IIPM Admission

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

A language that divides


Prof Rajita Chaudhuri follow some off-beat trends like organizing make up sessions

A university is a cultural hub. But divisions run deep beneath the apparent bonhomie. Anil Pandey tries to bring out the English versus vernacular division in our high temples of education, and examines its effects on Indian society

Scene 1: The canteen of Delhi School of Economics (also known as D School) in Delhi University's north campus. Equipped with expensive mobile phones and gadgets, the boys and girls are chatting and having fun. A glass of a cold drink in one hand and a cigarette in another, a guy is discussing the latest music album of an American band. The whole canteen is buzzing with activity.

Scene 2: A tea shop adjoining the old office of the Delhi University Students Union gate. Contrary to D School's guys with expensive gadgets, here students are sitting on sidewalks and walls sipping tea. Most of them are not wearing branded clothes. The D School students call them desi.

Scene 3: Canteen of PG men's hostel, Delhi University. Judging by their language, most of the students sitting in this canteen are from South India. The South Indian food served here is delicious.

Scene 4: Momos Point near Batra Cinema at Kamla Nagar, near Delhi University. Here lies a different world. Boys and girls with small brown eyes, and not very tall, mostly wearing low-waist jeans and loose T-shirts crowd this joint. They are the students from the Northeast.

These are scenes from one of the country's most prestigious universities where studies, fashion and glamour go hand in hand. It's a cultural melting pot in the sense that students from across the country come here to study. They bring with them the whiff of their respective cultures and enrich the university scene. Students from different regions and from diverse academic backgrounds mingle with each other, yet keep a distance. The divide ' linguistic and cultural ' is too conspicuous to miss.

Student leader Basant Jha says, 'Delhi University has many student associations based on languages. For instance, the students from UP and Bihar have formed Purvanchal Students Association, those form Northeast have Northeast Students Union and so on. In addition to these, there are Kerala, Gujarati, Manipuri and Naga student unions.'

Such linguistic divisions are found in almost all the big universities in the country. In some states, the division is based on differences between English and the vernacular language. But this division is not merely about the language ' the medium of studies also reflects the economic and social status of a student. English medium students are treated as the privileged ones, and if you believe some of the vernacular students, they get more attention from teachers as well as from the university administration.

A general perception is that those who go to English medium schools are likely to be more sophisticated, urbane and well-mannered than their counterparts who go to the state-run vernacular schools. This perception, obviously, does not go down well with the vernacular students, who feel marginalised and deprived. The secretary-general of the Gorakhpur University Teachers Association, Dr Chandrabhushan Ankur, says, 'There is a class divide in our education system. English in India has been more than just a language. It has been a culture and a class. Although in our university Hindi and Bhojpuri mediums are prominent, but English-medium students get special attention. The underlying assumption is that English-medium students are far more sincere.'

Generally English medium students get more pocket money because they usually come from well-off families. An English medium student does not mind blowing up Rs 500 to Rs 1000 in a day ' the kind of amount that can sustain a student from a weaker financial background for a week. Chennai-based student Virag feels, 'English medium students' lifestyle is very different from that of other students.' After the rise of the service sector in India, it became evident that the mastery of English is necessary to get a high paying job. No wonder then that even in rural areas more and more students are opting for English medium education. 'English is the global language. Not only do students get more books in English, but also greater employment opportunities. That's why many students here regard Telugu as a second class language and prefer English medium,' says T. Mohan Chari, a B.Tech student at Jawaharlal Nehru Technical University, Hyderabad. He is quite right. The biggest challenge for vernacular students is to find text books and study material in their language. 'Hindi and other regional languages lack quality textbooks though the number of vernacular medium students is greater than English-medium students. The university administration should make an effort to get good English books translated into other languages. Delhi University has created a special department for the job, but barely two or three books are translated in a year, which is clearly not enough,' says a DU lecturer.

Vernacular students feel they do not get good marks as the majority of teachers are from the English medium. Says ex-student leader Aditya Jha: 'Vernacular students should get separate classes and should be taught in their own medium. Their exam sheets should be checked by teachers who've done their education in either Hindi or in a regional language.'

However, when it comes to awareness about social and political issues, the vernacular students score over their English medium counterparts. The former are more aware of the burning issues and problems and are more active politically. Rohit Chahal, a former executive councillor of Delhi University Students Union, says, 'The DUSU election is an important affair as the union not only raises sensitive issues but also determines the direction of student politics. But on election day, most of the public school, English medium type in DU disapper. They prefer to watch a movie or a rock concert rather than taking part in student union elections.' Clearly, the linguistic division in our educational institutes is at multiple levels and is somewhere seeping into our society as a whole.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
IIPM BBA MBA Institute: Student Notice Board
Run after passion and not money, says Arindam Chaudhuri
IIPM Lucknow – News article in Economic Times and Times of India

IIPM Prof Rajita Chaudhuri's Snaps
IIPM Prof Arindam Chaudhuri on Our Parliament and Parliamentarians' Work
IIPM Prof Rajita Chaudhuri: The New Age Woman

Monday, December 27, 2010

SEX AND THE CITY-2: Vexed in the city

16 going on Sex-teen

Exclusive Survey: Sex and the city

Sex Education

Lacks the zest and verve of the tv series; also, a plot
The ladies are back, bolder than ever! Wait, make that older than ever. Because the unnecessary sequel to the originally unnecessary movie to a highly successful TV series is pretty jaded, never mind the dazzling outfits and the change of locale from New York to Abu Dhabi. Actually the change of location is the most annoying factor in the movie because as a fan of the TV show I thought there was still juice left to squeeze in the Big Apple. The New York set up is what gave 'Sex And The City' its panache but this time around the all expenses paid trip to Abu Dhabi that Samantha (Kim Cattrall) works out for the foursome is taken at the expense of the loyal viewers of the show.

Sure, you might want to discuss some outfits and some plot points after the movie, but while the former will give you some talking points, the latter is pretty much non-existent. It is a mash up of some of the sentiments we have seen aplenty on the show and the rest are cliched and familiar instances of troubles with bringing up kids (Charlotte and her young daughter), the adjustments you make in married life (Mr Big and Carrie) and handling a boss who's incapable of handling a subordinate who's more intelligent (Miranda).

The brands are there in droves and the movie seems to have sold its soul to commercialism. And seriously, no matter how big a fan you were of the show, let me assure you that there's no way you'll be able to handle four women bitching about their problems for two and a half hours! Forget about freshness, actor's expressions or even the emotions; the only things that change are the clothes.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.IIPM BBA MBA Institute: Student Notice Board
Run after passion and not money, says Arindam Chaudhuri
Award Conferred To Irom Chanu Sharmila By IIPM
Prof Rajita Chaudhuri follow some off-beat trends like organizing make up sessionsIIPM Prof Rajita Chaudhuri's Snaps

Thursday, December 23, 2010

No Problem: No Brainer


IIPM Prof Arindam Chaudhuri on Our Parliament and Parliamentarians' Work

TSI Five-O: Laugh you will, but only sporadically

Anees Bazmee had clearly announced with “Singh Is Kinng” (SIK) and “Welcome” that the brain is an optional (and possibly irritating) faculty for enjoying his light comic fare on the silver screen. “No Problem” turns out to be a watered down version of “Singh Is Kinng” – the same illogical jumps from one exotic location to another and a similar brand of silliness. But while SIK was slick and “Welcome” had some hilarious performances from Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar, “No Problem” has most of its problems in the performance department. Kangana Ranaut is non existent, Akshaye Khanna is wasted, Sushmita Sen does herself no justice and Sanjay Dutt miserably fails with his comic timing which so wonderfully fell in place in the “Munnabhai” series. The only redeeming factors are Anil Kapoor as the bumbling cop and Paresh Rawal as the banker who has been robbed by Yash (Sanjay Dutt) and Raj (Akshaye Khanna). The first half of the film takes terribly long to build up the story and while there are some nice and funny moments in the second half, the rest of the film has a jaded look to it. Even discounting for the silly performance of Suniel Shetty as the villain, and the plot holes you will still only get very few laughs out of the movie. The music does nothing to lift the mood. “No Problem” would have been a breezy entertainer if only it were a bit funnier.

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
Prof Rajita Chaudhuri follow some off-beat trends like organizing make up sessions
IIPM Prof Rajita Chaudhuri's Snaps
IIPM BBA MBA Institute: Student Notice Board
Run after passion and not money, says Arindam Chaudhuri
IIPM Lucknow – News article in Economic Times and Times of India

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

US PRESIDENTS: INDIA VISITS


Prof Rajita Chaudhuri follow some off-beat trends like organizing make up sessions

Dr Singh's charisma? It's a dilemma
Any expectations from Obama's upcoming India visit?

The talk on India's potential to be a global power is not new. The world is realising and recognising it very fast. The same is being expected from the US too, especially after Barack Obama's coming to power. However, it has been a thorough disappointment for the last 18 months. But, the long wait seems to be over. US president Barack Obama's upcoming India visit, scheduled in the second week of November this year, is one of the most discussed news items doing rounds in both India and the US media. So far, ambiguity surrounded Obama's India policy, that only deepened when the US president concluded his Asia visit without visiting India. Even though countries like Singapore, Indonesia and China were on his itinerary, he somehow ignored India. Many foreign affairs experts in India felt it was insulting. However, things are taking a favourable turn now and the two nations are moving towards strong relationship. US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's efforts do deserve a mention in this regard, as she welcomed a high level Indian delegation and made them meet President Obama. And it became clearly visible when Obama expressed his desire to 'strengthen ties with India' as one of his administration's most important goals. He said at a reception at the State Department hosted by Hillary Clinton, "Our relations with India are at the highest of priorities for my Administration and for me personally as President of the US". He further called India "a responsible global power." And the US President had enough reasons and logic to support his comments, as he said, ''It's a rising power and a responsible global power. That's why I firmly believe that the relationship between the US and India will be a defining partnership in the 21st century." These have become signature tunes. Officials, diplomats and media fraternity in the US and India are going ga-ga over Obama's upcoming India visit.

American Presidents' visits to India have always been historic for both the nations. The relationship has just strengthened with time and with India's emergence in the global diplomatic arena. The first ever visit by an American President was that of Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was then perceived as an emissary of peace by Indian intellectuals. The trips were followed by Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter who delivered a stirring speech in Parliament on democracy. Later, while Bill Clinton's visit was more of a holiday trip at the end of his second term, Bush succeeded to create a mixed impression during his visit.

History has changed since then and Obama isn't Bush. However, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh seems to be very lucky to welcome two consecutive Presidents of the US. But till now, the nation did not achieve much out of it. Can he do something now? The most striking agendas to be discussed is India's permanent membership in the UNSC, Kashmir issue, tie on trade and tackling terrorism.

Individual camaraderie will prove to be the pivot around which our PM can present a changed India to Obama. But can Dr Singh do it?

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
IIPM Prof Rajita Chaudhuri's Snaps
IIPM BBA MBA Institute: Student Notice Board
Run after passion and not money, says Arindam Chaudhuri

Award Conferred To Irom Chanu Sharmila By IIPM
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm - Planman Consulting
IIPM Lucknow – News article in Economic Times and Times of India

Saturday, December 04, 2010

'Pakistan will continue support to people of J&K'

Prof Rajita Chaudhuri on 'THEY ARE COMING TO GET YOU – NOT ALIENS SILLY'

Pakistan will continue to extend "full moral, diplomatic and political support" to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said today.
Gilani made the remarks while chairing a meeting of the Defence Committee of the Cabinet that was attended by senior federal ministers and military officials, including army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.
Addressing the meeting, Gilani said: "Despite our best efforts, our quest for a just and durable peace in South Asia has so far proved elusive.

"Pakistan will continue to extend full moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmiri brothers and sisters," he said.
The committee "expressed full solidarity and support of the government and people of Pakistan for the just struggle of the Kashmiri people for their inalienable right of self-determination as prescribed in relevant UN resolutions," an official statement said.

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
IIPM BBA MBA Institute: Student Notice Board
Run after passion and not money, says Arindam Chaudhuri
IIPM BBA MBA B-School: Rabindranath Tagore Peace Prize To Irom Chanu Sharmila
IIPM Prof Rajita Chaudhuri: The New Age Woman

IIPM Lucknow – News article in Economic Times and Times of India
Planman Consulting: The sister concern of IIPM
Social Networking Sites have become advertising shops