Poetic protest against new DU course
After trying out a number of conventional methods — such as sloganeering, dharnas and hunger strike — to protest the Delhi University new four-year undergraduate programme, a section of teachers have decided to opt for humour and satire to highlight the tragedy of what they call will be the “death of the varsity," Mallica Joshi reports.
Stand-up comedians and satire artists, put on your thinking caps. The Delhi University campaign needs you.
After trying out a number of conventional methods — such as sloganeering, dharnas and hunger strike — to protest the Delhi University new four-year undergraduate programme, a section of teachers have decided to opt for humour and satire to highlight the tragedy of what they call will be the “death of the varsity”.
The Joint Action Body (JAB), which was instrumental in the struggle against the university administration during the implementation of the semester system, has again come together to protest the new four-year undergraduate baccalaureate system that will come on force from July, when the new academic session starts.
The group has called on people, who can reflect on the “state of the university”, to come forward and participate in their campaign.
“If you have funny, tragic, comic, satirical poems, skits, speeches, art or any kind of creative work reflecting the state our university is in (or will be), please let us know as soon as possible,” a poster released by JAB said.
The JAB has decided to hold protests outside the Faculty of Arts on April 23.
The biggest reason for the protests, according to teachers, is the lack of dialogue between teachers and the university administration. Decisions, according to them, are taken by small committees of teachers who do not represent the view of all.
The manner in which revision of courses is being done has also raised problems, with teachers complaining that the courses were being diluted.
“We call upon everyone who wants to raise a voice against the functioning of the university. It will be an open forum of discussion. Students are also invited,” said Abha Dev Habib, member JAB.