BU News

By Aditi Shrivastava The Western Dance Club, Verve at Bennett University left everybody in awe by performing at the heart of the University Campus. It was a surprise for all the dance enthusiasts and was an introduction to the club. The Flashmob was followed by open-stage performances by all the freshers from different departments. “It was my pleasure to perform today, after a long break we had rehearsals, practices, and this small event to introduce Verve to everyone, we hope that now they are aware of this western dance club and we will be glad to welcome new members to our club”, said Utkarsh Gangwalia, Verve Member. Bennett University is a Happening Campus, this was the beginning of what the 2023 Batch of freshers will witness ahead of this year, The Student Council of Bennett University helps the clubs with all the necessary requirements from props to Music System. “Soon the studies will be going to start in all the departments, we wanted to make sure that every fresher gets to know about the clubs for which we have organized this event as well as we will be organizing more such events in the coming week for all of them, we wanted to make sure that freshers get to know every detail of campus”, said Piyush Kumar Jain, Member of Student Council . At the end of the event, the verve decided to give an open stage to all the freshers to showcase their dance skills in front of everyone, Manya Sharma, a Fresher, said, “I loved the performances, I am also a dance lover, even I got a chance to perform, I wish to join a dance club at Bennett, it’s my third day at Bennett and on daily basis, I am witnessing new events”. This event marked the beginning of all the cultural events that are going to take place ahead this year. The Flashmob by Verve was a successful event that concluded with everybody on the dance floor regardless of Fresher or senior dancing to trendy songs.

By Pranavi Ambati Addressing the BTech CSE & BCA freshmen at Bennett University, Coding Ninjas Head of Business Mr. Abhishek Agrawal shed light on the perseverance that undergraduates need to land internships in today's fast-changing tech industry. An IIM graduate with experience across industries in strategy, channel sales, community operations and analytics, Mr. Agrawal advised students to start ramping up their CVs from the minute they step into the world of professional higher education. "The world is becoming more competitive day by day, as more individuals realize their calling. These people have the same ambitions as you - be it wanting to pursue studies abroad, or landing a good placement. How do you break out from the clutter? By ensuring that your CVs are not merely a list of everything you've done - rather, make them insightful," he said, sharing valuable insights with the audience members. Additionally, he testified to the fact that employers are looking at co-curricular and extra-curriculars now more than ever, since the demand is not merely for technical knowledge, but also for an individual that is capable of pulling through social and cultural interactions within the corporate world. "As a student of computer science, you may assume that your public speaking skills are not relevant for landing a job. Don't roll with that assumption - communication is a priority across industries. We're looking at your C++ skills, but also if you have the potential to convince clients of our solutions. Here, your mention of public speaking is an asset," he elaborated on the same. Students present in the audience took keen interest in his address, as was evident by the multiple hands that went up during the Q/A session post Mr. Agrawal's delivery. From how to quantify consistency in a CV , to how to make an unpaid internship more valuable - BU's freshers sought answers to a variety of questions and more. "Your interest can be gauged by the questions I am having thrown at me. This is an excited batch, and I hope you remain just as vibrant throughout your college life. Cheers!" concluded Mr. Agrawal .

By Rishi Bhushan With an aim to providing aspiring screenwriters insights from industry professionals, The Times School of Media organised a masterclass on screenwriting which featured Sonny Calderon, New York Film Academy ’s vice-president of academic affairs. Calderon affirmed a fundamental point of not making the main character too idealistic and good. “This is a mistake many young screenwriters make. A good writer can write a character that has flaws and yet the audience root for him to win in the scenario. If your main character is way too good, I don’t want to wee him. I need him or her to develop and overcome his flaws through the film,” Sonny said. Another important thing to remember while writing the script, Sonny pointed out, is to compare the wants and needs of the character. A want is something the characters strive for and the needs are part of their personality that will complete them. He also apprised the students about the ‘tap-on-the shoulder’ technique in screenwriting. In a hypothetical scenario, the character should be able to tell what he wants. Character and theme are two important aspects of scriptwriting that should be explored extensively by the writer. “A leaf falling from the tree can have a very different theme than just the fact that it's falling. It can signify the timeline of our life or the life-death scenario but the character remains the same, the leaf,” Aditya Pandey, a second-year BAJMC student, said. Calderon stated that it is not necessary to reveal the theme from the beginning but it should resonate with the character throughout the film. The one rule above all things is to ‘not be boring’. A script has to be engaging and should keep the audience wanting more throughout the film. The attendees were treated to an engaging session that covered a range of topics including the fundamentals of screenplay structures, character development, dialogue writing and importance of understanding gestures and accessories in the films. “Be smart with dialogues. Let the accessories, gestures, hairs and other things define your character and dialogues reveal something more interesting,” Calderon said. He also stressed the point that nothing should happen in the script without the character making a decision and acting on it.

The first day of the Placement Preparedness Programme was divided in two halves, with the morning slot having discussions on decoding job interviews and cracking them and the afternoon slot addressing behavioural sciences and body language training. The session was filled with fun activities and games to engage the students in learning about various parameters of placement. It was hosted by the Stalwarts of the Industry of consultancy services, Aftab, Behavioral Trainer , and Rajendra Kulkari , Founder and Director, Xplore consultancy services. "It was amazing how things as simple as walking into a room can make an interviewer decide whether they wish to hire you or not. I always knew that your demeanour and mannerisms in the corporate world will be different from schools and colleges but learning and training for it in such intricate detail made me excited rather than fearful to experience what's out there," said Sasha Rastogi, final year, Bachelors of Journalism and Mass Communication. The programme is scheduled to run for three days from August 21 to August 23 upskilling students with interview skills, group discussions, grooming, attitude management, personality development and more. Sharing the expectations from the next two days, Aakriti Ghai, final year student, BAJMC, said, “I look forward to getting training to excel in giving interviews and even to grow as an individual. Today's workshop and the insights have helped in many ways. An extensive session on interview conduct in the coming days with one-on-one feedback will help in polishing skills to ace interviews and group discussion rounds.” Just like Ghai, all the other students of the Times School of Media look forward to attending the remainder of two sessions and gearing up for what's next in store for them. It is an initiative to give students a sneak-peak into the corporate world and make sure that they are confident and ready enough to conquer it.

By Shreya Singh Chandel “For complete physical fitness, it is essential to work out in the open, inhaling fresh air and not within the bounds of four walls,” says Zumba trainer Tim Tim , as he put students at Bennett University through the Zumba drill to mark the beginnings of the Fresher’s Week, 2023. The exercise session started off at 7 a.m., since it is considered the best time for working out. “It was actually a wonderful way to wake up a university full of students who begin their day after 12 pm,” said Niharika Lal, a second year BAJMC student on waking up early in the morning. Mr. Tim-Tim stressed the fact that Zumba was a way more effective method than gyms for weight loss and maintenance. He explained that it was because establishing a connection with nature and inhaling non-air-conditioned oxygen works wonders for the human body. And an aura of enthusiasm is created in the light of outdoor exercises and cannot be recreated in gyms. Mr. Tim-Tim took the session along with his assistant instructor Mohit Singh, as the students warmed up with light exercises. However, what came as a surprise to the participants was the touch of spirituality which was later added by Mr. Tim-Tim to the session. “A person who practices Zumba should focus on connecting with their soul, through music. Even a head roll should be performed while keeping every muscle movement in mind. It helps in clearing the mind as a whole and gives the exercise more substance,” said Mr. Tim- Tim. An activity was conducted during the event where the participants were told to close their eyes and contemplate 3 things. The first one being their existence in the cosmos, the second one being how they are the center of their own universe and the third one being the ‘always asked but never answered’ question of ‘who am I?’ A tune was played as a background for the activity and every high and low note reminded participants of various points in their life. “This session had an incredibly positive aura. It made my day a whole lot better,” said Yashna Gupta, a second year BAJMC student who participated in the session. The session ended on a high note with participants brimming with zeal, motivation, and dopamine.

By Aditi Shrivastava On the second day of the orientation program witnessed an engaging address by the Sports Committee of Bennett University . Bennett University has always excelled in sports and will be continuing to do so in the upcoming years. Mr. Arun Kumar , Head of the Sports Committee with his team not introduced other members and departments but also celebrated numerous achievements as well as talked about sports being an integral part of student’s life. “ Bennett University participates in some AIU tournaments , inter-house tournaments, and some state-level tournaments, we also introduce our team to national-level or club-level championships also, and we provide you jerseys and accommodations, we wanted to showcase your talent at different levels”, said Mr. Arun Kumar, Sports Head of Bennett university. Sports Committee supports athletes as well as individuals who have the enthusiasm to be a part of the sports club or teams at Bennett. The Committee Emphasizes the importance of sports in a student's life after a long tiring day, it works as a refreshment, fostering teamwork, discipline, and personal growth. Yash Jaiswal, Deputy Secretary of the Sports Committee, said, “The common thing we already know is that sports help us to enhance our cardiovascular Health and physical fitness, talking about the accomplishments our men’s football, basketball, and cricket teams have achieved at higher levels”. The campus has different courts and grounds for different sports such as indoor courts, basketball courts, cricket grounds, football grounds, squash and badminton court, a swimming pool, etc., and also a common room in girls' and boys' hostels with TT tables. “There are numerous upcoming sports events, the first event will be on the 29 th of August, we organize sports fest and tournaments for the teams as well as take part in inter-college sports tournaments, there are four clubs heroic Hearts, super spades, keen kickers and mighty bolts, soon the auction will be held and the houses will bid on players”, said Mahek Gupta, second deputy secretary of sports committee. The session was concluded with Kamakshi Singh, secretary of the sports committee, answering all the queries of the Freshers , she mentioned that Sports Committee at Bennett University focuses not only on athletes but also it motivates students to play and provides the required facilities for the same. At the end of the session, the committee announced they have organized a fun sports event in the evening for all the freshers to make them aware with the rest of the committee members.

By Pranavi Ambati One’s duty as a student, according to BU Chief Operating Officer Sudhanshu Varma , is to ensure that no action on one’s part brings shame to one’s parents. Addressing the incoming postgraduate students on Day-2 of Deeksharambh – Bennett University’s Induction programme – COO Varma expressed his wish for the students to experience the student life, guided by a sense of self-accountability. “You see your parents sponsoring your education. What you do not see is the sacrifices they make in their private lives to ensure that your life is a breeze,” he said, drawing from his own parents’ tales which he found out about much later in his life. “The Dean of Academics, the Controller of Examinations and the Chief Proctor must have drilled the ‘dos and don’ts’ of campus life, from the various vantage points. But my advice to you is a one-liner, which is far easier to remember than the clauses in the Bennett handbook,” he further elaborated. His advice? “Don’t do what you wouldn’t at home.” This entailed respectful conversations, valuing administrative facilities, avoiding lawlessness and staying clear of substance abuse. On the academic front, he let an anecdote from his time as a student of B.E (Hons) – Mechanical at BITS Pilani do the talking. “I recall one day before the last unit test of the semester; everyone was rushing to the batch topper’s room to borrow notes. What took us all back was that all his notes were condensed to fit in just one-quarter of an A4 sheet. It was all greek and latin for us,” he narrated, continuing, “But it was enough for him to secure a 10 that test. And that habit of his continued with him till the end of our course. Throughout, he maintained an SGPA of 10 across 8 semesters.” As to how his batchmate was able to pull off such an impressive feat, it was because he was present – body, mind and soul – in the class when the lecturer addressed them. “The topper didn’t even take notes, which a lot of us were in the habit of and in which case, we would miss a few points when the professor moved on to the next topic. He would just sit there where he sat daily and he absorbed all information by living in the moment,” COO Varma said. He then extended on the idea of the PG freshmen holding themselves accountable by committing themselves to the very suggestions they gave on how their classes ought to proceed. “For the next 10 years, immerse yourself into learning with dedication, and life will take care of you thereafter. Remember, never say no when you are given a chance to learn,” he instructed, concluding his address. (The writer is a Semester III student from BAJMC (Journalism and Mass Communication)

By Pakhi Dave In a world where the pace of life leaves little room for self-reflection, Your Dost emerges as a guiding light. Catering to the emotional well-being of individuals, Bennett University recently hosted an interactive session with Chinmay Chadha, a seasoned Customer Success Manager at Your Dost. With a unique approach, the session encouraged participants to embark on a journey of self-discovery. As participants closed their eyes, they were prompted to envision their lives two decades from now, luxuriating in personal accomplishments. Amidst the exercise, Mr. Chadha tasked attendees with a thought-provoking activity: crafting the title of their own autobiography and contemplating their legacy. The conversation transitioned into discussing happiness-inducing activities. Attendees shared insights about their pursuits, ranging from painting to hiking. Mr. Chadha emphasized the importance of integrating these activities into daily routines through a simple yet effective tactic: writing them down and placing the list where it remains visible. Addressing stress management, Mr. Chadha delved into the stigma surrounding counseling. He recounted the inception of Your Dost, catalyzed by a tragic incident where a student took their own life despite access to campus therapists. He highlighted Your Dost's comprehensive services, including anonymous, private, and 24/7 support. The platform offers diverse mediums like audio, video, and chat sessions, allowing users to communicate with over a thousand experts. Noteworthy for its innovative approach, Your Dost employs technology to bridge gaps in emotional support. The platform boasts of a plethora of resources from awareness materials to self-assessment tools. Its user-friendly interface includes real-time connectivity to experts, showcased by the green dot indicator for online professionals. Additionally, the platform's blog shares personal stories of triumph over adversity, fostering a sense of solidarity. In conclusion, Your Dost's impact is undeniable, serving as a beacon of hope and transformation for countless lives. Through its amalgamation of technology and compassion, the platform has woven a tapestry of emotional support, proving that nobody truly battles their challenges alone. With a 4.46 rating and 20 lakh+ sessions, Your Dost stands as a testament to the power of empathy in the digital age.

By Rishi Bhushan The defensive walls of England will be tested by the attacking prowess of Spain in Sunday’s FIFA Women's World Cup final. It will be a battle between two nations where football isn’t just a hobby or pastime but a way of life. After an intense 28 days and 68 games, the world will witness the making of history as a new first-time champion will bathe in glory. The tournament, arguably the most entertaining Women’s World Cup, had been full of surprises and shock. The favourites – United States, Germany, and hosts Australia all fell before the finalists. Even though all these teams looked superior on paper, they lacked one thing: grabbing the opportunity at the right time. These two teams have faced each other 11 times since 2007 with the Lionesses leading the head-to-head tally 6-2 (3 draws). England also won their most recent meeting with Spain in Euro 2022 quarterfinals which England went on to win. Also, interesting to note is the fact that this will be Spain’s major final in their history. As they say, the worthiest winners are often tested the most on the fly. England’s and Spain’s campaigns were far from seamless. England’s prep was wracked with injuries with captain Leah Williamson and stars of their Euro-winning campaign injured. Spain’s coach, Jorge Vilda, also started the campaign without key players who refused to play in the tournament after writing complaints against the coach. Spain was torn apart by Japan in the group stages but came all guns blazing against Switzerland. England too looked shaky in its first group matches after surviving a penalty scare against Nigeria and winning against Colombia after being a goal down. This match will not only be contested on the field but also on the tactics board of the coach. Both teams have a different style of play. La Roja’s tactical identity is built around keeping the ball and possession-at-all-costs kind of play. They have an average of a whopping 70% possession in knockout stages. The Lionesses love to play defensively and might trample Spain with their relentless physicality. Most probably England’s coach, Sarina Wiegman, will field a 3-4-1-2 formation to answer Spain’s offensive 4-3-3. One Spaniard to look for is the teenage sensation, Salma Paralluelo. Spain made light work of Switzerland thanks to her. This 19-year-old Barcelona striker can shift gears through the game and step up when Spain needs it the most. But Salma has only been used as a substitute in this world cup. England’s already stacked midfield will also get a boost with the return of Lauren James who did not feature in the last two matches due to suspension. Sarina will face a difficult decision of whether to start the returning Lauren or keep the in-form replacement of Lauren, Ella Toone.

By Rishi Bhushan In an engaging and insightful session, the Chief Executive Officer ( CEO ) of a global marketing agency, VMLY&R , Saurabh Saksena, took the stage at Bennett University to share his expertise on the fast-evolving advertising world. He also talked about the pressing issue of misogyny in the advertising industry. One of the most poignant moments of the masterclass came when the CEO addressed the issue of misogyny in the industry. He argued about the subconscious bias that advertisers have while making ads for specific products. “Campaigns like ‘men will be men’ or ads showing ‘supermoms’ exploit this bias. This is something most people don’t talk about but I find it extremely offensive,” said Saurabh. This prompted an extensive discussion on this issue among the students and Saurabh. “Some of these campaigns are old. At that time the voices of women weren’t heard and most people believed that an ad about being an ideal housewife is all right. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t misogynistic,” said Rashmi Kumari, BAJMC Hindi second-year student. He firmly objected to the prevalence of gender stereotypes and objectification of women that has been perpetuated within the ads. Saurabh talked about how he has taken steps in his company to control this gender bias. “At VMLY&R, the male-female ratio is 47% to 53% which is much higher than the industry average,” said Saurabh. He emphasised that everyone is inherently creative, but the main job of an advertiser is to bring that creativity and mould it into something that leads to change, whether change is sales or behaviour. Advertising is also a deadline-intensive career but creative people find a way to meet those deadlines and produce beautiful works. According to him, Advertising also needs not to be something that we watch on television or read in the newspaper, it can be as simple as a person trying to sell his peanuts in the local train. Saurabh also stressed the use of technology and the role of AI in the coming days. He believed that technologies like ChatGPT are great for getting the idea and making first drafts but those ideas should be used to build on to something. “VMLY&R has a policy of hiring young people and the digital natives who are better equipped with the abilities to use the tech and understand the consumer of today’s age better,” said Saurabh. As the attendees exited the event hall, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose, armed with knowledge of advertising and marketing. Suvidhi Jain, BAJMC second-year student said, “Advertising is more than just writing words creatively, it's about driving a change in society. Advertisers have a lot of responsibility in driving this change. After listening to sir (Saurabh Saksena) talk, I want to be a responsible advertiser.”

By Pakhi Dave In a compelling address to the incoming students of Bennett University , Dr. Sangeeta Shukla, the Controller of Examination , shed light on the institution's evaluation pattern. With a palpable sense of anticipation tingling in the air, Dr. Shukla's speech evoked both excitement and nervousness, symbolized by hesitant hands. Underlining the significance of a strong CGPA, Dr. Shukla emphasized that academic institutions hold it as a key filter. She elucidated the multifaceted approach to evaluation, where each course offers ample opportunities for students to showcase their performance. This landscape includes a plethora of examinations, ranging from traditional formats to open-book assessments and laptop-based exams , all contributing to a holistic understanding of the students' capabilities. Dr. Shukla encouraged the students to immerse themselves in the academic journey by meticulously studying university ordinances, reading course outlines, and comprehending evaluation patterns. Planning and preparation, she emphasized, are pivotal to success . She deftly explained the mechanisms of makeup and end-term assessments, where applying for makeup is an option in cases of unforeseen circumstances. The spotlight was also on supplementary exams, allowing students to salvage a grade within certain parameters. In a powerful discourse, Dr. Shukla championed the principle of relative grading over absolute grading, advocating for a fairer evaluation system. She navigated through the importance of attendance rules and the orchestration of exams, even during the summer term. The integration of technology was highlighted with CollPoll, a tool to track attendance and results. Dr. Shukla also pointed students to the academic calendar, published on the university's website, serving as a reliable guide throughout their academic journey. In a journey that holds both challenges and rewards, Dr. Sangeeta Shukla, as the Controller of Examination, set the tone for a comprehensive and enriching educational experience, inspiring students to embrace opportunities and excel in their pursuits.

By Aditi Shrivastava The air is filled with excitement at Bennett University as it welcomes the first batch of 2023 Freshers . After a long tiring day with registration and attending seminars, a treasure hunt was organized by Sparks and Pulse Clubs in coordination with the Student Council of Bennett University for all the Freshers. It was a big chance for all the freshers to interact with each other and it was a way for the students to get to know about the campus in a fun and interactive way. The freshers are from MTech and MBA. “The event went according to the plan, and we also got our winner, it was fun to see students struggling for the treasures, as we know now that they are familiar with all the main spots of the campus and we are happy to see so many new people around us”, Achal Sethi, member of Student Council, said. This was not an ordinary game, University’s beautiful building with top-notch facilities provided the perfect backdrop for the adventure, it was a way of conveying to them that Bennett is full of exciting and thrilling events, and there will be a lot in the bucket for them ahead this year. It aims to provide a smooth transition for the Freshers as soon as possible. Shrey Verma, winner of Treasure Hunt, expressed, “The event was super exciting, I had fun with my friend at first the university seemed Maze to us but step by step when we were solving the riddles, we get familiar with the university, although, we got only five treasures but the process was fun.” “The riddles were simple and were made by both Sparks and Pulse club , the strategy was there were many fake QR planted and one actual qr which they have to find and riddles will show up on their mobile screens, they have to solve the riddles and reach to the treasure”, said Arijit Singh Chauhan, Secretary Pulse Club. The Treasure Hunt gave was an introduction to the happening campus of Bennett University, the winner got a 1500 Amazon Voucher from the Student Council, and it made the first day for Freshers a bit easy and now they are eagerly waiting for the surprises the university has for them. (The writer is a Semester 3 BAJMC student.)

By Medhansh Das As a part of the orientation programme for the batch of 2023 of Bennett University , a lot of professionals and experts from different sectors of the industry were invited as guest speakers to give the freshers a perspective of what Bennett University (BU) can offer and how to manage and handle your college life. One such speaker was Himanshu Joshi , a filmmaker, singer, music composer, poet, writer, and photographer. In 2010 he joined the popular fusion rock band Indian Ocean as the lead vocalist. After the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Prabhu Aggarwal’s speech, it was Mr Joshi’s turn to educate the students in their next phase of life. He shared some of his experience as a schoolboy and college freshman. “It’s not what you do in life that matters but rather your conviction and the ambition you put in the work,” said Joshi. Giving an example of his bandmate Dr. Rahul Ram , Joshi said “Doing a Master’s degree in chemistry from IIT Kanpur and then doing a PhD degree in Environmental Toxicology from Cornell University in US, he decided to hell with it, I’ll become a musician, and now he’s the bass guitarist of our band!”. Another example that he gave was that of former President of India, Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam whom he had the honour of meeting, talking about his childhood days, born in a poor Tamil Muslim family then becoming an aerospace engineer and eventually the President of India. He ended his speech by singing a song from the movie Masaan called Bhor , which is about a bird who thinks about freedom. “In a way even you as students are like this bird trying to find your place in this world,” said Mr Joshi.

By Aryamaan J.S. Bawa “Make sure that you are using each other’s wealth of knowledge to create projects, events and so many more productive things,” the Registrar and Dean of Academics , Dr. Veena Dutta said to freshers of batch of 2023, Bennett University , during the first orientation of Deeksharambh with the faculty. Dr. Dutta is a prominent figure in today’s education industry. Being an Academic Administration Professional Skilled in Coaching, strategy, Administration, Team Leadership , Accreditation, and Regulatory affairs, she gave the freshers confidence in her words through her achievements and credibility. Dr. Dutta discussed the importance of keeping both parents and faculty mentors in the loop, “Your parents are the reason you’re here, they deserve to know how your academics are going and if and where you are lacking,” she said to give students a reassuring yet cautious warning of the thin line the students must walk on. She also made a heavy emphasis on the importance of getting used to checking mails and stay updated with the possible changes in the academic calendar, “The number one tip I can give you for the professional world is staying on top of all the mails and assignments you receive on a daily basis, this habit I crucial in being a punctual and professional individual.” “Disciplinary cases are the downfall of both your academic reputation and your scholarship, to retain the scholarship you will have to maintain a healthy 8 CGPA while also being on your best behavior,” she said to end her speech and inform the freshers of the status quo of Bennett University. At the end of the lecture, Dr. Dutta told the students to look out for her important registrar mails and stay updated for the events taking place in campus. (The writer is a Semester III student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.)

By Rishi Bhushan The induction of over 3000 students this year is a testament to the belief that the students and their families have over Bennett University said Dr Prabhu Aggarwal , vice chancellor , Bennett University in his speech addressing the incoming batch of year 2023-24. In the first offline induction ceremony since the COVID era, Dr Aggarwal addressed the freshers about the ethos at the university and a start of an eventful journey to pave the path for a successful future. “Bennett has strived to provide the top-of-the-line resources necessary for building a strong foundation,” said the VC. Bennett has a cohort of over 350 professors , armed with industry experience, committed to providing students with practical knowledge. Dr Prabhu Aggarwal also talked about the state-of-the-art technology that the university is equipped with. The university has an Industry Advisory Committee that ensures that the curriculum remains up to date so that the students are industry-ready and can seamlessly assimilate into their careers. Bennett University is the first private university to have a supercomputer which was installed in 2017. Dr Aggarwal stressed the importance of research. “At Bennett, we want students to not just listen but be the innovators and use the knowledge that they are bestowed with,” said the VC. Bennett has an exclusive undergraduate research society, the Bennett Undergraduate Research Society (BURS). BURS has over 300 active members and organized India’s only undergraduate research expo, ‘ResCon’. “Bennett is not about burdening you with assignments. Here we promote the students’ innate talent and help it develop it,” said the VC. Bennett has more than 40 student-led clubs that organize over 2000 events. VC ended his speech with ‘Work hard, play harder’.

By Shreya Baskaramoorthy The colonisers might have sought dominance over numerous aspects, but they couldn’t conquer the culture and vibrancy of India . Rejoicing the 77 th year of independence , the Advaita (music club) and Rivaaz (classical dance club) clubs at Bennett University portrayed unity, diversity, and patriotism through their performances. The Advaita club orchestrated a medley of six songs consisting of Vande Mataram, Vinara Vinara (Telugu), Ekla Cholo Re (Bengali), He Rashtra Devtanche (Marathi), and Jai ho. They presented a theme of unity and showcased the linguistic diversity in India. The members of the club included patriotic songs from several languages by weaving them together into a harmonious blend of tracks. The Rivaaz club gave tribute to the revolutionary freedom fighters Jhansi ki Rani and Bhagat Singh. They performed on Arambh Hai Prachand and Vaar as a tribute to both the freedom fighters respectively. They incorporated various classical dance forms of our country like Bharatanatyam on Ae Watan, Bhangara on Teri Mitti, Kathak on Jaga Hindustan, and a semiclassical number on Kandho Se Kandhe. “We wanted to put forth a powerful performance and that is why we took prominent and inspirational leaders from the past. We rehearsed day and night even when our team members were falling sick, to be able to give our best today.” Said Nimisha Gupta, a representative of the Rivaaz club. The Rivaaz and Advaita clubs honoured the fallen martyrs and the nation through their acts. The echoes of patriotism reverberated through the walls of Bennett University and evoked a sense of oneness among the students by the end of the event. With evolving times, one thing remained constant, the timeless culture of our nation and respect for our martyrs. (The writer is a Semester 3 BAJMC student)

By Yasharth Rai What looked like a mere exercise at first glance, turned out to be a revelation for students when Aryan Jindal , head of 2023-24 Student Council, asked all members to stand on their toes at the initial briefing held on Thursday. "This is what I need from all of you - to be on your toes always as Student Council members," he said to a big applause. At the meeting, the new Dean of Student Affairs Nidhi Sinha asserted that she would be working tirelessly with the Council to build on the legacy of the previous Council. The structural orientation of the Council body has been revamped. Now, there are five Vice-Presidents instead of one and approximately 46 active Council members, 26 more than the previous body. “The SWO noticed that previously there were 3 VPs and one President and all the work was divided between 3 VPs. There were some departments which were not on paper, like events in hospitality and logistics. So, all the three VPs shared that work. But with the big influx of new students and the campus broadening up, there was an urgent need for the entire team to be expanded. Hence, a new department was created to cater to new needs," Jindal said. With the advent of the Media and Innovations Wing, the newly established Student Council aims to expand its horizon and leave no room for error. “As the VP Media & Innovations, I will oversee design and media strategies, including designing flex, standees, posters, arch gates, banners and social media creatives, videography and after movies. This role also focuses on identifying and implementing innovative approaches to enhance our University's Student Council brand, engage students and drive growth through different creatives whether in the form of design or videos,” Jahnvi Raina , VP of Media Innovation, said. After a commendable tenure of being President of the Student Council 2022-23, Arnav Batra was appointed as an advisor to the current Council. He will assist the Council in all aspects. The Council will be the face of 8,000 students of Bennett University . New DSA Nidhi Sinha anticipates that students under her guidance will deliver what is expected of them in every event, irrespective of its scale.

By Kamakshi Deshmukh Bennett University has proudly introduced key members of its sports committee for the upcoming year, signaling an exciting period of athletic activities in the university. With a blend of fresh faces and experienced leaders , this committee is poised to elevate the university's sports culture to new heights. Leading the committee is Kamakshi Singh who assumes the role of Secretary. Her responsibilities encompass overseeing the entire spectrum of activities, ranging from managing departments to coordinating with sports officers, while also serving as a bridge between the students and sports officials. Mehak Gupta and Yash Jaiswal from BAJMC will serve as Deputy Secretaries, playing pivotal roles in assisting Kamakshi Singh. Further enriching the leadership team are Parv Shivhare and Areeb Sherwani, co-heads of the Organizing Board, ensuring seamless event execution. Chaitanya Kharya holds the position of Finance and Outreach Head, steering the financial aspect of sports initiatives. Vanshika Rana and Shambhavi Dubey are entrusted as the Outreach and Finance Sub-Heads, respectively. Rakshita Thakur heads Design and Media, injecting creativity into the committee's tasks. Vardaan Chaudhary and Samriddhi Gupta serve as Design and Media Sub-Heads, further enhancing the creative output. Kamakshi Deshmukh is responsible for Photography and Videography, capturing the essence of sporting events. Sohail Khan assumes the role of Editorial Head, ensuring effective documentation. Notably, a Finance Department has been introduced for the first time, aimed at transparent fund allocation for sports initiatives. Jaiswal underscores the department's importance in ensuring the effective management of financial resources. Arun Kumar, Assistant Director for Sports offers his words of encouragement: “Embrace this incredible opportunity to shape the future of sports at our Bennett University. Your dedication and passion will inspire athletes to achieve greatness and foster a sense of unity. Remember, every challenge you overcome will only make your success story more powerful. Stay focused, stay driven, and let your love for sports fuel your journey,” he says. Kamakshi Singh talked of an exciting year ahead with a blend of recreational events catering to non-sportspersons, friendly matches , gym events and intra-mural competitions. The much-anticipated " Sportikon " promises to be a spectacular culmination of the committee's efforts. As the campus buzzes with anticipation, one thing is certain, Bennett University's new Sports Committee is gearing up for a transformative year that will not only make its mark within the university walls but will also resonate in the broader sports community. With a lineup that's driven by passion, this committee is set to redefine the university's sporting legacy .

By Aryamaan Jit Singh Bawa The Student Council conducted announced a Slogan Writing Competition to honour the indomitable spirit of India 's freedom fighters and infuse hope into the hearts of the young generation. It suitably follows the theme "Journey of Hope: Inspiring Lives in Independent India ." The competition as part of Bennett University's Independence Day celebrations. The victor of the first prize was a B.Tech 2nd year student B Chaitanya who won the grand prize of Rs 2,500 with his slogan “With hunger in their eyes, they roared with blooded fingers. Whilst they cease to exist, their endless hope still lingers.”. The second prize of Rs 1,000 was won by a BBA 2nd-year student Siddharth Srivastava with his slogan “Ye tiranga jawano ka ehsaan hai, ye Hindustan unki ummeed aur vishwas ka pramaan hai” ( This tricolor is a favour from our soldiers, Hindustan is their hope, and their very evidence of faith. ). The 3rd prize of Rs 500 was won by a B.Tech 2nd year student Nischal Gautam with his slogan “From chains to champions: Commemorating the hope-filled odyssey of independent India.” But beyond material incentives, this competition aimed at igniting a passion for introspection and a renewed sense of purpose. In the heart of this contest lies a journey to remember, one which commemorates the brave efforts of those who fought for India's independence and its spirit of hope. The competition evoked a sense of reverence for the leaders who tirelessly fought for the nation's freedom, aims to draw parallels between the unwavering hope these leaders upheld during the independence struggle and the optimism that today's youth must embrace. Open to every creative mind within the university, the competition invited participants to craft slogans that mirror the unmatched hope and determination displayed by India's freedom fighters. The event serves as a beacon, needing students to emulate the spirit of those who changed the course of history. (The writer is a Semester III student of BA Journalism and Mass Communication programme.)

By Pranavi Ambati Vice-Chancellor Dr Prabhu Kumar Aggarwal and Dean of Student Affairs Nidhi Sinha kickstarted Bennett University 's 77th Independence Day celebrations by highlighting the importance of progressive education as a tool to liberate the nation of social barriers. Taking the podium, Aggarwal reminded the student body that it must never take freedom for granted. “We have gathered here today to commemorate the spirit of freedom that has guided our journey towards the progress we have attained today. As we celebrate our freedom fighters and their admirable courage, let us also reflect upon the responsibility that comes with living in a free and democratic India,” he said, addressing the vibrant student cohort. Highlighting the transformation that India has witnessed since the momentous night of declaring Independence, Aggarwal shared his insights on the outlook each Bennettian must hold when he steps out of the University, into society. “Our vision is not only to uplift the economy, but also to uplift every citizen and ensure that the benefits of growth reach the masses,” he said. With social empowerment as the goal today’s youth must achieve tomorrow, Aggarwal congratulated the faculty at Bennett University for its dedication in bringing out the best in every student, and assisting them in realizing their untapped potential. “This Independence Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to nurturing a generation that is not just academically accomplished but also morally conscious,” he added to a thumping round of applause. In her first formal address as the new Dean of Student Affairs, Sinha expounded on the many meanings of liberty with a poem in Hindi . It translates, “Freedom to a poet is a pen that never stops, to a hunter an arrow and to the prey, freedom is refuge from that very arrow.” Emphasizing the need for student’s to be proactive in their academic year ahead, Dr. Sinha used ‘earnt bread’ as a metaphor for freedom, driving home the point that students must not look at freedom as a bestowed gift, for it can lead to a sense of entitlement. She expressed her will for all Bennettians to do their part in contributing to society, a practice that needs to begin right from classroom level, up to society. “Freedom is not just political independence, but also about pushing the barriers of human achievement. It is your energy, passion and determination that will shape the future of this country,” she added, expressing her ideals of how students must view their duty unto society. In this aspect, education has a paramount role, for with the right approaches and guidance, students will begin to see themselves as having responsibility unto a larger society – a position which Bennett University will continue to maintain as articulated above. (The writer is a Semester III student of BA Journalism and Mass Communication programme)

By Bhumika Verma In a moving tribute to the valiant freedom fighter Shaheed Udham Singh , Ansh, the Drama Club of Bennett University , brought to the stage a heartfelt monologue performance that resonated deeply with the audience. The performance, delivered by Awiral, a second-year BA Films, Television and Web Series student, shed light on the extraordinary life of Udham Singh and drew powerful parallels between his struggles and the values that contemporary society can glean from his sacrifice. Singh, originally named Sher Singh , was orphaned at a tender age and subsequently christened Udham Singh. This renaming marked the beginning of a life marred by hardships. Awiral's monologue delved into the poignant narrative of Singh's life, emphasising how he overcame adversity to ultimately embrace a revolutionary path. Udham Singh's journey took an unexpected turn after completing his 12th grade, when he volunteered to fight in World War I. This aspect of his life, often overlooked, was brought to the forefront by Awiral. The personal touch added to the performance allowed the audience to connect on a deeper level with Udham Singh's trials and tribulations. Awiral emphasized the courage and determination that defined Udham Singh's revolutionary career. The monologue meticulously portrayed his unwavering commitment to the cause of India 's independence, shedding light on the sacrifices he endured and the risks he took. This narrative allowed the audience to grasp the gravity of the freedom fighters' sacrifices and instilled a sense of responsibility, intellect, and courage in the hearts of those present. “The central message of the monologue could be the need to remember and learn from the sacrifices of freedom fighters like Udham Singh. The performance artfully conveyed that the value of Independence Day goes beyond mere celebration; it is a day to honor those who laid down their lives for our freedom. It reminded us that the freedom and opportunities we enjoy today were hard-won through the struggles of countless individuals who fought for a better future,” said Aasma Mahendru , the voice of audience. Awiral acknowledged the challenges he faced in bringing this monologue to life. With only four days to prepare, he dedicated extensive time to research, scripting, and rehearsing, which required him to temporarily divert his attention from studies and personal life. Despite these challenges, his dedication shone through in the six-minute monologue that left a lasting impact on the audience. Awiral's monologue honoring Shaheed Udham Singh not only paid homage to a courageous freedom fighter but also urged the audience to reflect on the lessons of responsibility, intellect, and courage that can be drawn from his life. The performance served as a powerful reminder that the freedoms enjoyed today are a result of the sacrifices of those who came before us, and that these sacrifices should never be taken for granted. Ansh - the Drama Club, through this poignant performance, succeeded in commemorating the legacy of Shaheed Udham Singh and inspiring a renewed appreciation for the true meaning of Independence Day.

By Pakhi Dave In a spectacular display of patriotism, Bennett University celebrated India's 77th Independence Day with an array of vibrant performances and inspiring speeches. The event, held on the university campus, brought together students, faculty and staff to commemorate the nation's freedom struggle and unity in diversity . Vice-Chancellor Prabhu Kumar Agarwal took centrestage to address the students, emphasising the importance of national pride and the responsibility of the youth in shaping the country's future. Dean of Student Affairs Nidhi Sinha motivated the audience, assuring them of their welfare and urging them to contribute positively to society. The event was hosted by Ashvin Soin and Jahnvi Arora who are Student Council members. The cultural showcase began with a captivating performance by Advaita, highlighting the regional diversities of India through renditions of Vande Mataram and Ekla Chalo Re. The group's seamless transitions from Bengali to Punjabi compositions left the crowd in awe. The spirited rendition of Jai Ho raised the patriotic fervour. A poignant act, shed light on the grim history of Indians subjected to manual labour during World Wars I and II under the British rule. Awiral Anandi Singh, core member of the Ansh Club, portraying Ram Mohammed Singh Azad, vividly depicted the struggles and sacrifices made by the unsung heroes. "I just shot to my protest," Azad defiantly proclaimed in defence of his nation, encapsulating the sentiment of resistance against oppression. A special guest dance was performed by Mahi Bhatia whose relative works in the university's security team. This was followed by a heartfelt song rendition by five women guards. “Ham maja aata ki har saal mauka milta hai gaane ka aur bola jata hai tyaar hoke aao”(We get very excited every year when authorities give us a chance to sing and dress up)," said woman guard Smita Kumari. The event reached its crescendo with Adamya Veer Jain, BTECH 2nd year student, reciting a stirring poem titled Aradhna, capturing the essence of patriotism. The mesmerising dance performance by Rivaaz exuded infectious enthusiasm, igniting the spirit of patriotism. Niharika Lal and Sanya Bhattacharjee's soulful renditions of special songs added a final touch of magic to the event. The ceremony concluded with a heartwarming prize distribution to honour the winners and participants of the functions held over these past three days. The celebration not only brought the Bennett University community together but also instilled a renewed sense of national pride and unity, serving as a reminder of India's journey towards independence and the shared responsibility of its citizens.

By Nandika Mishra The recent placement townhall hosted by The Times School of Media (TSOM) was a significant event that brought together students pursuing journalism , films, liberal arts and post-graduate studies. During the townhall, placement committee head Shruti Jain introduced the fresh faces of the placement committee board to the student body. Now, the question arises: Why should you aspire to be a part of the student placement committee board ? Being a part of Placecom thrusts you beyond your comfort zone, compelling you to give it your all, shoulder-to-shoulder with a team that shares the same aspirations and an unwavering focus. The exposure it offers is like opening a window to a vast landscape. You find yourself engaging not only with fellow students but also with the administration, companies, and even top-tier executives, occasionally including Founders and CEOs. It's like expanding your horizons in real time. Through this journey, you gain insights into what the world holds, the array of opportunities awaiting, and a sneak peek into the realm that college life offers. The value of staying in the loop with market dynamics, industry shifts, and comparative statistics from other institutions cannot be overstated. This keeps you relevant and attuned to the ever-evolving trends, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve. Amidst this, the crucible of teamwork is where profound transformations happen. You discover the true essence of collaboration within a high-stakes environment, where the futures of over 100+ individuals rest in your hands. It's an environment that teaches you not only to navigate diverse personalities and situations but also to unite for a shared purpose. Amidst this, you forge connections with remarkable individuals, evolving into not just colleagues but cherished friends. Furthermore, the placement committee board offers a front-row seat to witnessing the exciting shifts and trends in various industries. You'll gain access to market insights, industry developments, and emerging opportunities. This exposure ensures you stay ahead of the curve, remaining relevant and well-informed in an ever-changing landscape.

By Rebecca Sarah Mark Returning students of the Times School of Media ( TSOM ) walked into their new semester with a lot of changes. New Dean Sanjeev Ratna Singh has brought some ground-breaking changes in curriculum with an aim to taking the school to greater heights. Some changes that were implemented would include the appointment of a placement committee, mandatory 75 per cent attendance and appointment of class representatives. The students have mixed views about the changes. “The introduction of the placement committee provides an opportunity for students to gain practical experience in organizational and leadership roles”, Nandika Mishra, a third-year BAJMC student. The committee signifies the school's commitment to enhancing career prospects. Adhering to defined rules for committee membership ensures transparency and fairness, promoting a merit-based environment. "This is an opportunity for students to adapt to new perspectives and teaching styles and a broadening of their horizons,” Mishra added. While the loss of the old order is felt, it's important to recognize that change is inherent in any academic environment. Students can embrace the chance to connect with new courses and fresh teaching insights. Talking about the changed curriculum, second-year BAJMC student said on condition of anonymity: “Removal of news analysis is something I wish had not happened. It was one subject that would over the period of time help us grow as a journalist. We need more clarity on some of the new courses that have been introduced.” The Film School, a part of the TSOM fraternity, too had varying viewpoints. “It would have been great if we had courses like production design, art design, talent management and more of sound centric courses,” Vidisha Kaushal, a third-year BAFTW student, said. Talking about some classes which are common with BAJMC, she said. “We are here to study different form of media. The working of the Entertainment industry is different from Journalism. Some of our topics do intersect but the manner in which we will apply them in real life is completely different. There is a reason BAFTW is a different course from BAJMC and therefore a majority of our subjects are related to films, TV and web series," she added. An important and necessary change that came forth is the mandatory 75 per cent attendance. Implementing this rule acknowledges the importance of active participation in the learning process. “For me , sometimes I had to go out for shoots, and not all the time would I get an official leave from the university. Now, since this attendance rule is being seriously implemented, it will always be there in the back of my mind, that I cannot lose any of my classes, which if I do, might result in me getting debarred,” Kaushal said. While it may seem restrictive, this policy aims at ensuring students are engaged and consistently exposed to learning mores. All said, the changes collectively reflect the school's effort to enrich the educational experience, prepare students for the professional world and foster adaptability in the face of change. Embracing these adjustments can lead to a more well-rounded and resilient student community.

By Aditi Shrivastava The air at Bennett University is abuzz with excitement with Rivaaz, Cerebrum , Ansh , and Advaita known for dancing, poetry, Drama, and singing, respectively, collaborating to deliver a spectacular programme in tribute to freedom fighters. The clubs have come up with different themes to showcase the spirit of freedom. Working on a short time frame, they are practising day and night to give performances which will touch audience’s hearts. Rivaaz, Bennett University’s Classical Dance Club, is leaving no stone unturned in preparing for enthusiastic performances. Rivaaz aims to tell the story of India's journey to Independence by giving a tribute to Jhansi Ki Rani and Shaheed Bhagat Singh. Rivaaz will showcase India’s cultural diversity by performing Bhangra, Kathak and Bharatnatyam. “Our performance is a perfect blend of Bhangra, Kathak and Bharatanatyam. We decided to tell our journey to freedom and the roles of freedom fighters. All the participants are practising with zeal for the Independence Day it takes 2 – 3 hours of practice to make it perfect. The song selections are great and we are sure that audience will enjoy our performances,” Rivaaz member Kamakshi Jagdish Deshmukh said. Advaita, the singing club, will display the linguistic diversity of India. “Every year, we go with 5-6 patriotic Hindi songs. However, this year, we have come up with something new. We are performing three regional songs in Bengali, Marathi and Punjabi and three in Hindi,” Advaita core member Sanya Bhattacharjee said. Talking about the lack of time, “We didn’t get enough time to prepare. However, togetherness made the practice session easier for us,” she added. Meanwhile, Cerebrum, the poetry and literary club, will craft verses that highlight the importance of the ideals of the Constitution with pen as their weapon weaving emotions into words, “The Cerebrum will give a four-minute performance, like every year. But it will be something new as we will pay tribute to the ideals of the Constitution and tell you how we should live by them,” Cerebrum Core member Pranavi Ambati said. Additionally, Ansh, the drama club of BU, will be bringing alive the life and times of shaheed Udham Singh. “It takes time to prepare a skit so we decided to perform only a 5-minute monologue. I have to researched a lot about his early life and revolutionary journeyas also about Jaliahwalah Bagh. Ansh performs on present-day situations. However, we have decided to pay tribute to freedom fighters, although all the research part took two days and then practising for the same is a bit tiring. But it is good to be a part of Independence Day celebrations and pay tribute to such a great freedom fighter," Ansh core member Awiral Anadi Singh said.

By Shreya Talwar Performing against colleges in various places to being the best club of the year, Panache will now perform during the Freshers ' Week before a packed campus on August 27, 2023. Over the years, Panache has built a strong presence in the cultural scene of the university as also a distinct identity. . Unlike other clubs, Panache members do not put up a dance or song act. Instead, ramp walks in different styles, songs and costumes are the unique selling proposition of this club. After bringing in several trophies in inter-college events, it will now be showcasing its prowess before freshers and the activity will start with the fresher induction week starting on August 18. “Being a mentor comes with great responsibility and I am glad that I have this position. Being into fashion makes it easy for me to manage this club and now that we would be performing on campus after so long, I am looking forward to it. We have decided to go for a Bollywood theme which is catchy and carves a popular fashion. Walking the ramp on Bollywood songs and showcasing a few of the college phases is our idea for this time so that every student, be it the Freshers or the people who already are on the campus, could relate to.” Panache mentor Nitya Vashishtha said. Rigorous practice sessions go into every performance by the Panache club. They have not confined themselves to only to members but also opened the stage for new people to perform this time with them. “Participating in the show for the freshers' week is very exciting. This is going be my second performance at the university and I feel it’s the best way to welcome and attract newcomers as it gives them an idea of what the university holds and what options they have for them to showcase their talent. It also gives them a clear idea of the place they are going be staying in and of course, some fun as well,” core team member Anushka Puri said.

By Rishi Bhushan The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is in its exhilarating knockout round with Spain already in the semifinal aftee having beaten The Netherlands 2-1. Tomorrow promises to be yet another day of high octane action with Australia and France on the one hand and England and Colombia on the other, all geared up to fight for their place in the penultimate round of the tournament. Here’s a preview of the upcoming clashes: Australia vs France The adrenalin is already juicing up with the prospects of hosts Australia meeting the European powerhouse France in a clash tomorrow which promises to be for the history books. This quarterfinal match is being considered as the highlight of quarterfinals round. The Matildas are enjoying a dream run on home soil. They topped their group and will enter their match against France off back-to-back clean sheets. Not only this, they beat France 1-0 on July 14 in Melbourne, just before the start of the World Cup. But that was France’s only defeat in the 18 games they played in 2023 and that was not the World Cup, an event that chistles the players with never before determination. Les Bleus will play their fourth consecutive World Cup quarterfinals. France also has an infamous history of falling one or two games short of glory. They lost the quarters of the 2016 Olympics, lost to the Germans in the semis of the 2022 Euros and had lost three straight quarterfinals at the Euros before then. But that may just trigger the ultimate fight syndrome in a team raring to go the whole way. Australia, riding on a massive wave of support from the home crowd, enters this quarterfinal as the favourites. Sam Kerr, who had been dealing with a calf injury, is now fully fit. Her starting for the Matildas only increases their chances of winning their encounter against the women in blue. England V Colombia The Colombians couldn’t have hoped for a better World Cup than this one. Colombia entered the World Cup as underdogs and now find themselves playing their first-ever World Cup quarterfinal. They are also the lowest-ranked side (25) among all teams in the quarterfinals. On the other hand, England is projected to have the easiest path to the semis, thanks to the Colombian lean presence on the performance charts. The reigning European champions will need to muster all their experience of playing knockout rounds and put on a better display than they did against Nigeria in the Round of 16. Even though the Lionesses will be without Lauren James, they have a host of other players to put pressure on the Colombian net. Colombia’s World Cup hero, Linda Caicedo will be a beacon of hope for them. The Colombian star recently signed for Real Madrid. But even she will find it difficult to challenge the Lionesses who are unbeaten in 36 of their last 37 games.

By Medhansh Das The Times School of Media ( TSOM ) organisanded a placement townhall for the Times School of Media students studying journalism, films, liberal arts and also the post-graduate students. Under Dr. Sanjeev Singh , the new TSOM Dean, the media courses have been revamped with renewed focus on the evolving and new media industry so that students become industry ready in the true sense . The placement townhall, held on August 10, 2023, was one such initiative to show students the way to seamlessly transition from college to careers. The townhall discussion focused on students having a future goal in their lives and a better Curriculum Vitae (CV). A mentors' board consisting of TSOM professors Shruti Jain , Nikhil Pandey, Sandeep Bhushan Pallavi Bansal and Moina Khan will be guiding students on better job and internships opportunities. The board has added another new platform known as the Students Placement Board. This board will consist of 10 students from Semester V and 3 each with one student being the head. “This board will follow the system of ‘ Succession Planning ’ in which the senior students will train the juniors on how to get better placements and this knowledge will be parted to the upcoming generation of juniors in the board," Board head Jain said. The eligibility criteria for the student board membership is a CGPA of 7 and above with no disciplinary action taken against the aspiring members . “This university is a place of opportunities. Tt is your job as the future of the workforce to grab it,” she said. The townhall ended with a pledge which the students wrote for their upcoming future of brighter and better job placements in the university. (The writer is a Semester III student of BA JMC programme.)

By Vanisha Rajesh Singh In a world where dreams often take a backseat to societal expectations, one young actor from Kolkata dared to challenge the norms and pursue his passion with unwavering determination. Achintya Bose , the rising star of the Netflix movie " Yeh Ballet ," has won the hearts of audiences worldwide with his impeccable performance as Asif, a gifted ballet dancer facing bigotry and disapproval in pursuit of his dreams. "It feels great. I got to work with such amazing people," says Achintya, beaming with pride about his first major breakthrough in the film industry. Directed and written by the talented Sooni Taraporevala , "Yeh Ballet" follows the real-life journey of Mumbai boys Manish Chauhan and Amiruddin Shah, who overcame numerous obstacles to pursue their passion for ballet. This inspiring tale of determination and friendship resonated with audiences globally, securing a worldwide release in 197 countries. "Honestly, my research was like, knowing Amir up to a certain point because I grew up in an environment where people were talking about the two boys who worked so hard and achieved what most people just dream of doing," Achintya reveals. His close association with Amir and Manish during his ballet training provided a firsthand insight into his character's emotional journey. The opportunity to play Asif in "Yeh Ballet" came unexpectedly for Achintya. Sooni Taraporevala, along with Yehuda Maor, the real-life instructor of Amiruddin and Manish, noticed Achintya's talent during a summer workshop showcase. They saw the spark in him and decided he was the perfect fit for the role. Asif's journey of pursuing his passion despite facing societal pressures resonated deeply with Achintya. Growing up in Kolkata, he understood the struggles many young artists face when following their dreams. "I suppose a certain part of the rebellious nature of Asif resonated with me," he admits, speaking about the personal connections he drew upon to portray the character authentically. The heartwarming and inspiring message of "Yeh Ballet" touched the hearts of audiences from different cultures and backgrounds. "I cannot believe that someone could say the story so well," a poet from Nepal expressed to Achintya after the screening. The film's universal theme of determination has become a source of strength and motivation for countless aspiring artists worldwide. Behind the scenes, the collaborative process with the talented ensemble cast and crew played a crucial role in the film's success. Sooni Taraporevala's open approach to filmmaking allowed the actors to brainstorm and explore their characters together, creating a magical synergy on screen. "It was all of that that you guys saw, you know, just coming together and just brainstorming and just doing," Achintya remarks. Portraying the role of a ballet dancer was no small feat for him and his co-star, Manish Chauhan. Their real-life experiences as ballet students added depth to their performances. Achintya had some basic ballet training before the film, but it was his trainer Cindy who guided him through the rigorous process of mastering intermediate and advanced ballet techniques. The experience was transformative, not just for Achintya's acting ability but for his personal growth as well. "My body was not necessarily made for ballet," he laughs, reminiscing about his journey from a novice to a seasoned dancer. Despite the challenges, his dedication and perseverance paid off, as his on-screen performances awe-struck audiences with their authenticity and grace. Through Asif's emotional journey, Achintya hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams despite the challenges they may face. The movie's impactful portrayal of cultural diversity and the pursuit of dreams struck a chord with viewers of all ages, sparking conversations about breaking stereotypes and embracing one's passion. Julian Sands , who played a pivotal role in the film, left a lasting impression on Achintya. The seasoned actor's passion and dedication to his craft inspired Achintya to push his own boundaries and deliver an exceptional performance. As Achintya's star continues to rise, he looks forward to making a positive impact on society, especially young aspiring artists. "If anything, it should be an inspiration to follow what you love and pursue," he emphasizes. From Kolkata to Hollywood , Achintya Bose's journey has been one of grit, passion, and determination. As he prepares to embark on a new chapter at the prestigious Sharon Disney Lund School of Dance at CalArts, he remains grounded, never forgetting the lessons learned on the ballet stage and the silver screen. Through his talent and dedication, Achintya is proving that dreams are worth fighting for, no matter the odds. (The writer is a Semester III student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme)

By Aryamaan J.S. Bawa “We aim to be the best media school in Asia by preparing our students for whatever the industry can throw at them for the next 10 years,” Dr Sanjeev Ratna Singh , the new Dean of The Times School of Media , said at the semester briefing to students on Thursday. Dr. Singh is a prominent figure in India's digital broadcast industry, and has more than 23 years of experience as a journalist, editor and multimedia content producer in high ranking roles across digital, TV and print media. Prior to transitioning into academia, he served as a Professor and Associate Dean at UPES Dehradun's School of Modern Media. Dr. Singh discussed the importance of adapting to the ever-changing digital landscape of today’s media environment. “Through internships, asynchronous courses and an emphasis on teamwork, we will help transform you into media professionals with an impressive resume by the end of your course,” he said to give students confidence in himself and an upward revision of the curriculum. Talking about the rigour of 75 per cent attendance, he emphasised the importance of integrity and respect towards oneself and the institution. “These traits will lead to the success of TSOM in the media world and help it become the first choice for any company that requires capable individuals,” he said. His announcements were followed by a short Q & A session wherein students clarified all doubts that they may have regarding the curriculum and a class-free final semester. At the end of the town hall, Dr. Singh gathered with the students for his first group photo of many to come with the students of the Times School of Media . (The writer is a Semester III student of BA JMC programme.)

With a commitment to providing students with a transformative learning experience, the university has consistently garnered accolades and top positions in various prestigious rankings nationwide. Bennett University has secured prominent positions emphasizing its dedication to academic brilliance and holistic development. To read further, click here

By Shreya Mishra Bennett University is all set to enter the examination period with 5,973 students, including the active and non-active students, appearing for the even semester’s end-term examination. The date sheet was rolled out on April 23, Sunday, by the Controller of Examination (CoE) of the university. The exams are scheduled to begin on May 12 and will end on May 29. “We start preparing the date sheet a month before because course-wise structure has to come from respective schools,” Arun Jude Antony , Programme Manager, Examinations, said. All the schools, School of Law, Times School of Media, School of Management, School of Liberal Arts, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and School of Computer Science Engineering and Technology, have turned in their question papers as a part of the preparation process as it takes 20 days to print them. A total of 336 question papers are made and will be printed for different subjects across the exam season. To conduct this semester’s examination 52 rooms have been earmarked as examination halls. The date sheet is prepared a month in advance and disseminated to the students so that they can prepare for the exams, says Arun Jude Antony, Programme Manager, Examinations. Photo by Shreya Mishra About 250 faculty members have been kept on invigilation duty. With more than 5,000 students appearing for the exams, 30,000 to 35,000 answer sheets have been arranged to be used throughout the 17-day period of exams. “You need to start early to prepare for the end-term exams . Many dynamics are involved, students need to see their date sheet. The date sheet is announced at least 15-20 days before the exams. We try to announce it as early as possible so, that the students can start preparing for the exams as well as book their tickets to return home after the exams accordingly,” added Antony. Speaking about the importance of end-term exams, Shruti Jain, Associate Professor said, “A revision is necessary. Revising something that you’ve learned is necessary to retain that information. Exams are a way to help you revise and retain, if studied properly.” The end-terms can also be a grade-changer for many. “People who worked throughout the semester can change their grades and move upwards. There are some people who don’t perform well with the assignments during the semester. The end-terms are a way for them to study hard, score well and balance their score,” said Era Parmar, a student at Bennett University. (The writer is a Semester IV student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.)

By Pranavi Ambati Omji Dubey , a third-year BAJMC student, has added a feather to his cap by transferring what he learnt in his classes to the practicality of a print-journalism based competition. The senior year undergrad won third prize at Mood Indigo , hosted by IIT Mumbai . “I came to know about the competition through a friend. Not all college fests have journalism-based competitions. I found this to be a unique chance and, hence, participated in it,” he said. Although ‘ Sustainable Future ’ is a topic rarely addressed in mainstream Indian news, it was the ‘problem of plenty’ that Omji faced at the competition. “On researching, I found that sustainability was an expanse of ideas – not confined to recycling and pollution control, as otherwise understood,” he stated. According to the instructions, the newspaper page was to be filled with 5 different sections: Story, Caricature, Advertisement, Article and Empty Space , which could include any newspaper element. Thus, for the ‘ Story ’ section of the page, he wrote of ‘EcoBack’ – a fictional mobile case that is recyclable. With consumers changing their smartphone cases with changing seasons, it is an issue undoubtedly worth addressing. Under the ‘ Caricature ’ segment, he fleshed out a satire on the nature of the big industrialists jumping into the rat race of promoting sustainable innovation, all while continuing harm the natural resources. Advertisements are highly integral to the newspaper industry; they bring in the most revenue and can be considered as the backbone of the print media. Thus, the art of designing and placing the print ad too was a parameter of judgement. For this, Omji chose to create an advertisement for an eco-friendly dental hygiene kit ‘Eco-Kit’ that is a gift for the reader’s loved ones. But nothing is more central than the editorial content to a newspaper. It is the very reason that even in the day and age of technology, the printed word has more credibility associated to it. Correspondingly, the ‘ Article ’ segment was not constricted by the theme. Thereby, Omji chose to write a news article on ‘ Godi Media ’. Having addressed the mandatory requirements, it was the ‘ Empty Space ’ that was to be tackled. Without any second thought, he chose to go ahead with another advertisement. “I have created various graphics throughout my course, which has honed my multimedia skills – it was therefore, any easy task for me,” he explained. Which font to use, how to align the text, where to place the advertisements and what headlines to give – it was his learnings as a BAJMC student from Semester-1 that guided Omji in creating his page, which won him the third prize. It was the experience that made understanding the rules and execution easy. Thus, he found himself to be pretty confident when he created the page and got a few of his friends to affirm the same. “The competition was in December, and the result came out on April 14. I had almost forgotten about the event until I heard the news. I was happy and it feels like I have reclaimed confidence,” he said. Despite the win, Omji’s biggest take-away is that there’s always scope for improvement, no matter how perfect one feels their work is. A word of advice for his juniors: Journalism is as interesting as you invest in it. Even if a subject doesn’t interest you, you must not skip paying attention to it. It is a journey of exploration where you will eventually realise what you are best at – be it news writing, creating video stories or making podcasts. So stay patient and explore everything! (The writer is a Semester II student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.)

By Shreya Dattatraya Chougule Bennett University opened its third Library reading room facility on 27 th April to provide students with a comfortable space to study and discuss. The new reading space was inaugurated by the University’s Vice Chancellor Prabhu Kumar Agarwal in the presence of COO Sudhanshu Varma, Chief Librarian Dr. Sanjay Kataria and excited students. “This library was so necessary, as a law student discussion about clinics committee is important. We couldn’t really talk in the old libraries. Here, discussions will become a lot convenient,” said Raga Shri Nithya, 3 rd year BA LLB student as she expressed her enthusiasm over the new reading space. The library is made for the convenience of the students. It has a seating capacity of 200, which is more than the combined capacity of the earlier two libraries. The university has also encouraged collaborative learning by introducing group discussions rooms. “The new library has been made by keeping in mind different modes of learning, we have silent rooms, discussion rooms and reading spaces. It is an attractive and interactive space that encourages students to read and learn,” said Dr. Kataria. Dr. Kataria also discussed the future for this library. “The library is only constructed up to 25% and that has been opened to students for general reading,” added Dr. Kataria. The rest of the library is currently under construction and is expected to begin operations in six months. Then the Library will be able to accommodate more than a thousand students at once. Students will also be introduced to a wider variety of books and journals that will help them academically. The library was a joint effort by the Learning Resource Center and University’s official literary club Cerebrum . Cerebrum’s Secretary Kushagra Joshi said, “We feel overjoyed by this initiative. The club has been working closely with the Learning Resource Center to bring in larger study spaces for students as the older libraries could not accommodate many students.” Dr. Kataria also appreciated the efforts by the club. The efforts of Learning Resource Centre inculcate reading was brought forward at the inauguration. “Library is a culture. Times have changed, people have access to e-books however importance of Library stays. I urge students to explore and exploit the learning opportunities at our library,” said Dr. Kataria (The writer is a Semester II student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.)

By Rishi Bhushan The mysteries of the universe have always fascinated humanity, and there is perhaps no better way to explore the wonders of the cosmos than through astrophotography . Bennett University's Astronomy Club in collaboration with the photography club ( ISAC ) of the University hosted a workshop that delved into the intricacies of astrophotography. The workshop was held by astro photographer Virendra Adhikari . Adhikari, a professional photographer with more than 13 years of experience, introduced the students to the camera, lenses and types of equipment used in astrophotography. He also explained how excellent photographs of the night sky can be shot with a smartphone. “Contrary to popular belief, astrophotography is not expensive. It is as simple as your parents clicking the photos of a full moon with a phone that lacks the desired requirements for astrophotography,” Adhikari said. Adhikari explained that planning is important for a splendid photograph. According to him, a good astro photographer always plans his/her astroshoot keeping in mind things like phases of the moon, light pollution at the place of shooting, the terrain of the place and many more before going for the shoot. He also spoke about the basic rule of astrophotography - the ‘rule of 500’ - which helps the photographer find the right shutter speed. Virendra Adhikari explained, “All rules aside, it all comes down to the passion of the individual that leads to exquisite shots.” He also spoke about the importance of taking photos during the ‘Golden hour’, which takes place just after dusk and before dawn. The workshop was attended by astronomy and photography enthusiasts. This workshop also propelled some to pursue this as a profession and motivated amateur photographers to start clicking more photographs. Nimit Jain, a biotechnology student, said, "I understood the intricacies of photography today. Even though I don’t have the right equipment, I will try and click more photos.” (The writer is a Semester II student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.)

By Hadassah Mani Bandi The Times School of Media held a five-day-long art direction workshop for Bachelors’ and Postgraduate diploma film students. The workshop started on April 17, Monday, and concluded on April 21, Friday. The last day of the workshop was reserved for a day-long shoot on the sets that the students had made as part of their art direction and set making workshop. The workshop included theoretical lectures and practical work. Mr. Soumitra Dasgupta , a professional from the filmmaking industry and a professor of Film Studies at The Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, gave lectures and guided the students on how to build a set for a film. “I want to share my knowledge and experience in the film industry with the students, so when I was invited by Professor Gauri Chakraborty to the art direction workshop, I was happy to come. We all have to start from somewhere and this opportunity of building and shooting on set is a good starting point for the students,” said Mr. Soumitra Dasgupta. The workshop’s goal was to help guide the students on how to select a location, and covert a location according to the requirements of a film. “The idea was to help them learn how to create a different world, a world they needed for their project. We selected a location inside a building with a lot of open space and converted the corner into a small café. The students are hardworking, and it helped in the process of planning and completing the set, ” said Mr. Soumitra Dasgupta. In the workshop, the students had to shoot a lip-sync music video of an old song. For the purpose of the shoot, they created a café using materials available around campus. They made walls using old flex boards, plywood for window frames, and paper plates for décor, and they attached origami to the walls. “This workshop helped us learn how to improvise. We didn’t have cement to build a wall, so we used an old flex board and painted over it. Usually, we only think of aesthetics but in this art direction workshop we also had to consider how everything would look on camera as we put it together,” said Aaradhana Rawat a BAFTW second-year student. “The first day of the workshop was a theoretical lecture which was informative and helpful in understanding the topic, but I couldn’t wait for the practical part of the workshop to start where we would build the set. Building the set was fun and knowing we are going to be shooting on the set we created was exciting,” said Vidisha Kaushal, a BAFTW second-year student. Film Studies is a course that requires an understanding of the theory through lectures, but students also need to have guidance in the practical working of the subject. “Film programs are intended to train a student in the practice and also rejoice in the theoretical base of the craft. Workshops are an effective tool for training film students. So when it comes to art direction it cannot be taught in a scattershot arrangement, so the faculty and I decided to bring in Mr. Soumitra Dasgupta, a veteran from the industry, who has had experience on sets to guide the students,” said Professor Gauri Chakraborty. (The writer is a Semester IV student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.)

By Aakriti Ghai A highly engaging dessert decor workshop was conducted by Bennett university's food and cuisine club on April 19, 2023, in partnership with YUMMMO bakery. The workshop engaged the students in a skill-filled lesson on how to decorate cupcakes, cakes and pastries. The workshop started with a demo on how to mix and use whipped cream and ganache to make the cake sponge look even more presentable and delectable. Around 200 students from across various courses participated in this workshop. “The experience was great as I have been baking for a long time. This workshop gave me an opportunity to also try my hands on the decorating side of the pastry. When I received the mail regarding this I knew I wanted to attend this for sure,” Aishwarya, BBA 2nd year student, said. Food with an urge to experiment remained a major factor to attract various students to visit the mess and gave rise to the creative bakers in them. "I Like the idea of decorating and trying out new flavors while experimenting with the looks of pastries,” Shrey, a BTech 2nd year student, said. With the idea to curb the hectic schedules and work filled days, this workshop seemed like a great idea for all. “I participated in this workshop because this seemed an out of the box idea, how this wasn’t related to studies and it has helped to relieve stress,” Pratyush, a BTech CSE 2nd year student, said. Students attended and left the workshop with huge satisfactory smiles on their faces and were all praises for the workshop. Even the host - Akhta Mahajan , who owns Yummmo - was delighted with the response and outcome of this creative lesson. “I felt very happy to conduct this class-like workshop with so many students. A large number of them showed up and paid attention with the enthusiasm to learn this skill,” Mahajan, host and designer of YUMMMO bakery, said. (The writer is a Semester IV student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.)

By Shreya Dattatraya Chougule Dr. Sanjay Kataria , the Chief Librarian at Bennett University’s Learning Resource Center, made the University proud as he was selected for the “Special Librarian Association Asia Sci-Tech Librarian Award 2023 .” “It’s always a happy moment to have been recognised through such an award by a professional body. It is a matter of pride,” said Dr. Kataria expressing his joy for the award. He is connected through more than 1000 libraries across the globe to the Special Librarian Association . His contribution to the field was acknowledged at the Asia Chapter of SLA . The award consists of a certificate, citation, and USD 1000 for participating in the SLA Annual Conference MLA/SLA 2023 to be held in Detroit, Michigan, USA, in the month of May 2023. Dr. Kataria discussed how the Association has been an important part of his librarian journey. “At the association we share and learn the best practices of librarianship. It is a global community. I look at whatever we could implement out of those practices at Bennett.” Through SLA Dr. Kataria has been a part of numerous conferences and has released several research papers. Dr. Kataria shared more about his career of 25 years as a librarian. “The journey has been exciting and full of learning. There has been a constant requirement to keep up with the changing times.” He also spoke about the difference between traditional libraries from when we started and the ones that exist today. “In traditional libraries, people used it in person, they visited the libraries. So, I think the value of the library at that time was different.” “Now the times have changed we can’t just have a quiet library. There is a need for places for discussions and integrating technology and making it more accessible to students. There is a need for global exposure,” he added. He said that while people do read, reading at libraries, an authentic source of information, is very important. He expressed his fondness for the library by calling it his lifeline. “The library is not just a space. It is an essential part of one’s reading and writing interests.” (The writer is a Semester II student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.)

By Hadassah Mani Bandi The National Service Scheme team of Bennett University won second place in the inter-NSS event at the Institute of Home Economics of Delhi University on 12 April. The team took part in a folk-dance competition with a 10-minute-long Bhangra performance and some members also performed solo pieces. The team of nine practiced weeks in advance for the event. You could see them practice even until the moment they performed on stage. “It was amazing performing the Bhangra. When I was on stage performing, all the time that I had put into practice with the group felt worth it. The moment we got to the venue and found our room, we started to rehearse and to hear the audience cheer for us, it was worth it” said Niharika Lal a second-year BAJMC student. The Bhangra was a hit with the crowd, with calls for encore echoing around the auditorium immediately after their performance. “I put all my energy into the performance and the best part was I could see backstage that the other teams were dancing along, and the crowd was going crazy for us. They started chanting ‘once more, once more’ and it was amazing,” said Kashish Chaturvedi a first-year BTECH student. This event was an opportunity taken by all nine members of the team to grow and try something new. “I love dancing, but I also suffer from stage fright and Vasant was a chance to perform in front of people. Having a group with me really helped. The moment the performance ended and I could hear the audience cheer it felt good,” said Sumaira Berry , a second-year BAJMC student. The team went to the event representing Bennett University and with their spectacular performance they left a lasting impression. “I am glad to have been a part of this event representing Bennett, and with the way the audience responded to the performance I am sure they will remember our university and look forward to more of our performances,” said Kashish Chaturvedi.

By Vanisha Rajesh Singh Rescon 2.0, the research conclave organized by the Bennett Undergraduate Research Society (BURS), concluded its second day on a high note, with an impressive line-up of speakers, workshops, and panel discussions. The day started with a thought-provoking opening ceremony, graced by the presence of Prof. (Dr.) Vivek Kumar , Chairperson, CSSS, as the chief guest. In his keynote address, Prof. Kumar emphasized the importance of research and the need for students to be good researchers in order to contribute to a better society. He stated that "observed reality is not exact reality", which highlights the importance of being meticulous with data and systemizing it. He further added, "Research is not a solitary pursuit; it is a collaborative effort, and it requires a willingness to learn and unlearn." The next speaker, Mr. Vivek Atray , ex-IAS and TedX speaker had a session on "Elevating Communication with Emotional Intelligence." Mr. Atray talked about the unpredictability of human beings and situations and the importance of having humility. He explained the 7 C's of Life that are essential for emotional quotient - Courage, Compassion, Character, Creativity, Calmness, Cheerfulness, Communication, and Contentment. Mr. Atray's quote, "Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make emotions work for us, not against us", resonated with the audience and left them feeling inspired. Mr. Vivek Atray captivates the audience with his words of wisdom and elevates their emotional intelligence. Photo by Mohak Kapoor The presentations from the research start-up marathon was another highlight of the day, where students pitched their ideas about global sustainability in front of industry professionals. Next up was the Biotechnology workshop titled "From Cells to Cures" by TechInvention. The workshop covered the basics of biotechnology, including presentations on Bioinformatics, Nanotechnology, Genetic Engineering and Antimicrobial Resistance. The workshop was informative and gave the students a better understanding of the field. The BAJMC workshop, "Copycraft: Mastering the art of Copywriting" by Abhishek PD., the Creative Senior Director for Digitas, was a highly anticipated session. Mr. PD showed students various advertisements and explained how stories are displayed through these ads. He emphasized that "people are content, and we are all ads, we are all stories". He further added, "I'm here to help you make the industry work for you, instead of you working for the industry. I work in advertising, but I don't live in it." His quote left a lasting impression on the students, inspiring them to think creatively and beyond conventional boundaries. Several panel discussions and round table conferences were organized for law, liberal arts, and B.Tech CSE students, providing a platform for students to engage with industry experts and peers. The discussions focused on emerging topics like Artificial Intelligence and Constitutional Validity of CAA, along with challenges and opportunities in their respective fields. Sonali Priy Kapoor sheds light on the interplay between PR and marketing at ReadX. Photo by Kamakshi Jagdish Deshmukh Towards the end of the day, ReadX, an initiative organized by ResCon, which aimed to provide invaluable knowledge to the audience, was held. The first speaker was Ms. Sonali Priy Kapoor, Founder & MD, Hatch Project. Her session was about "Synergy: Where PR and Marketing Meet Success." She urged the students to find what they love and figure out a way to make money out of it. Ms. Kapoor stressed that PR professionals try to convince, not confuse people, which is why thorough research is crucial. She left the audience with a powerful quote, "PR is research-driven, and success is a product of synergy." The second speaker of ReadX was Mr. Nikhil Chawla , Founder & Host, HMM. His session, "Palate Expedition: A Journey Through Flavours," discussed the importance of relevant content for the audience. Mr. Chawla taught the students how to sell their content and recognize the audience's needs. As the event came to an end, he shared a quote that sparked introspection among the students, "The crown of content may be precious, but the queen of relevance reigns supreme." As the sun sets on Day-2 for ResCon 2.0, the remarkable array of speakers, workshops, and panel discussions had left the students with a sense of inspiration and motivation to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to society through their research and innovative ideas. (The writer is a Semester II student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.)

By Medhansh Das Pulse , the event management club of Bennett University , organized a fun little event for the students in campus to enjoy their Sunday evening. Foil cricket is a game that almost every student has played at one point of time in their school lives in India. “We wanted to invoke that nostalgia of our school lives and have fun at the same time, foil cricket seemed to be the best way to do both together,” said Siddhant Poddar, the mentor for Pulse. A total of 8 teams were allowed to register with 5 players in each team and a minimum of 2 girls required for healthy representation. The matches were played in a knockout format, each of consisting of 5 overs. The bat used for this game was a writing board whereas the ball was made up of aluminium foil. The 8 teams that registered for the event were Shimmers, BU Super Kings, RCB Fans , CR7, Sassy, Obsidia, Jammu Titans and Joy Boys. A total of 7 matches were played, with of them going to super over as well, the final saw Shimmers face off against the Jammu Titans, with the Shimmers emerging victorious with a total score of 76 runs. “We all had a very nice experience participating in the event, although we lost the match with a super over it was really fun playing the game with my friends,” said Devagya Raghav, a B-tech first year student from the team Obsidia. The club had also arranged for prize pools, with the team coming first winning Rs.1ooo, the team at second place getting Rs.800 and the team coming third getting Rs.600. (The writer is a Semester II student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.)

By Pragya Singh Sunset Movie Club in collaboration with Astronomy Club treated the students with the screening of a movie on Saturday night. The screening of Oscar-winning hit, Everything, Everywhere All at Once was attended enthusiastically by Bennettians. “We thought a movie night was really needed after the long week," Shreya Singh Chandel, Events Head of Astronomy Club, said. “A sci-fi based movie is a favourite genre of the Astronomy Club and since multiverse is a trending topic right now we thought this film was fitting,” she added. Everything Everywhere All at Once is estimated to be the most awarded film of all time. The film was nominated for 11 awards at 95th Academy Awards and won several notable ones like Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress among others. The film followed the story of Evelyn, a Chinese immigrant in America who travels different universes to save her daughter. “I think the movie was definitely Oscar-worthy. The cinematic depiction and the overall concept is what stood out with Director’s crazy and creative mind,” Harsh Patil, B-Tech 2nd year student said. The film’s screening was a mix of aahs and oohs from the audience as they sat on the edge of their seats in the houseful auditorium. “The graphics were really on point. The way they showed time passing and universe skips was amazing,” Shaurya Tandon, another student said. The movie was perhaps a fitting choice for the students. In addition to being a cinematic masterpiece, it looked at life from a unique perspective. While highlighting how there are infinite universes with a different version of you in each of them, it also emphasizes that in this universe, you control your actions. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.” (The writer is a Semester IV student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.)

संकल्प गुप्ता बेनेट विश्वविद्यालय में इलेक्ट्रिकल एवं इलेक्ट्रॉनिक्स इंजीनियर्स इकाई (IEEE) और इलेक्ट्रिकल्स एवं इलेक्ट्रॉनिक्स इंजीनियरिंग महिला इकाई (IEEE-WIE) द्वारा 18 अप्रैल से 20 अप्रैल के बींच “साईंनैप्स” नाम के एक इवेंट का आयोजन होने वाला है| इवेंट रिवील के ज़रिये क्या फायदा होता है? इवेंट किसी भी कॉलेज में अलग-अलग इकाइयों (स्ट्रीम) के छात्रों को अपने काम की तरफ आकर्षित करने का एक अनोखा अवसर होता है| ऐसे में कॉलेज की हर स्ट्रीम यही कोशिश करती है कि, उसके इवेंट के बारे में ज्यादा से ज्यादा छात्र जानें और उसका हिस्सा बनें| यह इवेंट रिवील रहा “कुछ ख़ास” (IEEE) और (IEEE-WIE) के इस इवेंट रिवील में उनका साथ दिया, कॉलेज की संगीत से जुडी इकाई “अद्वैता ” ने| इस घोषणा(रिवील) की शुरुआत में अद्वैता द्वारा एक ‘ जैमिंग सेशन’ किया गया. जिस से वहाँ मौजूद लोगों का ध्यान “ साईनैप्स ” की तरफ आया| इसके बाद आयोजकों ने इवेंट रिवील के लिए साईंनैप्स का एक टीज़र जारी कर दिया, जिसके बाद आयोजकों ने अगले हफ्ते से शुरू हो रहे इस इवेंट के बारे में जानकारियाँ दी गयी| हैकथौन से अलग है “साईनैप्स” हैकथौन जो कि, एक कोडिंग से जुड़ा कम्पटीशन होता है, आयोजकों द्वारा साईनैप्स को इससे अलग बताया गया है| इस प्रतियोगिता में किसी भी हैकथौन से अलग कई सारी अलग-अलग प्रत्योगितायें जैसे कि:- बिल्ड एन बिल्ड कोड क्वेस्ट बियॉन्ड द फीड शामिल हैं| और इससे जुड़े हुए लोग भी, इस बात की उम्मीद है कि, उनका यह इवेंट एक सफल इवेंट होगा|

By Hemant Kumar Baisakhi , celebrated culturally by many religious and cultural groups as a harvest festival all over the country, marks the beginning of a new solar year. Keeping in mind the cultural diversity represented by the students of Bennett University , NSS BU (National Service Scheme) organized a kite flying competition on the 14th of April, 2023. The information about the competition was disseminated through an official mail which also had the registration form link of the competition. Each team could have a maximum of 6 members and had to register for the competition by filling out the form and paying a fee of Rs 300. A total of 30 teams were present at the competition. The winning team would get a cash prize of Rs 2000, followed by the runners up and the 2nd runners up getting Rs 1000 and Rs 500 respectively. At the time of the competition, speakers were set up to spark up the environment for the festival. Registration desks were present at the N block stage where the registered teams had to come to collect their kites and other required items. Due to the hot weather, arrangements of water coolers and snacks were taken care of by the University’s own Food and Cuisine club. Students prepping their kites for the kite-flying competition. Photo by Yasharth Rai Chirag Pahuja , head of NSS BU, briefed the participating teams at the start of the competition which was being held in the N block ground. Rivaaz, the traditional dance club of the University also gave a mesmerizing performance on the stage of the N block. The collaboration between the university's clubs made it a successful event. Kites being distributed to the contestants for the kite-flying competition. Photo by Hemant Kumar A very competitive spirit was seen among the teams as their kites were fighting high up in the sky to prevail. The contest was so tight that the competition took another turn towards the end and there was a tie-breaker between Team 2 and Team 15 to decide the winner. Team 15 came out on top at the end and the audience was seen cheering for them. Overall, a very joyous environment was seen amongst everyone present there, be it participants, be it the food club, be it NSS itself or people just there to watch the competition unfold. (The writer is a Semester IV student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.)

By Hemant Kumar BURS (Bennett Undergraduate Research Society) is all set to host the 2nd edition of its 3-day research conclave at Bennett University starting from the 15th of April, 2023. A wide variety of research oriented events are going to be organised such as ‘ReadX’ where four speakers will enlighten the students with insights to help them open up to a new way of thinking and ideating. ‘Research Startup Marathon’ is a 24-hour-long event where the participating teams can register and solve problems to create a research based startup. The winners and runner-ups are entitled to cash prizes by BURS. ‘Undergraduate Project Expo’ or ‘ UPE ’ is an opportunity for individual researchers to present their work in front of a panel of experts and get industry insights. Cash prizes are promised to winners and runner-ups in this event too. Four panels will discuss topics ranging from IoT, Blockchain to CAA, Freedom of speech and mental health. A total of 6 workshops on topics ranging from IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) to Stock Market have also been organised in the 3-day event where companies and institutions are invited. Most of the workshops are free for all to join but some technical workshops will require a nominal participation fee. Lastly, Round Table Conferences are to be held where participants will be given problems on the spot and they have to deliver solutions to a panel of PhD scholars. The topic pool will be large, and will enable participants to select from ‘Uniform Civil Code’ to ‘Preparedness for future pandemics’ and ‘ Significance of Privacy in Media ’. Hosting a 3-day event like Rescon 2.0 right after Sportikon showcases that there is something or the other for everyone’s interest. (The writer is a Semester IV student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.)

By Aakriti Ghai A two-day workshop on ‘decoding business of films ’ and ‘film marketing’ was conducted on 12 April 2023 -13 April 2023, for the Times School of Media students at Bennett University . The workshop was conducted by Junglee Pictures as a part of the Business of Films course's curriculum. The workshop was held in a hybrid mode where the students collectively interacted with the guests. The listeners in attendance got a chance to learn and gain insights about the business of the Indian film industry. The session on day-1, started with shocking facts about the profits made by the film making studios and actors starring in the much-loved films. Further, the interaction took the students in-depth into unknown facts about how films earn. Continuing this through day- 2, the session helped students understand the consumer market trends. “It is important to make movies relatable to society and to the consumers and following the trends, for decades films have shown the culture, following the emotional connect and reflecting the society,” Mamta Kamtikar , vice-president and head revenue and commercials, Junglee Picture limited, said. In the post-pandemic times, the kind of films which were attracting audiences during pre-pandemic era are not being consumed anymore. With this an understanding about the consumer behaviour was also touched upon. Clearing up the doubts on the traditional ways of viewing the wide range of films, Kamtikar said, “ Even after all the OTT platforms, theatres still remain the base for the business. Even after a lot of content or the cost of visiting the cinema halls increasing, the consumers or the makers still go back to theatres. Looking at the number of screens in India and population there is huge scope.” The film marketing section of the workshop touched upon the goals of marketing, the importance of communication and the choice of mix- media. “Students here are very well- versed with the data, and are very inquisitive about creative marketing strategies,” Bhawna Jeswani, head of marketing, said. “I thoroughly enjoyed the session, it was really helpful and interactive. Personally, I wasn't aware about how films can be marketed in such creative ways and being interested in marketing opened up more doors of interest,” Aditi Agarwal, BAJMC , second year student said. (The writer is a Semester IV student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.)

By Sanya Bhattacharjee “Did you know Print is known to be the most sustainable form of media?” said Rajesh Agarwal, Assistant General Manager at the Times of India Printing Press in Sahibabad, while addressing budding journalists from Bennett University’s Times School of Media about print’s importance and shared some details about the various activities that take place in the Printing Press. The field trip to the Times of India Press at Sahibabad turned out to be a valuable learning experience for the BAJMC students. The field trip gave the students an opportunity to learn about: Practical Exposure: Students got practical exposure to the printing and publishing process by visiting a working press. They got an opportunity to observe various stages of production including typesetting, printing and packaging. They got to know about the latest technologies and trends being adopted in the printing industry. Understanding Media Operations: The visit to the Printing Press (Plant) gave the students a better understanding of the operations of a media organization. They saw firsthand how different departments within the plant work together to produce the newspaper and other publications (supplements). Feel the Paper: It was a valuable opportunity for the media-journalism students to see and smell the paper rolls very closely before printing. They also closely observed the process of plate making from computer, color mixing, loading of paper rolls on machine, printing, traveling of newspaper on conveyor belt and packaging-bundling. Innovations at TOI At the briefing, Mr Agarwal spoke about the variety of innovations that The Times of India has included in the newspapers from time to time. “One day people opened the newspaper in the morning and got an aroma of coffee, that idea or innovation was new and unique so both the customer and the audience were happy,” he said. He went on to talk about the strength of print through different senses of the human body. Following this, the students were taken on a tour around the plant wherein they got to see and smell the paper rolls very closely before printing. Being able to closely observe the process of plate making from the computer screen, colour mixing, loading paper rolls on a machine, printing, travelling of the newspaper on the conveyor belt and packaging-bundling, the students got to know how sustainable print media is. “From the process of afforestation to recycling the newspapers, it is all a biodegradable process and causes little to no harm to the environment. In fact, in the case of digital media, there is a larger carbon footprint,” Mr Agarwal said. (The writer is a Semester II student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.)

By Mohak Kapoor Bennett University’s Official Debating and Literary Club Cerebrum organised a slam poetry competition - The World in Words - on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. The competition saw participants recite self-written poems on four different themes. The themes were decided to keep in compliance with this year’s G20 theme - Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam . The themes were: Name and Identity, A Letter to Tomorrow, Race for Representation and The Comfort of Home . “We questioned this year’s G20 theme while we were researching. Are One world, One family, and One future possible? Is it a race for representation for everyone? We are trying to question the existence of gaps between the themes,” said Cerebrum head Kushagra Joshi. Several participants came up with different interpretations of the given themes. Sanksriti, a participant came up with the interpretation of a woman facing a war during the Nazi regime as part of the theme “Name and Identity”. Similarly, Pragya Singh, a IInd Semester B.A.J.M.C student recited her poem called “Muse is My Home” on the theme: “The Comfort Of My Home”. “Reciting it in front of such a learned audience was a phenomenal experience,” she said. “The theme I appreciated the most was “The Comfort of Home,” some of the pieces were beautifully crafted and Ananya’s piece especially reminded me of my home the most,” said Vanisha Rajesh Singh, a member of Cerebrum’s core team. According to Shubh Bhardwaj, head of debating, the podium was decorated in yellow and orange lights instead of white lights to create a suitable atmosphere for the participants to recite their poems. Cerebrum’s main objective through the event is to let people know that poetry is the best way to express our opinion on the biggest issues of the world and that it can be used as a weapon for solutions to their problems. The winners and prizes of the slam poetry competition will be announced on April 18, during a group discussion event organised by Cerebrum. The writer is Semester II student of B.A(Journalism and Mass Communication) programm e

By Shubh Bhardwaj The 4-day sports fest, Sportikon at Bennett University comes to an end with the closing ceremony. The university played home to 30+ colleges across 16 different sports over the span of 4 days. More than 50 players were felicitated with their well-deserved awards for their chosen sport. After four days of constant toil and sweat, the players returned happy from the felicitation ceremony. The sports fest at Bennett came with various opportunities and opened new doors for Bennettians to pan India universities for their upcoming competitions. Not only did the University organize sports events, but various small efforts were also made to make Sportikon as memorable and pleasant as possible, like the IPL match screening, the fairy light set up and the various food stalls set up in the University. The highlight of Sportikon was the inauguration done by the Indian Kabbadi team player Pardeep Narwal and the night was full of colors with DJ Sumit Sethi making the students groove to his beats. These serve as the core memory for many Bennettians along with players from the participating universities. Even though we were tense about the matches, these four days were a great stress buster for us, especially the DJ Night, we also made good friends here at Bennett said Vanshika a player from NIT Jallandhar. Clearly, everyone pulled through to make Sportikon a success story and bring smiles to everyone’s faces. “It took a lot of hard work and sleepless nights to pull this through but I’m glad we did and, I helped to make Sportikon as grand as it was” Yash Jaiswal, one of the lead organizers of Sportikon. With this year’s Sportikon, Bennett University and the Sports Committee of the university have set a benchmark for universities across the country that participated, have left an indelible mark in the minds of the participants, and have given themselves a legacy of the true sporting spirit. GIRLS BOYS SPORT 3rd Position 2nd Position 1st Position 3rd Position 2nd Position 1st Position Long Jump Bennett Mody College Mody College Bennett Bennett Mahraja Agrasen Shotput Mody College Bennett Bennett Bennett Graphic Era Bennett Discuss Throw Mody College Bennett Bennett Bennett Maharaja Agrasen Bennett Chess SNU (B) SNU Hansraj College SNU (B) SNU (A) Hansraj College (Mixed) ( A) Table Tennis - - - Bennett O.P. Jindal UPES Futsal Bennett Mody Ashoka - - - Badminton UPES Bennett SNU SNU UPES AMITY Basketball Graphic Era Amity Ashoka SNU Bennett Jamia Tennis - - - SNU SNU Ashoka Cricket - - - Bennett UPES Amity Kabaddi - - - Bennett Amity Noida college of PeD Pool - - - Ashoka Bennett BML Munjal ( B) Football - - - GGSIP Bennett Venkateshwara college DU Snooker - - - BML Munjal Bennett O.P. Jindal

By Yasharth Rai Dancing on the beats of Natu Natu , loud and non-stop hooting when Ram Charan showed off his chiseled body were some of the many instances where students couldn’t hold their enthusiasm at the RRR movie screening that took place yesterday at Bennett University . NSS BU , in collaboration with Sunset Movie Club, organised a movie screening where Bennettians got to watch the Golden Globe and Academy Award winning movie and experience the cinematic masterpiece, RRR. Despite paid tickets, each priced at ₹20 per head, the seats were full at 101 and 102 NLH ten minutes before the screening, which portrayed RRR’s craze and popularity among the students. In order to cater to the Telegu audience, the language in which the movie was originally made, RRR was screened simultaneously in both languages - Telegu and Hindi. The initiative was much appreciated not only by South Indian students but also by students from North India too. “I think this initiative inculcated a sense of inclusivity among students, alongside respecting the individual beauty of the movie being screened in its regional language,” said Nandika Mishra, a student at Bennett University. The screening of RRR was also the reason for numerous students to cheer for their favourite stars, forgetting their busy schedule for a moment and release their stress while having a gala time with their peers. Dhruv Singh, a Bennett student said, “It was definitely a stress buster for me. I along with my friends enjoyed these three hours to the fullest where we giggled, laughed and munched on snacks we had brought with us.” (The writer is a Semester IV student of BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme.)