A World Class Government College

Being in college does seem like your first steps towards independent life. And the most challenging stepping stone in the whole process is getting your official work done yourself.

I remember back in school I would occasionally deposit my school fee. Nothing more was to be done usually. Here in DCE, you all have to keep your eyes open wide (for notices) and ears even wider (for most notices would spread by word of mouth!). Honestly, I don’t remember what all had to be done a year back but a few things which surely you’ll have to get done (emphasis) are – ID Card, Library Card, Hostel Allotment and a little later your admit cards for mid-semesters and end-semesters.

I could go through the regular procedure (-ural hassles) and flabbergast you by the end of it. But why take away your right to say- I never knew things work like this in DCE. Well, the administration, for all you can expect, strives to put across DCE as a world class government college.

To make it more interesting, and I would not have written this had it not been for it, let me relate an incident. My very good friend and your senior got through to IIT Delhi this year. So he wanted to get his name taken off the college rolls and more importantly get his security deposits back.

First stop, Hostel Office in Transit Hostel. My friend was quite sure that there wouldn’t be any outstanding dues he had paid well, in advance. But that’s the mistake he made. No matter how much you know about yourself, you can never predict your mess bill. Next up, Maurice Sir’s office adjacent to T5. Good news, the outstanding will be deducted from the security deposit.

With some hope, we headed to the Admin Office. In between all our revered seniors looking for 8^th semester mark sheets we were struggling to get the procedure out of the officer. Finally he handed a Dues Clearance Certificate with a list of 9 places to get clearances from. Now right next to the administrative section is the accounts section. As it was on the list, it seemed reasonable to get done with it. What we had not seen was that it was last on the list. It would have to be done at the end. Never try to reason with the admin staff. Do as they say or get nothing done.

As we walked across the academic section, we thought we should stop at the H.O.D. office. For his own reasons, he would do it after the library and mess (??) establishments have cleared him. As you say, sir.

The library was a rather pleasant place but only because of the air conditioning. We were directly sent to the first floor. Not to any person but to the first floor. Hesitantly we put across our situation and were directed to the second floor! In the newspaper and magazine section we found THE lady. But as they say the best is always saved for the last. She was busy supervising the sale of “raddi” (I’d really appreciate if someone can come up with an accurate English word). Solemn pleas of time running out and mention of IIT did not budge her. Her retort, “Main raddi nahi bechoon kya?” Never believe you’re special to be in DCE. You are, but don’t expect anything.

There was another column in the clearance certificate- Project Supervisor or something like that. We were actually counting it out until we found out that we would have to get clearances from every lab-incharge encountered. That clinched it. It was already 2 and almost 3 hours with not a signature. Unlike what it seems it’s easier to get in than get out.

Taare Zameen Par

"The letters are dancing!"

Darsheel Safary is such a natural, and Aamir Khan is very impressive as the debutante director. But what is most touching about the film is the subject. Having just completed my schooling, i can say that the way things are at the moment in our education system is not very encouraging.

Coming back to the film, it is about the journey of a boy as he loses his self-confidence everyday. With perennially low grades and complains from the neighbourhood, the boy still finds his refuge in his vibrant imagination which scintillates with colours. But the world (around him) doesn't honour his creativity and as he fails in his class, his parents send him to a boarding school. This place would have been no better for save for the 'temporary art teacher' who leaves a permanent impact.

Aamir sees what everyone had been missing, he understands because he had the same trouble (by this time it's known it's dyslexia). Well directed efforts and deviation from the laid down norms of teaching and the boy blossoms into his true potential. And all things are merry.

The emotions are involving and the music captivating. It is a good movie, and aamir khan productions have brought it as close to commercial cinema as possible. I hope it does good business, or at least many people watch it ( which i guess means the same thing!). It has something for every human being, ambitious parents, overburdened kids, supportive brothers, un-understanding teachers, real friends. It will touch you someway for sure.