Poll Results

"Does anyone read the blog except for us?"

A. Yes
B. No
C. There are no absolutes
D. But Sir, don't you think?

All votes to option D, except for one to A.

I think Akash's fame spreads. Or is it the same person voting again and again, and again? Who is this secret voter? Will he succeed in this battle of good against evil?

The suspense continues. The blog continues. A day shall come when we figure out how to get this link onto the college website. A day shall come when a human bean will read this blog.

To Glory of the highest!

(We were so worried B would win.)

Errata

"Hey, that doesn't look like Dodi!"

"Yeah, hardly."

"The expression, though?"

"Ah, thaaaat."

"And the beak, of course."

"Of course."

News Flash: Fringe Benefits

Dodi Menon, Right Honourable President, has gone bald!
Her most recent photograph has been posted below.

On a lighter note

As always, the Bongs provide the entertainment. Abhishek (pronounce: Oh-bhishek) demonstrates his appreciation after the Anoushka Shankar talk. But Grandma, what red ears you have!

About

The Informal Discussion Group is a student forum, which initiates discussion on pertinent issues with experts in the field. We also interact with eminent personalities to gain an insight into the ideas and interests that contributed to their achievements.

The uniqueness of the discussion lies in its relaxed and informal nature. Following opening remarks made by the guest, the house is thrown open to questions. Questions range from the brilliant to the worthless, from the profound to the mischievous. Everything discussed is strictly ‘off-the-record’ and media representation is not permitted.

IDG talks usually last for an hour and a half, though some talks have gone on till past midnight. All members of the college are welcome to attend, regardless of whether of not he/she is a member of the IDG. There is, of course, a separate procedure to apply for membership to the IDG which is usually undertaken in the first or second week of August.

Dodi and the Dingbats

Taking over from King Richard and courtiers,
Dodi-al-Fayed and company.


The Executive Council, 2008-2009.

President

Ashwati Menon

Vice Presidents:

Akash Bhattacharya, Maryam Fatima

Secretary:

Abhishek Bhattacharyya

Joint-Secretary:

Krittika Bhattacharjee

Treasurer:

Swati Rawat

Members:

Arjun Rajkhowa

Gurnoor Dhillon

Nithya Kochuparampil

Roshni Kapoor

End Of Year Report, 2007-2008

Anoushka Shankar on Contemporary Music














Siddharth Varadarajan on Kashmir

Sumanta Banerjee on 'Chairman Mao in India'

The year began with Sumanta Banerjee’s opinions on ‘Chairman Mao in India’ interspersed with those of Chair Abhishek. All that could excite Vijay Shankar about the CBI was the ad hominem attacks on him by the media. Soli Sorabjee helped Stephanians develop a clear perspective on judicial activism by whispering his comments into our ears. Jean Dreze’s analysis of the NREGA was an eye-opener for many. Siddharth Varadarajan reminded us of the hellish state of the ‘Paradise on Earth’.

Coming to international issues, the IDG mistimed Parthasarathy’s talk on Pakistan- it was held when Mrs. Bhutto was optimistic about the upcoming elections. The Chinese Ambassador came face to face with Majnu Ka Tila in a highly volatile Sino-Tibetan debate. Swami Agnivesh was calm but unsparing in his criticism of religious dogma as opposed to ‘Proactive Social Spirituality’. S.N.Balagangadhara (and co.)’s attempt to redefine religion in India met with a confused appreciation.

All those hoping for musical treats by Advaita and Amjad Ali Khan had to satisfy themselves with ‘informal discussions’ on music with intermittent demonstrations. Madan Lal stunned many admirers of Indian cricket with a frank assessment of the problems and unique features of the same. Siddhartha Basu provided an insight into what goes on behind the television screen. That talk also provided an upset of sorts with Akash actually failing to ask a question during the course of the session. Dr. Jitendra Mohan made the complex ‘Science of Happiness’ seem entertaining. A couple of pleasant evenings were spent with Ajit Ninan and Sarnath Banerjee with discussions on cartoons and graphic novels respectively.

Dr. Roma Chatterji’s wonderful presentation of the ‘9/11 Impact’ on folk art of Bengal made those present feel pity for those who were not. Anoushka Shankar addressed an avid and mostly male audience on fusion music and the country Africa.