Rose day organised by college students Credit: Alternate Self

Love ‘aaj kal’ is no more veer-zaara types. One changing his/her partner is as normal as changing their cell phone model. One moment a person logs into social networking sites like facebook, myspace or orkut, he/she finds that his/her friend is in a relationship. But the very next moment that person gets the shocking news of his/her fallout. All of us are living fast track lives, all are in a hurry to just hook-up with someone, no matter how that person is, not realizing if he/she is actually made for us or not. Is that the insecurity of ending up single, that forces us to get into a relationship?

Let’s find out what do the youngsters within the age group of 15-23 years have to say about relationships. How important is being in a relationship? Aarti Sharma, a medical student says, “The feeling of being in a relationship is unique. Who doesn’t want to be pampered? But yeah! It has become a trend of ‘on and off relationships’ these days”. Hadiya Majid, a BDS final year student says, ”Well, it’s not very important to have someone in your life. There is a certain age at which you can think of getting into a relationship. Breaking up and making up is a sign of immaturity. When you are not sure about your relationship, then why get into one?” Sakshi Singh, an intermediate student says, “It’s very fine for any two people in love, to be in a relationship. It’s standing up and saying to the world, ‘Hey that’s my love!’ It’s all about being there for each other, no matter what the world says”. Rahul, a Mass Communication student says, “I always had a girlfriend since my seventh grade. In fact I always waited for a new girlfriend before breaking up with the old one. For the past eight months I have been single and I am having a blast right now. You don’t need a girlfriend to stay happy”. Kalyani. A says, “Relationships are special moments together. You share your secrets, laugh together, cry together, make promises and say ’sorry’ a million times. These moments bring up smile on one’s face and make one feel loved”.

Single Ladies Credit: Alternate Self

Alisha Merchant, a BDS 3^rd year, says, “Commitment is very important in a relationship. Few people get into relationships just because they think it’s cool to be in one.”
“Being single is all the more fun. You have all the freedom, and you can always hangout and have fun with your girl friends. Being in a relationship gives you a secure feeling and makes you feel loved and cared, and makes you more confident as an individual. Personally I do not like break-ups, nobody does. One can always handle the relationship with maturity instead of ending it there”, says Adhiraj Singh, a B.Tech multimedia student. Balaji says, “Relationships change your perspective towards the world. They make you feel special and everything around you more beautiful”. Here is what Akhila Sagar, a dental student, has to say, “A relationship means loving your partner. Some people just love the whole idea of being in love.  If two people understand each other, then they should go ahead and be in a relationship. It’s ‘hip’ to be in a relationship. Break-ups are sad, but it’s okay if there is no love and respect left for each other in the relationship.”

In today’s fast paced life, what one needs is a stable relationship, a reliable partner to fall back upon. But because of lack of time, one does not give enough attention to working on the relationship. It’s very common for youngsters to get into a relationship, be it a serious one or not. Everybody likes it initially, as it is exciting, but with time the excitement fades away and reality comes into play. That’s where one gets to know if their partner really loves them or not.

Our hectic schedules also play a major role in hampering our relationships. One becomes more frustrated and vents out his/her anger on his/her partner. Mood swings, low tolerance levels, fast paced lives and the desire of trying out newer things are the reasons for most of the break-ups. Its cool to tell others how many ex’s one has had. A person gets into a relationship when he/she feels the need for the special care and concern and once their partner fails to give the same amount of love and importance, they decide to end it there. Sometimes youngsters are so indecisive that they make up after breaking up. There is a rise in the number of ‘on and off relationships’ these days. Such relationships are termed ‘unhealthy’. Love isn’t a switch that one switches on when they want to enjoy the beauty of the relationship and switches off when he/she thinks it’s just not the same feeling anymore.

Gang of girls having a good time Credit: Bhagyashree Deoda

Why can’t one face one’s status of being single? Is it peer pressure? Events like rose day and prom nights organized in colleges mainly for couples build up pressure in college goers to have a boyfriend/girlfriend, because all their friends have a boyfriend/girlfriend except them. Break-ups are saddening and depressing. Sometimes it becomes very difficult to let go as certain memories stay longer, even after the relationship has ended. Break-ups remind an individual of his/her shortcomings, make one feel uncertain about future and give him/her a ‘loser’ kind of a feeling for failing to maintain the relationship. Sometimes it’s no control upon oneself or rather, getting attracted to every new person you meet, that makes one head towards a break-up and switch their partners.

Every relation has its ups and downs. Relationships are a roller coaster ride of emotions. All of us like being in love. It’s always nice to have someone who loves you, cares for you and believes in you. Believing in fairytales isn’t wrong, but expecting your life to turn out into one is. What matters is whether you are commited or single, enjoy the moment and life will surely rock!

PDA – good or bad? : “It’s like asking whether a chocolate is good or bad,” says Krushita Adhia from Villa Marie College. “It’s good!” agrees Gunjan Ashtaputre, an applied arts student from JNA&FAU. While some think of it in a little different way. “Its good, but only to a certain extent,” says Priyanka Pereira, a student from Medicity Institute of Medical Sciences.  “Its good, if two people are comfortable enough to express their affection for each other without pissing any one off,” says Ajit Newton a student from JNA&FAU. Where as Charan Panchawati from C.V.R College of Engineering says, “It depends on how one perceives it. When we talk of public display of affection, we usually visualize a couple getting cozy. And we do that with a grey-haired mindset. How is ‘public display of affection’ between a mother and her baby any different than what we scorn about?”

Comfort level while showing PDA: “Personally, I wouldn’t go too public with display of affection,” says Fatima Hasan of JNA&FAU. “I’m pretty comfortable wit PDA, but I do need to keep in mind the sensitivities of the people around. We live in a multi cultural conservative society. I’ll definitely keep it in a limit,” says Ajit Newton. “My comfort level would depend on the crowd and surroundings,” says Sucharita Rao, a photography student from JNA&FAU. “I would be uncomfortable if I am in the picture,” says Gunjan.”

Caught in the act! Credits: Whacked out Brain

Reactions towards others showing PDA: “Live and let live,” says Fatima with a smirk. “If it makes me uncomfortable, I walk away,” she continues. ”There’s a couple in my friend circle. They do a lot of PDA, but after a certain extent, we do get suffocated,” quips Priyanka a fine arts students from JNTU.  “Well, I feel it should be a private affair. Why do people have to display their affections publicly when this is something so personal between two people?” says Divya Gupta, a student from St.Francis College for Women. “It jus shows that they are close. I would mind my own business,” says Ajit a JNTU Arts College student. “I’m not ok with random strangers indulging in PDA on roads or parks and shady cinema halls for that matter. I feel everyone should have a cultural and an aesthetic sense of displaying their attentions to someone else in public,” says Anshul Jain from Villa Marie College with a hint of distaste!

Where to draw the line? : “Hugging and pecks are okay. Rest can be branded as outrageous!” says Charan with a grin. “A person, who indulges in PDA, doesn’t give a damn about the culture and social tolerance. He\she is a bird minded person, so I don’t think there are any lines to draw,” says Gunjan. “Whatever one does, the most important aspect is decency that one has to maintain when in public, things should not get indecent,” says Vivek Durgam, a graphic design student from IACG.

Are political fanatics over reacting? : “Yes, I believe that political fanatics are going a bit overboard with this. They are attacking the couples even if they are spending quality time with each other,” says Vivek. “These so called ‘moral policemen’, who claim that PDA demoralizes the society and traditions, are nothing but goons who can’t tackle real social problems. I think there are bigger moral and social issues apart from PDA to be taken care of,” says Ajit. “Yes, they are over reacting pretty much about this issue. Isn’t this a free nation for God’s sake?” says Charan.

Is there any such thing as an appropriate place or an inappropriate place? : “Of course there is! You cannot compare Jubilee Hills and Lad Bazaar!” says Priyanka with a rush! “Yes there are, because you can’t change the popular disapproval for PDA” says Sucharita in agreement. “All the places where general crowd (especially families and children) come are absolutely inappropriate for PDA. Appropriate places would be where only couples are allowed,” says Vivek. A few people do think otherwise though. “Affection is something which comes from heart. There is no appropriate or inappropriate place to express it,” says Krushita.

Made for each other. Credits: Whacked out Brain

Personal opinions about PDA : “Let everybody do what they want to, there are times in life that won’t come back (EVER),” says Gunjan. “I’ll say when in Rome do as the Romans do! I can show my affection in ‘n’ numbers of ways, public display of affection is just one!” gushes Sucharita. “It wouldn’t be smart to kiss your boyfriend in front of your Dad! Or anyone else for that matter! Cultural limits should be followed. Our society is conservative and hence, if elders do not approve of certain things, it isn’t necessary to do it in front of them in the name of being forward or modernizing!” rushes Fatima! “It’s how you define and perceive it. Somewhere deep down, everyone likes displaying their love. And by everyone, I mean to say it’s even the grey-haired. After all, it was their generation which made movies where the hero and the heroine run into each other’s embrace in the climax!” concludes Charan.

Tormenting for those who show it and irksome for those who see it, PDA is something which happens everywhere. It’s an expression of love by a mother to a child or by a Romeo to his Juliet (there are Tarzans and Janes too!). However big the generation gap may be, affection means the very same to all the people, be it the grey haired or the streaked red! Express your love, but don’t get too excited while doing it was the unanimous opinion of Hyderabad’s youth.

How younger would have THAT 60 year-old sovereign nation been?

Right to Equality

“There’s always a cold war between the ‘front-benchers’ and the ‘back-benchers’ in our class,” says Srikanth Mangipudi, a EEE student of CVR college of Engineering. Well, this is just a swanky version of the nerd-punk fights. None of them consider the other clan to be each other’s equals! This is when the ‘Ri8 to equality’ (Well, it’s a free nation even for the spellings!) comes in. In Youngistan, one might as well see an all-pierced-gone-gothic girl doing math along with a spectacled-bookwormish nerd!

And the best part would be that one would never ever say, “I got the toughest set this time,” as Srinivas Kamesh did after battling his Power Systems paper this externals. This is because, as per the ‘ri8,’ there’d simply be no sets at all!

For Attendance, To Attendence, By Attendance? Credit: Wording Noise

Right to Freedom

The classes would be chaotic no more; the teachers wouldn’t have to shell out salaries in appointing a personal psychotherapist, and even the class aggregate would shoot up drastically! Sounds utopian? Well, not in Youngistan! Here, the rule of 75 per cent attendance wouldn’t exist at all!  “Of course the 75 per cent attendance thing is curbing our right to freedom!” cries out Parvathi, an Hons. Student from Bhavan’s Degree College, on being asked if this is the case. But in Youngistan, the grumbling bunches who take to disturbing the class, as a revolt of their ‘imprisonment,’ are free-birds, and so are the ones who are REALLY interested the lectures. One can feel free to fly either side.

Right to Freedom from Exploitation

On being asked how many fundamental rights the citizens of India have, the whole number line was emptied. “With respect to what?” Vamsi Krishna, a third year student of CVR College of Engineering, counter-questioned. “I suppose it is seven,” guessed Snigdha Ravali Kanchi, a fourth year student of GNITS. And she was the only one who came the closest to giving the right answer before she googled it and corrected her answer to six. Considering that THIS is the situation, the right to freedom from exploitation in Youngistan would not be IN the constitution, but it’d be FOR the constitution; to protect the constitution itself from a little too boisterously free country!

Youngistan's Very Own Google. Credit: Wording Noise

Right to Freedom of Religion

To all of Youngistan, there’s one favorite line. “Music is my religion,” Karthik reiterates the same. “Life without music is like being deaf,” he adds. The riots, if any, rage only in the concerts. Each genre of music is a belief; a creed. And this phenomenon is too rampant to curb it down. In Youngistan, the right to religion brings people together than creating differences.

Cultural and Educational Rights

Well, empowering the Youngistan with educational rights might be a blessing-in-disguise to someone else too. The spectrum series All-In-Ones might as well cruise past Google for the client base it’d have! And the cultural rights would pave way for new genres of the already hybrid culture of the young. This would only mean more colours, more celebrations and best of all, more holidays!

Right to Constitutional Remedies

“Just because we were given holidays for bandh declared by someone, it is not justified to conduct classes even on Sundays!” opines Sowmya, a third year B.Com Honors student of Bhavan’s Degree College. “We feel imprisoned as the college goes on till 4:30 or 5 o’ clock in the evening. This is not fair at all!” laments Shailaja, a third year student of the same college. Had it only been Youngistan, this could have been a reason enough to file a case in a court of law for violation of your right to freedom!

A Youngistan might never happen but at least, one, won’t hopefully fumble when someone asks about the fundamental rights this time, which was the purpose of penning this zany article.

Belated Republic day wishes to all the readers!

Intriguing reasons, as also distinct predictions drawn from the realms of history involving mystics, thinkers and erudite people from diverse civilizations and ages who believed that the earth would be ‘calling it a day’ sometime in the 21^st century, and the later day predictions and astronomical calculations by some proving ‘21^st Dec. 2012’ to be the day that marks the end of life on this planet.

On the other hand, there have been counter-claims by people across the globe refuting proclamations of the ‘demise of all life on earth on the given date’ as mere moonshine! The most imposing prophecies are based on the ‘Mayan Calendar’, ‘I Ching’, ‘Nostradamus’ and a variety of other scientific reasoning that have been put-forth of late.

The ‘Mayan civilization’ dating back to 250-900 A.D was among the very few ancient but advanced civilizations that have flourished on this planet till date. “The Mayan Calendar ends by the 21^st of December 2012 quite obviously marking the end of the world” they pronounce. The “I Ching”, a Chinese mythological work known to be the ‘Book of Changes’ had no different predictions either! Calculations therein reveal that the ‘world’s end is inevitable’ however, and by whatever means. There were more theories, and prophecies of Nostradamus – that the world was feared to end by the devastating effects of an imminent ‘World War III’.

Much Ado About The Mystery! Credit:Champions Dialect

Other theories and assumptions include – geometric reversal of poles which ultimately results in massive solar flare, planet Nibura colliding against the planet earth, Black hole alignment and also the Web-bot project, all of which infer one common thing… “Dooms day 2012”- A simple yet horrendous statement by all means.

Now we witness the infamous movie ‘2012-An apocalyptic tale’ by Roland Emerich (a renowned film maker of fiction) hogging the whole limelight of the day while depicting the end of the world by the year 2012. The only consolation for the movie viewers was that, a small chunk of the world’s population did manage to escape the disaster and land in safety at the fag end of the movie, thanks to the secret spaceships! (One wonders if any such secret spaceships exist for real!)

“Now, does that dwell on the imaginative young minds over here? Do the youth really care for this phenomenon?” is what VY tried to find out, seeking the views of a handful of people. And here’s what these young people had to say when were asked of, if they really feared the life to cease its existence on a sooner date.

“Chance that the world ends based just on the few facts cited is vague at best, and  there’s much more that is bound to happen (not all that should happen!), if at all there has to be a dramatic end to the world!” opines Keerthi, a 4^th yr student of KITS University.

“If only predictions were to be believed and acted upon, the world wouldn’t have been such a chaotic one as is to-day!” says Ravi, a graduating student, condemning all such pronouncements at the moment.

“I believe the world could soon face its end given the fact that it is overwhelmed by the callous indifference of people to many life-threatening issues like the ever-deteriorating climatic changes, irresponsible nuclear usage, vandalism of natural resources… It’s all nothing short of self-destruction! I will be surprised in the least if this supposedly bizarre prophecy actually occurring on the predicted date”, exclaims ManMohan, student of Aurora’s Engineering College.

Theatrical Or Real? Credit: Champions Dialect

VY: Did you hear anything related to this surreal phenomenon any time before viewing the movie 2012?

Sravan, a BIET student says “Yes! I avidly watched videos on Doomsday on websites when I was told of this by one of my friends. Initially I was amused, but now after having seen a few of the best videos on the net, I am a trifle bemused.”

There have been counter-claims by a majority of rationally inclined people who say “things like ‘doomsday’ are implausible and that life would not cease to exist any time in the foreseeable future. Just that one could expect a lot of hitherto un-dreamt of events and transformations taking place, but certainly not the ultimate end of all life in this universe.”

Going on a flip-side take, VY also asked this interesting question and received a few confused, dubious but yet, interesting view points.

VY: What if the world is believed to end by 2012?
“I would go on long rides on a pair of fast wheels as time now moves on the faster alleys of life!” says Vikraant, a biking enthusiast (read maniac), a student of GNEC.

Watch For The Big Day! Credit: Champions Dialect

Shruti, BIET student chuckles saying, “If it’s the end that’s really pouncing, then it’s got to be party time till the end, by all means! Sounds strange? Ah! But yes, as time runs out, every day ought to be a ‘New Year day’! Shan’t it?”

There’ve been many exhilarating and intriguing histories and mysteries in the vast past like the Bermuda triangle, the Egyptian mummies etc. but the doomsday phenomenon had certainly been, and will be a daunting, yet a talking point till the end of the year 2012.

2012-An apocalyptic ‘tale’ has certainly put enough ‘tails’ on fire. But not quite enough though, with a vast number of people not moving their cold-feet, but saying “discussions and predictions on the doomsday are all but to make a fortune of quick buck, making up tales and movies!”

And there! The ‘2012-An apocalyptic tale’ by Roland Emerich is searing the theatre screens!

Whether or not to take on the doomsday with ‘a pinch of salt’ is all left to you and me. So stay tuned till the time ticks past 2012! Amen!

It took a great deal of bureaucratic and military influence to form the Indian Republic, as the princely states of Hyderabad, Kashmir and also other places such as Goa, Pondicherry were made a part of a single nation. Back in the 1940’s and 50’s the government of India divided states on the basis of language spoken in the region and formed 25 states. After 50 years 3 new states were formed namely Jharkhand, Uttarkhand and Chhatisgarh in, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh respectively. But the recent protests carried out by Telagana Rashtriya Samiti(TRS) party and the fast by K Chandrashekar Rao, belonging to Karimnagar district of Andhra Pradesh, resurfaced a very old underlying problem of Indian politics which involved the suppressing of demands of common man. In this case the demand was clear, formation of a separate Telangana State out of Andhra Pradesh. What started as a political move eventually took a new phase as students across the state joined hands and created uproar across the nation and made their voice heard. Students of Kakatiya University and Osmania University mainly belonging to the ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidya Parishad) came out in favor of TRS party and demanded the formation of separate Telangana State. It wasn’t long before the state had to face with several Bandhs, Curfews and even implication of Section 144 under constitution of India which bans organizing any group meetings or moving in groups in the regions under this rule.

Students Woes vs Ministers Vehicle. Credit: Rediff.com

Finally, on the night of 9th December the resolution to form a separate state of Telangana was accepted by the ruling party. It was then that the real problem had surfaced, as the very next day, many political parties staged protests against the government’s decision and several MLA’s resigned in protest. The larger affect of the agitation in Andhra Pradesh had an even more profound effect as people from the other states wanted their demands met as well.  Following the chain is another group in the West Bengal region of Darjeeling, which is on an endless fast demanding for a separate state called GORKHA LAND and according to them their demand is a whooping 102years old, older than our constitution or even our Independence. What strikes a fear of chaos in our nation is the list of the following states which demand separate states as well, the following list is just a glimpse of the real larger picture: lGreater Rayalseema – Andhra Pradesh lGorkha Land – West Bengal lHarit Pradesh – Uttar Pradesh lBhojpur – Uttar Pradesh Bihar lBundhelkhand – Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh lPurvanchal – Uttar Pradesh lVidarbha – Maharastra lCoorg- Karnataka lKhalistan – Punjab lMahacoshal – Orissa lBodoland- Assam lSaurashtra – Gujrat lMithilanchal – Bihar and also the grant of state hood to Delhi and Poducherry which currently are Union Territories. That makes it an approximate of 15 new states, making it a total of 45 states in India.

Telangana Formation. Credits: Sepiamutiny.com

Revathi, a student in her final year tells us she is still unclear behind the need of separate states and the endless protests causing so much of confusion in general public, who seem to be unaware of why public properties like buses, trains and other infra structure which are run by the taxes paid by them are blown into pieces or damaged in these mad-fights.

Adding to the list of people who don’t understand the reason behind these protests is Manish, who tells “First these people damage public properties and when additional taxes are levied, prices of essential commodities increase eventually to compensate for the loss they caused,which inevitably sparks a new protest against the increase of taxes. This seems like an endless vicious circle, which has no end but in its way spoils the society”.

When the college going students were asked to comment on the current issue there was a mixed reaction with half of them being happy with the unexpected holidays, and the latter half were worried with the exams getting postponed and the smallest group of students were scared of the aftermath of formation of a separate Telangana.

The line “UNITED WE STAND DIVIDED WE FALL” is more than justified to conclude here.

Basically, it’s the VJs and the hosts of the channels that really matter, as most of the viewers say that they only watch a particular show/channel, if and only if the person hosting it is good and knows his/her job. MTV tops the list of the favorite channels of the youth. Shows like ‘ROADIES’, ’SPLITSVILLA’, ’ROCK ON’ are probably the most followed and loved reality shows currently being aired on television. “We discuss Roadies and Splitsvilla during our class hours. Who cares about the class?” say Vinay Ausekar and his friend Shabbir, who follow even the repeat telecasts of the programs with keen interest. Now…what’s keeping these youngsters hooked to such channels? “Well, the first thing is, the whole atmosphere and the mood of these channels is so young and realistic that I can easily connect myself with them,” says Susheel Kumar, a 3rd year B.Tech student. Then, the whole presence of the super cool VJs, hosts who are all in their prime makes it relatively easy for the students/audience to connect themselves with these channels. Hosts like Rannvijay, Ayushman, Bani, Raghu, Anushka, and Nikhil Chinnappa are the most sought after VJs of MTV.

Rock on @ MTV. Credits: Insanity Personified

“Raghu sucks dude. He’s conceited and is full of attitude,” opines Shiva, a 1st year B.Tech student who makes it clear that Raghu is probably the most hated host in the channel for his outspokenness and his behavior, which many agree, is quite arrogant. Also, the fun quotient of the channel is at an all time high almost throughout the day. The Tickr is quite a big hit on MTV. What’s a TICKR?- It’s the small *multi-colored* strip crawling at the bottom of your TV screen. It has info, news, stupidity and a whole lotta mad quotient. One liners like, Q) When not to say “Oh My God…!” A.) When you get to know that Metallica and Pankaj Udhas have collaborated together for a new Rock Band. The above one liner was an excerpt from the Tickr which ran a few days ago and was widely appreciated for its jokes and witty one liners. “I just love the Tickr, wonder from where the people who make up such jokes get the ideas from?” says Harshini, a 4th year student, elaborating on its significance owing to the spectacular success of the Tickr, which has never repeated any of its jokes till date.

“My favorite channel is VH1. It has a great collection of international songs and the live concerts aired on it are out of the world,” are the words of Rohit Negi, a 3rd year student of Ace Engineering College. This is another channel which has garnered quite a lot of popularity within a very short span of time. The channel has cashed in on the growing popularity of the western music in India in the recent times. The popularity of bands like Linkin Park, Green Day, Creed, Coldplay in India is unquestionable. This channel has quite a hold on the pulse of the youngsters, and airs exactly the songs which are the current rage. “Every time I fell like watching a favorite video of mine, I put on this channel… and Hey Presto, that very song gets aired in a few minutes,” says Tejasvi, a 3rd year E.C.E student who says he is hooked to this channel from the moment he goes home. The recent concert of Enrique Iglesias had everyone stuck to their T.V screens and many students feel that they would have probably spent hours and hours searching for that concert on ‘YouTube’ had it not been for VH1. The VJs and hosts are also quite fine, and many snippets and facts about Hollywood stars and rock stars are also aired on the channel from time to time. The latest releases of popular artistes, bands are played on the channel almost immediately after its launch making it a must watch channel for music maniacs and music lovers alike.

The ultimate Roadie - Nauman with his twin, Salman. Credits: Roadies file picture

Probably, the reason why these channels connected such a chord with the youngsters is because none of them are staged or are created in a ‘make-belief kind of atmosphere. The participants of reality shows like Roadies, Rock on, Teen diva, etc are people from the crowd one can hang out with. One can actually feel the hardships, humiliation, jubilation the participants of a reality show experience, first hand. Many people literally wanted to change the task, the participants of Roadies-6 had to face, where they had to drink 3-4 glasses of extremely foul tasting milkshakes and had to climb on a ride of a merry go round after which they ultimately threw up. The participant who managed to climb the most number of rides without throwing up was declared the winner. This was a particularly nasty experience both for the viewers and the participants and it was quite amusing to note that many people imagine themselves in the shoes of the participants and really sympathize with them for what lies ahead. This is what channels like MTV, Channel [V], Colors, etc have done to capture the imagination of the audience. Zeroing in on the teens and youth, and making the channels click is a commendable feat to have achieved, as the teens and the youth won’t give a channel/program a second glance if they don’t find it up to their liking when they come across it for the first time. It therefore, requires a lot of creativity, patience, innovative ideas to ensure that the channel holds the attention of the viewer for a minimum span of time.”The main reason why I like the channels MTV, Channel [V], are because they are totally devoid of aunties and uncles. The whole cast, crew and the team of the channels is people in their 20s or 30s, making it easier for us to feel at home with their lingo,” says Sidharth, a student of Ace Engineering College. Also, the usage of the words youth, young, etc has become a major USP of these popular channels with MTV starting a show called “Wassup Youngistan?” striking a rapport with almost everyone in their youth.
The advertisements, movie promos, Vjs, hosts and everyone associated with the channel are such that they magnetically attract the major chunk of the target audience i.e. the audience of the younger generation towards it. Thanks to such kinds of channels and shows, the teenagers and youth are no longer shy to admit that they watch television programs which were a bit of a taboo a few years earlier, where television programs were meant only for the housewives and the middle aged people. The generation of today proudly watches and also discusses about the latest developments in their favorite shows on the telly without casting furtive glances over their shoulders to make sure they aren’t being heard, thus making it absolutely clear that youngsters are ready to watch television channels if and only if the content of the channel is good enough to hold their attention and won’t bore them.

The month of September in 2009 is the month that has the highest number of festivals in it. With a jaw dropping total of a 43 festivals were lined up throughout the month, sometimes two festivals are celebrated on the same day. One would be surprised to note that some obscure festivals like Amongamong festival, Aranmula Vallamkali, Brea Utsav, Chappar Mela, Heikru Hitongba, Kallaji fair, Karni Mata Mela, Kisan Mela, Manarcad Perunnal, Sodal Mela and Vallarpadam Perunnal are also celebrated with much pomp and splendor in some parts of India.

Hyderabad boasts of the majestic 42 feet high Matsya Ganesha at Khairtabad, who stands tall with the idol of Sri Dattatreya! Credits: Candy Floss

“We, the members of Teach For India, a service oriented Literary Organization covered a total of 7 small villages and requested the elders and the Gram Panchayats of every village to start new schools on the 8^th of September, 2009, which happens to be the International Literacy Day. We approached some of the parents and pleaded with them to let their wards continue their education after middle school. The response was quite encouraging and we hope to make a difference at the national level,” informs Rebecca Noecker, the Special Program Development Associate, Teach For India. Anybody interested in joining this organization and becoming an employee by teaching in rural schools for primary classes can contact Rebecca at Rebecca.noecker@teachforindia.org or could directly contact the office at “Thermax House”, 14, Mumbai–Pune Road, Wakdewadi, Maharashtra 411003. The contact numbers are +912066051381 (Office) and +9637312747 (Mobile). “The International Literacy Day was full of fun and frolic for us bloggers too! We met up at self organized and self funded parties and made it a memorable day,” chirps Avni Chari, a student of Law from NALSAR University, Hyderabad and an avid blogger.

“We had a blast at college on the World Engineers’ Day on September 15^th, 2009! We caught up with our seniors and it was almost like a tech fest in the campus. It was more like a festival for all of us, considering the fact that more than half the Engineering colleges of India are located in Andhra Pradesh,” smiles Vasavi, a third year Computer Science student from GNITS. “World Engineer’s Day is celebrated every year on the 15^th of September on the occasion of the birthday anniversary of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya, one of the most outstanding engineers of all time. And we pay our due respects to him even today,” seconds Niharika, a Mechanical Engineering student from CBIT. Several Eco Clubs from various colleges, the Rotaract and the Rotary Clubs of various districts, the Andhra Pradesh Environment Connect (APEC), the youth wings like the IYCN (Indian Youth Climate Network) and many NGOs like Helping Hands for All, Spoorthi and the Blue Cross had come forward to celebrate and spread the word of the International Ozone Day on the 16^th of September, 2009.

Goddess Durga sits majestically in a pandal! Credits: Candy Floss

This joyous festive season would seem totally incomplete without the mention of the most important festivals like the Ganesh Chaturthi, the holy festival of Ramzan, the much awaited Dusshera and the sparkling Diwali. Hyderabad is famous for celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with loads of sweets and savories and especially since India’s tallest Ganesh Idol, the Khairtabad Ganesh, is housed here, it’s all the more dear to Hyderabadis. Clay and mud Ganesh Idols which are environment friendly ruled the roost this season. The special attraction to this year’s Vinayak Chavithi was the Big Paper Ganesha installed by BIG 92.7 FM on the first floor at Prasad’s Multiplex, Necklace Road. “The BIG Paper Ganesha is the first of it’s kind in the country and is such a wonderful creation! Initially, we didn’t have many expectations but on seeing the Ganesha, we realized it is breathtakingly beautiful! It drew the attention of such a huge crowd that all my friends and I had to forego college for a day just to get a glimpse of it! It must have been such a Herculean task for the makers to make it as appealing as the Ganeshas in Plaster of Paris,” opines Manasa, a student of SVIT and a curious onlooker, who visited the idol inspite of getting totally drenched in the rain! “These festive seasons prove to be a boost to our profits since there are many takers for our special dishes and pure ghee sweets. Dusshera and Diwali are the main festivals when our profits are at their peak,” affirms Mr. Dinakar, an employee of Pulla Reddy Sweets, Begumpet. “The entire festival of Ganesh Chaturthi went on smoothly. We got to gorge on loads of appetizing delicacies like the traditional Pulihora, Paayasam and Kudumulu and got to decorate various Ganesh pandals. We were excited about the Nimarjan since we could step into our dancing shoes and dance to the jhakhaas snake dance and teen-maar numbers, when we received the unfortunate news of the tragic death of our Chief Minister, Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhar Reddy,” informs a dejected Sindhu, a student of 10^th grade.

The auspicious month of Ramadan is definitely not to be forgotten in this

Hyderabad's pride - lip smacking Ramadan special Haleem! Credits: Srikanth

aspect! “This is one month when I put on 2-3 kilos without doubt. No matter how much I suppress my hunger pangs, the Haleem Special at the Pista House and Sarvi are such a treat to my taste buds that I have Haleem at least a minimum of three times during this month. I’m extremely elated that Sarvi won the award for the best Haleem Joint last year,” gushes Sriky Reddy, a regular customer at Sarvi, Banjara Hills. “Though we fast throughout the day, it pays off at the end since we get to have sumptuous, aromatic Irani Haleem topped with rich ghee, spices and fried onions,” smiles Anjum, who was caught shopping at the Raath Bazaar at Charminar. “Despite the ongoing recession, our sales have doubled this year and this depicts the kind of foodaholics Hyderabad has,” chuckles Abdul Mohammad, the owner of the Shah Ghouse Café at Charminar.

Although the merriment has ceased, enthusiastic Hyderabadis still have happiness on their platter since the Dusshera and Diwali festivities have just begun! All in all, hope this gaiety season will bring more joy, color and light into the lives of all Hyderabadis!

The couple religiously follow all the rules in the curriculum in all stages of their relationship. Different prefixes can be added to the word couple such as married couple, dating couple, live-in relationship couple and even gay couple since it is no law breaking anymore. But the curriculum remains the same.

In the start it’s all rosy and respective spouses are of prime importance to each other. Friends, family, education, career, even the pet dog, who has been so faithful over the years takes a back seat. Arvind, who has just completed his graduation terms this phase as the ‘getting used to phase’ of the curriculum. “In this phase there is no specific demands from the girl, she likes you for who you are, your way of dressing looks better than Brad Pitt to her. She doesn’t mind if you spend if you spend just a minute or be by her side the whole day, it’s just perfect!” says Arvind. “Yeah! It’s just a perfect trap”, quips his girlfriend Aparna. She continues saying “it’s more like the getting-the-girl-addicted-to-you stage… all guys do in this stage is turn the girls life around 360 degrees”. Most couples find this stage the most wonderful and memorable in their relationship. But after a certain period of time all the special n wonderful things start seeming normal and the magic begins to vanish. Now the practicality starts to come into the picture and the bickering begins. Questions like ‘why aren’t you on time?’ ‘Where and with you are you now?’ ‘Why don’t you ever text back?’ etc.., become a part of your daily talk. Phrases like ‘you have changed!’ “You don’t love me the same way!’ ‘I don’t know why I care about you so much!’ come into picture and at some point of time even the thought of regret enters your mind.

All the other things in life, which had taken a back seat become inevitably important. Abdul, a senior from college says, “Now at this stage I mostly find myself looking for reasons to stay in the relationship and find happiness if not a strong reason to end it”. Maria says, “The couple now are together just because they were having a good n happy time sometime back, it’s just like they are together as they have to, not because they want to”. This is a common scenario in most colleges. It is observed most times that at the beginning of college the couples formed aren’t the same the couples, who leave college. Of course they may be few anomalies, which are very much appreciated. The reasons stated usually go as the following:

1. We just don’t get along. I can’t stand him/her!
2. She/he has gone fat or got pimples etc.., after the vacation and I can’t take the change. It’s too horrible!
3. It is affecting my studies.
4. The most common heard ‘the parental units.’

The fourth reason mention above showed its ugly face to a relationship  at MJCET, Banjara Hills about 5months ago. The couple met during their first year and everything was going just fine when the girl’s parent came to know about the couple and took some serious action. The girl’s mother gave a serious warning to the boy to keep away from her daughter during the first year holidays. The girl was also strictly told to keep away from the boy. Everything was silent during the holidays, but once the college commenced the couple came face to face in many a times and faced many awkward situations. Then one day the boy just couldn’t take it and confronted the girl as she was just in the corridor with her friends. The boy wished to reconcile but the girl didn’t want to go against her mother. So, in a huge rush of emotion the boy went up to the fifth floor and jumped.His friends were in a complete shock.Never had they thought that their friend would take such an extreme step.

The building, where the incident took place. Credits: Ink Fairy

Though the college management and friends attended to him immediately and he was taken to NIMS hospital but it vain. He had fell on his head and his skull had broken and severe brain damage. He passed away the next day. Severe police inquires had taken place on campus as to find out if the boy was pushed by someone or had fallen by himself. But nothing concrete has come up yet. His blood marks on the obstacles he hit on his way down still remain as a sad memory of his demise.Till date whenever the girl steps into college she can hear people speaking behind her back that ’she is the one for whom the guy committed suicide.’One of her friends who does’nt wish to be named says that the girl has’nt been herself ever since.Mushtaq who was just coming out of the library at moment of the incident mentions ‘I was pertrified to see the boy falling,infront of my very eyes I could see his head hit the railing and could hear his skull cracking.the whole crowd ran towards him but were too late.’

So whether one follows the curriculum or not  it is good to look before leaping. When in control it’s a bed of roses , if control is lost, one keeps drowning in the quick sand. This incident has changed the perception of many people in college, who are in a relationship or want to be in one. Being a couple is not a sin, as long as it doesn’t harm the couple and the people in their life. Suicide is not an action expected to be taken by a person with good mental stability. Many a times it has been said that if things don’t work out the way one wants them to, then may be God has something better in store. It is expected that it drops the emotional morale to the ground but nevertheless a person should never give up on the wonderful thing called ‘life’.

‘There is always a better day!’ that’s should be the motto… be happy and spread happiness and the biggest problems in life will seem very small.