Established in 1936 The Doon School

“I sketch your world exactly as it goes.” -Arthur Foot November 24, 2018|Issue No. 2521 sUNDIAL Ravana, our leader! COLLABORATING WITH OUR SISTERS The history of the sundial in front of The revelations of a twelve-year old A report on the recently concluded the Main Building. leadership analyst. Collabs. Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Why Do SC’s Not Meet Their Predicteds? Aayush Chowdhry examines the issue of a lack of academic time given in School. Sure, a few, having ascertained the Founder’s frenzy: an entire Lamentably, academics lose out their futures, get complacent and month academically hampered as and our efficiency takes a toll. stop studying, a phenomenon most classes were empty because Now, what is the perfect experienced worldwide. With boys were excused classes for way to exacerbate an already some introspection, one could practices, and first two schools bleak academic situation: an also argue that the entire system were cancelled. In retrospect we uncalendered TOK/EE week! of predicting on the basis of an realise that, essentially, we have Desperate to finish syllabi before incomplete syllabus, and without had two weeks of academic time year ends, teachers can’t help but practising all papers (paper 3s and in April (mid-terms and activity keep extra classes. Since, there paper 2s) or significant progress week), three weeks in May (as the exists no scheduled time for co- on internal assessments may be last week is drilled with exhaustion curriculars and evening classes flawed. However, we have, for far and activities), three weeks in already bogging down the poor too long, generalised these reasons August (DSMUN!) and one week SC’s sacrosanct toye, teachers feel to rationalise why SCs don’t meet in September. With October being compelled to keep classes at times predicted grades. Regrettably this non-existent and only November where responsibility jails an SC. creates a false perception and left to finish a large chunk of the Personally, even with an injured overlooks an institutional problem syllabus, every class went into hand, I couldn’t attend a week of that needs to be addressed. hyper-drive. However, with the extra classes after lunch as I was to slew of activities such as Inter- hold practices that begin House Athletics, Badminton, at three and ensure the house’s Desperate to finish Boxing, Squash, Tennis, tennis games begin. Similarly, my syllabi before the Basketball, Table Tennis, Golf, friends couldn’t fit in all games Poetry recitation, Quiz, Hindi and activities - everything began at year ends, teachers debating, English debating, Chess three, from badminton to debating. can’t help but keep and the numerous other School The turnout for these paramount level activities, every SC finds syllabus-finishing extra classes was extra classes. himself responsible for something not even half the class strength; or the other. The contention yet teachers had no choice but to here is also that everyone wants continue, creating the illusion of a Grades were generously their activities to not only be held finished syllabus while the majority predicted, primarily, on the basis but also conform to the highest of the class in reality hadn’t. of SC Form September Trials. standards. The sheer quantity of Further, after the week was up, However, half the syllabus of events, coupled with the clerical SCs were categorically warned of the year (not even of IB) was demand of college applications the repercussions if their EEs and tested, which was also met with means an SC steals time, which IAs weren’t complete: cancellation heavy opposition from the invariably compromises his health, of outings, as if it was so because students. Post trials, we witnessed relationships and well-being. (Continued on Page 3) 2 the doon school weekly swift shuttlers future olympians The School Badminton Team participated in the The School Athletics Team participated in the All Gems District Badminton Tournament between India IPSC Athletics Meet held at PPS Nabha, the November 17 and 18. Following are the results: between 12th and 14th of November. The team Aditya Agarwal reached the Quarter-Finals in the finishedsecond overall. Following are the results: Under 14 category. Viksit Verma won Gold medals in the 100 and 200 Mayank Kukreti reached the Quarter-Finals and metres race. Adhiraj Palaitha won a Gold medal Krish Agarwal lost in Semi-Finals in the Under 17 in shot-put. Anish Bhide won a Gold medal in category. the javelin throw and Silver in the discus throw. In the Under 17 Girl’s category, Aadita Chauhan Siddhant Singhania won a Silver medal in the 5 km emerged Runner-Up. cross-country, and a Bronze medal in the 5000 metres race. Well played! A team comprising Aditya Singh, Nandil Sharma, Darsh Garg and Viksit Verma won a Gold medal in knowledge our light the 4 x 100 metre relay. Aayush Chowdhry has been awarded the Scholar’s A team comprising Harsh Sethi, Darsh Garg, Aditya Blazer. Singh and Ajay Pratap Grewal won a Gold medal in the 4 x 400 metre relay. Kudos! Well done! Sporting successes The Games Blazer was awarded to Aditya Singh, Curators of the fine arts Ajay Pratap Grewal, Kabir Kochar, Darsh Garg, The following are the appointments for the Mayank Sojatia , Ram Attri and Siddhant Singhania. VIBGYOR for the year 2018-19:

Congratulations! Editor-in-Chief: Raghav Kediyal Editor: Anay Krishnan Behind the scenes The following are the Boys-in-Charge of the AV Congratulations! Squad for the year 2018-19: Kush Agarwal a year in a frame Madhav Mahajan The following are the appointments for The Nirmit Dalmia Yearbook for the year 2018-19: We wish them a fruitful tenure! Editors-in-Chief: Arjun Bajwa and Nandil Sharma Senior Editors: Shiv Sharma and Vikram Jain Everyone thinks of changing“ the world, but no Chief-of-Design: Shreyas Minocha one thinks of changing himself. We wish them a fruitful tenure! Leo Tolstoy Bleeding Blue Saatvik Anand

Saturday, November 24 | Issue No. 2521 the doon school weekly 3 (Continued from Page 1) who has maintained a relatively our identity because of this. We they hadn’t worked. The case, in good academic profile throughout must ask ourselves: How can we reality, was that we effectively had School, and at the moment I don’t plan better? Why does the calendar only three days of the TOK/EE think I will achieve my predicted face the same problems repeatedly week, as the next three days we were grade. This problem extends to year after year? Why are there to sit through the presentations. regular college applications too; more than twenty parallel things Even during the week, we were some may get complacent after happening in School during crunch to get absent marks if we hadn’t their Early Applications but the academic time? Can we perhaps reported at the start and end of large majority just can’t work on distribute the various inter-house every class. Boys spent hours just them. Even in ISC, masters were activities? Is sending SC Formers getting their absent marks cut forced to cover a 600-page book in home really an issue? These are as they spent the day doing an a mere twenty days this term, and some difficult questions that need experiment or exploration. Our external help becomes a necessity. thinking about. Last Saturday’s supervisors also had other classes This shows that somewhere assembly and having consulting to attend to, and it was unrealistic there exists a systemic flaw as boys (although some were clueless to expect a first draft, let alone no institution that claims to be D Formers) during the calendar any substantial progress; one primarily academic should suffer making process were right steps couldn’t possibly move past data like this. That flaw can, arguably, be in that direction. Notwithstanding, collection. During the time after summed up in one word: planning. until we sit, introspect, listen to dinner, where one could meet their Candidly, I don’t claim that we feedback (and make a concerted supervisor, it wasn’t uncommon SCs are impeccably efficient or effort to execute it), and empathise for an SC to find himself required model students; we are far from (in the rational sense of the word), to simultaneously attend a Physics, it. But, should we reduce ourselves nothing can be achieved. Math, and English extra-class; to work-machines? Sitting and We all must take our share cancellations of any one of which laughing with friends and masters, of accountability which has were as probable as life itself. batoing gyaan to juniors, and adding contributed to this outcome, and In all of this, isn’t it unfair that value to people’s lives are what appreciate our masters for all the we create a perception, based on truly matter and make Chandbagh effort they put. However, we are a few exceptions, of SCs as being special. It is about time we all bound by the dictates of an detached from School life? We recognised that lack of planning institution striving for perfection start viewing SCs as complacent is much more inveterate than we in all domains and we need to after September and repeatedly perceive it to be and we are losing urgently plan better in order to chide them for it. I am a student out on certain defining aspects of effectively articulate our goals. Sundial Jaiveer Misra explains the history and working of the sundial in front of the Main Building. On my way past the Art and Media enables the shadow cast by the goes four minutes off as we cross centre, or the Science Block, I often sun to correspond to the number each longitude in the time zone. notice, as I’m sure other Doscos that indicates that particular time This is also due to the change of do too, the weathered sundial that of day. This shadow is shortest position of the sun and tilt of the stands beside the Main Building. at noon when the sun is directly Earth’s axis. What many might not know is that overhead. The inscription on the sundial the sundial was given to School in The Art and Media centre and (now faded) gives the number of the early 1940s and was inspired Main Building now block most of minutes added to each month and by the “Chakra Yantra” at Jantar the sunlight that falls on the sundial. even on certain days. For example, Mantar in Jaipur commissioned in This is why if one compares the 22 minutes have to be added to a the 1750s by Rajput King Sawai Jai time on their watch and the time certain number of days towards Singh II. displayed on the sundial, they the end of January. Starting at sunrise, the gnomon, would be very different. Before Withstanding the test of time, the vertical pointer on the face of the Art and Media centre was the sundial’s stone facade elegantly the dial, casts a shadow which is constructed, time accurate to the adds character to its surroundings the longest drawn at twilight and nearest minute could be found and ironically its unique positioning gradually moves corresponding with a specific system of adding outside the main building serves as to the movement of the sun. The minutes to the displayed time a constant reminder that we should hourly graduation on the sundial shown by the shadow, as a sundial get to class on time! Saturday, November 24 | Issue No. 2521 4 the doon school weekly Ravana, Our Leader! (The Revelations of a Twelve-Year Old Leadership Analyst) Sriman Goel and Varen Talwar A few days ago, I learnt about the story of the Obviously, I was desperate for an explanation, for Ramayana in Hindi class - about how Lord Rama, I was not used to being surrounded by such horrific with his army of monkeys, defeated Ravana (the ten- rakshasas, especially in broad daylight, so I approached headed guy who abducted Rama’s wife in a helicopter my guide for elucidation. of sorts) by shooting an arrow into his navel. We “What’s up with the rakshasas on campus?” were told how Rama’s character exemplified what a “Dude, what rakshasas you talkin’ about?” leader should be - righteous, humble, gentlemanly “You know rakshasas, like the guy who was blabbering and brave. about my relatives over there.” When the bell rang, I accidentally bumped into “Oh, that! You’re funny. Don’t call them rakshasas one of the leaders of my School and mumbled an unless you want more of those! They’re our leaders, apology as I walked on when he called out to me and bro!” informed me very angrily about his recent, intimate “Like Rama, right?” relations with some of my relatives. This puzzled me “What do you keep talking about?” greatly. I knew no such development had occurred, so “I mean, like Rama in Ramayana, leaders are meant to why was the leader lying? Isn’t honesty supposed to be righteous, humble and helpful gentlemen, right?” be a core principle of a leader - one which he is meant “Yeah, whatever bro. That idealistic stuff doesn’t to exemplify? Moreover, while I really did not know really matter.” why the remarks about my family were relevant to me “Why?” running into him, I was really offended by his tone. “Bhai, there are no heroes, okay? There are only I kept my eyes down throughout the scolding, so studs.” I could see his face only when he walked away after With that single line, I began to understand everything finishing with me - and the sight shocked me! He had, about School, and now, after years of work, I have mounted on his broad, strong shoulders, ten faces, become somewhat proficient at leadership analysis. just like those of Ravana! I saw him tower over me, So, let me explain it all to you. smiling devilishly with huge, demonic teeth jutting Leaders are actually meant to be ‘perfect’, but in out of an even huger, more demonic countenance. School, leadership is not perceived in the conventional Next, I saw all the passers-by kneel in respect way. The popular (and thus accepted) logic here is around this ten-headed monster, who, with one foot that achievers are leaders, no matter how corrupt, on another’s head, raised his sword villainously at disrespectful, arrogant and egotistical they may be. me. The congregation echoed in excitement, and Therefore, Ravana turns out to be the ideal leader. He the invigorated rakshasa stood there like an emperor was a Vedic scholar and a warrior. He got a boon from overlooking his expansive kingdom. Yes, I felt all Lord Shiva himself, no less. He stole Sita (Rama’s girl) that pride and arrogance for thousands of acres from across the Lakshman rekha, and took her away concentrate onto my poor self. in his personal helicopter in ancient India! Moreover, Time eventually rescued me from the scrutiny and he had a city of gold. I mean, gold speaks for itself! prostration, but not from the similar horrors I was How’s that for achieving, huh? Such leaders are, for to witness throughout the day. I encountered many want of a better word, the ‘perfects’ - our leaders more rakshasas, like the Kumbhkarans who lazed through our years at School. indifferently all day long; the Indrajits, who were too On the other hand, you have Rama, the loser. He arrogant of their victories to care for others; and then was banished from his own kingdom, and he could there were, of course, the Ravanas, who compensated not even fight against the decision! He might have led for their clear inability to lead with their skilful use a victorious army, but it was still an army of monkeys, of a customised assortment of ten faces, each one wasn’t it? for a certain person. Not to forget, however, the That is why students find it easy to come up with rare sightings of the Ramas, who were firm in their a set of leaders themselves, because all they have to decisions and clear about their roles. consider is how much someone has achieved. Even Saturday, November 24 | Issue No. 2521 the doon school weekly 5 if someone’s inability to be a leader is so evident because that is the only consequence he knows of a that even they manage to spot it, it does not change mistake or a crime. On the other hand, the latter is anything, simply because…. Well, simply because more likely to punish when there is need to, and then all achievers must be ‘perfects’, period. After that, he also gets the person to the correct path by being if you have places left, you could squeeze in some an example himself. supposedly ‘real’ leaders who exemplify discipline, To conclude, it suffices to say that new leaders respect, firmness and role-modelling, while being are about to be selected, so please keep looking for great achievers themselves, albeit less known ones. achievers. Remember that if someone sweeps all the This compulsion is much like the rule that the achiever awards at a competition, or is good at many activities, sent as a representative of the School on the Great then he is your man, not the one who guides you and Western College must be a candidate for the post of helps you. Do NOT make the mistake of including the leader, irrespective of his leadership qualities. personality and leadership in your rubric, for then That is why, every year, leaders are spotted by the ‘perfects’ will become what leaders are actually meant traits of Ravana than by those of Rama. Of course, to be. Lastly, always keep in mind that Ravana is your some of them turn out to be conventional leaders leader inside these four walls, and that Rama can only who help their subordinates and lead by example of lead monkeys. a good personality, whereas ‘perfects’ are actually Of course, it’s an inconsequential matter that Ravana meant to lead by example of achievements. It doesn’t was defeated and his city was burned to the ground really matter how vulgar they are and how much they by these very monkeys; while Rama led Ayodhya themselves disrespect and break the rules they are prosperously - known as a true leader till this day. meant to uphold. Therefore, the leadership analyst concludes: Choose The basic difference between an actual leader and a your leaders wisely. loser leader is that the former is more likely to punish Collaborating With Our Sisters Moulik Seth reports on the recent S Form collaborations and the Welham Girls School. On the 14th of November, 2018, every S former Doscos handpicked their fate as they slowly made in School received a Children’s Day present in the their way to their assigned stations. The beginning form of an invitation from our ‘sister’ school for of the vigorous tie and dye process saw students collaborations. Most people, on reading this email, of both schools formally extending hands, ensuring heaved a sigh, letting out the frustration that had there was absolutely no contact. However, as more long accumulated over the tedious years of excessive knots were made, confidence on either side surged interaction with the same gender. tremendously. An excited aspirant even went on After School had finished (on D-day, of course), the to provide an entire thesis on every Harry Potter S formers rushed to their respective houses. Within book he had read, oblivious to his partner’s yawns moments, the showers were full and sounds of doors and half-hearted smiles. The hard work behind the banging and people bellowing at the top of their tying led to “abstract” art (so it was termed), with the voices reverberated across entire houses. The best of various shapes and sizes capable of confusing Picasso body gels and shampoos were exchanged, the most himself. The lack of ample stations for dying made it horrific pimple masks were applied, the cleanest of a more fruitful process for our aspirants. As food was towels were used (a first), the longest of showers served, Doscos were seen acting with great civility, were taken and out of the bogs emerged men cleaner only to slip into the washroom with faces stuffed than the models in all of the soap advertisements put with brownies, while others didn’t bother touching together. From there, this contingent of S Formers the half-cooked macaroni. On the other hand, the marched towards the task that lay ahead, hoping their coffee’s unwarranted sweetness (owing to no fault of faces would be a worthy reflection of the sacrifices the cooks apparently) made everyone’s mood bitter. they made (in some cases extending to the As the time to depart came, some sought the betrayal of masculinity). opportunity and made a run for it (terming it the On arrival, Doscos were courteously led past an “worst experience of their life”), while others found array of visuals to the art center, the realm of all ways to linger around (in hope of a last minute yes). pleasures and disappointments for the following two The ride back to Chandbagh was a silent one, for hours. Unfortunately for some spirited individuals, the minds of these young men were wandering off everyone was assigned a partner via the process into this newfound world of temporary delight. My of chit picking. With an awkward smile, our fellow advice: sab dhokha hai.

Saturday, November 24 | Issue No. 2521 6 the doon school weekly rodent inciting the shrills screams some while leaving the others The Week of many as it scurried underneath heart-broken. A much-needed the tables of Oberoi House. break from the everlasting week The MPH has somewhat been came in the form of a holiday this Gone By the eye of the storm. As a wave of Friday. As the term fades away for Divyansh Nautiyal blue blazers swept the School (and some, others work under pressure For those of you who remember, a photoshoot with it), one such to meet their benchmark for the a certain duo of columnists used House found its Feast rather too standardised tests ahead. College to inform and entertain our colourful to handle. Incidentally, essays, too seem to be taking a toll readership two years ago with this for our SC formers, it was also the on the SCs, who seem to be helped column. For the year ahead, I am last one before they turn into Old by their juniors who ‘voluntarily’ pleased to be one of them; the Boys and we hope they carry with edit their essays. Best of luck to all other having written his two weeks them a heap of memories to cherish writers (juniors and seniors) with ago. for a lifetime. Along with the blue these future-deciding essays. What looked like a week of wave from the MPH also came a With much happening in Doon extremes, continued with the flurry yellow one from our Pastoral Head as usual, it is highly advised for the of activities as seven Inter-House as YCs got distributed like sweets Dosco to sit back for once and competitions rampaged on. As for late and absent marks. With enjoy as the show winds down for these competitions go on, one can many other traditions in School, one last time this year. also spot potential future captains laidback attitude seems to be already training their teams on topping the charts. the Main Field and Skinners. Flowing with the momentum, A particular dinner became an appointments also poured in for occasion for all with a certain our fellow publications; elating Crossword Uncommon Across 1 3. This is played between two teams with a mallet and a 2 3 ball, while on horseback. 4 8. This sport requires players to tackle members of the opoposing team and return to their half without letting go of 5 their breath. 6 9. In this sport a player uses a curved stick and keeps the ball in 7 the air, while trying to score in the opponent’s net. Down 8 1. This sport is played on a . Players do gymnastic stunts to prevent the ball from touching the ground. 9 10 2. Using miniature surfboards attached to their hands, players glide across the water by riding waves while paddling. 4. ______Takraw requires players to get a ball to the other side of a net using any part of their body except their hands. 5. Snow___ requires players to stand on a snowboard holding a parasail in their hand, which moves with the wind, allowing them to do various stunts while moving up or down a hill.

6. ____ tenting requires participants to pitch a tent on the side Note: All answers to this crossword are the concerned sports’ names.

4. Seepak 7. Octopush 7. Seepak 4.

of a vertical mountain while hanging on to a rope. 9. 2. Handboarding 6. Cliff 6. Handboarding 2.

7. Played underwater, this sport is similar to ice and Kabbadi 8. 1. Bossaball 5. Kiting 10. Luge 10. Kiting 5. Bossaball 1. 3.

Down requires two teams of six. It requires players to push the puck Across around in a swimming pool. Crossword Week’s This to Answers 10. Street _____ is a sport which requires its players lie down on large skateboards and let gravity take them down. Source: http://worksheets.theteacherscorner.net/make-your-own/crossword/ The views expressed in articles printed are their authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Weekly or its editorial policy. Online Edition: www.doonschool.com/co-curricular/clubs-societies/publications/past-weeklies/ [email protected] ©IPSS: All rights reserved. Printed by: The English Book Depot, 15 Rajpur Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand– 248001, India. Published by: Kamal Ahuja, The Doon School, Dehradun. Editor-in-Chief: Ansh Raj Editors: Aryaman Kakkar, Divyansh Nautiyal Senior Editors: Aryan Bhattacharjee, Karan Sampath Associate Editors: Keshav Raj Singhal, Sriman Goel, Varen Talwar Correspondents: Advaita Sood, Bhai Kabir Singh, Jaiveer Misra Cartoonists: Anant Ganapathy, Ameya Shawak, Pratham Bansal Webmaster: Jayanti Chatterjee Assistant Managers: Ishaan Saxena, Purnima Dutta, Arvindanabha Shukla Technical Assistant: KC Maurya Saturday, November 24 | Issue No. 2521