month long struggle for power comes to a halt. Unlike other major states in which usually see another formidable player in the form of a regional party, Gujarat’s politics has mainly been dictated by the two behemoths Congress and BJP; and this time, the tussle has been stronger than ever. It can confidently be claimed that Gujarat has been the BJP’s home turf. Right from its inception in the 1980s, BJP has been contesting state elections in Gujarat. After initial attempt where the BJP failed to form a government till 1995, it managed to sway the electorate majority in its favour, and has been amongst the middle class. The major share of the dominating Gujarat with a clear majority ever since. population in Gujarat belongs to the business class, to Moreover, when the reins were handed over to which much of Gujarat’s success is owed. However, Narendra Modi, Gujarat, from being a state whose because of demonetisation and GST, two of the growth rate had been lower than the national average, biggest economic manoeuvres undertaken by the blossomed into one of the most flourishing states Union Government, these businessmen have become of India. However, his reign was blotted by the 2002 greatly discontented. Due to demonetisation, not Gujarat riots. Cited as one of the deadliest communal only did the businessmen suffer immense losses, but violence in the nation’s history, it was believed to farmers and co-operatives also fell victim to it. And as have in fact been instigated by the incumbent BJP- if this tremor wasn’t enough, the GST rollout came as run state government. However, far from having its an aftershock, sweeping the businessmen, especially reputation tarnished in Gujarat, BJP continued with the small ones, off their feet. To complement this, its victory march, winning the next two state elections unemployment and expensive government education with similar majority. When Modi finally became the add to the list of the government’s failure. To say that Prime Minister of India, the Chief Minister’s throne Rahul Gandhi’s fiery rhetoric in Gujarat has failed to was handed over to Anandiben Patel, who resigned capitalise on this would be ridiculous. after a brief two-year tenure. However, BJP hasn’t been completely thwarted. Admittedly though, BJP’s hold over Gujarat has To consolidate their standing, they have undertaken weakened ever since Modi left to fulfil his Prime carefully formulated plans, the most prominent Ministerial dreams. However, in the run-up to the among them being the recently constructed Mumbai- Vidhan Sabha elections, Modi’s departure from state Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor. Additionally, politics has had greater implications than foreseen. even though Hardik Patel has voiced his anti-BJP In a recently-released opinion poll by the Times rhetoric, the upper and the middle-class of the of India, the disparity between BJP and INC has Patidar community, which are mainly involved in drastically decreased. From a difference of almost the diamond and the textile industry, remain staunch a hundred in August, the opinion poll now predicts supporters of BJP. that the difference may, in fact, have been reduced to In this closely contested election where the parties single digits. The reasons for this monumental change stand neck to neck, the results can have a significant in opinion are not too far to seek. First among them impact on the entire nation’s political climate. If the is the dissatisfaction among the Patidar and Dalit BJP manages to retain its position, it will strengthen communities. The Patidar community, with Hardik the message that their hold over the nation is still Patel at its helm, has been contending for reservations intact in their fist. However, if by any twist of fate, for a long time. On the other hand, the Dalit community the Congress manages to oust BJP in its home turf, it is also known to have shown discontentment over will not only bring in a flood of relief to the Congress, negligence by the state government. In fact, many which has governments in only four states, but also argue that Anandiben Patel’s resignation had come as indicate that BJP’s popularity has, in fact, weakened. result of the Dalit agitations. Further, it may bring the demise of the Modi wave, in However, what is indeed perturbing, and can possibly the run-up to 2019 General elections. What happens, be a game changer for the Congress, is discontentment only time can tell.

Saturday, December 9 | Issue No. 2489 the doon school weekly 7 Down Memory Eccendatiast Aryaman Kakkar Lane The memories of death and Shivya Majumdar fire still haunt these dark days. The cool breeze pushed my hair back as I stood by They all passed in their slumber. the ocean. The magnificent sky was covered with Like reveurs in the Night Circus, forever dreaming. shades of pink and orange. The sun was gradually disappearing under the horizon and the last lights I fear for my others while illuminated the thin slivers of clouds. I spotted grieving in the infant hours of a silhouette of a boat far into the ocean, probably dawn because what better returning from the day’s work. As the warm tides of time than delicate twilight for tears? the sea washed over my feet I looked up to see the first star in the vast sky. I reminisced about the time For ignorance is bliss for those with my father; he used to love the beach as much as I lost in the pursuit of the erudite did. When I was younger we spent many weekends on while others master that which we know the beach. We sculptured delicates and castles, swam nothing of; raw, tumultuous emotion. in the cold water and by the end of the day, watched the glorious sun set. I sing this nightingale song for I could hear the faint rustle of the leaves as the palm those who know the tears trickling trees swayed to the rhythm of the wind. As the sky down because knowing pain and love grew darker, the gentle hoots of the owls began. I means having scars for wings and poison for air. looked towards the horizon for one last time and then turned around to walk away from the beach. The And in the end, as I pen down nightmares toasty smells of freshly baked bread and the sweet Amongst the dewdrops of dawn on my fragrances of rose from the shops nearby reminded Birthday, all of this pain and fear me of my childhood. As always, be hidden behind a smile. I walked up the steps of my porch and entered my house. Home never felt so empty. I strolled into the kitchen and brewed a cup of coffee. Taking the steaming cup, I sat on the couch with the television Victory! remote in my hand. Taking tiny sips out of the mug Aarnav Chadha I scrolled aimlessly through the channels. Everything here reminded me of him. Out of frustration, I threw The heart beat raised, the remote across the room and slid on the floor. The tingling feeling, The coffee mug fell on the ground, shattering into The blood inside me, innumerable pieces. Pumped much faster. A minute for an hour, I walked up the steps of my And a nervous brain, porch and entered my house. Deciding its fate, By the ‘hour’. Home never felt so empty. The flags up, Then the tears began to fall. For the past weeks, The whistle blown, I had been bottling up my emotions and now it all The music begins, began to pour out. Frustration, sorrow, and then As triumph is welcomed, finally came the numbness. I picked up the broken With a hearty laugh. porcelain pieces and threw them away in the dustbin. I caught a glimpse of my reflection on the kitchen To those victorious men, counter. Wiping the tears away, I opened the window. The survivors of the battle, The moon looked like a white pearl on a black canvas. The clash of swords, I heard my father’s voice saying, “The greater the The rain with the heat, storm, brighter the rainbow.” What else is the feeling of victory?

Saturday, December 9 | Issue No. 2489 8 the doon school weekly The Small Things Do Matter Yash Johri shares his views on the School’s adoption of the ‘No Shave November’ campaign. Just last week I came across place at Chandbagh, a place I more. Therefore, when I notice social media posts on School’s will forever consider my second certain practices such as the ‘No Facebook page commemorating home, prodded me to write on Shave November’ campaign being a month of the students and the matter. practised by students and being faculty not having shaved their Keeping our cuffs buttoned, top encouraged by teachers, some of facial hair to raise awareness for button closed, a correct knot for whom have taught me as well, I men’s health issues in the spirit the tie, black socks with winter think it’s thoroughly important of the Australian and American clothes and shoes polished were to remind ourselves what School cancer awareness campaigns pre-requisites to surviving life has been endowing its students of ‘No Shave November’ and in School. Just as there was an with, and whether or not we’re ‘Movember’. Since I spent my expectation to be punctual, to deviating from the path. I believe undergraduate years in the keep our beds made, toyes well it to be incredibly important for United States, I am quite familiar stacked and the curtains drawn School to continue to emphasise with this tradition of growing open in the mornings and drawn certain characteristics that have beards and donating the saved in, in the evenings. Although set it apart and allowed it continue money from shaving expenses to many of us, including myself, to be the best version of itself. funds directed at helping cancer often skirted these unwritten patients who unfortunately lose rules, there would almost always hair while undergoing therapy to be lurking apprehensions - which Keeping our cuffs cure themselves. While I ’t would sometimes become reality buttoned, a correct for a second dispute the noble in the form of sanctions (change- intention behind this initiative to in-break, extra PT, lines etc.) knot for the tie and create awareness about the issue, ensuring that we abide by these shoes polished were I do think there are alternative customs that had been created ways to raise such awareness by the masters and students pre-requisites to than to indulge a lazy habit and before our time in School. Many surviving life in use unkempt visages as a way to of my classmates who regularly express solidarity with individuals featured on The Weekly’s Post School. suffering from serious illnesses. Socials’ Roving Eye column, At college as well as after seeing would grow short stubbles only While I certainly believe that these Facebook posts, I have to be supremely disappointed School shouldn’t be stuck to found the relation between after Saturday breakfast when orthodox practices, and that it men’s health and a disheveled PBR would ominously announce needs to evolve with the times, I appearance highly paradoxical. names at Assembly of the august also believe that there are certain And my very thinking like this, list of SCs who had to get a shave practices, which are innate to to a large extent, is a result of my to be able to attend that evening’s what makes School unique, and rearing at School from 2007-2013 festivities. that have had a lasting impact by numerous masters and seniors. While in School one often on building the character and wondered as to why our seniors fabric of a Dosco. For example, and masters were so particular I think soon enough students I do think there are about these small things, it is will be allowed to keep phones, alternative ways to only in college, and as we start just because in today’s hyper- our professional lives, that we competitive information age it is raise such start appreciating the value of important for us to be up to date awareness than to these invaluable lessons. It is with the rest of the world and have important to understand that data at our fingertips. However, I indulge a lazy habit following these practices doesn’t also strongly believe that being and use unkempt only serve a purely aesthetic presentable and disciplined are value, not only does it endow some of the small things definitely visages..... one with tremendous confidence on the list of items that make a and self-worth but also makes Dosco unique. Therefore seeing this activity take people around you value you

Saturday, December 9 | Issue No. 2489 the doon school weekly 9 NO SHAVE NOVEMBER Our favourite moments from the photoshoot Picture Credits: Dr.Vidhukesh Vimal and Ms. Kritika Jugran

Best Beard: Tanay Agarwal

Saturday, December 9 | Issue No. 2489 10 the doon school weekly A Walk To Remember Aarsh Ashdhir and Moulik Seth share their experience interviewing Old Boy Sugato Choudhary ( Batch of 1947) In a tranquil corner in Rajaji lead a routine and systematic life. world didn’t exist in our School.” National Park, Sugato Choudhary, Even today, he wakes up at four in However, what followed was truly an old boy (Batch of ’47) sat the morning and does his regular shocking. Mr. Sugato told us that sipping his tea and reminiscing chores. he never wants to come back and his life. A retired man, he now On recollecting his time with visit school. He said that despite spends his time farming and Arthur Foot (Headmaster during his all that he has learned from working towards creating a better time), Sugato says, “He was a great this institution there are some future for children. Over the last chap. He acted as a fatherly figure, unfortunate memories that he just thirty years he has built various and never denied help to anyone. can’t revisit. schools in Anaki (a village in He was a man of great moral Uttrakhand). Instructing us on values and ethics.” He describes the value of education, he tells us his trips with the Headmaster, how it has completely transformed where he rebuilt several houses in the children of Anaki. He says- devastated areas and provided aid “The same children who used to to the needy. “It is these values that pronounce biscuit as bishcut are truly make a Dosco what he is.” now speaking in flawless English”. says Sugato. Contrary to popular Whilst speaking about education, perception, he says, “The bonds he recounts the profound impact between seniors and juniors were that School had on him. He speaks like that of brothers.” When asked about the ‘good old days’ when about his time during the World he used to run change-in-breaks War he says “Doscos strangely Amidst all this, he simply smiled before Chotta Hazri and ‘hog’ on remain unaffected by the events and started singing the school Sunday meals. happening outside Chandbagh. song-“Lab Pe Aati Hai”. His voice He thanks the School for the We didn’t bother about what echoed his bittersweet journey in discipline it instilled in him and our classmates’ religion was or this School filled with both good believes that activities like P.T. which party he supported. These and bad memories, but nevertheless and marching teach the boys to artificial differences created by the unforgettable memories. Conserving Culture Karthik Rathore comments on the fading of tradition in society today. Are we actually a diverse school? boys the room to spread thoughts prevent the loss of tradition. This question comes to mind every and ideas of their community, but I come back to asking the time someone talks about unity also teach them to appreciate and question: as a school what can in diversity in our community. I protect their cultures. Any sort of we do? A culture is a lifestyle understand that School has boys idea or lifestyle can be preserved and is the social behaviour and from all over the country, but is by spreading knowledge about that norms found in a human society. that the only thing that makes culture, not only to members of A culture is created when people us a diverse school? The fact is the community, but also to people of similar thoughts come together that the boys who come from who do not belong it. A major and form a society which is based different parts of the country to aspect School has always tried upon similar beliefs and ideas. It School quite often lack a proper working on, but has unfortunately is actually ironic that despite the understanding of their cultures, failed in, is making sure the current help of technology, which makes something we choose to overlook generation understands that their it easier to spread our thoughts at times. identity has a larger meaning than and ideas, we still face a lack of The whole nation is facing just one word. The traditions knowledge about our own cultures. the problem of preserving which have been practised in this School can promote student and protecting its cultures and secular nation are what make it research into their roots and hence different lifestyles. Given this unique. It is our responsibility become truly knowledgeable in it. situation, I think School should as members of the nation or the That is the path to true diversity. not only be a place which gives Dosco community or what? To Saturday, December 9 | Issue No. 2489 the doon school weekly 11 An Excerpt of Human Blunders Varen Talwar reflects on the impact of recent human actions on the planet. Humans have been the dominant species on Earth everyday. We know that this is extremely harmful for thousands of years now. We have been using our for us, but we do it nevertheless, that too legally and continually evolving brains tirelessly to overpower ‘ethically’. Factories release all sorts of greenhouse other species on the planet, while making incredible gases into the atmosphere, mix infinite toxins with progress in numerous fields like science, medicine, the water in rivers, thus endangering countless lives, philosophy and literature. We have come to inhabit but this is all right, because they have a wonderful the world so densely that it has become easy nowadays excuse - ‘money’. to forget that we are not the only ones on the planet. This second masterpiece excuse made by humans A time has come when people know that a bird called is no less than the first one, if not more. Since a ‘chicken’ exists only when they devour one. the concept of ‘money’ has been introduced, man We humans are, by nature, extremely hypocritical has been running after it like a slave. Industries creatures. We hang people, who kill other people, pollute the Earth incessantly, but for us humans but are happily killing and eating chickens, goats, it is understandable, because it has to be done for pigs, cows, fish, turkeys, etc. because that is ‘not employment so the people earn money and because a crime as they do not hold an equal place in the we want all the fancy stuff and the needless luxuries, world’. When we are questioned, we use terms like which are much more important than the Earth ‘freedom of choice’, ‘tolerance’ and ‘secularism’ to because we can live without it, can’t we? justify ourselves. Yes, say those to the creature in your stomach. We do not realize that these ideas are not applicable This person called ‘God’, who to the beings outside our species and do not validate has no proof of existence, has our monstrous actions towards them. We do not realize that these animals we eat are also living beings. influenced humans more than What if we were being slaughtered and eaten by pigs anybody anywhere. or cows? Why should they not eat us? We are rich in protein, fat, carbohydrates... you name it, and human bodies can provide it. Our ideology is that we can eat Our pollution enters water bodies, harming marine any animal we want, but if a tiger eats a human then life, making the water undrinkable, but it does not he is evil. matter to us, does it? It’s no big deal. We need our Like I said, we are extremely hypocritical creatures. cars and phones, but we can surely do without Another very interesting characteristic of humans potable water, can’t we? is that we are outstanding at making excuses, and I think that it would be safe to say that we humans with our masterpiece excuse- ‘God’, we have reached are in trouble. Our environment is getting damaged places. This person called ‘God’, who has no proof of beyond repair daily; our population has risen and is existence, has influenced humans more than anybody continuing to rise exponentially; our resources are anywhere. ‘God’ has become much more important depleting too fast to support this rising population; to humans than themselves. We offer Him food, milk, our climate is changing erratically and the water levels and even money, but we cringe to give even a rupee are rising while the president of the world’s most to a beggar at our doorstep. This ‘God’ has made powerful country disagrees and opts out of the Paris humans slaughter millions of animals as ‘sacrifice’. Climate Agreement- just to mention a few problems. Muslims kill Hindus and Hindus kill Muslims and This is just a miniscule excerpt of the infinite organisations like the ISIS and Taliban kill everybody blunders that our ‘great and evolved’ species is and anybody and then use their masterpiece excuse- constantly making. If we continue without reflection ‘God’. ‘God’ wants his children to do this and that, and correction, it is imminent that we are going to a million other excuses and arguments come up as face extinction sooner than we can imagine. It will justifications for their actions while ‘children of take a miracle to save us, but I believe that this God’ kill other ‘children of God’ and this family feud miracle is possible, and if we work in unison as a race continues till eternity because some children want to achieve it, I am positive that we will be able to get to be the bodyguards of their father - who, quite our act together before it is too late, and thus, as the surprisingly- has the power to ‘create the world’ but recently elected French president Emmanuel Macron is incapable of protecting himself. has said, will ‘make our planet great again’. We emit all kinds of pollution in huge quantities

Saturday, December 9 | Issue No. 2489 12 the doon school weekly The Holiday Checklist The best things to watch, read, play, and listen to this Winter. TV Shows Books Doctor Who (Christmas Special) December 25 Lincoln in the Bardo George Saunders Star Trek : Discovery (Season One) January 7 King’s Cage Victoria Aveyard Taken (Season 2) January 12 The Mark Veronica Roth Riverdale (Season 2) January 17 When Tides Turn Sarah Sundin Grey’s Anatomy (Season 14) January 18 A Gentleman in Moscow Amor Towles

Video Games Sports Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus October 27 The Ashes November 8-January 23 Assassin’s Creed: Origins October 27 Manchester Derby December 10 Call of Duty: WWII November 3 FIFA Club World Cup December 6-16 Star Wars: Battlefront II November 17 Squash World Championships December 10-17 Destiny 2: Curse of Osiris December 5 The El Clasico December 23

Movies Music December 8 Reputation Taylor Swift Star Wars: The Last Jedi December 15 Voicenotes Charlie Puth Tiger Zinda Hai December 22 4:44 Jay-Z Paddington 2 January 12 Everyday is Christmas Sia 12 Strong January 18 The Thrill of it All Sam Smith

The views expressed in articles printed are their authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Weekly or its editorial policy. Online Edition: www.doonschool.com/co-curricular/clubs-societies/publications/past-weeklies/ [email protected] ©IPSS: All rights reserved. Printed by: The English Book Depot, 15 Rajpur Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand– 248001, India. Published by: K.Prabhakaran Nair, The Doon School, Dehradun. Editor-in-Chief: Kushagra Kar Editors: Devang Laddha, Kanishkh Kanodia Senior Editors: Aayush Chowdhry, Zoraver Mehta Associate Editors: Ansh Raj, Aryaman Kakkar, Aryan Bhattacharjee, Divyansh Nautiyal, Karan Sampath Special Correspondents: Adit Chatterjee, Aviral Kumar, Jai Lakhanpal, Varen Talwar, Vir Bhatia Correspondents: Advaita Sood, Kabir Subbiah, Lorcan Conlon, Samarth Kapila Cartoonists: Anant Ganapathy, Ameya Shawak, Armaan Batta, Krishnav Singhal, Pratham Bansal, Ujjwal Jain Webmaster: Vishal Mohla Assistant Managers: Ishaan Saxena, Purnima Dutta, Arvindanabha Shukla Technical Assistant: KC Maurya Picture Credits: (Page 6), Ms. Amrit Burrett (Page 10), Fiona McCall, World Soccer Talk, Ubisoft, Big Machine Label Group (Page 14)