NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME

SHRI RAM COLLEGE OF COMMERCE

NSS TEAM 2015-16

Prerna 5th Edition

2015-16

PRINCIPAL‟S NOTE I feel great pride and contentment to see NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME holding the same spirit of ‘Selfless Service’ and same courage to work for the betterment of our society. I bear this strong notion that the meaning of ‘LIFE’ resides in our very thought-process and it completely depends on us how we perceive it.

It is a fact that the ‘Colours’ in our lives are being faded away as we all are running after materialism. It is important for each one of us to give time to ourselves and contribute positively to our society to replenish the ‘Colours’ of our lives.

Of all the societies which function in the college, I have always looked up to NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME, since the time I was a student till date.

In the end, I would like to congratulate the entire NSS TEAM 2015-16 and the faculty advisors Mr. S.K. Aggarwal, Ms. Aruna Jha and Dr. Abhay Jain for all the dedicated efforts put in for organising different events/camps during the year. I would also like to congratulate the Editorial Board for the successful completion of annual magazine ‘PRERNA’. I take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt wishes to the future team for all their endeavours.

Dr. R.P. Rustagi Principal, SRCC

FROM THE PROGRAMME OFFICER

Social work intends to offer many valuable services to people in need. These services cannot be provided without the consistent involvement of its key volunteers who ensure timely help to the needy ones. In doing so, sometimes, they come across many practical experiences which give them the directions to think, how the resources for a better life can be provided to the needy ones. Such experiences also sensitize the volunteers to build up their understanding towards the society to lead a life despite having scarcity of resources.

NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME, Shri Ram College of Commerce aims to serve the society through its dedicated team of volunteers. The NSS unit of SRCC has been actively involved in myriad social activities ranging from admission helpdesk to awareness programs, special camps, blood donation camps, health camps, cleanliness and plantation drives, classes for economically weaker sections, uplifting projects for under-privileged and many social activities carried throughout the year.

The innovative ideas of volunteers of NSS, SRCC to bring a productive change in the society and their consistent efforts with full dedication give me a sense of pride to be a part of the unit.

I wish them all the success in achieving their objectives.

Dr. Abhay Jain Programme Officer National Service Scheme Shri Ram College of Commerce

FROM OUR MENTOR

From being colourful to colourless Colours make our life colourful. Colours create impact on our minds - they break monotony, they affect our emotions. There are earthy colours of brown family which create an impression of ruggedness and toughness; there are colours in the vertical realm above earth – in the birds, insects, flowers, vegetation - which are softer, vibrant and, in a sense, more poetic. People of different mind-sets have liking for different types of colours. White colour has become a symbol of purity. Even a small stain on a white sheet is visible loudly and causes irritation. Black colour reflects a sense of mystery as it is capable of concealing everything. A stain on a black sheet would go unnoticed. That is why, those persons who claim to be following high ideals and leading a pure life are expected to be as clean as a white sheet; smallest stains on their persona are not acceptable to others. Ordinary people with varying degrees of dark patches on their personality-profile have the luxury of enjoying one more stain without causing any adverse impressions. Indian civilizational philosophy has always expected highest level of moral content from those who are to lay down normative standards for society; life was made very rigorous for such moral leaders of society in return of their high social status. As we moved down in social status, we started enjoying freedoms from many types of personal disciplines. Water is colourless, in fact odourless, tasteless and shapeless too. That is a state of being nirguna – featurelessness. Water is best in its true nature when it is moving. Stagnant water develops all the distortions that it should not possess. Pure water is the closest example for similarities to the personality of a sanyasin, an ascetic – no features, no ego, quencher of thirst, best when moving. In Indian thought-system, as we move higher in spiritual path, we abandon even the features of highest purity, the whiteness, and become nirguna, as colourless and transparent as water. Mr. S.K. Aggarwal

FROM THE EDITOR‟S DESK

It is rightly said that “The pen is mightier than the sword.” I personally believe that there exists no such power which can match the potency and vigor of the “WORDS”! My journey as the Editor-In-Chief of National Service Scheme has been phenomenal as I was blessed with the most diligent and extra-ordinarily talented people who know how to conquer the unconquerable through the art and power of words!

This remarkable and talented team brings before you all, the fifth edition of NSS Annual Magazine –‘PRERNA’ which revolves around the theme ‘CRAYONS…Essence of Life’. We take an initiative to delve deeper into the symbolism of different colours that make our lives colourful!

I would like to acknowledge the perennial hard work and dedication put in by the entire Editorial, Creative and Technical Team of NSS. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Abhay Jain Sir, the Programme Officer and faculty advisors of NSS, Mr. S.K. Aggarwal sir, Ms. Aruna Jha ma’am, and Mr. Ashwini Kumar sir for their constant support.

“Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.”

Himanshu Ahuja Editor-In-Chief 2015-16

CO-EDITOR‟S NOTE

The palette of colours slipped from the creator's hand onto the "canvas of life" for painting a majestic picture. The vivid, harsh, soft, beautiful, all kinds of colours dip and prance over the page, each narrating its own story.

The box of crayons in itself depicts the different shades of life with each crayon moulding itself in the colours of the artist using it. Like the rainbow - a myriad of colours, we bring forth the much awaited Annual magazine of NSS - " PRERNA" – an inspirational colourful saga centred around the theme "CRAYONS” which attempts to capture the emotion and significance attached to each colour in our lives.

This colourful journey will take you through different shades of life with each colour as a station to turn the cogwheels of your brain in motion to rethink how you perceive the same.

I would like to express my gratitude to the faculty members for their immense support and cooperation. I would also like to thank the entire editorial, creative and technical team for working hard to bring forth this issue. So, now it’s time to fasten your seat belts for the colourful journey ahead that you are never going to forget. We are soon going to enter into the world of "CRAYONS"!!!

Stuti Mohan Co-Editor 2015-16

President‟s Note

NSS has always been a platform to sensitize students through community service. Living with our motto, 'In your happiness, we find our own', we aim to bring smiles to more and more faces every year. We have been continuously addressing social issues through various mediums, be it the street plays that we perform or the rallies and the drives we organise to raise awareness. We, at SRCC believe in contributing to society at the grassroot level and this year too we worked sincerely towards our mission. Transforming a dumping ground in Uttam Nagar, Delhi into a park has been a significant

accomplishment for us. A five day village camp organised recently in the outskirts of Delhi helped volunteers to understand the issues affecting rural population. My life at SRCC has always revolved around NSS. Right from the moment I joined as a volunteer under Project Sanskar, I knew this was where I belonged. Teaching underprivileged kids, interacting with people at old age homes, seeing the gratitude in the eyes of those we have helped, have gifted me the greatest virtue - humanity. Few months away from graduating from the college, NSS has developed within me a deep understanding of the social responsibilities that I need to fulfill while working in the corporate world as well. Sensitivity towards others is of prime importance to make our place happier and I sincerely hope that NSS has been able to sensitize more and more people through its plethora of activities. I would like to congratulate the NSS team for the hard work they put to make this journey a successful one. I would also like to congratulate Editorial team for their commendable efforts for the annual magazine 'Prerna'. I would like to extend my deep gratitude towards our Principal Dr R.P. Rustagi for always supporting NSS in all its activities. I would also like to thank our Programme Officer, Dr Abhay Jain, and our mentors Mr S K Aggarwal, Ms ArunaJha and Mr Ashwani Kumar for guiding and motivating us at every step. I wish the future NSS team all the best in their endeavours. -Gaurav Agarwal

Vice-President‟s Note In the bustle of joining college societies during my first year, I had

joined National Service Scheme with a dream of contributing towards the society in whatever little way possible. Never had I thought that this decision would define my entire college life.

My journey from a volunteer to the Vice-President of NSS has enhanced my horizons on a wide variety of social issues. Heading the NSS Executive Team has inspired me to strive for betterment with each passing day. Interacting with volunteers from diverse background not only enhanced my personality but also infused into me the innovative ideas and the zeal to make NSS, SRCC better

than ever. Apart from the regular activities of community service, this year we were able to successfully organise a National level NSS Convention during our annual fest Samarpan, a blind folded walk-a-thon on the occasion of White Cane Safety Day and Yamuna Cleanliness Drive. I would like to appreciate the efforts of the Executive Team members who worked with dedication throughout the year to make all these events happen. Participation in the NSS Special Camp organised by NSS Centre, Delhi University provided us an opportunity to work with the rural segment of our country as well as an insight on the living conditions of the rural population.

But nothing could have been possible without the guidance of our Programme Officer Dr.Abhay Jain sir and our mentors S.K.Aggarwal sir, ArunaJha ma'am and Ashwani Kumar sir. I thank our Principal Dr.R.P.Rustagi sir for rendering support towards all our initiatives. The activities and events wouldn't have been a success without the active participation of our volunteers. This sincerity and dedication at work assures that the future team will take NSS, SRCC to new heights.

NSS has gifted me with a lifetime of memories, blessed me with wonderful people who I know will stick with me through thick and thin. NSS has indeed bestowed me with an insight how we can be helpful to others. I have realised that the real happiness lies in giving back to the society and no matter wherever I go, the experience gained will always stay with me, guide me and inspire me!

-Indulekshmi S

A FASCINATING COLOUR: YELLOW

-A. SWATHI Illustration by: Sakshi Kumari

‘Yellow’ is one of the most magnificent and meaningful colours in a spectrum. The colour is generally associated with sunshine, which symbolises happiness, hopes, new beginnings and energy. It signifies enthusiasm and high spirits.

This association can be witnessed in many day-to-day things such as the emoticons that we use in our everyday conversations are predominantly yellow in colour indicating different emotions of life.Thiscolour is also inclined towards the attainment of knowledge. It is thiscolour which resonates the left or ‘logic’ side of our brains stimulating our mental faculties and creating mental agility and perception.

On the other hand, this happy colour can also be associated with some gloomy things in life. For example, when yellow is used along with the colour black, it signifies warning. This is the primary reason why it is used in many precautionary symbols. Also, during the autumn season, the leaves turn into a shade of yellow, thus, signifying decay and death.

There are some typical effects that have been observed about the usage of yellow.If yellow is overused, it can have a disturbing effect. For example, it is a proven fact that babies cry more in rooms painted in yellow. Too much of yellow causes loss of focus and makes it hard to complete a task. On the other hand, dearth of yellow causes feelings of isolation, fear, insecurity, and low self-esteem. Lack of yellow may cause one to become rigid, cunning, possessive, or defensive.

A dull shade of yellow is often correlated with decay and sickness.Besides these different perceptions of this vibrant colour, its meaning also differs across the globe. In some cultures, yellow represents peace. In Egypt, yellow is worn to signify ‘death’. In Japan, yellow stands for courage. In India, yellow is the colour of the merchants.

These contradictory perceptions make YELLOW a fascinating colour. On one hand, it represents joy and on the other it signifies death. Hence, yellow is a colour of understanding. You can think of its significance the way you want to and give it a different meaning every time you use it, thus adding to its versatility!!

THE PLIGHT OF ELDERLY IN INDIA

-PARAS SHRIDHER Illustration by: Harita Chinnam

Is it not the same person, who is on to slay, who yielded him? Is it not that very guy who has gone crazy to wipe away the existence of those who adorned him with an identity? Undoubtedly and disgracefully, it is! Yes,it is!

The nation we are nurtured in, the country we are cultivated in, the culture we are cherished by and the treasure of the tradition we are having ,collectively boast of an esteemed ethic which is somehow getting extinct i.e. ‘respect towards our elders’. Everyone knows that the beings, old in age are our elders and on the same page, none can escape the brunt of harsh reality regarding the terrible state they are in. In other words, the plight of elderly in our country sketches a glum landscape of the sunset. Again, such a gloomy mirror confirms my belief that INDIA TEEMS WITH IRONIES. Let me clear you the scenario fluttering in India and for it, I request you to have a glimpse of it from the eyes of your heart. It is a far-flung green field, waft of love is striking you, zeal is in your atoms and there is a new plant, very polite, delicate and pretty and beside it, there is a tree to take every possible care of the little plant, to save it from every storm, whether it be heavy rain or the heat of scorching sun or the enemy autumn, it is ready to secure the little plant. In the same soothing ambience, the plant becomes a tree and the old tree is very happy as never before to see it grow but sadly, what do we see? The new tree is just thrashing and spanking the other one. And it is here we find the dawn of the dusk or the daybreak of the twilight. I put before you a question, is it justifiable to treat so and bid goodbye in such a yelling and disgusting manner?

The statistics is there to bolster me as it reveals that one in every three elderly people is abused in our country. Moreover, 50% of abuse comes within the family and in 56% of the cases, it is from the son. May I ask every son, if he was born to born such a day, if he was fed to let his parents stay hungry, if he was made happy every time to make them cry, if he was given a

place in the lap to eradicate them from a few space, if his life was drawn so beautifully to erase them, if he was trusted every time to deceive so harshly and finally, tell me if he was designed to destroy? The son who cannot respect his parents is a blemish on being a son. In the metropolitan cities, the plight of elderly is in the aura. They are not allowed to use anything of their own kids; are instructed to have meal separately, in their own homes; they are commanded to be like guests and what more, their own children don’t deter from scolding them. A super-hit blockbuster by Ravi Chopra ‘BAGHBAN’ describes their plight in full swing. Actually, today, society has gone mad after money and so is the cause of this problem. Youngsters and the middle- aged consider the property of their parents as their own but how can such mastermind, fast and hi-tech generation forget that they themselves are the production of their parents? It has been a trend to regard the elders as liabilities and not assets which they truly are.

So, it is our duty to respect our elders and we must. Elders have constructed us and now it’s our time to pay for it. They have travelled a long journey in their lives and now they want some rest. Hence, we are required to dive into the depths of the sea of gratitude and come out after searching the pearls of happiness as gift for our elders that would calm them down like a sea and in this way we set a benchmark for our coming generations! Don’t forget how high the waves may go, sky never accepts it and it has to return to the same sea, time and again. Ta!

XANTHOUS: CREATIVITY AND HOPES AHEAD!! -HIMANSHU AHUJA

Illustration by: Nisha Yadav

Don‟t start the day with doubts and fears;

For where they live faith disappears,

Don‟t hesitate to share your sorrows with your peer;

For there is happiness behind every tear,

Don‟t give up before you have begun,

You still have time to get things done.

There are no rainbows without rain,

There are no victories without pain.

Struggle leads to prosperity and happiness;

For stars shine because of the darkness!

As it is very well evident that, „the darker the night, the nearer the dawn‟, likewise

„the dense the struggle, the intense the success‟.

Everything in this cosmos comes at a cost. The prosperity, success, peace and

happiness can only be achieved at a price; the price of struggle. The people tend to

give up on seeing the ordeals, hurdles and obstruction on the path. On the contrary,

they must say „ALL IS WELL‟. The Earth on which we fall is the same ground

which enables us to push ourselves up again. “The failures are the pillars of

success”. So, one must not be woeful of the challenges that one is confronted with!

Once forgetting all the grievances, one must try to infuse creativity in every

situation of life. Only creativity is an antecedent to success. Only creative people

who dare to rise above the crowd have a chance to be triumphant in today‟s highly

competitive world.

Once upon a time, a teacher asked her students, “Tell me one thing that can fill this

classroom using minimum amount?” Everyone thought for a while and came up

with their ideas, to fill the room with flowers, sand, boxes etc., but one of the

students said, “I can fill this room with light using a small lamp.” He became the

winner of the reward for his creativity. As the Chinese proverb goes: “If you want

a cup of hot tea, then you must empty your cup first.” Here, „creative thoughts‟ are

being referred to as hot tea that an individual should have, pouring cold tea of

doubts, confusion , fears and inhibitions out of the mind, otherwise hot tea will

spill over the saucer.

“Success is counted the sweetest by those who never succeed”; so is the truth in

the diverse realities of life. „Good days‟ have an end and even „bad days‟

eventually come to an end. Good days would be enjoyed to the fullest only after

one has gone through atrocities of life. One must learn from downfall and always

„hold the head high‟ with confidence to move on in life. The spirit and audacity

should be as conveyed in the following lines:-

“The woods are lonely, dark and deep;

But I have promises to keep;

And MILES TO GO BEFORE I SLEEP!”

THE GOLDEN PROMISE -BISHAKHA BARMAN

Illustration by: Harita Chinnam Monday mornings for Adwitti usually meant the starting of another never ending week of orders, deliveries, baking, replacements, shopping and all other tasks that a bakery owner could entail. It’s been two years and after much persistence and constant nagging and complaints of her relative especially her annoying elder sister, Adwitti decided to visit her childhood home- her paternal home on the occasion of Durga Puja.

Durga Puja brings with it, the news of autumn with its pocketful of golden leaves. With splendid golden hues, Durga descends to earth leaving behind her Husband’s Lord Shiva’s house, Mountain Kailash, along with her children to rejuvenate and enlighten the world with peace and hopes again. After the 5 day long lavish celebrations, she leaves

behind her golden nobility to alleviate people’s troubles, doubts and darkness.

However, Adwitti knew that even though her stay is for three days only, unlike MaaDurga, she won’t be allowed to return on the scheduled date. So, as she packed the last things, she was pondering over all kinds of excuses she can make to escape after her scheduled period.

By the time she came down for breakfast, her ten year old son, Manav was hurriedly gulping down the last spoonful of cereal making his excitement of visiting his grandfather evident. As he smiled at me from his bowl of cereal, I can’t help but notice how much he resembles his father. The same straight nose, hazel-brown eyes, looking at me through his long lashes and that grin on his face…

It’s been six years since Aryan’s death and I was left alone to face this harsh world with nothing but his memories to cling on and cry. Widowed at 30 with a four year old kid, she turned towards my parents for solace. During those dark days, she completely relied on her mother for strength and the will to face the world. While she and her father looked after the start-up of her bakery, her mother took care of her daughter as well as her grandkid, transforming her empty house into a home. Every night when she returned home after a tiring day, she would break down into silent sobs seeking the comfort of Aryan’s

arms. Most of the nights she would sleep off on her mother’s lap and wake up feeling lighter. And slowly, as time passed, Adwitti regained her strength and fought back the world for herself and her son always knowing that her mother is out there looking out for her. But, destiny betrayed her again. Four years later, she lost her mother and this time, her life shattered down and has not been fixed ever since. After that her father moved back to Guwahati, and her world became confined to her bakery and to her son. Often now and then, her father and she called each other, but since she is not around most of the times, he ends up talking to Manav who has become obsessed with his grandfather’s stories. Her sister lives nearby to her father’s place and visits often and keeps her updated of his health and other news of the family.

Adwitti was checking the bolts in the kitchen windows when she saw it. Right there out in the garden was her mother’s ghost staring at her, emotionless but her eyes; they were saying something to her. Some kind of emotion…sadness was etched into her eyes. Freaking out, Adwitti quickly locked the house and dashed to the front where the driver was waiting with the car with Manav; she looked around at the garden. There was nothing. As the car sped to the airport, she saw it again. Those eyes now bore something else. An emotion too strong… expectations, regret, joy, eagerness!!

As the plane landed, Adwitti could feel the bile rising in her stomach. It’s been a while since she saw her father and as the taxi sped along the national highway towards the city, she saw it again. This time her eyes bore apprehension and fear. Knowing that her home is not very far, but just a few minutes away now, she let the ghost pass. As the taxi halted before the familiar black gate of Adwitti’s childhood home, she felt the tears pricking at the back of her eyes. The gate suddenly opened and there her father stood, looking at her as she got out of the car. And she could no longer hold it in. She dashed into her father’s strong arms and buried her face in his chest letting it all out. And suddenly every piece of the puzzle fell in its own place. The ghosts of her mother were nothing but her conscience telling her what she was really feeling. All that time, when she was confused and divided about her feelings regarding coming home, she knew it deep within her that she wanted to come home, because in some way she was indebted to her mother for taking care of her when she needed her and now when the time has come for her to do the same for her father, she hid herself behind her pain, blaming destiny for all her sorrows and finally this year's autumn and its golden leaves blessed MaaDurga's daughter with a new glory and purpose in her life and crowned her with a new life!

DIVINITY -BISHAKHA BARMAN

Illustration by: Kritika Singh It was a sunny February morning and one could see that spring was already taking its toll over the crispy sheets of winter in its own languor. The neighbourhood at Street 21 was buzzing with Sunday activities; spades and sickles were ready to invite Green Goddess Spring back to their gardens; heavy winter jackets, blankets, socks and shoes were being washed and packed off for the next battle with winter; children were out on their cycles and scooters; lovers were sitting under trees; loners were out on their decks reading another novel; grandparents were out on the patios basking in the warm sunlight. And amidst all the energy and vigor, the mansion at the end of Street 21 mourned the fall of winter.

I was summoned by my family two days before my uncle passed away. They said his health was wilting and he wished to see me. He did not mention anything about his want to see my husband, and being offended by that, my husband decided not to come with me. On reaching Mansion 234, I could feel the silence all around the house. The same house that was always bustling with activities, the house that once spoke of a Despot, now felt like an injured animal. I walked up the same old wooded steps and counted the same 22 steps to my Uncle’s room. He was my father’s eldest brother and after my parents passed away, he took me as his own, adopted me and from that day onwards he decided and terrorized my life.

On reaching his room, I could see my family, my cousins, uncles and aunts standing around his bed. A nurse was administering some kind of injection to the patient on the bed. The patient looked old, really very old, and tired. The once arrogant face was now wrinkled; his stubborn eyes that once instilled fear in people around him, were sunk and almost disappeared. When he saw me standing at the doorway, he motioned me to come towards him and sit by his side. Once the nurse was done with her check-ups, he reached for my hand, and said my name. It was more of a whisper. And then he whispered some more words which I could not

understand, so I moved my ear closer to his mouth. And the only word I could hear was ‘sorry’. On hearing him apologize, I looked up at my uncle’s once oppressive face and just kept staring at him. What was he sorry for? Was he sorry for adopting me? Was he sorry for killing any talent that I had and wanted to pursue? Was he sorry for hitting me? Was he sorry for being a tyrant more than a father to me? Was he sorry for not letting me pursue an MBA? Was he sorry for not letting me take up a job? Was he sorry for not letting me marry the person I loved? Was he sorry for forcing me to marry a demon that abused me physically and mentally? Was he sorry for making me go back to that demon who tried to burn me alive? Was he sorry for all of these? Or was he just sorry for me?

People say ‘To err is human and to forgive is divine.’ And I was expected to forgive him. So, I made my choice. The hand that held on to me expected me to forgive, because despite all the travails in my life that this person has summoned, he was my father. He took me up when there was no one for me; he fed, clothed and sheltered me. He stood by me. He looked after me. And for all of these, I lightly squeezed his hand and smiled softly at him. ‘Forgiveness is divine!’

It has been two days since he passed on. After that particular day when my uncle asked me for forgiveness, it feels like a burden has been lifted off my shoulders. Just like the Green Goddess spring rejuvenates nature and melts the crispy winter sheets, my heart was resuscitated. It was no longer a stone cold brick of ice, rather it has turned ‘green’. The one who forgives is divine, but humans are not divine. My father-like uncle has given me many things in life, none of which I wanted. But at the end, he had given me a gift that I wholeheartedly accepted - freedom. Freedom from the person who terrorized my life, destroyed my happiness and who wanted me to forgive him after all the pain that he had brought onto me. I couldn’t forgive him. After all I am his daughter, and he was not divine. And neither am I.

Spring never forgives winter. Winter destructs mother Earth, freezes and kills nature. And hence when spring comes, it melts every snowflake in sight and revives the mother Earth. Spring is not divine and so is my heart. Spring is green and so is my heart!!

HENNA -MADHURIMA KHOSLA

The damsels run across the woods Their golden feet Crushing the straggled foliage, Their eyes searching for the best Henna. The hour of wedding is nigh, The festivities in full swing. The bride sits impatient, Waiting for the bridesmaids to bring, The greenest of the leaves, To adorn her tender hands.

The damsels sit around, As the ladies beat the henna In the marble mortar. As the leaves lose their lustre The marble turns green, Seeing the orange trace on lady's finger, The girls giggle and gleam.

The damsels begin merrymaking, As hall resonates ceremonial songs. The bride sits with stretched arms, While the henna works its charm. With every educed curve and line, It proposes to the new bride ; Days filled with pure love And dreams of a blissful abode. Their association is transient, As it would soon dry and be shredded. The benign henna loses existence; To give the new bride - colours of a married life!!

THE GRACE THAT IS TO GO ON AND ON….

-PARAS SHRIDHER

“What is the purpose of my life? What are my dreams? What has my fate decided for me? Which way am I to go? Which door should I knock at? Who am I and what am I supposed to decide or am I to decide? And more and more that I still don’t know!!” Such may be the status quo of a delicate heart at the heart of which lie mesmerizing and molly-coddling good wishes for everyone with the right of being right in those judicious eyes. All above questions grilled by you construct a grill of delusion. For a moment LET YOU GO AND LET THEM BURY.

A Chapter you are going to unearth today is awaited and the most sought after by your sacred soul that is serene and trustworthy. The day you are living is meant only for smiles, the air you are breathing in is set to adorn you with tranquillity, the aura that skirts you is determined to be adorable; the juncture you are standing at welcomes you to the world that you pondered over once, prettily decorating and the gracious GOD is benign and bountiful enough to shower the grace on you extremely and supremely simultaneously. BURY YOUR EVERY WORRY and free your mind by breaking every shackle. Let me pray from the core of the belief for you:

May GOD glorify you,

May every particle vivify you!

Undeterred go your every way,

Ardently determined be your every day!!

Realize yourself hoping optimistically for the best. I pray that the deserts may have their thirsts quenched, for the rain is kissing the topsy-turvy sand in the form of THE GRACE THAT GOES ON AND ON…

LIFE‟S AN EMERALD! -HIMANSHU AHUJA

Illustration by: Shreya Jain

“Life is beautiful” as we say, but From where does this beauty come our way? Life is ornamented with varied pigments, Painting each moment with sentiments. Of all the colours, that are here to sway, ‘Green’ is the one unique in its own way! It is the colour that symbolises nature, And directs us to nurture every creature. From ‘Green Revolution’ to ‘Green Movement’, It is a solution to our nature’s predicament. ‘Green’ denotes self-esteem and wellness, Besides, learning, growth and togetherness!! ‘Green’ as a traffic light connotes “GO AHEAD”, This colour symbolises prosperity letting all the fears shed. It has energy to attract money and wealth, Raw ‘green’ foods lead to a sound health. ‘Green’ opens vistas for change and innovation, Brings balance in any complex situation.

Such is the power of GREEN, To make life serene, To pave the path of progress, To bring an end to all mess. One’s life completely counts on this colour, From nature, to food, to growth and vigor. Even memories which are ‘green’ in one’s mind, Help in living the past behind!!

WHITE: THE COLOUR OF NEW OPPORTUNITIES

-A.SWATHI Illustration by :Sakshi Kumari

White, a colour that dissolves everything into itself and portrays it as one, is a fascinating and a divine colour. It mainly symbolises purity and divinity. White, which is usually referred to as the symbol of peace and harmony can also be perceived in a different yet very meaningful way. White can be regarded as the colour of a new and fresh beginning.

It signifies an empty parchment waiting to be filled with new and unique ideas. White represents the clean slate, helping us to pave through times of stress, and allowing us to move forward in life. It also symbolises freedom to voice our opinion and put forth our views and ideologies breaking through all the prejudices and pre-conceived notions.

White is considered as the colour of goodness, contrary, to the colour black, which is presumed to be the symbol of evilness. It can be assumed that because of this association, the brides in the western countries dress up in white symbolizing serenity and vibrating the goodness.

The colour white affects the mind and the body by aiding in mental clarity, promoting feelings of fresh beginnings and renewal, assisting in cleansing, clearing obstacles and clutter, and encouraging the purification of thoughts and actions.

White is associated with many evil matters as well. For instance, ghosts and other

super natural elements are always associated with the colour white. Also, in many eastern countries white is the symbol of death and mourning. Too much of white colour also brings about a feeling of emptiness and sadness into one’s life making it monotonous and boring.

On a concluding note, the white colour suggests fairness and neutrality and is a symbol of peace and purity besides being symbolic of death and monotony. Hence, white signifies a lot of different things in life from the good to the evil. It all depends on us as to how we wish to perceive the same!

THE COLOUR OF SIN

-AROMA Illustration by: Muskan Sharma

Purity, neutrality, spirituality, truth, serenity are often related to the colour‘white’. White light splits into seven colours that create the universe. Violet represents future, imaginations and dreams, while spiritually calming the emotions. Indigo being nuptial, bridges the gap between ‘finite’ and ‘infinite’. Blue instead represents knowledge, intensity, power and integrity. Green symbolises growth, harmony, freshness, fertility, money and nature. Yellow, the colour of sunshine, connotes hopes, happiness, positivity, clarity, energy and loyalty. Orange represents determination, creativity, attraction and the tropics. Red is associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power, passion, desire and love. Red is an emotionally intense colour. White binds all the colours together.

Had white not been there, the formation of the basic principles and etiquettes of life could not have been possible. Brides don white on their wedding day for good luck. Doctors used to wear beige coats earlier, but in the late 19th century, they adopted white as they associated it as a symbol of hope and recovery. White is given great importance in the Chinese culture as they relate white with directions and the four seasons. White evokes purification of thoughts and actions. White is the colour of God. God has been in love with various colours and can be seen draped in different colours in India but his SOUL is white; pure, calm, non-biased and full of positive energy and peace. White has a lot of significations that are not known by now; but what humans relate it to has been mentioned in the ancient scriptures and holy books which is the only reason why we call it 'THE COLOUR OF SIN'.

THE WHITE VEIL OF OLD AGE -STUTI MOHAN

Illustration by :Vaishali Verma There she lies in dismay profound, Solitary she is with no one around; But she wasn’t so some time ago. She was allegro, Before life’s serious blow. She had her children, With love she raised them, She cared for them, She essayed for them; But when she was old, Her love was forgotten. The spring time had left, When the ripe fruits turned rotten. Her children became selfish and mean, When she became weak and lean. They threw her out with a ruthless laugh, They had been so brutal and so rough. She was abused, she was humiliated. Was this a moment She had ever anticipated? She catered to her children In times of need, With soft snug hands, To them she would feed; But when those hands became lifeless, She was cursed by the ones She had forever blessed. A devastating end brought A catastrophic start. She was immensely pained; The melancholy pierced through her heart. Now she lies without a helping hand, In a deceiving world, On a lonesome land.

WHEN FOREVER ENDS -PARAS SHRIDHER

Illustration by :Jagati Sahit Let the dark sun glitter

And the dried ocean, roar.

For the move comes to a halt

Leaves stopped, air still

Silence pervades and sky sends

Sign that forever ends.

The love was true, imagination real

Evil emerged out of society.

Attacked the hearts, care vanished

Life dead, it was greed,

In the sacred pond a spoilt fish tends

To say that forever ends.

Being shot, killed, murdered for dollars

Is the order of the day.

Arrogance plays and haughtiness roams

Affection cries, trust shed tears

Holiness pays and truth bends,

To accept that forever ends!!

WHITE AND BLACK: THE MIRRORS OF 21ST CENTURY

-ANKITA V. PARIKH Illustration by: Vijay Kumar

Mirror? What does it show? Your true reflection? But, in this 21st century, even the mirrors are betraying us! Sometimes, what we see in front of us is not the reality. The mirror shows us what exactly we are, but the mirror doesn’t show who we are from inside.

That is the scenario now in the society. With the recent happenings of JNU protests and Aamir Khan’s statements of intolerance, the people have seen how things are being portrayed by the media and the political parties .Today news and media don’t show the true things because that wouldn’t increase their TRPs, rather they present the news in such a manner that creates hype in a wrong manner. And, the conclusion they give is: we are showing you the mirror to the reality. White being shown as black in their mirrors to benefit particular parties and businessmen.

The politicians who boast of showing the true face of the corrupt ministers are mostly the ones charged with the greatest scams. The protests which are taking such vigorous turns are basically because of outbursts by seeing the half correct or truly fake news on the media. The results of these outbursts and protests have cost the country in crores and taken numerous lives.

This mirror that everybody is using today to show white as black and black as white, at some juncture ,is going to be the reason for the breakdown of this country. The realization of showing true things happening across the country has to come fast and the social media and journalists have to understand the importance of telecasting the true picture .The only way to stop such acts as JNU and JAT protests is to communicate the actual message and not inflate or distort the facts to increase TRP.

YOU CANNOT BE PERFECT EVER!!

-PARAS SHRIDHER Illustration by: Shreya Jain

“They had a dream to do all they dreamt of but the lack and the requisite they had to feel, they never cared”, sighs the mom. James and Lily were almost of the same age and wanted to fly in the air of reality with the wings of their

dreams. Every time mother warned them against the atrocities but such was their zeal, they ignored each time. One such fine day, they asked their mom to go abroad but the mom didn't allow; not for the reason that she didn't want them to go but for the reality that her children don't have that capability and potential to go there as they lack the skills and must improve upon that. “I know each and every thing and can do all on my own. I don't need any help”- James screamed on her mom. That very night, when the mom was sleeping, the two teenagers decided to take a leap that drowned them literally amidst the storms and the gigantic waves. They decided to elope away when her mom was asleep. They stole some money and on behalf of the ego that they know everything, they ran away. They boarded a ship stealthily and managed to reach the other country but that let them throw from the beauty to iniquity and the police captivated them there. Soon they came to know that they boarded the wrong ship and now they were in the land of their enemies. “When I got up, I couldn't find them anywhere”, worried mother sighed at the police station. Next day, the news showed that her children were held hostages and no one could do anything and the destiny would lead them to the worst death anyone could imagine. “It so happened because they climbed the ropes without knowing the ropes”- the soul concluded.

THE CULTURAL CONNECT -SUGANDH BHATIA

Illustration by: Charu Nagpal The colour of blood and fire, associated with meanings of love, passion, desire, heat, longing, lust, sexuality, sensitivity, romance, joy, strength, leadership, courage, vigor, willpower, rage, anger, danger, malice, wrath, stress, action, vibrance, radiance, determination, and what not! The colour of love, seduction and power, red has been symbolic in many a culture. Dynamism innately aligned with this colour has been interpreted and followed across the globe. The devilish connotations of red in the West are amusingly juxtaposed to the traditional bearings of red in the East.

The colour red has played an instrumental role in Hindu customs and beliefs, perhaps the most ceremonious one being in the life of a married woman. A girl’s arrival into her role as a married woman is symbolized by the almost red henna on her hands and is sealed with the pinch of red powder sindoor on her head. Matrimonial bliss and

a promise of togetherness are all sealed by the warmth and binding power of the red drape and red accessories. The bride’s first step into her new home is characterised by the ritual of having to dip her feet in red water and walk bare feet on the floor of the house to symbolize the beginning of her new role.

Cinema in India reflects this home grown custom of Indian brides bedecked in red bangles and saris, and the ceremonial kiosk showered with red roses. It’s the most powerful symbol of leaving behind one’s adolescence and stepping into womanhood and, eventually, motherhood. The red vermilion is also used as a ritual mark while greeting guests or family members at a festival or simply at your home. The red ‘tilak’ while sometimes used as a symbol of ‘blessing’ from an elderly to a youngster, is also used in many customary functions. The customs include traditional Indian festivals

such as Raksha Bandhan (the festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters) and Durga Puja.

It is also a part of Indian custom to tie a long red string around the wrist of loved ones during prayer as a mark of protection and to safeguard against the evil eye. Individuals wear it for a month till the thread wears off. Red in mythology denotes bravery, protection and strength. Red powder is often showered on deities at temples during prayers. The coloured powder, therefore, has become an intrinsic part of Indian culture. Indian customs and culture are often described as riots of colours with almost every desirable colour thrown in for good measure. But, red truly remains the core symbol of power and spirituality, of protection and commitment. It is a colour that has not faded the trials of time and stands alone as the most powerful. The dynamism of red has always led it to command power and awe. It’s interesting, however, to see how different cultures utilise the colour in their daily lives. Red in India is considered holy and is symbolic of a certain time, place and action in one’s personal life. While castes, beliefs and rituals may differ across religious sects in India, the overall implications of this colour are universal!

RED vs BLUE

-RAVIJA SHARMA

He weighs heavy over me. His groping hands touch me in places that I will later scrub for hours in a failed attempt to erase his touch. I am in the red room of the Brothel house. I am in the room where my flesh is put up for sale on a daily basis, where my soul is bartered to the highest bidder. I am in the room where the blood of my innocence as red as the room was forced to flow on that September night. It is the room where I last saw the blue of the world, the room that turned everything dark for me, the room where the sun rays refuse to seep in, in the morning. It is the room I last saw of him, the man who made me believe in blue and then yanked that belief from right under my feet. He was my blue, my brightness, my trust, my hope and the funniest part is when it all broke apart, the only thing present to dry my tears was the linens of the bed that spell my fate now. Ironic isn't it that the linens are blue, the colour I once associated with happiness. The man moves above me indifferent to my inner darkness, searching for the satisfaction of his own lust like HE did too, His lust for money. I can't even hate him, and the pathetic thing is I still wait for him to come back and return the blue in my life.

But Alas! Many years from now it will still be the same bed with blue linens in the same red room, and a dead me with different men above me for every night. RED won, it won so viciously that the only blue still present in my life is the bruises left behind by the greedy fingers of the men who feed on me in this red room of my pain!

THE BRANDING TOOL: RED

-SUGANDH BHATIA

There has been an association of Coca-Cola with the colour red for a long time now. As early as 1890s, the trademark Coca-Cola appeared in red in advertising. Consumers almost universally identify the very sight of red and white with Coca-Cola as it is standard on vending machines, signage, vehicles, dispensers, coolers and packaging.

When it comes to picking the “right” colour, research has found that predicting consumer reaction to colour appropriateness in relation to the product is far more important than the individual colour itself. A study shows that 7% Males and 9% females have chosen RED as their favourite colour. The study also shows that men prefer bright colours whereas women prefer soft colours. The most prominent brands in the world are defined by their colours. Think of McDonald’s golden arches, the name Jet Blue, and UPS’ slogan, “What can Brown do for you?” These companies, and many others, strategically use colours in their logo, website, and product to attract the customers. As a B2B marketer, it’s important to think about how you utilize colours and what colours you choose say about your business.

Research has found that different colours provoke very different reactions in people. Market to choose to use the colour Purple for branding because at the time Market to was founded, purple was relatively un-used. Additionally, purple represents wealth, royalty, and richness and also has association with leadership and revenue. Integrating your brand colours in your logo, landing pages, product, and more will help you achieve the highest impact. The colour RED is often interpreted as the colour which evokes a passionate and visceral response. It is the colour that increases your pulse rate, makes you breathe more rapidly and activates the pituitary glands.

Even Hitler used the colour RED to reach the masses. In Mein Kampf, Hitler discussed at length his selection of colours for the Swastika flag. He decided to use black, red and white because they had “the most brilliant harmony in existence”. Who would have thought of that the red could be used for Branding, for football teams like Manchester United, using the phrase “Red Devils” as its nickname. Red might have a different meaning in the West and a different in the East, signifying the contrast in the culture and the history of the two!!

THE GIFT OF SIGHT -STUTI MOHAN

Illustration by: Kritika Singh

They say that eyes are Black and White, Capable of experiencing beautiful sights. But she has only experienced the dark side, With colours a Rosy dream, But a far-fetched one, against her might. Until one fine day, her dreams became true, When she could experience what she always dreamt of, But never actually knew. A good soul draped in a white shroud, Who was about to begin his journey to heavenly abode, Gave her colours for life. He was dead but his eyes still alive. His posthumous noble task, Illuminated one more life.

THE MYSTERIOUS “BLACK”!! -SUGANDH BHATIA

Illustration by : Nitya Mittal Many of you might not know why you love Black so much or why high powered employees wear BLACK…!

Black is associated with power, elegance, formality, death, evil, and mystery. Black is a mysterious colour associated with fear and the unknown (black holes). It usually has a negative connotation (black list, 'black death').

The colour ‘black’ relates to the hidden, the secretive and the unknown, and as a result it creates an air of mystery. It keeps things bottled up inside; hidden from the world. In colour psychology, this colour gives protection from external emotional stress. It creates a barrier between itself and the outside world, providing comfort while protecting its emotions and feelings, and hiding its vulnerabilities, insecurities and lack of self-confidence. Black is the absorption of all colours and the absence of light. Black hides, while white brings to light. What black covers, white uncovers!!

We all use black at various times to hide from the world around us in one way or another. Some of us use it to hide our weight; others among us use it to hide our feelings, our fears or our insecurities. In colour psychology, black means power and control, hanging on to information and things rather than giving out to others. Black is intimidating, unfriendly and unapproachable because of the power it exudes. It can prevent two-way communication because of its intimidation. The

salesman wearing all black will make a lot of sales, but no friends! It radiates authority, but creates fear in the process. Black implies self-control and discipline, independence and a strong will, and gives an impression of authority and power.

Black absorbs negative energy. It is useful to carry something black with you to protect you from harm and negativity when travelling or when going about your usual daily activities outside your home. People who like black may be conventional, conservative and serious, or they may think of themselves as being sophisticated or very dignified. The colour ‘black’ is often seen as a colour of sophistication, as in 'the little black dress', or 'the black tie event'. Affluent and success-orientated women often choose black as it can give an impression of elegance, sophistication and confidence.

Black is the end, but the end always implies a new beginning. When the light appears, black becomes white, the colour of new beginnings. If your favourite colour is BLACK, it will definitely reflect in your personality!

GRAY: A BLEND OF WHITE AND BLACK -GOURI GARG

Illustration by: NishaYadav

“Better gray than garishness.” This very famous line by Jean-Auguste has millions of followers or more hyperbolically trillions of people, breathing it.

From a colour psychology perspective, gray is a colour of compromise - being neither black nor white, it is the transition between two non-colours. The closer gray gets to black, the more dramatic and mysterious it becomes. The closer it gets to silver or white, the more illuminating and lively it becomes. Being both motionless and emotionless, gray is solid and stable, creating a sense of calmness and composure; relief from a chaotic world. In the lexicon of colours, gray is defined as conservative, boring, drab and depressing on one hand; and elegant and formal on the other, albeit never glamorous.

Gray conforms - it is conventional, dependable and practical. It is a colour of maturity and responsibility, beautifully depicted by the gray hair during old age. It will never be the centre of attention, the dynamic leader or the director - it is too safe and toned down. A colour which more precisely talks about the bad in good and the good in bad. A confusing phrase though, isn’t it? An epilogue of the real understanding of a man bringing out the good in bad and the bad in good. Most people are indifferent to gray- be it the corporate worker in the gray suit - conservative, reliable, formal and independent and often boring. The colour gray is subdued, quiet and reserved. It does not stimulate, energize, rejuvenate or excite!!

A BLACK POOL -DIVYA TIBREWAL

Illustration by: Snigdha Bhiwania How can we afford to crush their dreams And to overlook their painful screams? How can we inflict such pain upon them And still claim – To worship goddess and deity To possess for them love and pity?

Why aren’t we afraid Of snatching away their chastity, And still claim – Of our majesty? What right do we possess To worship goddess Lakshmi, When we kill a wife , a daughter- in- law Just for money! Why aren’t we ashamed of committing such crimes? Why do we fail to change our thoughts With changing times? Why do we fail To understand their plight, And help them win their right? What right do we possess to give them a secondary place,

Or condemn them – In life’s phase? Why don’t we realise Their power and potential, And our own duties, Which are very essential?

Why don’t we take a step forward To win for women The respect they deserve? A request to the society as a whole And to women even more, Stand for your rights And for all you deserve!!

THE SKY CALLS ME!

-MADHURIMA KHOSLA Illustration by: Nitya Mittal

I look out of the bus and see, The vast azure sky above me. Sometimes clear, sometimes misty, Every time groovy as it can be! I lean out of the window and see, The vast expanse of sky above me; The birds enjoying their eternal flight, And the huge puffs of grey and white! They form different patterns, First a car, then a lantern. From a sweet smiling face, To a frowning Dracula with a cape.

I look out and see, The blue alluring sky calling me! To come out and join the birds, And fly off to another world; A world beyond the skies, Beyond the worldly reins and earthly ties. A rebellious world which defies all ways, An enchanting land which dreams during the day. A place where freedom reigns, A perfect utopia sans pain. I look out of the bus and see, The blue sky beckoning me. I rise slightly, ready for the flight; Only to come down another second, and realise, I have no feathers. Alas! I'm dependent on others.

HER LOVE WAS NEVER RED! -FATHIMA REZWAN

Illustration by: Kritika Singh

The saline rolls lightly kissed her naked in-steps, a light hue of ocean’s mad blue. Bending down to feel the truth, she splashed the white brine away and kept, Deeper into the wet madness, until the ocean hugged her in waist high truth.

And, she bowed to a sky that was screaming her shade of love that day.

For all the tight wrapping hugs and the misplaced love-making, letting Her touch linger on the wrong face and the cruelly pleasing routine of empathy

That was never responded warmly to. No shared wrapped gifts and fires, no forgiveness replied; Just the icy cold shade of a menacingly torturous ruthless bloody blue.

It left deep blue bruises on her concepts and dangerously thinned her shadow of reflection;

Her innocent love was understood as mad as the ocean’s maddening blue. It wasn’t pain, not yet. It was just blue.

Deep in the ocean the blue hue sang her melody of woe, not in pain but in plain strain. She wanted it to be red so bad; the passion, the drama, the desire that dwelled.

Not even a scarlet tone of violet, but her love was mad ocean blue. So innocent, so much giving and a heart warmingly quiet storm of calm.

It was a dose of lulling remedy, as only that mad blue can be. Never a red pill that had her toes curl and stomach inside out in flips.

She wanted it to be red so bad; the warmth, the scare, the bold heroic bravery of it all. It was plain mad blue instead; He made her turn blue with love.

Only he with an icy cold blue heart and no warm red love to give and live for Turn a lady’s love into that mad shade of ocean blue. So blue that she started to drown

A love like that has got to be blue, just because it was never red. Not even violet;

Just blue. Icy. Cold. Cruel. .Innocent. .Forgiving. Dangerously quiet. Sad blue love.

SHE WANTED BLUE

-BHAWNA BHUSHAN Illustration by :Vaishali Verma

Everything is blue. The red smile was escaped into blue one when the stranger looked at the ravishing beauty in maroon colour. The little did they know the eyes that captured grey soul were turning black.

But she wanted blue. The world ahead of her wanted red. But she made a decision, she wants BLUE. Her fault?

She was the red in blue. Being aroused by the humming yellow noise around her, She looked at the brown embrace behind her. She wanted to disappear from the purple blur. She wanted blue.

The pink lips pleaded to stay away. The maroon sweater she was wearing wanted to hide in a black embrace. She wanted blue.

The red heart turned black, as they teased her about her pink colour she showed in her smile. But she wanted blue. They judged her green scarf evading her purple beauty. The pink colour of her lips was fading.

BLUE BLUE BLUE!!

But she wanted blue. She chose black over red. She chose neon over aqua. And there she stood alone in blue. The only sailing boat in the blue beauty that survived. She was proud to be the blue. She was the new BLUE. As she looked across the sky,She told them SKY BLEED BLUE TOO!!

EMOTIONS‟ OCEAN -HIMANSHU AHUJA

Illustration by: Nitika Rakhra Life... what is LIFE?? Is it delight and blessing in rife? Or is it mere a voyage of strife? Think! and be all set; For life is too short to fret. It is a blessing by the Almighty Lord; We are the children of the God. From infancy till the doom; Life shows every bit from bloom to gloom. Ornamented by the nature’s beauty; Life is a rainbow with a sooty. Sometimes sunshine, sometimes rain; Sometimes loss, sometimes gain. Life is not a bed of roses; For there will be thorns on the way. Vistas open, even if a door closes; One must not go astray.

Be kind and help the needy; Life is not about being greedy. Life is about take and give; For it is more than just to LIVE. Don’t wait for tomorrow; For it might not come. Forget every sorrow; For life is too awesome!!

THE COLOURFUL DEITIES -MADHURIMA KHOSLA

Illustration by:Manvi Kamboj The beauty and magnificence of colours are not only appealing and attractive to the eyes, but these myriad shades possess the capability to play with and enchant our minds too. Over the years, our minds have been accustomed to perceive red for love and passion, white for purity, black for evil, green for prosperity and so on. The symbolism of these colours not only encompasses human emotions and ailments but is deep rooted into Indian customs and traditions; and finds significance in Indian mythology too. It is for some reason that Ganesh idols come immersed in red, while Lord Ram and Krishna are associated with blue. We see a rock painted orange and instantly our mind creates the image of Bajrangbali. While Goddess Lakshmi and Durga are adorned in red, Goddess Saraswati is still revered in simple and serene white.

The appearance of Indian Gods in the manner and form exalted over the years is not accidental but has every meaning to it. The audience generally has a tendency to prefer fair male protagonists over the dark complexioned ones. Yet, it is the colour ‘blue’ that defines the heroes of India’s most revered epics. Even the animated children’s movies take care of this distinction and very impeccably present Ram and Krishna as blue. The colours convey deeper truths. It is not their

body but their aura which is blue. They are calm, polite and spiritual. They define the human limits and yet they are themselves infinite just like the azure sky. When Lord Ram leaves for exile, he dons the subtle orange highlighting his quest for spirituality as a hermit. Krishna’s favourite colour is yellow, a reflection of his playful, vibrant and enigmatic personality.

Shiva holds association with two extremes of the colour kingdom. His images and idols are always white while the Shiva Linga is mostly black. Lord Shiva is “Karpur Gaur” i.e. white as camphor, because He is sinless and is totally detached from the material world. Then why is the Linga black? Maybe because just like the black vanishes the identity of any colour brought into its contact, Shiva destroys and absorbs every evil that hovers around. He is the destroyer, the secretive mysterious God residing atop the mighty Kailash.

Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik, in his book 99 thoughts on Ganesha, reveals why Lord Ganesha is associated with red. Red symbolises auspiciousness in Indian culture. Apart from that, Ganesha is mighty, fiery and energetic and the red provides him with the perfect aura.

White in Hindu culture is more closely associated with widows. Then, why does Goddess Saraswati don it? Because it also stands for essential purity. Goddess Saraswati is an epitome of purity and wisdom. She is the goddess of knowledge and disregards everything that is material. She is a saint depicting detachment from all desires; and valuing knowledge and art. On the other hand, Lakshmi is the queen, bedecked in red and gold as she is the Goddess of wealth. She stands for beauty, purity and fertility.

Thus, a keener eye reveals a lot more about our deities, who are spiritual, powerful and very colourful!

KALEIDOSCOPE -MADHURIMA KHOSLA

Illustration by: Nitya Mittal Twist 'n' twist and turn, A chaos occurs inside As the Kaleidoscope turns. The vivid beads fall aimlessly, Revealing first the myriad shades Of orange and yellow. Bringing along Memories of a boisterous childhood. An exuberant damsel running around, Without any worries or woes. Twist 'n' twist and turn, The picturesque pink appears With a tinge of red Bringing reminiscence of A wild yet tender heart, Of scarlet blushes And teenage crushes. Twist 'n' twist and turn, The green glasses overpower the crimson. From living one life To supporting another five The young girl

Matures into a woman. The years of growth And progress come around. As the kaleidoscope turns, The green gives way to brown. The exuberance in her, Has now mellowed down.

Twist ‘n’ twist and turn, Kaleidoscope takes the last turn! She doesn’t know There are shades of white; The beige and peaches, Reflecting the final stage of her life!!

I HAVE GOT TO TELL A STORY! -PARAS SHRIDHER

Illustration by: NitikaRakhra Some philosophical it may be, some intrinsic and confusing it may be or exclusive it may be but it is true and it is worth its reality and authenticity. There was a plant that hailed from some arena where violence was the norm. Grown up in violence, hatred, anonymity, animosity and materialism and many more, it carved itself into a tree with unmatched hardness. Cold, careless, callous and what not defined it in full swing. The

same aura criticized it to be the possessor of such extreme so-called virtues and in short, they expected stuff in some average which that plant hated. It loved to operate on extremes and perhaps it is the only thing that was its original and only demand from its society. Things happened as expected. Insensitivity reigned in its life, fights were common, progress was visible, achievements marked and anger brimmed.

This continued for long and then out of curiosity, a thought struck that atleast one try can be made to see how it is to be on expectations. The luck moved in tandem and prepared mind after exhaustive thought-process to share the unbearable weight-in-head with a flower. With all its might and out of struggle, it tried to do the same. The ego clashed, self-respect defined in all wrong terms and pride reigned but thanks to the determination it was decorated with and came over all of them after a fight. And finally approached the flower and presented the scenario in the most funny and crazy manner anyone could ever think of. Things started taking shape to shatter all the hopes.

Flower, very honestly and expectedly out of pride summarized, "We’re done". Each word pierced and each letter weighed tonnes. Now, the philosophy worked in all its natural manner, pride, ego and all came back mocking out of the situation. Internal conflicts proved useless and one tendency dominated.

The consequences were harsh and ruthless. It returned back to what it was...it returned back and defined a new form of extrema it used to be the king of. Here, there is no exit, and the thought of change is buried to the extent measurements may lose themselves. The air saluted, the sky witnessed, rain danced and the nature in its beauty yelled, "Enigma is in your extrema".

Tendency to be careless became the order of the day and having emotions was a sin whereas using emotions was a trick. All in all, tree was happy on being some iron-hard-rock. It had the capacity to wake up every morning and face itself in the mirror with no regrets and it only matters. Rest is useless. And that goes for all. It realized the time to look at sky in full swing and eager to be an eagle to burn its wing to attain the sun but only fear is if sky cheats evincing the image of the flower and being itself mirror of the beauty. Though it is there but it is buried too and if after all this, the happiness prevails (for both flower and the tree) then all questions are buried too.

The understanding proves “Make your own supper so delicious every night so that you don’t need to taste others’”.

RAINBOW OF POSSIBILITIES -DIVYA TIBREWAL

Illustration by: Vijay Kumar Life has a wide range of colours to offer. It offers a rainbow of a wide variety of opportunities. What one needs is the right perspective and then life would shine as a

rainbow. Just as a combination of seven colours makes the rainbow look attractive, the combination of different emotions in different phases of life makes it more beautiful. It is not only about different colours that life has to offer but the way we look at these colours is what counts more. Every life starts as a plain white sheet of paper that

seems ready to be painted with any colour. It solely depends upon us whether we want to paint it red or green or blue or probably a mixture of all shades. At times, the same colour may signify multiple meanings depending upon the context in which it is used. For instance, red signifies love if referred to in a positive context and destruction and blood if referred to in a negative context. Sometimes, we might end up spilling over wrong colours on the plain white sheet and end up creating problems in our lives. We need to be really careful in order to be able to choose the right colours else the consequences could be dire. Just as the light colours can be easily hidden by applying the darker ones over them but doing the other way round is comparatively difficult, it is easy to hide our numerous good acts just by committing a single wrong act but vice- versa is nearly impossible. It is often believed that the extreme end of the rainbow leads to a pot full of gold, silver and other jewels; similarly, I believe that a life full of multiple colours each signifying a positive aspect lets us see this magical pot daily . Life is a rainbow for those who love the combination of heat, rain and above all, the various colours of life!!

THE TRICOLOUR SAGA -STUTI MOHAN

Illustration by: VaishaliVerma

If I give you three colours -Saffron, White and Green and ask you to relate them to the first thing that comes to your mind- undoubtedly, you would raise your head proudly and reply-" Tiranga or the Indian National flag." The national flag is a symbol of a nation's pride and respect. A feeling of patriotism engulfs us when the tricolour unfurls and sways with the wind.

The Indian National flag has its own story to narrate. This special cloth made from khadi was adopted on 22nd July, 1947,in the wake of Indian independence from the British rule. PingaliVenkayya was the designer of the flag. Each colour of the Indian flag has its own significance. The topmost part is coloured‘Saffron’ indicating "courage" and "selflessness" of the nation. The colour is of religious significance to Hindus, Buddhists and Jains and propagates the message of unity and universal brotherhood. The middle part is coloured‘White’ representing honesty, purity and peace of the nation. This part has 24 spokes in it representing 24 Dharma Rishis of Hindu religion who wielded whole power of Gayatri Mantra, Navy Blue colour of sky and ocean indicating the truth of the universe.

The lowermost part of the flag is designed using ‘Green’ colour representing faith, fertility and prosperity of the nation. It represents greenery of the earth. The colour is also of religious significance to the Muslims of the country.

When we look at our national flag, it reminds us of the endless sacrifices of our great national heroes, our army men, who let go their lives just to maintain the pride and honour of our national flag. Facing the most difficult situations, tackling the most fierce enemies and standing strong even at -50 degree Celsius, the tricolour continuously provides them strength and energy. They live and die for its honour and pride. There is a sign of pride and contentment on the face of a martyr when he begins his journey to heavenly abode wearing the blanket of the tricolour.

In a recent interview to Times Now, retired general G.D.Bakshi said,” The flag, my friend, is NOT a piece of tattered silk to us soldiers. It is a symbol of who we are”. We salute our national flag and the soldiers who defend the honour of our national flag till the last drop of their blood. They work unconditionally for the good of the nation. We all are grateful to them and touched by the way they perform their duties unflinchingly. They are the true keepers of the honour of the national flag.

George M. Cohan rightly said, “You’re a grand old flag, you’re a high flying, and forever in place may you wave.”

THECOLOURS IN THE LIFE OF A WOMAN -ANKITA V. PARIKH

Illustration by :Nitika Rakhra When a girl is born, that little princess makes her father feel like the king in violet robe and the richest man on the Earth. The mother’s face is all red because of the labour and the pain she took to bring that little life on this Earth. But, the pink blush that comes on her face when she holds her child in her hand is just unmatchable. Since the time a girl is born till the time she rests, she plays different roles in everyone’s life and changes from one colour to another.

In the childhood days, she is dressed up in several colours from pink to yellow to orange to green and all joyful and colourful is life without any worries and troubles. As she begins her teen years, the world starts changing where wearing that bright red top makes her look feminine than just cute. The time when she starts bleeding, the same colour red turns her enemy for sometime. The taste of colours in her life also changes. She understands the meanings of different colours.

A change starts according to the development of her personality. Once where her wardrobe was full of bright colours now shifts to those deep colours of violet, indigo, green, black as her intense and mature character starts grooming.

After crossing the teenage phase, she steps into adulthood. With the deep understanding of how the world works and how one needs to present oneself at an event, a woman changes her attire as well. A working woman will be laughed

at if she wears a fluorescent orange shirt to an official meeting. Similarly, she will be the point of discussion if she wears normal blue jeans to her sister’s wedding.

Colour is something that makes a woman look beautiful and sometimes out of place. A woman has to choose her colours well just like the roles she has to play; from a daughter to a sister to a friend to a wife to a mother and so on and so forth. But, have we ever wondered that there are some rules; some rituals in our society which demean the importance of colours in a woman’s life?

Why does a woman have to be dressed in white always after her husband dies? The fact that it is a bad phase in her life, she should moan about it ,but is it right to make her colourless thereafter? There are places in our country where girls of the age of 12 and 13 are widowed and not allowed to be dressed in any other colour but white. That little girl who has not even seen the world is made to confine to that small world of a single colour. In this society, where one woman is covered in red at the border and the other dressed in white and black restricted from all other joys, how do we expect this country to progress? Rituals and rites are important, no wonder, but there are certain orthodoxical customs that we need to look into and find out a solution!

Colours in a woman’s life are important, be it the pink in childhood, yellow in teens, red during marriage or black at work. Every woman needs a colour to depict her presence in this society. Just as the seven colours of the rainbow together make it a marvel, the various colours at different stages of a woman’s life make her life a memorable one!!

COLOURFUL LIFE… -SAUMYA SHREE SRIVASTAVA

Illustration by :Jagati Sahit

Our lives are filled with colours from the start, And Red is the love that comes from our hearts. Blue is the sadness that drips from our eyes, Black is the evil that makes us tell lies. Green is the shade of jealousy and rage, and Grey is the hair that comes with old age. Purple is the mood most misunderstood, While white is the colour that Makes Us Feel Good. Life is full of meaningful colours, But, Especially White. So, hold on to it tight!!

GREEN AND YELLOW AND BLACK

-RAVIJA SHARMA

We are meant to be together, The world teaches so, Yellow and I, Meticulously put next to each other by the little girl in her colour box, She sang a little happy song, Probably thinking how perfect we look snuggled together, But my little wax heart yearns for Black, My scribbled out edges, yearning to be mixed in its depth, But No, the teacher taught her to make me yellow's mate, But who taught the teachers, Who taught them to stereotype me and Black many sections away from each other, Unapproachable in every context, in every way! Yellow hates me, because sometimes my gloom mixes in cheaply with it! But No, the teacher claims its beauty! Beauty born of two torn souls, chained together, Beauty born of two opposites forced to be together, Only if you could have seen the ugliness of our anguish, Only if you could have witnessed the swirling magnificence Black and I were capable of, Only if you could have seen Teacher... Maybe Black wouldn't have been forced into perverting itself with every colour on that little girl's palette!

MICRO TALES -MADHURIMA KHOSLA AND STUTI MOHAN

The morning beckons a new life! They hold their WHITE silks, with eyes smiling and mourning. In one land, two hearts shall meet forever; in another one heart shall weep forever. Two continents. Two women. Two lives. One colour defined their future differently.

1959 Mars "We are planning an intervention." "Where?" "That green planet next to us."

2029 Mars "We are planning an intervention." "Where?" "That brown planet next to us.”

Saffron and Green fell in love in the colour kingdom. Human world never let them meet. They belonged to different "Religions".

11:15 PM He sends her a message. 11:16 PM Single tick, he waits……

12:00 AM Double tick, he remains online. Finally at 4 AM, the ‘blue’ ticks send him to sleep.

Foreign land, new people, she moves around in high spirits remembering Ma’s words “Whole

world is your home.” Until few critical eyes turn towards her, “Black” she hears them say. She misses her childhood, BLACK was then just a colour!!

“How’s everything, my dear? Does he keep you well?”

“Yes, Ma, he loves me a lot.” She said. The blues and purple on her body told a different story!!

16 December Peshawar “What’s Red colour symbolic of ,Ammi?” Rehan asked as he got ready for school.

“Love, my dear.”Ammi caresses his hair. In the evening, the red smeared on his class’s blackboard; proved Ammi wrong!

“You belong to Saffron religion and I to green”, said one friend to another. “But, we both have RED blood, don’t we, brother?” replied the other friend.

She looked at the mirror which showed her grey locks. Signs of losing beauty, decay, and

ageing and she has to gracefully accept it.

For hopes and aspirations that never die, For wings that aspire to fly. A ray of hope that glitters her gloomy sky; That she will shine against all odds, To turn the dark into a colourful sky.

A REMARKABLE INITIATIVE!

NSS VILLAGE CAMP 2016 NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME, SRCC participated in the Special Village Camp organised by the NSS Centre, Delhi University along with 3 other DU colleges from 23rd March- 27th March, 2016. The camp was organised at Bhagini Nivedita College located near the two target villages of Kair and Mitraon.

There were approximately 50 volunteers from each college making it an enthusiastic group of 200 volunteers willing to work in the rural areas of Delhi.

The activities included door-to-door interaction with the villagerson a variety of issues such as government health and education related policies, women safety,

employment opportunities, family planning, technology, etc. The interaction fulfilled twin objectives of undertaking a survey while at the same time educating the villagers regarding the above mentioned issues.

Besides this, plantation and cleanliness drives were undertaken, street plays addressing the issue of sanitation and cleanliness were performed, rallies to spread awareness regarding drug/alcohol abuse were also organised.

In a nutshell, the Village Camp made all the volunteers realise the need to reduce the huge communication gap that lies between the rural belt and the Government. On the other hand, everyone was equally surprised to have found a good number of educated, open-minded villagers who appreciated every effort undertaken and co-operated whole-heartedly with the volunteers. The Village Camp proved to be a great learning experience and an effective platform to work more closely with the rural segment of the country!!

NSS EXECUTIVES SPEAK

PROJECT SANSKAR HEAD

SHIVANGI SINHA My tenure as Project Sanskar Head has been one of the most fulfilling experiences so far. Not only has it brought me an opportunity to deal with the issue of illiteracy at the grassroot level but has also made me more sensitive towards the kids and the society in general. What I take back from NSS cannot be described into words, but to put it briefly, it has made me a better, a more responsible person and has given me a close knit of friends whom I will cherish forever.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT WING HEAD

NAMRATA PAHWA NSS has been a beautiful journey that is difficult to express in words. The whole experience with NSS taught me the true meaning of life. It’s not easy to survive in a world that is full of selfishness and hatred. But being a part of NSS, you get to live a life of a transformer, a life that can work to make a difference, a life that doesn't think before lending a helping hand to a needy. Being the head of the Women Empowerment Wing was as challenging as being a woman. In my time with NSS, I have attained a sense of understanding for the sufferings of the society. I owe a hearty thanks to NSS for giving me this lifetime opportunity and I hope to carry the NSS legacy wherever I go.

SOCIAL SUPPORT WING HEAD

NIKITA AGGARWAL While heading the social support wing I noticed some changes in my life. I have grown as a person. I know they are not so major that I can boast about them, but it’s just about the feeling that matters. Suddenly my life seemed very valuable to me. When I saw less fortunate people struggling everyday in their lives, I came to know how well off and lucky I am! The satisfaction I got by impacting their lives in little ways

can't be explained. I had many such experiences working as a part of NSS which have made a remarkable impact and will always be remembered!!

CULTURAL WING HEAD

SUMEDHA GUPTA I have been associated with NSS for almost two years now and the jou

rney has been a memorable one. It all started in 2014 when I was cho

sen to be one of the Project Sanskar volunteers. No matter how my da

y went, teaching children always made me happy and brought about

a sense of satisfaction I have made some great friends through NSS, learnt a lot from not only my seniors but also my peers and most importantly, I have grown as a person. NSS is the only student- run organisation in the college which is active throughout the year and I take great pride in the fact that I am associated with it.

ENVIRONMENT WING HEAD DEBASMITA KAR "I don't want to protect the environment; I want to create a world where the environment doesn't need protection” Every year, all over the world, third weekend of September is celebrated as "Clean the World Campaign." Last year, our college too witnessed a similar campaign which was carried out by the volunteers of Environment Wing, NSS on 18th-19th September, 2015. Being the Environment Wing Head, my responsibility towards our environment has tremendously increased. The environment is where we all meet; where we all have mutual interest; it is that one thing which all of us share! I feel fortunate enough to have associated with NSS.

SOCIAL HEALTH WING HEAD UTKARSH AGRAWAL The social health wing of NSS, SRCC strives to cater to the well being of the society by organising free eye check-up camps, blood donation camps, and spreading awareness about various health issues in the society. Being the head of this wing was truly an enriching experience. I

myself have realised the importance of being healthy and at the same time keeping our environment clean.

Above all, NSS has helped me grow as a person and has made me responsible!

SAVE YOUTH WING HEAD AYUSH GOLCHHA It is always challenging when you are working with a team which is so much diversified. But, the positive part of it is that it gives you confidence. It inculcates the leadership skills. Organising freeze mob on DENGUE and flash mob on ACCEPTANCE OF THE HIJRA COMMUNITY in the society, which received immense popularity among the students of our college, were the major events that took place under SAVE YOUTH wing. I thank all my wing members for being with me always. I would like to thank each and every person associated with NSS!!

CREATIVE HEAD SHALINI KUSHWAH NSS has been an enriching experience for me. It has been a journey of selfless service. Being a volunteer of NSS and then the creative head, it gave me a sense of responsibility, confidence and an opportunity to contribute to society by doing what I am good at- Art. NSS has become a part of my life, it has helped me to grow as a person. I will try to keep doing the good work and with the same passion!

CREATIVE HEAD SWATI GOYAL NSS is a synonym of sharing happiness, love and hopes. It has given me ample opportunities whether it being using my simple habit of drawing and painting to delivering valuable messages to society, recording books for blinds, teaching poor kids and learning how easy it is to bring smile on an innocent face. It gives immense pleasure and contentment to one’s soul when one does something for a good cause and NSS is all about that!! I am really proud to be a part and parcel of NSS!

SPONSORSHIP HEAD NEHA LINGA The experience of heading the sponsorship wing of NSS has been prodigious for me! One of the distinguishing features of this wing is that, no matter how much hard work you put in, success is not guaranteed. And, as a head, you are not only supposed to deal with it with utmost patience and optimism yourself, but also nurture the same in your team members. I thank all my volunteers for not giving up till the end, and for making the otherwise monotonous cold calling and field trips a cherishable experience. I would also like to thank my heads for their constant support and guidance.

PROJECT VISHWAS HEAD

NAVYA KHURANA

Project Vishwas, NSS has been more than just any other position of responsibility for me. It has been a journey, from being a planner to the initiator of a change in the perception of the people. The only thing with which our team had to counter all the problems was the vision to sow the seed of a vision which might turn into something great and worthwhile in future. I always had this dream of being remembered for my work after I leave the college. I think Project Vishwas is that work. So, as the head of Project Vishwas, my experience can be summed up in two lines:

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep But I have promises to keep And miles to go before I sleep..

PROJECT VISHWAS HEAD ALISHA RATHOR There’s a motive behind every happening, it may be to teach us or motivate us or guide us. NSS does it all, being a part of the NSS Team 2015-2016, I can say that this is the best bunch of people I have known in SRCC. From fights to fun, from confusions to solutions, from nice memories to stressed out situations, one gets to share a blend of circumstances here. The guiding principle “In your

happiness, we find our own ’’ appears to be simple initially, but the devotion and commitment these words demand can be understood only by a member of NSS. It has been a wonderful journey with NSS and these memories in my heart are always going to be cherished throughout!!

TECHNICAL WING HEAD

CHAHAT GUPTA

Being a part of the technical team made me realise how important even minute things are when a message is sent across, through posters or otherwise, to the people through social media. Choosing backgrounds, font styles, designs, templates has made me critical to all the tech stuff I come across. Also I'm glad that the tech team has assisted every other social unit of NSS in all its endeavours. I am proud to be a part of NSS.

Editorial BOARD 2015-16

EDITOR: HIMANSHU AHUJA CO-EDITOR: STUTI MOHAN

A.SWATHI ANKITA V. PARIKH AROMA

PARAS SHRIDHER

MADHURIMA KHOSLA

GOURI GARG FATHIMA REZWAN

DIVYA TIBREWAL BISHAKHA BARMAN BHAWNA BHUSHAN

SUGANDH BHATIA

SAUMYA SHREE SRIVASTAVA RAVIJA SHARMA