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Editorial Board 2022-23 & Students' Union, AIIMS Delhi Present
"Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is
painting that is felt rather than seen"
- Leonardo da Vinci
HYBRID HUES
VOLUME 22
Vital Stats Response Summary
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F8UD2mntzyS7cm_
JywYmjXR8saoH2QOn/view?usp=drive_link
Cover illustration credits
Front & Back Cover: Ridhima Rathod, Batch of 2020
Second Cover & Preface: Soumyadip Halder, Batch of 2021
2 3
“Punctuality and procrastination are two sides of a coin. Every time a new Mag Ed is born, the Gods toss the
coin and the world holds its breath."
e Editorial Board could not be prouder as we present to you the twenty-second edition of the annual magazine
for MBBS undergraduates at AIIMS New Delhi, ‘Hybrid Hues’. e colourful (albeit bloated) volume you hold in
your hands has a myriad ‘hues’ of imagination and creativity, expressed in the form of pensive proses, eloquent
poetry, interesting opinions, heartfelt narratives, breathtaking photographs, and generous splashes of paint on
digital (primarily) and physical canvases spanning across 300 pages.
e content for this volume has been meticulously planned and carefully hand-picked from the numerous
entries we received. We have aimed to prepare a diverse plaer where everyone can choose something that
suits their personal palates. e pieces themselves vary widely, not only in the language they have been wrien
in, but also in the heterogeneity of styles - making the ‘Hybrid Hues’ a magazine for all, and not just a select few.
e entire mag has been divided broadly into 8 sections vis-à-vis common themes or similar forms of expression.
Each section starts with its corresponding index of pieces. e Pulse and P-wave segments highlight the historic
revival of Asia’s largest medical college fest, while featured articles on Insight and TEDx are success stories
of large-scale events being conducted with lile to no prior experience. In keeping with traditions, we are
honoured to showcase the 7th edition of ‘Vital Statistics’ in this volume, as well as the ‘Interns’ Column’ for
some 100-odd interns from the Batch of 2017 bidding farewell to their MBBS days. We also welcome newly
married couples with former (or current) ties to our campus in the ‘Marriage Section’, and congratulate all
the toppers of INI-CET and Professional Exams, as well as candidates matched into residency programs in the
United States in our ‘Ranks Section’.
Interspersed amidst the regulars like ‘Village Diaries’ and ‘'StupEd’ twists on classics such as Dining 101 are bold
new articles covering sensitive topics like SU Elections, regionalism, linguistic barriers, gender discrimination,
‘interaction’ practices and substance abuse among others. Informative write-ups on research, contemplative
pieces on music of the past, anime and book recommendations, travel diaries of globe-troers, and fabulous
tales of mythology and folklore have all made it to this volume alongside soulful poems and musings.
e design of this magazine, like its content, traverses all known boundaries of aesthetics, spanning from
minimalistic to intricate (mostly the laer, to be honest). Having aempted to live up to the standards set by
the previous editions of HH by Rishi, Dyuti and Keerthana, we have le no stone unturned in designing each
element. All the illustrations have been made from scratch, even if in places we have drawn inspiration from
the Internet. Find the initials of our in-house designers and artists in various places throughout the mag, the
legends for which are given below. Make sure to give them a pat on the back (or just send an appreciative text)
if their work impresses you - it will surely make their day.
Multiple rounds of proofreading have gone into ensuring the mag is error-free before it reaches your hands.
However, if you still come across any inaccuracies, do notify us at aiims2022edboard@gmail.com, or simply
message any of the 'StupEd Board members. Any constructive criticism and suggestions are welcome and will
be passed on to the future editorial boards.
Brownie points if you’re dedicated enough to reach this far. Turns out your mom was right, you might be special
aer all.
Enjoy reading the mag, and if you like what you see, just spread it!
Legend for initials of designers and illustrators:
AB- Anustup Bhaacharyya, HA- Harsh Agarwal. AA- Abin Antony, HG- Hardik Gupta,
RR- Ridhima Rathod, AP- Anagha Paeri. VK- Vivek Kumar,
SH- Soumyadip Halder, PS- Pavit Singh, SV- Sathya Veera, NS- Naman Singh
5
Acknowledgements
Hybrid Hues ’22-’23, like all other editions before it, is the product of a collective effort by an enormous
number of people. Here’s an aempt to express our gratitude to at least some of them. Do forgive us if we
leave you out due to the constraints of available space.
Firstly, thanks to all the contributors who sent us tons of creative content and artwork, which form the
backbone of this magazine. We are proud of you for not merely chasing momentary validation by posting
your pieces on social media but instead choosing to enrich the literary and fine arts culture in our college
by investing time and energy into sending your entries for the magazine, preserving them for eternity.
Blessed with the best of guides in our former Mag Eds and their respective editions of the magazine to
refer to, we found our way through the abyss that is content planning and designing for a volume worthy
of the ‘HH’ brand. To Mukul and Laya - we are indebted to you for scrutinising every minute designing
detail and providing us with valuable inputs. To Arushi and Poli - thanks for all your help with Vital
Statistics. To Keerthana, Shuaib and Arjun - thanks for always believing in us.
Our sincere thanks to all the members of the Editorial Board of 2022-23 for being at the beck and call
(sometimes even whims and fancies) of the Editor and his Co-Secys. e devil has reserved a special place
in hell for the four of us, and we urge you to take this as consolation in return for two years of sleepless
nights trying to meet our arbitrary deadlines.
Speaking of the devil, thanks to Anushka Rathi and (the angel) Maanit and their capable team for
performing the crucial task of obtaining Interns’ Columns (abbreviated: IC) for every person in the Batch
of 2017. To all our seniors who wrote for their batchmates taking time off their hectic schedules, we thank
you from the boom of our hearts and apologise for the not-so-infrequent pestering with reminders.
anks to Lohit, Ishan and all members of ASA 2022-23 for helping us compile the SU Report by providing
us with all the relevant details and information.
e AIIMS Photography Society (@aiims.jpg on Instagram) was generous in providing us access to their
full collection of gorgeous photos, some of which appear intermiently as you fl ip through the pages.
anks to Shahama for helping us give due credit to the brilliant photographers whose names have been
mentioned alongside the images they captured.
anks to all the seniors who sent us snapshots of their rural postings for the ‘Village Diaries’ piece.
e article on ‘Internal Reservation’ would not be a fraction of what it is without the help of Rajan, Bissu
and the_harshit_anand.
anks to Alok Raj and Prabhjot Singh for proofreading pieces in Hindi and Gurmukhi respectively.
We thank all faculty members who sent us enlightening articles, fictional pieces, and allowed us to
conduct short interviews, and our faculty mentors for being constant pillars of support.
We thank all the CRs for helping us conduct batch photos, and Jay and Subhadip for clicking them. We
also thank the captains for coordinating the sports team photos.
e sowares used in the designing of this magazine include Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe
Photoshop and Procreate. We also thank the creators on Pinterest, Behance, Freepik and various other
online platforms for design inspiration, templates, stock photos, vectors and fonts.
We express our heartfelt gratitude to Prof. Peush Sahni sir, who has generously agreed to help us with
the printing of this edition, and to Mr. VK Gulati and e Saku Group Printing Press for carrying out
the same.
Last but not the least, we thank you, the reader of this magazine - your love for ‘Hybrid Hues’ makes all
of our efforts worthwhile.
Sathya Veera
Batch of 2021
7
10 18 60 86
138 172 210 234
Design: HA
Design: AB
Celebrations - Mahashivratri, Holi
Formation of New Societies - Photography,
Drama and Film-Making Societies
Celebrations - Sufi Night
Inter-semester Cricket
Tournament
MusicILF - Music Instruments
Learning Facility, wherein seniors
and batchmates called together
interested folks and conducted
classes for Guitar, Drums, Piano
and Flute
Hindi Nighter
Seeding of Hostel 6 Lawn
FEBRUARY '22
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
SU Elections -
formation of ASA ‘22-’23
Fitoor - A novel initiative by the Literary
and SoCult societies, open mics and
soulful renditions mark a night filled with
literature and music
INSIGHT- A medical and
scientific fest, the first of its
kind, was conducted by the
Scientific Society at AIIMS
Internal Reservation - Supreme
Court judgement passed, allowing
reservation in AIIMS PG seats for
AIIMSonian MBBS students
INFEST - Four days of
gruelling competition, with
Batch 2020 emerging as the
winners
JULY
Celebrations - Dussehra, Ram Leela,
Deepawali, Halloween
PULSE - 16th to 22nd September -
50th edition of Asia’s largest
med-school fest successfully
relaunched after two years of the
Covid pandemic
Celebrations - Rakshabandhan,
Independence Day,
Janmashtami, Ganeshotsav
UG Cricket League
Remotexs (Nimbus) - online remote
access of BBDL provided to students
Juice Shop Reopened
Instalment of Swings in Girls' Hostel
Celebrations - Onam
Amul Shop Inauguration
Girls’ Hostel Dance Room
Renovation
AUGUST
NOVEMBER
OCTOBER
SEPTEMBER
Welcome Facchas - Resumption of CREST;
Orientation Sessions held for the Batch of
2022 by the ASA and Society Heads
TB Awareness Rally with the Hon'ble
Health Minister
No Confidence Motion Against the
President - Resignation of the latter
following a vote by the MBBS UGs to
remove the Prez
DECEMBER
Music room renovation
Celebrations - New Year’s Eve
Celebrations - Mahashivratri
Celebrations - Holi
Celebrations - Lohri, Makar Sankranti,
Republic Day, Saraswati Pooja
Nescafe and Amul shop open 24/7
Page Turners Renovation - along with the
appointment of a new caretaker
Fitoor 3.0
Hostel 6 Washroom Renovation
Girls’ Hostel Gym - new equipment
provided
Girls’ Hostel Open Gym Installation
Waterproofing of Hostel 7 Roof
Rate Lists - made mandatory to be
displayed at all shops
Mess 1, 2 and 4 Furniture - new
chairs provided to increase seating
capacity
Fencing of Boundary-walls
Repainting of Roads
SU Room Renovation
JANUARY '23
FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL
Compiled by:
Anushka Kulkarni
& Rishit Agarwal
Batch of 2022
TEDx AIIMS Delhi - Despite initial setbacks, the
team pulled o a spectacular event on 15th Jan
2023, receiving global praise and recognition
Notice Boards Updated - with Emergency and
Security Contacts
Recreation Room Renovation
Hostel Wi-Fi - new routers and
software installed
Design: AB
Common Rooms - provided for the
use of respective societies
Ballabhgarh Badminton Court and
Gym - renovation work and new
equipment provided
23
Design: AB
e castle crumbled, ashes all around,
Mighty stones fell, from spires that once stood tall;
e staircase, the throne, reduced to rubble,
e high walls are the ones from which we fall.
An echo, but no one to hear,
Dead bodies, blood, buried;
e red cape of the hero
Hung as a noose, as he waited, unhurried.
Towers fell all around, chaos knee deep,
Monsters and prisoners - all freed;
e paintings watched silently, sullen
As the beasts, on the hero, did feed
His ashes, his bones, were where grew today’s
weeds.
’twas a legend as old as the hills,
A kiss that kills, the swordsman and his skills;
Of beasts chained, of unshakeable wills,
Passed down by paintings, by aged quills.
e red cape fluered across the land,
Bent the knee, to his command;
A sword that shaered stone,
High he ruled, atop the gilded throne.
Aaroshi Gupta
Batch of 2019
Maanit Matravadia
Batch of 2020
Lead Scriptwriter for P-wave 2022
Advisors wiser than the wise, armies ironclad;
Fertile lands, dragons as his firebrand
Scoured the skies, they feared no man,
Atop their backs, he sat, the whole kingdom his clan.
Droughts and floods, nothing could
Bury his might, it always withstood;
Armies from east and monsters from the west
All bowed to his conquest.
A just prince, compassionate and calm,
Lands he ruled united by his love and charm;
Orphaned when young, all he knew
Was that he must remain honest and true.
en one fateful night, as his heart lay bare,
e love of his life, the 'inseparable pair’;
Pulled the dagger of his ancestors, her wedding gi,
Drove it down, hard and swi.
Gasping, gaping, his eyes bulged,
All his advisors, with daggers, deep they plunged;
His friends, family, his beloved,
Stabbed till his body numbed.
e towers fell, the stars silent and old,
ieves swarmed, stealing the silver and gold;
e kingdom he so dearly loved, protected
Was pulling down his statue they once erected.
e spires crumbled, as the dragons were culled,
e prisoners released, as the Prince’s vision
smudged;
With all his strength, he swayed up,
Mouth filled with blood, down he did gulp.
Dragging those feet, across the golden halls,
Nearing the exit, his statue before him falls;
No way out, as the last walls start to crack,
His eyes cloud with red, his vision goes black.
is is the end, this is how I die,
e ones I loved, this is how they said goodbye;
e blood I’d shed, the sweat I’d smelled,
All for the people at whose hands I lay dead.
In the dungeons deep, in cliffs so high and steep,
Was there no one who would weep?
As the beasts thronged to the smell of his blood,
e Prince lay there, facing his end, unloved.
24
Design: HG, VK
27
28
30 31
32
34 35
36 37
38 39
Shubham Bhakal
Batch of 2019
40 41
42 43
44 45
46 47
49
IIMS instils a sense of excellence in all its ventures and the story of TEDx was no different. e glamorous
evening on 15th January 2023, almost shadowed the hours of toil beneath the surface. Reporters in
general limit their story to the day at hand, but what I believe is that a holistic account entails even the
thoughts that gave way to the idea.
Back in the spring of ’22 when the Lit Secretary called on the first meeting, the idea of having a TEDx awakened
nostalgia and awe in me. Growing up, I adored the platform for its range of visions and the unique style of
passing it on. e privilege to organise this was not to be treated lightly. Well, as the bee works through the
thorns to savour the nectar, so were our paths riddled with puddles.
From being rejected twice by the TEDx, an upper limit of hardly 100 people who could spectate, the lack of
the administration’s interest in anything ‘co-curricular’ to the difficulty in closing down sponsors; all these, six
months into the event had all of us sinking in the mire. Yet we wouldn’t let go!
It was past midnight when I received a mail stating that our third aempt had yielded the TEDx license. Joy
knew no bounds as it was our first victory. From then on things seemed to fall into place. e speakers were
finalised and MOUs signed as it heralded the upcoming pomp.
An active Insta page kept the audience updated with each development; teaser videos were released and yes,
the countdown had begun. e lineup included big shots like - Mr Salman Khurshid, ex-external affairs minister
of India, Senior Advocate at Supreme Court of India, Author and teacher of Law; Dr. Neerja Bhatla, Prof and
Head, Obst & Gynae & WHO CCR, AIIMS New Delhi, and Dr. Yogesh Jain, Public Health Physician, Sangwari.
With an audience of about a hundred people, the essence of the program was maintained by presenters who
ensured novelty in ideas, clarity of vision and choice of words that simmered in the bowl of knowledge. e
speakers were felicitated with a pashmina shawl and a gi hamper as a token of our gratitude and appreciation.
e first session was led by Mr Salman Khan and Dr Neerja Bhatla following which we had a break wherein
high tea was served. Dr Yogesh Jain opened the second tale, succeeded by Dr Sumer Sethi and Mrs Sukhneet
Wadhwa. ings were wrapped up by a vote of thanks from our dear organiser.
Yes, we had pulled it off thanks to the amazing team we had! is would have been the happy end had it not
been for Dr Sumer Sethi’s speech which gained about one lakh views in the span of just forty days and was
ranked as the third most viewed TEDx video across the globe in February.
From humble beginnings of despair, we had climbed peaks we never knew existed.
A lad like me couldn’t ask for more!
-Philemon Kuriakose
Bat of 2020
Design: AA
50
TRIGGER
WARNING!!!
Aaroshi Gupta
Batch of 2019
THE FOLLOWING FEATURE MAY NOT BE POLITICALLY CORRECT AND MAY
CAUSE SEVERE INFLAMMATORY REACTIONS IN PREDISPOSED
(READ BLUE-HAIRED) INDIVIDUALS
READER DISCRETION ADVISED.
52 53
“Good evening ladies and
gentlemen, this is Tom Tucker
with Quad-hog 7 News. our
top story, ‘StupEd Board has
just released the results
of Vital Statistix”
“From that MILDLY OFFENSIVE GOOGLE
form you must remember filling? I am
news anchor Diane simmons, please stay
tuned for the latest developments
in this story. Now over to our Asian
correspondent Tricia Takanawa”
“Diane I am standing
here outside the
Teaching Block
And I Hear 318
AIIMSonians have
been scammed
into wasting 10
minutes of their
precious time in
exchange for 5
colored magazine
pages. we have been
flipping through
their answers and
some of these
revelations are
pretty shocking...”
2020
2021
2019
2022
2018
too old
1 person claimed to
identify as A Transformer
95% committed people are happy
in their relationships, Leaving
little hope for Desperate
singles
10 People
reported
having Multiple
partners
36% don’t care for politics, and don’t give
their opinions unless asked for - unlike
millennial peter
"i suddenly feel like
i know better than
everyone else!"
of the remaining,
31% endorse Right
27% Supportleft
42% choose whichever
side is greener
PARENTAL PRESSURE
DOCTORS IN THE FAMILY
LOVED BIO IN SCHOOL
HATED MATHS
WEALTH & STATUS
SERVICE TO MANKIND
18 people reported an improvement
in academics from their days at James
Woods High School 99 people don’t (can’t) plan beyond ‘what’s for lunch?’
53% want to stay forever in AIIMS while 23% are okay
with doing PG from anywhere, 27% are preparing for
USMLE
will opt for private practice, compared to
who want to take up research as a career path
Why did You Join MBBS?
NO IDEA, NEET/AIIMS SOUNDED FUN
When asked
‘Where
do you
see your
future?’
16% say
they
see only
darkness.
At least
60% want
to stay
back in
India, while
17% want
to settle
abroad
26% confessed to HAVING
given up on academics
“When faced with
violence at an
Indian hospital,
the best course
of action is to
quickly hit the
red button on
your attacker’s
forehead to
deactivate him”
Why do you think people do MLE?
aiimsonian
non-aiimsonian medico
single forever
non-medico
arranged marriage
single and
available
committed
PG MEIN DEKH LENGE
single yet
happy
20% believe marriage is a scam, while 11% will
marry the first person they match with on
bumble
“Don’t say doing
your wife...”
MORE MONEY
BETTER WORK ENVIRONMENT
BETTER LIFESTYLE
AVOID NEXT
BORED OF INDIA
BETTER RESEARCH
75% compulsory
13 sadists
want
biometric
attendance
one person wisely opines it is to experience
racism first hand
50% compulsory
why is it still a thing?
At least 18% of AIIMSonians are night owls, another 3%
are insomniacs in denial (they are calling it ‘the grind’)
21% have breakfast everyday, compared to
26% who never do
“ooh hello”
“Guys, we’ll just drink till the statue
of liberty seems hot”
of
people
have never
touched
alcohol,
12% drink
only in Pulse,
37% are
occasional
or social
drinkers.
Among those who drink, vodka and whiskey are crowd
favourites, closely followed by Pawtucket Patriot ale
(beer), while 1 person gets high on desi daaru
while haunt
the drunken
clam almost
daily
When asked about smoking history, 57% Say Delhi’s
atmosphere is enough to ruin their lungs, 29% are exposed
to passive smoke from friends, whereas 3 people can’t live
without going through at least a pack a day
is the
percentage
of people who
have never
done weed
or bhang (AKA
SASTE NASHE)
Now that i have your attention, did
you know That 14% have tried weed/
bhang once but left it for good, while
For 13 people it’s a way of life, just
like cookie monster in rehab
8% of respondents have tried other substances including
MDMA AND LSD
someone asked us ‘Is Anustup considered a substance?’
Dr. hartman begrudgingly helped us answer this question
“i’m not qualified
to give you
health advice, so
I will just say
phishh khao and
move on with my
day.”
“come on,
come on”
respondents, 1 wants 9PM girls’ hostel
curfew to be lifted, 1 is okay with boys entering girls’
hostel but wants the curfew to stay, and the other one
doesn’t care either way
all riiight!!
of people approve girls being allowed in
boys’ hostels
but
19 people are scared of going to the boys’ hostel
washroom in fear of girls seeing them in towels
20 demand that girls be allowed only after 9 PM
29% don’t care as they get no bitches
“go away!”
how do aiimsonians
spend their free
time?
The average AIIMSonian
is a man (or woman) of
culture and indulges
in reading, writing, fine
arts … just kidding.
chose sleeping,
watching movies/
TV shows, scrolling
on Instagram, or
any combination of
the above as their
favourite pastime
16% have cancelled their Netflix and
Hotstar subscriptions and just
open the AIIMS family WhatsApp
group for sasta entertainment
51% are physically active, that is, play
sports and games and/or work out
21% say
they have
a pastime
which is
better done
than said
we hope
they are
blessed with
appropriate
arm lengths
unlike this
t-rex
SUPPORT
A KINDER
VERSION
BRING
BACK
THE
GOLDEN
ERA
NONE
DON’T
CARE
found tasks to be
problematic and deemed their
seniors to be cruel
people reached the pinnacle
of popularity; while of
people didn’t interact at all
were initially shy but were
encouraged to open up and
found a group of like-minded
seniors, fitting in like a centipede
among millipedes
THE WAY IT
CURRENTLY IS
44% genuinely enjoyed doing tasks and felt safe
dUring the course of interaction
women who agree that
misogynistic ‘tasks’
are degrading seniorjunior
interaction
with 1 of 3 strongly
agreeing to the same;
men who are of the
opinion that there is no
misogyny in AIIMS and
all interaction tasks
are meant to be taken
lightly
47% of men second
their opinion
67% of women disagree
with them
Most popular choices for SU posts to contend for: 1. Prez (21%),
2. Fin Secy (20%), 3. So-Cult Secy (13%)
Least
popular
choice was
Gen Secy
(6%), still
ahead of CR
(2% who also
confessed to
having a fetish
for being
verbally
abused by
the public
everydAY)
believe the Mag Ed is relevant
to the SU, 1 wants Meg (read Mag-ed) to
shut up and not meddle with CC elections,
the other 1 is undecided/ couldn’t care less
1 out of 4
AIIMSonians:
will vote for their friends
even if they aren’t the best for the post, 1
will choose to take a more principled stand
Of the latter 1/3rd, 12 people admitted
that they just want to screw over their
friends for no reason (OH NO!)
one person
sums it up
perfectly :
“All is fair
in love and
war”
here’s
A real
Image of
candidates
preparing
for aiims su
elections
the other half of quad-hog women
“say you like eating
red carpet!”
“Thanks Ollie. These AIIMSonians sure have a lot
to figure out. Hope our viewers have enjoyed
this special presentation. Good night Quad-hog,
God bless!”
Vital Statistics, 7th Edition (2023)
Illustrations: Soumyadip Halder & Pavit Singh, Batch of 2021
Cover art: Kashika Vedwal, Batch of 2023
Questionnaire: A joint eort by 'StupEd Board members
Analysis, Write-up & Design: Anustup Bhattacharyya
Half of all women have
been unable to raise their
voice in THE face of sexist
remarks
Half of all respondents
have at least once talked
about the sexual identity
of a peer
Half of all respondents
have at least once felt like
running away from AIIMS
70% of people neglect their mental health thinking
their problems are too small to seek help for
84% have never been to the SWC
only 6% think the SWC has had
any decent impact on the UG
population
2 geniuses think mental health
problems aren’t real
Special anks to:
Seth MacFarlane - Creator of "Family Guy"
Link to Questionnaire
57% agree that negative campaigning
has its place
the vast majority (71%) chose
campaigning focused ON credentials
and leadership skills over enticing
voters with treats (20%) and
wooing to communal vote banks
(12%)
1% wait all year for the election
season just to witness epic fights
and watch some funny memes
4 out of 5 have at some point
felt uncomfortable due to
jokes or comments made by
someone, or know a person who
has
4 out of 5 have at some point
‘felt the blues’, or know a
person who has
1 in 4 haS faced
discrimination on the lines
of religion/caste or know
someone who has
Another 1 out of 4 people
has been told they are
too girlish/boyish to fit in
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fcs99r71EQDyT21flIWVP-goBc58WSE/view?usp=sharing
59
Design: AB
DR. SANKEERTH SADANANDA
BATCH OF 2017
"The eve of Holi. A lazy start to what was gonna be an irreplaceable memory..."
Waking up to Sujay’s call for help, the day started passively.
With swift movements, the nurse ushered in a new life
whilst examining the patient at the ANC ward. No tear primi
delivery, wow. Due appreciation was given, and respects paid
to the nurse’s swift helping hand. But now retrospectively more
appreciation wouldn't have hurt. With a final few words, she bid
adieu and left to us, the reins of the ward, to what she promised
would be an uneventful day. The CCM JRs encouraged us with
promises of referrals for all those labouring women to burden
us on this festive day.
And so began the celebrations of the day, with some coerced
participation from us interns, colours were applied and the
sacred AIIMSonian ritual of mud baths was invoked. Suprakash
sir even cajoled me to try the vodka, with the assurance that
the smell wouldn’t alert the patients to come. My senses were
intact enough to trust otherwise. So with a cup in hand, I swiftly
switched the vodka with Sprite and turned an onlooker to the
activities of the day. There was music, dance, food and bhang, a
deviant kid with colors in her hand. Colors that would not wash
o. Colors that couldn't be refused, as they were the products
of two innocent little hands. So avoiding the landmines of
Suprakash sir and his daughter, I made it post the celebration
to the calm, amidst biryani and some skin care. After a nice hot
shower and a rather decently cooked meal, I cuddled myself
to bed, with a laptop in one hand. I gradually slipped into
slumber, happy to have been in the company of Sujay, amidst
the celebration of my seniors, and away from the hustle of the
ward. But this peace was short lived, breaking my sleep in a
couple of hours was a phone call from the guard. He swiftly
warned me of an impending delivery.
Rushing to the scene, she was a multi, with good contractions
and an os of 4cm. She had to be admitted; could I have
referred her i/v/o non-availability of a nurse? Perhaps, but
my conscience, mixed with fear of the
SR OBGYN at Ballabhgarh, forced me to
do otherwise. I admitted her and called
Sujay. He wanted in on a delivery, so I
assumed it was the wise decision, but
the poor bloke had barely slept the night
before too. So this was on me. I swore to
myself, I’d use this delivery to learn as
much as I could. Consulting the lovely
Shanti Ma’am, I cannulated the patient,
gave her drotin and busco, and waited
for further dilation. Now with time on
my hands, I decided to have the patient
shifted to the labour room, and did her
ARM. Where was that kochers? Huh, it
could be curved too? Wowow. I'll admit it
was quite the thrill, to be the only one in
the delivery room, my confidence was at
an all time high. It was thinly meconium
stained, a tad bit concerning, but I forged
ahead. Here enters Sandeep Das. How a
man with so little knowledge ends up with
so much certainty, I'll never understand.
Active stage is 3.2 cm right? - verbatim
Dr Sandeep. Ignoring his instructions, I
ask the patient to bear down. She heeds,
and the baby descends; with prompt
perineal support and guided directions
to the oncoming occiput, I try my best to
ensure a smooth delivery.
Here is where having another cook
turned problematic. With another hand
to spare, Sandeep sir decides to put it
in the path of the baby’s restitution. He
restrains the head motion and before
I could say a word, attempts to pull the
baby out with its back anterior, instead
of its shoulders. Damage control mode
kicks in and I give all the perineal
support I can. Lucky Sandeep, the baby
was rather small and passed out without
a tear. Cursing the dude, I asked him
to get oxytocin. The man fumbles yet
again; with uncertainty about the dose
he rushes in with the needle toward the
medial thigh. Without saying a word I
nudge the needle anterolaterally and let
him know of his mistake.
It was a girl child, her second, and yes, she
did not want a copper T. And so was the
culmination of 1 out of what were to be 3
deliveries in the abandoned night of PHC
Chhainsa. Well, for the second delivery,
Sujay comes into the picture, surprised
that the first was already handled. He
prepares himself for the second. He
does look really cute when he’s serious,
ok focus. 3cm dilated Monisha G3P2L0,
hmm what happened?
A h/o anencephaly and another infant
death on day 10. Sujay had seen the
patient the previous day, she’d returned
today with more pain. We charted
her contractions and they were only a
meagre 1 in 10min, lasting <20s,…. I look
at Sujay, hmm this is gonna take time.
Did I call him too early? Lets augment
her contractions. Perhaps a coee break
before - Sujay suggests. I mean, have I
ever been someone to refuse? Lets gooo.
I ask the guard to call me if anything
happens.
As if to answer my calls, in some wicked
sort of twisted way, God sends another
multi, Suman, fully dilated into the
scene. Before I could realise what was
happening, she was crowning. Mataji
wasn't here to usher Suman into the
labour room. So with a firm voice, I
asked her not to bear down and move
to the labour room. Quickly removed
the CTG from poor Monisha and put it
on Suman. Well, the universe had other
plans; she beared down before I could
reach for the CTG probe, the baby’s
head was out. And that was how, with
one gloved hand, I delivered her baby.
The head came out with the membranes
intact, hmm let me just rupture those…..
done. Hmm something is weird, wait why
isn't the shoulder coming out? Lagaoo
Suman ji!! Lagaoo. I yank at the head
trying to deliver the posterior shoulder,
after Shagun Ma’am had said so. Ok not
working, and as I shifted focus on the
anterior shoulder, desperately trying to
recall shoulder dystocia management.
She delivers the baby completely, all
3350g. Baby girl of Suman, copper T for
Suman? No thanks. Oh, I had to let Sujay
learn, right? Well it can't be helped. Oh, I
62 63
"We learn, we read, we
understand, we practise,
but the sheer ignorance and
illiteracy of this country
would never fail to pour all
your efforts down the drain."
was exposed to blood and amniotic fluid,
she does not have an HBsAg report, I'm
doomed right? Well it can't be helped.
Chalo at least there was no perineal tear
and the baby is alright, shift her away.
Sujay being the assistant of my dreams,
made sure it was nothing like the time
with Sandeep. Now with the rush of these
deliveries, I wanted to speed this up for
our little Monisha back in the ANC room.
Decided to do an early p/v. She's like 5cm
- she’s been 5 cm from an hour. Lets give
her drotin and busco. Her contractions
are weak, time for augmentation. With
the calculations figures, 2 units in 500ml
NS running at 8 drops. And poof! Her
contractions went like 4 per 10 min. ARM
karna hai kya Sujay? Hmm lets try. After
2 failed attempts, perhaps I should take
the reins on this one. Clear amniotic
fluid, yeahhh! Ok chalo this is going to
finish swiftly. As we wait for progression,
the time passes, it's been 1hr and there
isn't any change in her dilation, which
remained at a static 6 cm. Ok we can
wait, let's see. It would've been fine until
here. It seems like a recurring pattern
now, for fate to deal the worst of hands,
right when things are going good. Just as
scheduled, arrived my reckoning. Fetal
bradycardia. With flashbacks from when
Shanti ma’am panicked, seeing a similar
situation previously, I’d calibrated
my emotions accordingly. At this
moment I felt, I had perhaps taken on
responsibility way beyond my capacity.
Called Nisha ma'am, and she warned
me, if it was during contractions, then
deliver. If it turned persistent then refer.
Sujay was quick to realise the nuances of
the Indian medical system, he remarked
that it was perhaps time to call the
ambulance. He did so and we were now
in a fix. Someone had to accompany
the patient to BK, for she may require a
Cesarean. But what if the baby delivered
in the bus? The person to accompany her
had to be me. Not Sandeep, not Sujay. I
took a deep breath and played out the
possible scenarios. All instruments for
3rd stage management? Drugs in case
she goes into PPH? Materials to receive
the baby? Instruments to resuscitate
the baby if required? All this I'd have to
take care of alone. Ok deep breaths, now
isn't the time to panic. I'm the only one
here who needs to keep his faculties in
order. I wonder where I went wrong, did
I augment her too soon? Was the ARM
uncalled for? Did I push in too much
oxytocin? Did I shift her to the labour
room too soon? Did I ask her to bear
down too early? Was she bleeding? Was
the baby bleeding? Vasa previa toh nhi
thi? It took a good 30 min for us to start to
wonder where the ambulance was, dude.
Sujay makes another call, only to realise
that the driver was wasted, in the wake of
Holi celebrations and was nowhere to be
seen, probably fast asleep. This is where
all hell breaks loose.
PERSISTENT FETAL BRADYCARDIA.
I was always a person to say that I'm
not one to care for the patients far too
much. I'll do my duty. And that's that.
But at that moment, all these emotions
flowed through me. This poor woman,
who had 2 previous failed attempts at
bearing children, looks at her mother
for solace. Her mother looks at me. Sujay
looks at me. It's at that moment I realise
how much responsibility falls on our
shoulders. This knowledge we’ve been
bestowed, these skills we’ve acquired, if
not to help a poor barren woman, what
else is it for? As she prays to me, for
heeding her from all this pain, it dawns
on me. IT MUST BE ME. I have to for
once take charge of this emergency. I
had to bring the patient out of this. Sujay
start RL. Sandeep sir, put the patient on
oxygen.
baby gushes out. The moment of truth.
Is he not crying? Why? Please oh god,
no more! Let me handle this, a quick pat
dry and a flick to the sole. And with this
plays a symphony, a symphony like no
other, he lets out a loud wholehearted
cry. My knees go wobbly. The mother is
in tears, Sujay is in tears, I'm in tears.
At that moment, Sujay gave me a warm
embrace. It was perhaps all worth it, all
was perfect. I did this, it was one of those
times, where my intervention made
an actual change. It was one of those
images that would have burned into
my cerebral cortex, ingrained into the
memories that would shape me into the
doctor that I would become. 3rd stage
managed, breastfeeding initiated. We
sit back and comfortably suture her up.
I'm literally welling up. In the midst of
all this excitement, there were multiple
medical cases that arrived. 2 URTI, 2
gastroenteritis, a couple of other cases,
and 2 MLC head injuries. Remember
the head injuries, they're going to be
important.
As soon as we were done with the delivery,
in comes yet another ANC patient, and
this reflects blatantly how understaed
and how overburdened the medical
system of the country is. We receive her,
she's got no USG, unsure of her dates, p/a
- it looks like 32 weeks. Maybe we should
refer her, I call Nisha ma’am, much to her
dismay; she was rather annoyed at the
late night calls. I don’t know why but as
if to dismiss what Sujay had said, I felt it
was 36 weeks instead of 32. And this was
what pushed Nisha ma’am over the edge,
kya yaar Sankeerth! Sone nhi de rhe
ho! Ok sorry ma’am, I’m so sorry. I call
Sandeep sir and we decide to refer her,
call the ambulance. We’d done everything
right, but we forgot one crucial factor.
Convincing the family. They refused to
leave for BK and wanted to go home, I
tried my earnest best to explain to them
the consequences of their actions. But
blatantly they ignore and walk away on
me. We learn, we read, we understand,
we practise, but the sheer ignorance and
illiteracy of this country would never fail
to pour all your eorts down the drain.
And when the ambulance arrived, we
had to let them know of the absconded
status of the patient. With this mixed bag
of emotions, Sujay and I call it a night.
Well other than a few calls after, eectively
keeping me up for the remainder of the
last part of my 24hr shift, one referral
for induction of labour, that was the
end to my shift. Did they call me for
duty the next day? Forgetting all of my
work previously? Of course they did. Did
Sandeep Kumar show up ridiculously
late, wanting to have breakfast before
helping me out, despite my 24 hour shift
previously? Of course he did.
And to sum all our eorts for the night,
Suprakash sir calls us to his cabin.
Sankeerth what sort of an OPD card is
this? MLC head injury mei itna hi likhte
ho? God these interns. This card blatantly
reflects your insincerity. You may leave.
And leave I did, away from Suprakash,
away from the health center, away from
Chhainsa, back into the warm embrace
of my room.
Despite all of these let downs, despite
all the hardships, lingers on, the joyous
cry of that newborn baby, unaware of the
havoc he wreaked, the warm embrace
of my dear friend, and his remark at the
end of it all, ‘agar tu nhi hota, toh koi aur
nhi kar pata.’
Now is where Sandeep sir rushes in
with an ambu bag to try and oxygenate
the patient. I'm too exhausted to try and
make him understand. Sir oxygenate!
Not ventilate!! Sandeep realises and
accordingly adjusts.
She's 8-9cm, you know what, even if her
cervix tears, I'll do something. Right
now I need to deliver this child. Ok
Monisha! Lagaoo!!! Baccha aa hi gya!!
Lagaooo!!! Crowning!!! Sujay lignocaine!!
Episiotomy! Baccha aagya!! Badhiya kar
the ho, aur lagaoo!! LAGAOOO!!! The
64 65
o matter
which
batch you
belong to,
or what
your future aspirations
are, one of the hottest
topics of discussion
over the past year has
been that of Internal
Reservation (IR). This
issue has aected almost
every single UG in one
way or the other, with it
being a question of their
entire career for many.
We have attempted to
map out the eorts
that led to the current
position, and what lies
ahead.
A lot of us must have heard tales of the
“good ol’ times”, when AIIMSonians
used to sit before the PG entrance
exam and divide up the branches
amongst themselves. With IR, they’d be
confident enough that they could get
any specialty they could wish for. But
alas, this was something that remained
a legend, as the accommodation of
IR was long discontinued by the time
most of us set foot in this college,
following the court judgment in 2001,
when the internal reservation system
was scrapped in preference to, ahem,
the preference-based system.
To understand the route that was
taken to achieve the present system of
Internal Reservation, we talked with
Rajan Kumar, the President, Vishwesh
Bharadiya, the Vice-President, of ASA
2021-22, as well as Harshit Anand, the
Finance Secretary of ASA 2020-21.
The eorts were put in motion by the
ASA 2018-19 (batch 2015), who first
contacted the junior lawyer to take the
legal route. This was done because the
admin, though favorable for giving IR,
needed the permission of the court
in order to overturn the previous
judgment. Later, eorts were put in
full swing by the ASA 2020-21 (Batch
2017) and ASA 2021-22 (Batch 2018), who
collected the necessary documentation
and demands in a proper written form.
At this time, they were able to get the
services of Mr Arvind Datar, a senior
lawyer, who thankfully agreed to work
pro bono (the usual fees of a senior
lawyer run in lakhs!).
Around the same time, other AIIMS
institutes also filed similar cases for
Internal Reservation of their own.
Though AIIMS New Delhi had filed the
case earlier than them, in September
2021, the hearing got delayed as the
case was stuck in the Chief Justice’s
oce. Meanwhile, the other colleges
got the date of hearing early, and in
the first hearing, the court decided to
carry forward with the proceedings,
giving further hope and credibility to
our case. Soon, all these cases were
clubbed together, under the name
Students Association AIIMS Bhopal and
others, since their date of hearing was
first.
The respondents against whom the
case was filed were the Union of India,
the Health Ministry, AIIMS New Delhi,
and National Medical Commission
(NMC). After getting the court notice,
the respondents have to file an adavit
stating their position. In the adavit,
they mentioned that while they were
not opposed to the Internal Reservation
system, they just wanted clearance for
the roster system. This made the case
much easier, preventing the need to
go into finer technicalities. Finally, the
judgment was passed in May 2022, by
Justice L.N.Rao and Justice B.R.Gavai,
allowing the implementation of
Internal Reservation in AIIMS New
Delhi and other colleges.
So, that was the long road to the
privilege of Internal Reservation that
we enjoy today. While this could be
achieved thanks to the eorts of our
senior batches, there could still be room
for improvement. There are issues
pertaining to the adjustment of general
and various category seats vis a vis the
Internal Reservation seats. The court
had ordered AIIMS to follow a roster
based system like that implemented
in JIPMER. In a roster system, the
reservation is based on roster points
rather than the traditional method,
ie, caste, which implies that no matter
the constitutional reservation you
have, you get a seat based on the best
roster point. This method put forward
a system where a person with a caste
reservation got allotted a seat within
the reservation and not one of the
general seats. This was particularly
beneficial in departments where seats
are limited, because via roster system,
merit had an upper hand.
While this was the court order,
AIIMS implemented a system which
mixed both roster points and caste
based reservation. This is a flawed
implementation because, for example,
if a person with a constitutional
reservation gets a seat via both
general and constitutional reservation,
they will be granted the seat in the
general category. Similarly, if a person
belonging to the general category gets
a seat via internal reservation and
general both, the IR seat will go to
them. To understand the fallacy of the
system better, let’s take an example of
a department with only one seat. The
current system reserves the single
seat to a person with a particular
constitutional reservation, ie, of a
particular caste. A person belonging
to another category will be denied that
seat, even if their merit or roster point
is higher. This also forces someone
with no interest in a department to
choose the single seat, because other
departments of their preference lack
seats. These are valid points for us to reappeal
to the court. If this is corrected,
it would free up a lot of seats for many
more AIIMSonians. Now, the onus falls
on present and future Student Unions
to carry this notion forward.
Written by
Kaushik Reddy, Batch of 2021
Sahil Yadav, Batch of 2021 &
Anna Basil Gomez,
Batch of 2020
Design: AB
Illustration: PS 67
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Published online 2023 May. doi: 10.1124/aiimsmag.420.000024
Research 101
Bhavik Bansal
Author informaon Copyright and License informaon Disclaimer
Introduction
PMCID: LOL7938661
PMID: 33653873
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Cite
Collecons
posters and illustrations later.
Practise writing leers, grant applications, proposals, love stories, essays, physiology
questions, magazine articles, blog posts and whatever you can get your hands on. Half of
research is expressing what you found, both vocally and in writing. e rest is reading,
by the way. Reviewing literature in an exhaustive way and citing relevant articles is half
the job done in any manuscript - learning that is a maer of experience more than a
course though, but using PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and above all Zotero since the very
beginning is a good start.
ere are a lot of Coursera courses available to be ‘audited’ for free, the certification is
inconsequential, so spending big bucks for that is not recommended. e ‘Writing in the
Sciences’ course by Stanford is one I particularly recommend.
Hello AIIMSonian, a student of an institute much known for being at the forefront
of medical science in this country. Research is an essential component of any fruitful
AIIMSonian’s life, whether it be to advance science as we now know it or simply to feel
confident when applying for programmes. As they say, if you live a peripheral college life
while being at AIIMS, it’s like “killing a mosquito with a bazooka.”
While one shouldn’t be discouraged if they graduate through MBBS without having
published anything or having any research experience at all, research does add prestige to
your resume and is essential for applications everywhere (with the obvious exception of
an MD/MS in India). It provides you with stories to share during the interview. Research
is an important part of your leers of recommendation, and is generally an excellent
method to network with others in academic medicine.
Generally, the first year is an experimental playing ground, and is often too hectic with
classes/practicals and otherwise parties/events and whatnot to focus full time on research.
Broad objectives during the first year could be:
Learn the basics of research
Biostatistics and Epidemiology would be taught to you in 3rd year, but I believe that a fresh
undergraduate is the best person to be introduced to it. You already have a mathematical
bent of mind and it feels much more interesting till it’s not part of the curriculum.
Read about forms of data expression, maybe even a coding language like R or Python.
If the former sounds scary but you still want to contribute to the data part in the future,
Stata and SPSS are good tools to get your hands on too. Developing a design mindset and
learning basics of Adobe Illustrator and InDesign have helped a few in designing amazing
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Try your first stint in research
During class (starting first year), try to be friendly with faculty, try to let your presence be
felt. e first stint at research often is a pre-clinical wet lab experience for most people,
for others it may be something related to hardcore clinics or bioinformatics.
ICMR STS (Short Term Studentship) can be a formal start to such first stints. It is a
scholarship amounting to Rs. 50,000 for an undergraduate to work on a research project
for 2 months during his/her MBBS. Pick a lab, understand the project, write the proposal
and you’re done. Don’t be disheartened if your project is not accepted, nobody has been
able to figure out how ICMR selects projects for STS yet. rough STS, you could be
exposed for the first time to the dreaded ‘Institute Ethics Commiee (IEC)’. e procedure
of the former can be the most frustrating part of a project, but is essential and an earlier
exposure would do wonders. STS applications start taking proposals towards the end of
December each year, so be on the lookout on their website.
Form your research community
Most good research is done in teams. It is often boring going through tons of data and
pages of references on your own, but a good research buddy can simplify the process a
lot. Towards the end of first year, you should be able to start figuring out these buddies.
ese buddies need not be your batchmates, people have done some amazing stuff with
their seniors and juniors; often someone from a different (posting) batch is helpful in
prospective studies. Use fora like ‘e Scientific Society’ to get to know people who are as
motivated as you and engage in discussions which will foster you as a well informed and
well-connected physician scientist.
68 69
With clinics starting off, the horizons of opportunity and therefore experimentation
increase. As the pool expands, you need to explore more while starting to clarify your
aims and objectives.
Try research of all types
After trying basic sciences and wet-labs, try clinics in all departments, and the research
they do. Try asking every faculty you meet in postings about their work, they feel really
validated when a UG is interested and you start to understand study designs in all fields
possible. A basic distinction of inclination between basic science and clinical research
may become obvious by the end of second year. Possibly even a distinction between your
inclination towards medical and surgical research.
Expose yourself more in-situ
Try participating in intramural research events, from UG summer fellowships (after 1st
professionals), to presenting in Research Day and INSIGHT, to conferences in and around
Delhi. By second year, you become eligible for the Undergraduate Mentorship Grant
(UGMG) which is an amazing program for taking up a long-term project as part of a
team of 2-3 people, learning the process of grant writing and presenting a proposal in the
process.
Expose yourself ex-situ (plan trips)
of Recommendation (LoR) and writing a CV and Personal Statement.
Conferences are the best places to network academically. From interacting with people
during INSIGHT and forming connections with others of similar interests around you,
to presenting your paper in specialty conferences nationally and internationally, all are
great ideas when you have a few studies approaching completion. An abstract deadline
often is the best motivation to complete a manuscript in time. e Research Section
at AIIMS provides travel grants to undergraduates to aend (and present) in medical
conferences, both nationally (upto Rs. 15,000) and internationally (Rs. 80,000) under the
AIIMS Endowment Fund. Most medical societies also have some sort of travel grants
or bursaries available for students, so don’t forget to look them up to defray the cost of
traveling. A conference (with its travel grants) coupled to an elective can be one of the
best ways to balance an otherwise extremely costly travel expense. Make sure that you
have an understanding with your faculty mentor about a possible abstract presentation
and authorship before starting a project.
As you go through this, keep in mind that your comprehension of the project and your role
in it count much more than your accomplishments as an author. Being an author means
you will need to stand up for the manuscript. Before taking credit for writing the paper,
you should fully comprehend it. You can broadly categorise your research experiences
into three categories: study, responsibility, and outcome. Make sure you can sum up all of
your experiences in this manner. Avoid authorship order disagreements with your peers,
especially your guide, by being clear about your expectations early on.
Your research career will be entirely your own once this fundamental path has been
established, and no set of rules can be ideal for everyone. Experimentation is synonymous
with science, thus we urge you to do so as you go toward doing experiments. All the best.
Going outside AIIMS for summer schools, electives, conferences and whatnot is an
essential part of your academic and research presence starting 2nd year. Before the
COVID pandemic hit things hard, 3rd semester used to be the time to start thinking about
applying for a research elective, to be aended in the post 4th semester holidays at Johns
Hopkins and other institutes. With the recent VISA issues and post-pandemic slowing,
this wouldn’t be possible for many of you, but there are loads of other opportunities.
Summer schools are a boom these days, from Neuromatch Academy to CAMP (by NCBS)
for people interested in computation to spending days at CCMB, IISc. and IGIB for people
interested in molecular sciences, there are a lot of online and offline schools. An exhaustive
list is always under construction, and contacting the current SciSoc people and seniors
interested in research could get you access to this list. Applying to some international
summer schools/research opportunities may not be the worst idea (even though they are
extremely competitive) as they can expose you to the first experience of aaining a Leer
Design: HA
70 71
-Hayagrivas MB
Batch of 2021
Design: HG
Illustration: SH
72
Design: HG
“
When it comes to ensuring that women have autonomy
and the right to make decisions about their bodies,
the challenges faced are dierent and insidious.
- Dr. Gurasis Boparai, Batch of 2016
”
Design: HG Illustration: RR
DR. ANIMESH RAY
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE
One of the fairy tales, that
captivated me in my childhood
was the one narrated countless
times by my grandma.
Ensconced in her lap, surrounded by
my cousins, I would listen with wide
eyes to the tale of the brave knight who
vanquished the demons to protect his
kingdom. The part, which remained
with me, over the years, was when
he would come charging, his sword
unsheathed, riding on his horse, as
the demons surrounded the dwellers.
The subjects, cringing and cowering,
stared at imminent death. Their hearts
promptly quivered with warmth, hearing
the gallant cry of the knight - “Do not be
afraid. Your knight is here.” My grandma
would explain “When you sincerely try to
help someone in distress – whether your
capacity is big or small - it springs new
hope and instills immense strength.” I
would coax my grandma to repeat the
same story – often this part – where
the knight’s exhortations seemed the
pinnacle - which filled my young mind
with the depths of his courage. After my
grandma passed away, the memories of
the tale remained as if suspended in time
and space - intertwined with several
others linked to her - unforgotten - but
seldom visited.
“Your phone is ringing - why don’t
you answer it?” said my wife from the
adjacent room. I mumbled something as
I looked away from the computer, at my
mobile phone kept on the reading table. It
was a warm and dry April evening of the
year 2021 in Delhi and the sun had begun
to set. One of my former neighbours
was calling - I hesitated, allowing the
ring to die down – eventually. I resented
answering the phone. Saying ‘No’, ‘Sorry’,
or ‘No vacancy’ repeatedly was taxing. It
wasn’t the first call unanswered during
the day, and I had received dozens of
calls since morning. All were panic calls.
Everybody had almost identical queries
– “Can a hospital bed be arranged?”
– either for a relative or a friend with
COVID-19. But all hospital admissions
were closed, as there were no beds – not
in our hospital or any other in Delhi. The
second wave of the pandemic had made
landfall at the capital of India, and we
were being swept away. I leaned back on
my chair and thought about my long day
shift in TC4.
An internist and pulmonologist by
training – I had been posted at one
of the wards (TC4) of our dedicated
COVID-19 centre, in the heart of New
Delhi. By March end of 2021 – there
were widespread anticipations about
scaling down operations and possible
closure of our centre as new cases were
slowly drying up. I, along with several
hundreds of my peers, who were posted
there, longed for redeployment to our
parent departments, after almost a
year of COVID-19 posting. We all were
confident that the worst part of the
pandemic was behind us. By early April,
we realised we couldn’t be more wrong.
Thousands of Delhiites had developed
severe COVID-19, within days, requiring
oxygen support and advanced care in
hospital. By mid-April, all hospital beds
in and around Delhi were crammed
with patients. Oxygen was in scarcity,
as were essential medicines – steroids
and remdesivir. The newspapers carried
graphic details of patients dying in
their homes and on the streets. The
crematoriums were forced to build
makeshift pyres. There were stories
about panic and suering everywhere. It
was the ‘desi’ version of the Apocalypse
– COVID-19 and death were ubiquitous.
To be fair, my hospital fared better than
the ones nearby - better resources at
the premier hospital helped. But that
was for the patients getting admitted –
a minuscule proportion as compared
to those waiting in and out of the
emergency- the hospital was full of
critically ill patients and the turnover
was slow. When the gravity of the
situation dawned on us, the COVID-19
physicians – it was a combination of
helplessness, disbelief, and uncertainty,
which was numbing. How do we tide
over this crisis? There are so many sick
people everywhere– who need hospital
care but there are no beds – not here,
not anywhere else. So many people were
suering and dying – were we doing
enough – as physicians and as human
beings?
I was at bed 15 taking my daily round
when I heard a voice coming from bed
5 – from over the four-feet walls that
separated the six-bedded cubicles. “No
worries, madam, you will get better -
you will be discharged soon. None of the
patients in this bed has been shifted to
the ICU- they have all gone home”. The
owner of the voice was Deshpal – a
health attendant (HA) who was talking
to Shiela. I had already reviewed the
case of Shiela – a breast cancer survivor,
middle-aged, with numerous other co-
79
"It was a quest for survival
– but also for asserting
the defining attributes of
mankind – empathy and
benevolence..."
morbidities. She had severe COVID-19
and her oxygen requirement had been
increasing steadily over the previous two
days. Currently on high-flow oxygen,
beads of sweat accumulated on her
forehead as she breathed laboriously.
Her ROX score suggested that she was not
doing too well on the present treatment.
If her condition deteriorated further,
she might require ventilation and the
prognosis of ventilated COVID-19
patients was, in general, dismal. I had
little else to oer to her, in the ward,
barring the medicines she was already
receiving according to our hospital
protocol. “Would I be alright doctor?”
She had asked quietly, in between rapid
breaths, as she sat propped up on a
Fowler’s bed, “My bed-ridden husband
depends on me – I have to get well and
go home” My answer – vetted by my
understanding of her probability of
worsening and possible requirement
of ICU care - was neutral but did little
more than deepening the frowns on her
forehead. As I craned my head to look
at Shiela’s face as she conversed with
Deshpal – I could not see the frowns
crowding her forehead but rather a faint
smile. After our team finished reviewing
bed 15, I called on Deshpal to have a casual
word. He was a diminutive man – short,
thin-built, working a six-hour shift as
a semi-trained temporary paramedical
sta. He had dropped out from school
by sixteen years of age and was working
as a HA for the last 10 years – being the
sole breadwinner for his family. “Do you
know, Shiela is very sick” - I asked him
as I pointed my finger at the cardiac
monitor attached to Shiela, beeping
hurriedly. “She will require ICU care as
her disease is getting worse,” I told him
trying to gauge his understanding of the
current situation - and the hollowness
of his assurances. “Three patients
have been shifted yesterday during my
shift, sir. Two of them have died today”
Deshpal stated. “Death is everywhere”,
he added. “But why did you tell her….”
My voice trailed o. “Sir, when we have
nothing else to give, we can still oer
hope – it is the only thing we can give -
always,” he said earnestly. Being trained
in the nuances of modern medicine,
the principles of veracity and autonomy
darted across my mind. I looked back
at Shiela. Her chest moved rapidly, but
her eyes were fixed on the sky peeking
through the window, she seemed almost
relaxed.
Deepa, of bed 18, was almost hysterical.
It was strange, as the day before she
had given birth to a 3.5 kg healthy male
(by C-section) in the COVID-19 hospital.
She had an uneventful pregnancy and
no complications – until her presection
RT-PCR returned positive – and
she was transferred to our centre. A
software engineer in her early thirties,
she seemed aable when I met her just
before she was wheeled out for her C-
section. However, 24 hours later she
was agitated. Post-section stress, being
away from her family members (in the
COVID ward, relatives of adults were not
allowed) and the demands of the neonate
had a telling eect on her. No amount of
counselling from the nurses or doctors
on duty could calm her down. “I want my
mom to stay with me” – she insisted. We
contemplated an intravenous anxiolytic
but did not want to drug her to sleep.
Just when we were out of our depths,
Mrs Tripathi, of bed 20 pitched in. She
was an 82-year-old homemaker, with
deforming rheumatoid arthritis - she
was admitted with severe COVID-19. She
was weaned o oxygen two days back.
A reticent lady, she waited eagerly to be
discharged- to go back to her sons and
grandchildren. Having raised and cared
for her children and grandchildren- she
knew how to reach out to the newbie
mother. She wobbled slowly on her
bowed legs, crossing the aisle in between
and stood beside Deepa - gently patting
her shoulders. No words were exchanged
– as they briefly held hands. Deepa did
not require an anxiolytic that day.
I had completed my round and was
checking the “labs” which had started to
trickle into our computers. I heard Mrs
Sahu talking to Ratan, a 15-year-old boy,
in bed 23. Ratan – had a fracture of his
right leg in a car accident recently and
had been admitted after his ER COVID-19
came positive. “Why are you not eating
your lunch properly?” – a seemingly
innocuous enquiry from a mother to
a son. Only that, Mrs Sahu was not the
mother of Ratan – but of Bimal, who had
Down’s syndrome (with complications)
and was admitted in bed 28. Unlike
Ratan, Bimal had a turbulent hospital
course. His oxygen requirement had to
be escalated from a facemask to HFNO
within a day of admission. He seemed
to be having respiratory distress, but
he did not complain much. “He never
says much – but I know what he wants”-
said Mrs Sahu – his mother, interpreter,
and caregiver. Draped in the hospitalprovided
coverall – only her eyes were
not covered- otherwise “Shyamal
won’t know it’s me” – she said. All our
communication with Shyamal happened
through her. “He is in pain because of his
breathlessness but he hates to sit up” or
“He doesn’t like today’s soup” – she was
always on her feet – vigilant and tireless.
She had chosen to stay with her child in
the COVID ward, after obtaining special
permission. But even after ten days of
hospitalization her son’s disease course
hung in precarious balance. The nursing
ocer on duty following my gaze said,
“She is going through such a lot but
never misses a chance to help out”. Her
mother’s soul – though drained by days
of toil and stress - still had room for
others.
The pandemic had brought about calamity
and tragedy in its wake as it devastated
the ‘young and the old’, the ‘rich and the
poor’ and the ‘fit and the unfit’ – almost
without any discrimination. Auence,
social status, or youth – were not the
primary determinants of the outcome
of this carnage. Anguish and death
touched almost everyone on the tryst
with this killer disease. However, what
front-line workers like me witnessed
were, not only the suerings, agony, or
misfortunes of our fellow men – but also
their resilience in the face of the deadly
disorder. It was a quest for survival – but
also for asserting the defining attributes
of mankind – empathy and benevolence.
When science was still grappling for an
answer and was yet to come to terms
with the altered reality of this global
crisis, unsurprisingly, it was humanity,
which rose to answer the call first. And
that came from the examples of ordinary
people from seemingly ordinary pages
of life - it has been their examples which
have burnt the brightest – and, perhaps,
mattered the most. For, they have
stepped up and said “Do not be afraid”
to their brethren. They are the knights of
my unforgotten fairytale. My phone rang
again, and the previous caller’s number
flashed on my screen. “Hello, please tell
me…” – I answered.
Design: AB
Illustrations: PS, SV
Fathima Shahama OV
Batch of 2020
80
TWO DECADES
AT AIIMS
Dr. Siddharth Sarkar
Additional Professor
National Drug Dependance
Treatment Centre
From being a former AIIMS undergraduate
student to an AIIMS postgraduate student
to now a faculty at AIIMS, New Delhi, it has
been a thrilling journey for me. Reminiscing Pulse,
Shimla trip, professional examinations, elections,
library, samosas, chats in corridors, independence,
camaraderie, frivolous anecdotes, and door-step
meal service prior to days of Swiggy, has always
been joyful. I must congratulate the students for
keeping up the tradition of Hybrid Hues, and to be
candid, I did vie for the post of Magazine Editor in
‘my times’.
The past twenty odd years have seen many changes
in the society and systems, which have reflected
on the institution as well. We have recovered from
a pandemic which paused the world. Medical
education and medical technologies have changed,
and perhaps for the better. What society expects of
the medical system has also changed. Let me jot
down a few thoughts on where we have come from,
and where we are headed to. The stance might be
a bit coloured by my background and interests, or
philosophical proclivities. If you could just bear
with them, please.
The first important change that I see is the
influence of technology, especially information
technology. The amount of information we needed
to store in our grey cells, and retrieve them
eciently, has come down drastically. Information
is available at our (and our patient’s) fingertips with
a few well-directed strokes on the digital screen.
Thus, probably, mugging all the information
from textbooks is of dated importance. Rather,
the ability to retrieve relevant information and
process it, and presenting it in palatable form to
the patients (and their family members) is of much
pragmatic value.
The second change I see is the change in the manner
we communicate. From an era of slow, tedious and
direct communication, we have perhaps moved to a
generation where communication is easy, ecient
and sometimes facile. Through our smartphones,
we can reach out to others much more easily and
instantaneously. However, we lose the non-verbal
part, and patterns of communication become out
of sync sometimes. It is dicult to switch o from
being accessible (as we are practically available
now all the time on the phone), and at the same
time are able to switch o communication when
not interested. For example, one would actually
have to scoot away in the pre-smartphone era, the
options of ‘block’ and ‘mute’ being unavailable.
Hyper-connectedness is a blessing and a burden.
The third thing I see is the expansion. The institution
has expanded in the intake of students (was at
50 when I joined as an undergraduate), faculty
positions, laboratories, specialisations, personnel
of dierent cadres, buildings, values, passions, and
thought processes. Growth is healthy. However, as
institutions like AIIMS become large and complex,
then cohesion is bound to require greater eorts.
Expansion presents greater opportunities, but at
the same time has to cater to dierent directions
of pull.
Another change I see in ‘people’ perspective,
is that we live in times of excess of choices,
at least figuratively. We moved from an era of
entertainment being planned, eorts being put
into watching a movie, choice of few options
existed, and significant investment of time and
money. Now, Netflix will allow you to choose from
an abundance of options, so committing to a choice
becomes dicult. And if you don’t like it, no need
to wait, scroll ahead, or go to another option. The
same possibly applies to food; self-development
pursuits; learning and education; courtships; and
so on. The fear of missing out engulfs, whether the
time is well invested, or was there a better option,
and the eort expended justifies the returns. Also,
social media portrays our persona, and probably
some thoughts (conscious or preconscious) go
into the manner in which we curate our persona
in a particular social media outlet to the world.
The world of online social media is unforgiving
and keeps a score, so the expression of authentic
self may be constrained. Medical trainees and
professionals are requested to be ‘friends’ by
their patients, potentially enabling them to be
judged based on their interactions, interests,
and incarnate fallibility. Medical professionals
are no longer recluse, resolute, detached, allknowing,
virtuous and righteous beings shrouded
in mystery. They are recognized (hopefully rightly
so) as mere mortals in pursuit and meandering
through life as everyone else is.
Another change that I see is the alteration in
brand value. With many AIIMS built with probably
the best of intentions, we now have to specify
AIIMS, New Delhi to denote where we are from.
Well, the progress and growth of the nation may
simply translate into many centres of excellence
embarking on their growth trajectory, and other
AIIMS emulate in some forms the practices and
values nurtured and inculcated in AIIMS (New
Delhi). Still, I could take the liberty to rue the
erosion of exclusivity.
Each medical institution would have its strengths.
At AIIMS, New Delhi, we have been able to uphold
certain values, most importantly of ethical and
committed patient care, world class and cuttingedge
approach, facilitating innovation, limited
financial and political distractions, and ability to
ask questions without fear of berating, schism
and acrimony. The students face the world with
confidence and pride. I am hopeful that we are
able to utilise the values to rejuvenate further and
contribute to nation building.
Design: AB
Illustration: AB
82 83
Unravelling
Sid's formula: Discipline + m(Humanity) = n/Toxicity
Medical
Hierarchy
An interactive session with
Dr. Siddharth Jain
Assistant Professor
Department Of Medicine
Design: AB
Illustration: SV
In the vast reign of medicine, where expertise and experience are the foundation
stone, hierarchies have been long established. Today, we have the privilege to
unravel astonishing tales of an individual who was once a seeker of the answers
being at the bottom of the pyramid, but now has risen to the apex of expertise.
This interview, taken by Naman, Nikhar, Suyash and Subhadip, is an exploration
of the experiences of the narrator, how he faced the hierarchy and how his tides of
perception have changed over time and position.
So join us as we dive into the untold stories of Dr. Sid which will challenge the
traditional myths and barriers of hierarchy and will open the door to new possibilities
in the ever-evolving field of medicine. Be ready to be captivated by the narrative
which will decode the “Necessary Evil" - Hierarchy.
Ed Board: We would like to know your POV
on the process of maturing or ranking
up the ladder of hierarchy from JR to
HOD and the culture of this hierarchical
division as a whole. Why do you think this
kind of hierarchy exists in the Medicine
Department?
Dr. Sid: Hierarchy is a multifaceted
concept, a necessary evil. What appears to
be a hierarchy on the outside, is actually
an experience-based division of labour in
the best interest of patients. An intern or
a first-year JR thinks that they are made
to do all the scutwork and run errands
the entire day, whereas other residents up
the ladder feel as if the job of a first-year
JR is extremely trivial and carries much
less liability compared to them. After
becoming a faculty member, many more
responsibilities tag along, like classes,
research guidance, administrative work
etc. Thus, life certainly doesn’t get any
easier as you climb up the ladder. The type
of work changes, the amount stays.
Ed Board: Then why is hierarchy viewed
in such a negative light? Do you think it’s
misperceived?
Dr. Sid: Exaggeration and Toxicity are
subjective terms. A bad day at work or
a bad scolding at the hands of a senior
doesn’t prove that the environment is
toxic. But if it keeps happening without
reason for weeks at a stretch, then
certainly misuse of hierarchy might be the
cause. If hierarchy supersedes logic and
evidence, then problems begin. I’ll share
an anecdote with you. In my 3rd semester
of JRship, I, with two of my colleagues, and
one 1st sem guy, was posted together and
we were very exhausted due to a paucity
of sta for some weeks. During that time,
I could have misused my power as a senior
by levying o my work to the junior.
But instead, we opted for the healthier
approach, wherein we gave the junior
o every third day when the three of us
would manage somehow on our own so
that he doesn’t feel overworked with the
system staying in place. In my opinion,
some degree of hierarchy works like an oil
for the system to make all the gears and
machinery run smoothly. But unruly use
of hierarchy should be avoided.
Ed Board: If you were the HoD, what
changes would you bring about to the
system?
Dr. Sid: Your question implies that the
HoD or a senior faculty only has the power
to change the system.
Ed Board: To rephrase, what would you do
as an AP or in any other post in the coming
future?
Dr. Sid: It’s not in one person’s hands
to bring about an entire change in the
existing practices. We need a common
ground where nobody feels oppressed
while preserving the central tenets of
clinical care, science and R&D. People
need to resolve their ego issues and put
aside individual interests and conflicts for
the sake of the growth of the department as
a whole. Please underline this, one should
never forget the concept of “humanitarian
touch”, which is not taught in any lectures,
doesn’t have any written guidelines, it just
comes from within. Seniors should have
humane intent while dealing with juniors.
While it’s important to inculcate discipline
in juniors, it is of the utmost necessity that
we avoid toxicity.
Ed Board: Do you think there’s a formula
for the ideal hierarchy?
Dr. Sid: Discipline+m(humanity)=n/
toxicity. Humanity leads to an increase
in rapport between juniors and seniors,
which leads to improvements in work and
thereby better patient care.
Ed Board: Is a practical solution with no
to minimal hierarchy possible?
Dr. Sid: See, the root cause of all problems
is ego and entitlement. Abolishing
hierarchy is not a practical solution, but
misuse must be avoided at all costs. Small
acts of kindness from a senior’s side can
go a long way to create a ripple eect as
the juniors will continue the positive
spirit and practices forward.
Interviewers:
Naman Singh, Nikhar Bansal,
Subhadip Sahana, and Suyash Arora
Batch of 2021
85
पापा
सनम
ਸਾਡਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਪੀਰ
"When you arise in the morning, think of
what a privilege it is to be alive - to breathe,
to think, to enjoy, to love."
-Marcus Aurelius
Dr. Kaushal Jain
Batch of 2018
Rustling leaves, misty pavements with frosty feather,
Here it was, the sweater weather.
Numb feet despite the furry uggs,
Shivering hands even with the thick gloves.
e chaotic bustling vehicle noise reminded her of the screaming
voices,
When she had to shut her door, amplify her speakers, le with no
other choices.
Still, it echoed in her ears even louder,
Why did her parents quarrel, was it her fault, her failure that had
made them doubt her?
e frosty fog made her visualise the kitchen’s shaered glasses.
Oh how hard she wished that she’d be beer off as burnt ashes.
Still, she was longing for a glare of a brighter sun to shine,
e warmth that could soothe the chills down her spine.
e craving for love, of an affectionate family was what made her
bawl,
It was her heart that needed the rays of sunshine, aer all.
-Aakriti Khand
Bat of 2021
Subhadip Sahana
Batch of 2021
Design: AB
Illustration: PS
90 91
HARMONY UNLEASHED: THE CAPTIVATING JOURNEY OF
ALGORHYTHM
“
Written by:
Parnika Nangla, Batch of 2021
It’s so much easier to bring music to life
with Algo than any other band I’ve worked
with before.
-Bharath Ajith, Violinist
Every Infest sees the formation of two intra-batch bands.
With a batch size of 130 people, a batch has to really
get lucky with the musicians they get. It’s a probability
problem. e idea to form Algorhythm was to collect all
the music superstars of AIIMS under one banner. ey had
been working independently for far too long. e name
itself was one of the options considered by the 2018 batch
when they were naming their batch band. Before Insight
2022, we needed a name ASAP for the t-shirts, so Arjun
just zeroed in on “Algorhythm” and we went along with it.
Algorhythm, for the first time since the days of 2018,
has aptly combined the strengths across batches. A band
with a podium finish each time they’ve entered a bale,
one that has become a cultural institution amongst the
undergraduates, and one that has existed for merely more
than a year.
Music is complex enough of an art that it has taken years
of practice for each musician of Algorhythm to get to the
level of synchrony we are at today. Practising music really
makes it a language. When Rasal says come in between
the 4th and 1st beat or when Sharma and Kashikar agree
to take it one semitone lower, we all just understand and
play accordingly.
Obviously, Algo sets have become a lot more than just
musical skill. Over the performances, we’ve begun to
instill unanticipated acts in our performances to make it
a whole experience for the audience. Examples include
Mohith switching from violin to tabla mid-song in
Rockstar, me walking onto the stage from the audience
in Pasoori, and Hemant always humouring the audience
(Malpani: “Hemu!”) with his stage presence.
So far Algo has remained prey genreless (or genreful,
whichever you prefer). e only criteria we keep so far is
that the piece should evoke an emotion in the listener, and
should never be so easy that we finish it within a single
practice session (then we’re not doing ourselves justice).
Till now we’ve performed Rock, Rock-Pop, Instrumentals,
Bollywood and Sufi - whatever we love to play and the
audience vibes to. We figured that if we have the diversity
of musicians, we may as well harness their power. Maybe
one day we’ll pick a genre. Not now though.
e Pulse performance was one of the most memorable
ever - for many reasons. e setlist was one of our most
challenging ones yet. Bohemian Rhapsody took many
nights and some of us were ready to give up and record
some of the layered vocals. Kashikar shone through and
insisted that we do it live, and when we finally did it, boy
was he right. e Bollywood and fusion pieces added the
oomph and rock-pop had everyone dancing. More than
that - the stage and the lights made it one of our grandest,
most videogenic performances ever.
Picking songs for Pulse was very freeing. is time we
had the power of Pulse speakers behind us, instead of the
damaged Audi ones we usually have to compromise for. So
we picked accordingly. Teri Deewani, Naadan Parindey,
Bale Cry and Bohemian Rhapsody used the full strength
of the instruments and music systems we got on that stage.
e jackets were actually my idea, but with just a week
le before Pulse, I didn’t want to get anyone’s hopes up.
I tagged along with Hemant to Lajpat Nagar for some
routine music errands and aer some hunting we finally
found a shop that got it done before the performance and
established the iconic Algo stripes.
We have had fun together. Aura 2022 at AIIMS Jodhpur
was Algorhythm’s first performance. If you watch the
performance recording, right in the middle of Choo Lo (by
Local Train - see the playlist!), you’ll see Arjun put down
his guitar, whisper something to Hemant and walk off
the stage. As we found out later, Arjun’s guitar processor
had promptly died mid-song and Hemant had to suddenly
play Arjun’s solo on-stage too. We still won our first
trophy that day and now we always (always) change the
processor baeries before a performance.
On a similar note, our winning performance at SGT
University stands out too. We had true rockstar moments
when the crowd started yelling for encores and people ran
up to take pictures with the band. Mohith received a slip
that day, still kept as a memento -
“Still preserved the slip that was passed on by someone in
the audience in SGT requesting for Nadaan Parindey to be
played again. Initially, I thought someone was asking for
my contact…lol, but this was more memorable. at day it
felt like we were on another planet.”
is is the last year in Algorhythm for many of our
members (bye bye Keerthana, Mohith, Bharath and Arjun).
Luckily, there’s a host of new talent in AIIMS. Many of
them performed their first sets at the Insight Closing
Ceremony 2023 and in Pulse 2022. Algorhythm is not
going to run out of talent thankfully, and with training,
the legacy will be carried on.
I’ll end this with a thank you to you, the reader and the
AIIMSonian. I’m glad you guys like our music because
we cannot tell you how much each hoot and cheer has
made and encouraged Algo. Every musician wishes to be
up on a stage performing in the spotlight and AIIMS has
given that to us time and again with more love than we
expected. When we sing with all the tipsy folk who come
to our night-long run-throughs and when we count the
reacts we get on our announcements on AIIMS family,
we realise that more than us, it is AIIMS that has made
Algorhythm what it is today.
Design: HA
PLAYLIST OF
ALL OUR SONGS
94 95
Can you guess who is who?
Artwork by Ravi Ranjan Roy
Batch of 2019
Artwork by Sara Kukreja
Batch of 2022
Artist's impression of musical sensation 'Algorhythm' rocking it on the stage - captured by
Soumyadip Halder, Batch of 2021
96 97
DELHI
DIL
WALO KI
ou’re picking out your best
outfit. Your heart’s racing.
You’re nervous. Your hands
are quivering. And if you’re like me,
you’ve just taken your first shower in a
week. Will she like you? Or will you be
just another disappointment?
If these thoughts and questions are racing through your
mind, then you’re either getting ready for your first
date, or you’re preparing to leave for Ritu Sehgal’s viva.
If it’s the latter, then sorry mate, you’re on your own.
BDC padh leni chahiye thi. But if it’s romance rather
than ro-ke-marks-maangna on your mind, then fear
not, because 'StupEd Board is here to help, with a list of
the best date locations in New Delhi.
A little writer’s note: if love is on your mind and your
date is someone from within the campus, then do
consider a simple coee date at Amul under the brightly
lit tree, long midnight walks within the campus and
midnight talks in the Resident’s Park and Mushroom
Garden before any of the below-mentioned options.
You might find that you don’t need to break the bank to
find love. These places close to home are always open
and always ready to provide the backdrop as your love
story unfolds.
It’s kind of like the dating all-in-one destination. American
fast food to judge your date’s dinner-table etiquette,
Italian and European for a classy date, Asian if you and
your date wish to vibe over that ramen you saw in your
favourite anime/K-drama. It’s even got diet-friendly
healthy snacking options if you two are gym nuts. As the
name suggests it’s designed as an avenue, flanked by
various restaurants, bars, cafés and bake houses on one
side and stone benches, little fountains and lush green
bushes and shrubs on the other. And if that doesn’t
sound dreamy enough for you, then the multi-hued lights
hanging over your head, strung between the lamp posts,
bathing the entire street in a warm and cozy glow, will seal
the deal for you. It’s definitely one of the most Instagramable
locations in the NCR, and who knows, if you play your
cards right, after a sumptuous meal, delectable desserts
and a walk under the stars, you might just end the night
with a memorable kiss under the bright streetlights.
Design: AB
Illustration: SV
99
If you want your date to be less about food and more about
a garden stroll and light banter, then you might want to
give Lodhi Gardens a shot. It’s a sprawling 90 acre expanse
of green, frequented by fitness enthusiasts and those who
enjoy an evening stroll. Some architectural marvels found
here are the Shisha Gumbad, Bara Gumbad, a three domed
mosque, the tombs of Sikandar Lodi and Mohammad
Shah, and a picturesque 8-piered bridge called Athpula.
It’s a wonderful spot for picnicking too, so you and your
date can consider bringing a yoga mat, a small speaker and
a lunch box, for a unique “day out in the gardens'' kind of
date. But if you’re looking for more conventional dining
options, Khan Market is nearby and easily accessible by an
auto.
Lay under a sky full of stars and lose yourself in the aweinducing
vastness of the cosmos. Lol, you can’t do that
in Delhi, where you can only lose yourself in the coughinducing
pollution of the atmosphere. However, you’ve got
an alternative in the Nehru Planetarium, where you can
bring all your stargazing dreams to life. If it worked for Ross
and Rachel, it might work for you too. The planetarium
closes by 5, so it’s ideal for an evening date, after which
you can go grab coee together. Unfortunately, at the time
of writing this article, Nehru Planetarium stands closed
for renovation. But hey, who knows, by the time the mag
finally comes out, it might be back in operation.
Undisputedly the fanciest, priciest, most breathtaking date
location on this list. Instead of a single room restaurant
you will be delighted to come across little pavilions and
covered areas serving as the restaurant. This, aside from
being stunningly beautiful, also gives you near-complete
privacy. The innovative design and the brightly lit cobbled
path weaving through the restaurant transports you to
Spain. The cuisine served at Sevilla is Mediterranean with
major influence from the Spanish territory. The food as
expected of a five star hotel is lip-smackingly delicious.
If this description sounds plagiarized from a restaurant
review blog on the net, it’s because it is. I have only seen
this place (and its oerings) in Google images. This place
is undoubtedly too rich for a first date. Half the menu is
priced at 4 figures. But if you’re willing to splurge (a lot)
on a dinner to remember, then this can make a wonderful
spot for something big, like an anniversary. You will be
able to aord it by then, assuming you’ve been saving since
the day you started dating.
A beautiful example of integrating nature and greenery
into the architectural plan, Diggin Chanakyapuri looks like
an uber-chic Italian restaurant that was overrun by ivy and
vines in the most aesthetic way possible. Diggin sits nestled
away from main oafs and metro rail lines inside Santushti
Shopping Complex, a cheerful, bustling marketplace
designed to provide a “shopping village” experience. The
shopping complex houses several high-end souvenir
shops, and a walking trail forms its perimeter. Food at
Diggin is delectable, and the décor flawless. Desserts here
warrant a special mention, and, assuming the date goes
well, will be sure to leave a sweet aftertaste at the end of
the night.
In direct contrast to the auence and lavishness of Sevilla
is the aordability of Champa Gali. Pocket friendly yet
incredibly cute and cozy, this hub of small café startups
nestled away in a corner of Saket is ideal for both a date on
a budget and a night out with friends. This place provides
several options in terms of cuisine. Every café here is warm,
economical and well-adorned, each in its own unique way.
And of course, plenty of picture-perfect locations here to
take photographs and put up on your story, for is it even
a date if you don’t use it to poke your single or “feelingstuck-in-my-relationship”
friends?
Another wonderful spot for long walks and small talk.
Lush verdant greens, towering trees and fragrant flowers
make this a perfect spot for a romantic walk in the park.
There’s also a beautiful 8 feet tall copper statue of Gautam
Buddha at one of the corners of the park, depicting him in
his trademark meditative pose, under a majestic pagodalike
structure in the middle of a small pool of water. The
Garden Restaurant is also located bang in the middle of the
park, though it does close a little too early if dinner is what
you had in mind. Buddha Jayanti Park has traditionally
been a go-to spot for couples for many decades, and it’s
easy to see why. If you fail to impress, at least nature will
give your date some eye candy.
100 101
An all-in-one date location located a stone’s throw away
in Hauz Khas, providing options for recreation as well as
dining. Yes Minister provides you with the creative option
of going bowling on your first date. For the intrepid (at the
risk of appearing cliche'd and/or stupid) player, this gives
the opportunity to feign a complete lack of knowledge
about bowling technique, prompting their date to stand
with them, hold their arm and walk them through the
motion. Give it a shot if you dare. Once you’ve completed
the customary rituals of taking a photograph of the
scorecard and arguing over who was better, you can head
over to Café Tesu or Rustique (both established in the
same property) for a delightful Continental/Italian dinner.
&
Armani. Chanel. Steve Madden. You can’t aord it
(probably), but you can definitely judge their prices and
those who can aord it. The DLF malls in Vasant Kunj
feature some of the most premium luxury brands in the
world of clothing, footwear, accessories and dining. This
makes them the ideal location for what is perhaps the most
enjoyable, yet most unproductive pastime of middle class
Indians: window shopping. Try expensive perfumes, and
act utterly disappointed, as if that’s how you smell after
an hour in the gym. Ogle at crisp and classy 3 piece suits,
whose MRP would probably be equivalent to your 2 month
mess bill. And then, after you have window shopped till
your empty wallet is satisfied, you can head over to any of
the numerous cafés and restaurants in the mall, where you
and your date can discuss how your next shopping date
will involve Sarojini and momos.
102
An old but classic romantic comedy/drama. Comfy bean
bags. Terrace view of a 12 storey building. Price of snacks
included in the ticket cost. Dates don’t get better than
this for cinephiles. Sunset Cinema Club conducts movie
screenings on the terrace of Max House near the Okhla
NSIC metro station, and each and every movie they screen
is an absolute gem. Bean bags give you an opportunity to
get cozy if you want to. It makes for a pretty ideal first date
location. It’s creative and fresh, it takes the onus o of you
and your date to make conversation and fill in awkward
silences, and will also help stimulate conversation after
the credits roll. Definitely a very solid pick on this list. And
oh, did I mention that snacks are complimentary?
Helly Patel
Batch of 2022
he Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is hailed
worldwide for its earnest efforts in the alleviation of
infectious diseases, especially in developing countries. It
is already working in partnership with the Government of India
and other public health institutes on major public health issues
of the country, namely HIV and rotavirus.
e Director of AIIMS chaired a meeting in the Ramalingaswami
Board Room on 8 th June 2022 with Mr. Mark Suzman, CEO of
the Gates Foundation, and other important members of its Head
Office as well as its Delhi office. rough this visit, the Gates
Foundation team wanted to learn about AIIMS and discuss
innovative solutions to global health problems. e meeting
was aended by faculties and undergraduates of the institute,
including 20 MBBS students. e Q&A session that the event
included witnessed a prey engaging and animated discussion
among the students, faculties, and delegates. e importance of
imparting medical awareness and proper nursing management
was talked about extensively. e big names in the public health
sector were especially impressed with the idea of a medical
hackathon, as had been organised by the EDC in the 1st edition
of the scientific fest, INSIGHT, held in April 2022. All in all, it
was a highly entertaining and enlightening session of bilateral
interaction where we got to know more about the healthcare
aspirations of the celebrated organisation and the delegates
appreciated and encouraged the perspectives and ideas of the
bright minds in aendance.
-Soumyadeep Choudhury, Bat of 2021
Design: HA
Illustration: HA
104 105
पापा
आप हमेशा मेरे साथ थे
मेरे पहले दन से आज तक
और मुझे पता है आप रहगे
अपनी आख़र सस तक।
जब जब म रोती थी
आपने मुझे संभाला है
मेरे उलझे हुए रा को
सीधी लकर बनाया है।
जब जब म परेशान हुई
मुझे सुलाते थे आप
और िफर ख़ुद जाकर
अपने मन को समझाते थे आप।
मुझे अंदाज़ा भी नह
जाने िकतनी रात बीती हगी बन सोये
पर िफर भी सुबह हँसता हुआ चेहरा लेकर
काम को नकाल जाते थे आप।
पापा आपने कभी अपना ार जताया नह
मुझे बन पता चले सफ़ बरसाया है
काश म आपका ार पहले समझ पाती
तािक म आज ना पछताती॥
-गरमा रहेजा (Garima Raheja)
बैच 2021
सनम
सनम सुरभ शत समा
हाथ नरम नरम हवा
के श के शर पुवािटका
ेम रागनी गुलाबी शाम
सनम सुरभ
सनम सवता सलोना साया
आँख आभामय आशावादी
सुंदर मुख ह चंमुखी
ेम रागनी गुलाबी शाम
सनम सवता
सनम सरता शीतल सोता
बदन सुनेहरा सुनेहर ओस
चाल छबीली हंसगामनी
ेम रागनी गुलाबी शाम
सनम सरता
सनम साी सा संग
ह अनुपम नील गगन
नावान सनम कणामय
सनम अवरत िय तमा सी
सनम हर मौसम हर पेहरो म
सनम पल कण सबके चेहर म
सनम साथ तू परछाई म
सनम इतना तुझको चाहते है
गुलाबी ाही जत म
वसंत सझ मधुर वीणा
ेम रागनी गुलाबी शाम
सनम सुरभ
106
-डॉ पीयूष मीणा (Dr. Piyush Meena)
बैच 2018
Design: AA
Illustration: SH
Philemon Kuriakose, Batch of 2020
Subhadip Sahana, Batch of 2021
When the little boy, now grown up, stepped into
the society, he was completely unaware of the
underlying epidemic. He had some fair ideas that
the disease was well spread across the country. Growing
up in a protected nutshell, his thoughts about the disease
were very much restricted.
The guardians of the society had already warned the
newcomers about the disease, mode of transmission, and
prevention. He took it as casual ‘Gyan ki Baate’.
But the day was not far when the boy saw the disease
spreading from a hotspot in front of his eyes. After a heavy
day, people gathered together to ‘Feel Good’. Sometimes
the feel good factor and peer pressure became the only
mode of transmission of the Disease.
“Hey! Whaaat are you thinking standing there….Ha?
Judging…. Ha?” - A question thrown from the gathering,
with the symptoms of the disease exactly matching.
“Nothing” he said despite the high thalamocortical activity
in his brain.
”Why don’t you join in too?”
His heart started galloping. He saw the disease crawling
towards him slowly. These were the exact steps that
matched the transmission of the disease. He had no other
way but to isolate himself from the hotspot.
It is obvious that when you want to clear all your doubts,
you seek advice from your friends. The boy did the same.
But he was only met with the terrifying reality that his
friend was also a victim of the disease.
His friend’s symptoms were becoming quite prominent
day by day - missing classes and exempting himself from
other co-curricular activities.
“I know all the hazards. If you are in control it is even
beneficiary”, his friend added.
His friend, like the other patients, would give lectures on
the benefits (which is even debatable) and turn a blind eye
to the indefinite hazardous eects on the body. They don’t
realize that their friends have quarantined themselves to
be safe from the disease. He lost hope for his friend and
wondered how such things could go unnoticed by the
guardians.
“How? How is this even possible?” This thought charged
through the boy’s cortical synapses again and again. Out
of curiosity, he started to explore more about the disease
and its victims. He was utterly surprised to find that the
highly infectious were within the society itself- food stalls
and general kitchens. They kept the supply chain fully
intact, hiding it from the eyes of the well-wishers in the
society.
He met a couple of people who would see this not as a
disease but as a ‘Socializing Method’. Outbreaks of the
disease were more common in parties, turning it into a
hotspot. For some, it is a feeling of being grown up and an
escape from a daily monotonous routine; and for some, it
was a sort of experimentation where they would simply be
unaware of the disastrous result. They would act like the
diseased state is the ‘New Normal’.
But there is an exception to everything in the universe. He
found people who were infected with the disease due to
peer pressure, but now regret it. They are very eager now
to reverse the eect. He met some diseased patients who
advised the healthy ones to stay away from these. He also
met some people who have become disease free now, due
to their tremendous will power.
“Let’s hope for a vaccine!” - The boy sighed as he knew
there was no traditional treatment for this. A new concern
is the perception of victims as normal ones, which adds
on to the infecting potential of the disease.
The boy is still unaware if his immunity will be strong
enough to defend him against the disease during the
upcoming years. His biggest takeaway was that the
strongest component of immunity is WILL POWER and
that can keep anyone safe from the disease.
109
Design & Illustration: AB
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be stuck in
between life and death? Will you see God? Or a replay of
your life? And what if you’re intoxicated too in the middle of
all of this? We were too curious to know. So, we are going to
peep into the life of a youngster, who landed in the
Emergency Room, thanks to a few substances.
Subject Name : Mriganka Bhowmik
Age : 21 (Batch of 2020)
It happened around September of 2021.
Life was too normal for me, and I was
hell bent on upgrading my life. This
led me to “N” and his herbs. N was
the only one smoking it in my batch
at the time, and he seemed like the
right guide. Seeing how I was a noob,
N taught me the basics of smoking.
While I was practising them, he rolled
the herbs. And then the time came, and
my excitement went through the roof.
The first pu wasn’t that enjoyable,
but I started taking more. And then
the herbal experience hit me. It was an
altered state of mind. Time slowed down
and I felt the world like never before.
I could feel my heart racing, when
suddenly, I realised that I hadn’t taken
my BP medications. I washed down the
Amlodipine with alcohol, because there
was no water in the room. I could feel
my heart racing as I searched for drug
interactions on the internet. I took the
BP apparatus and measured my BP.
And it was at this moment that I knew, I
fucked up. My palpitations got stronger
and I started to feel breathless. My chest
started to hurt. Feeling dizzy, I asked N
and some of my batchmates to take me
to the ER, while simultaneously crying
and praying to God to save me this one
last time. My scared batchmates rushed
me to the emergency. I felt as if blood
was leaking into the thoracic cavity. Lol.
We reached the ER, and the doctors
measured my BP and heart rate. BP
198/110 and HR 145. Woah. They asked
me what had happened. I said alcohol
and cigarettes, knowing damn well they
wouldn’t buy it. Then the next question
came in. “Aur kya liya tha?” I said I took
nicotine orally, which was received by
their laughs. The same question was
repeated again and I realised saving my
life was more important than anything,
and confessed to smoking herbs. I was
admitted to the ward and was given IV
Propanolol and IV Saline because they
didn’t know what else to do. I wasn’t in
hypovolemic shock like I thought I was,
but I still could have died of a stroke. A
resident came in, laughed and asked,
“Is this your first time?” And then I
realised. It was just a panic attack. A
freaking panic attack.
The senior resident came in, asked
me to take some Clonazepam and
sleep. Just as I was about to leave, I
heard the dreadful question from one
of the residents. “Arey iska MLC nahi
banaoge?” Shit. Now what do I do? Am
I gonna be thrown in jail? Luckily some
seniors of mine, especially “M” came to
my rescue. The resident finally accepted
our request and let us go.
I came back to my room, had a good
night’s sleep and thanked God that I
didn’t have to see the stairway to heaven
so soon. I thanked my friends “A”, “P”,
“N” and “M” for being there for me and
swore to God that I’ll never do herbs
again.
But just like how William Douglas
overcame his fear of water by learning
swimming, I also wanted to overcome
the fear. So I befriended the herbs. So
brave of me, right?
Transcript:
Anna Basil Gomez
Batch of 2020
110 111
Level 1: The Noobs aka Water Boilers
Essentials: Kettle, a single cup, a spoon if you’re
fancy
You are the laziest of them all. But don’t worry, you’re the
majority. Yay! You are alternating between denial and anger
but succumbing to buying a kettle to boil water because the
weather calls for it. Nescafé and Coee Spot are your holy
grails. You’d rather buy a cappuccino than make a cup of tea,
and that’s totally fine. There are times when you think, maybe
I should start cooking on my own. But then your laziness
creeps in and leads you to your holy grails. You leech on your
skilled friends to devour their meals, but don’t worry! They
love feeding you!
Level 2: The Ambivalents aka
The Chai-Maggi-Cereal Disciples
Essentials: Kettle, cups, spoons, a bowl, chai
powder, sugar. Wow, fancy!
You are the most flexible but unpredictable of them all. You
belong to the stage of bargaining and depression. On days
you feel energized, your go-to meal is a big bowl of maggi/
wai wai and a cup of hot chai. Yum. And what do you eat for
breakfast? Oh, cereal, ‘cause you’re not basic! Or that’s what
you think. On days when you’re feeling low, you’ll stick to cup
noodles, because let’s be honest, only that gets ready in two
minutes. You also leech on your skilled friends but help them
make their meals. Occasionally, you take up the role of a food
provider for your friends stuck in Level 1. You really can fit in
any crowd!
A Hotchpotch of
Hostel Cooking
Level 3: The Sous Chefs aka
The Lifesavers
Essentials: Replica of your mom’s kitchen
You, my friend, are the ultimate hostelite. You have reached
the stage of acceptance, and have decided to take matters
into your own hands. You name it, and you’ll have it in your
little kitchen. Cooking is like art and meditation for you. And
you love feeding your subordinates, aka your friends. They
adore you and you love the attention. Experimenting with
food is your favourite Sunday activity. While the others crib
and cry about how much they miss Ghar Ka Khaana, you take
cooking advice and get new recipes from your mom. You
are turning into your mom, and are unapologetically happy
about it. We thank you for your existence.
Being a hostelite comes with its pros and cons. At first, the
pros shine bright like a diamond, as Rihanna says. Freedom
is the only word that rings in your mind. You travel to your
heart’s content, sleep in your own time, and do everything
and anything which makes you feel alive. Oh, what bliss!
Sorry, got a little carried away. But soon, slowly yet strongly,
the diamond fades and reveals its cons. And it hits us. The
one thing we’ll always miss. Food, or precisely, home-cooked
food. Once we come face to face with reality, we go through
the five stages of grief. Some people are lucky enough to
reach the stage of acceptance. But most of us get stuck in
the middle. Depending on which stage you’re at (or choose
to dwell in), you can be categorized. Want to know where you
belong? You’ve come to the right place. Let’s begin!
And that’s a wrap. Hope you felt included.
If not, time to fit in!
Just kidding.
Fin.
Anna Basil Gomez
Batch of 2020
Design: AB
Illustration: SH, AB
112 113
Room Decor 101
Bhavanam Manasa, Batch of 2020
Let’s take a look at what you can do different:
1) If you are an artist then wonderful. Put your skills to use
by painting beautiful portraits on your wall. (Cheat Code:
Bribe your artist friends). Hanging store bought ones is
also an option.
2) Revisiting your memories of college is one of the best
feelings. Hang up some Polaroids of your favourite days
spent here.
3) Placing a poed plant near the window is an amazing
idea. It spreads positivity and a sense of calmness. P.S.
Remember to keep it alive.
4) Adorn your room with fairy lights and scented candles.
For a moment you’ll forget that you’re in your college
room. And you can dwell in the compliments you’ll always
get.
5) Invest in a good bookshelf. Stack up your favourite
books and paste motivational quotes. How much more
inspiration do you need to study?
6) If you are spiritual, you can keep a lile deity of the God
you worship and make a lile prayer corner.
7) A white board is a handy accessory. Write down your to
do list for the day and keep yourself in check all the time.
Bye bye laziness!
8) If you are a chef or at least a budding enthusiast, get all
the equipments you need and make a mini kitchen. How
therapeutic!
9) If you love to party, then invest in LED lights and
speakers. Soon your room will be the designated party hub.
Before I sign off, some food for thought. Whatever you do
to your room will impact your mood. It’s important that
we feel positive once we’re in our space. So what are you
waiting for? Shake your laziness away, buckle up and get
to work!
P.S. : Leaving your dear room aer graduation is the bier
part of this story. But let’s not think about that now. ;)
Design: HA
Illustration: RR, HA
eing up your room is quite the Herculean task. e
average AIIMSonian is a person very interested in
personalizing their room. But do they keep it clean? Haha.
First of all, the room you get hugely depends on luck. Not
every room is big, clean and newly painted, and above
all, has friendly neighbours. More over, not all rooms are
properly ventilated. So the first lesson we learn is to adjust
with what we have been provided with. (Cheat Code:
Exchange your rooms unofficially;) ).
e most common sight we get to see as soon as someone
gets their own room assigned in second year, is a rush for
flooring and wallpaper work. AIIMS Family is flooded with
contacts of the most reasonable and affordable service
providers. But you can see the inmates of Girls’ Hostel
sulking away in a corner because any room modification is
forbidden there. Sad. (Cheat Code: Sneak in the workers)
e next step would be some curtains. And lo and behold,
your room is ready to live in. Some would say. But a few
people go the extra mile to make their room more special.
114 115
The
Ironic
Life of
Lies
The
Miracle
of Life
Fathima Shahama OV
Batch of 2020
Anumeha Bhukya
Batch of 2022
We're pushed, we're pulled,
And never at our own will
Still, we're told we're equal
We're suppressed, we're oppressed
Whenever we're dressed,
ey say we're still equal
It is ironic to say this;
We, humans, have boundaries drawn
For people whom we want to control
Why can we not be free, when we're
told we are
Why can we not go out, when we're
told that we're strong and respected
We live in a society full of lies,
But I shall not curse them,
I will challenge them, for I am a woman
And will always be, and can be more
than what they think I am.
Ishika Gupta
Batch of 2019
is one’s wrien from my
labour room experience:
Emerging from her safe cocoon,
Her eyes not yet open quite,
A loud cry, filling the room with joy,
Bringing a smile to the mother, her
light in the dark night
Holding her, forgeing all the pain,
A tear of joy, streaming from the
mother’s eye,
Having brought yet another lile one
to life,
In the wee hours of the morning, came
the doctor’s relieved sigh
With a tiny stature, yet a heart huge,
Pure as gold, unbeknownst to her the
world’s strife,
Feeling the expectant warmth of a new
beginning,
As we witnessed the miracle of life.
Dr. Archisman Mazumder
Batch of 2018
118
Soumyadip Halder
Batch of 2021
ਸਾਡਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਪੀਰ
ਿਵੱਚ ਨਨਕਾਣੇ ਜੰਿਮਆ ਨਾਨਕੀ ਦਾ ਵੀਰ
ਨਾ ਕੋ ਿਹੰਦੂ, ਨਾ ਮੁਸਿਲਮ ਹੈ ਕਿਹੰਦਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਪੀਰ ।
ਗੱਲ ਉਸ ਪੀਰ ਦੀ ਿਸਰ ਮੱਥੇ ਿਜਵ ਪੱਥਰ ਤੇ ਲਕੀਰ
ਵੈਰੀ ਸੀ ਜੋ ਇੱਕ ਕਰ ਿਦੱਤੇ, ਸਾਡਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਪੀਰ ।।
ਸਿਤਗੁਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਪਗਿਟਆ
ਿਮਟੀ ਧੁ ੰਧ ਜਿਗ ਚਾਨਣ ਹੋਆ।
ਜੋ ਿਕਰਤ ਕਰੇ ਤੇ ਵੰਡ ਛਕੇ
ਓਹੀ ਸੱਚਾ ਬਾਹਮਣ ਹੋਆ ।।
ਮੇਹਰ ਕਰ ਤੂ ੰ ਸਭ ਦੇ ਤੇ
ਸਰਬਤ ਦਾ ਭਲਾ ਿਸਖਾਇਆ ਉਹਨੇ ।
ਜ਼ੁਲਮੀਆਂ 'ਚ ਵੀ ਿਪਆਰ ਦਾ ਸੱਚਾ
ਸੋਹਣਾ ਤਾਜ ਸਜਾਇਆ ਉਹਨੇ ।।
ਉਹ ਨਾਨਕਸ਼ਾਹੀ ਪਥ ਤੇ ਚਲ ਕੇ
ਮੇਰਾ ਜੀਵਨ ਸੁਧਰ ਿਗਆ ।
ਸੱਚੇ ਮਨ ਨਾਲ ਯਾਦ ਜੇ ਕੀਤਾ
ਅੱਖੀਆਂ 'ਚ ਉਹ ਗੁਜ਼ਰ ਿਗਆ ।।
ਲੱਖਾਂ ਹਾਰੇ-ਭਟਿਕਆਂ ਲੋਕਾਂ
ਰੱਬ ਦਾ ਪਤਾ ਦਰਸਾਇਆ ਉਹਨੇ ।
ਜੰਗਾਂ ਦਾ ਮਾਹੌਲ ਸੀ ਿਜੱਥੇ
ਰਿਹਮ ਦਾ ਬੱਦਲ ਵਰਸਾਇਆ ਉਹਨੇ ।।
ਦੁਨੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਵਿਹਮਾਂ-ਭਰਮਾਂ ਦੀ
ਕੰਧ ਟੱਪਣਾ ਸੀ ਿਸਖਾਇਆ ਉਹਨੇ ।
ਿਹੰਮਤ ਘੱਟ ਜਾਵੇ ਤਾਂ ਸੱਚੇ ਮਨ ਨਾਲ
ਨਾਮ ਜੱਪਣਾ ਸੀ ਿਸਖਾਇਆ ਉਹਨੇ ।।
ਅੱਜ ਦੇ ਸਮ ਚ ਗੱਲਾਂ ਓਹਦੀਆਂ ਤੇ
ਚਲਣਾ ਭਾਂਵੇ ਹੀ ਔਖਾ ਹੈ
ਪਰ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨਾ ਮੰਨ, ਪਥ ਗ਼ਲਤ ਤੇ ਚਲ ਕੇ
ਆਪਣੇ-ਆਪ ਹੀ ਿਜੰਵੇ ਧੋਖਾ ਹੈ ।।
ਸਾਲ ਦੇ ਬਾਦ ਇਹ ਕਰਮਾਂ ਵਾਲਾ
ਗੁਰਪੁਰਬ ਿਦਹਾੜਾ ਆਇਆ ਹੈ ।
ਅਮੀਰ-ਗ਼ਰੀਬ ਸਭਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਲਈ
ਵੇਲਾ ਖੁਸ਼ੀਆਂ ਦਾ ਿਲਆਇਆ ਹੈ ।।
ਆਓ ਿਮਲ ਇੱਕ ਵਾਅਦਾ ਕਰੀਏ
ਭਾਂਵੇ ਮਰ-ਿਮਟ ਜਾਵਾਂਗੇ ।
ਚੰਗੇ ਪਥ ਤੇ ਚਲ ਕੇ ਅਸਾਂ
ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇ ਚੇਲੇ ਕਹਾਵਾਂਗੇ ।।
-ਅੰਸ਼ੁਲ ਰਾਣਾ (Anshul Rana)
ਬੈਚ 2021
(Photos from Guru Purab Celebrations at
AIIMS Delhi, Nov '22)
Design: AB
121
Design: AB Illustration: SV
I could see an eagle as it flew next to
us for a while and I felt exactly like a
bird free from everything, except the
safety straps of course. I felt the rush
of the wind pass through me and it
felt so therapeutic. From up above
in the sky, I could see the beautiful
Phewa Lake again along with the
majestic mountains which were a lot
closer to me now. My pilot was kind
enough to brief me about the places
that we were observing.
POKHARA, JAN '22
is once-in-a-lifetime flight lasted
for about half an hour. Everyone
in our group had so much fun. All
of us were so excited as we had all
overcome our fears. We all wanted to
have another go at it. Unfortunately,
the weather was turning for the
worse, as it started geing dusky.
Sadly the pilots informed us that it
would not be safe to go up again.
Aakriti Khand
Bat of 2021
t was a family trip to Pokhara,
more like a sibling's reunion, as
my eldest brother and his wife
had come from Australia to visit us.
At the crack of dawn on a windy
January morning, the type that
sways your hair strands away, we
were welcomed by the greyish-stony
houses amidst the green landscape.
As the temple bells chimed in
the background, breath-taking
panoramic views of the snow-capped
mountains brought back nostalgic
reminiscences of my childhood
vacation as it had been a long time
since we were all together on a trip
like this.
We were en route to Sarangkot,
a heavenly place renowned for
its beautiful Himalayan views of
Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu,
three among the world's top 10 tallest
mountains.
is was a very special trip because
we were all planning to paraglide
from one of the hills down to Phewa
Lake. Old melodious Nepali songs
played on the radio of the tour bus in
which we were being accompanied
by a tour guide, and professional
paragliding pilots, on the drive that
took us to the launch pad. e uphill
drive through the steep winding
and narrow road didn’t seem to take
as long as it did as we were being
entertained by the alluring glimpses
of snowy mountains on one end and
the lush green meadows we were
leaving behind on the other.
We hiked to the top of the hill as
we didn’t want to miss the sunrise.
Fortunately, we got there just in time
to appreciate the sunrise. e sun
shone brightly like a glistening pearl
amidst the mountains. We could see
the whole of Pokhara city and the
famous Phewa lake which has an
island in the middle of it with the
sacred Tal Barahi temple.
We were still in awe of the view and
admiring the glorious sunrise when
we were called upon as it was time to
get ready for paragliding. I was super
excited. We all had an instructor
assigned to us who was in charge
of making sure we were strapped
properly to our harnesses. We were
then briefed on the safety precautions
and emergency procedures.
Initially, I was a bundle of nerves,
especially as we had to run down a
cliff and jump off the end. As soon as
we were airborne, excitement took
over my nervousness. e phrase
‘being on the top of the world’ came
into existence at that very moment.
I was shouting with excitement.
e joy inside me knew no bounds.
We were soaring high and gliding
swily.
As the adrenaline started to wear
off, I thought to myself what an
amazing trip this had been. I was
in one of the world's most beautiful
places, jumping off a cliff strapped to
a parachute, flying alongside birds
overlooking the world's highest
mountains and doing it together with
people that are near and dear to me.
What a trip! Until next time.
122 123
129
130 131
132 133
emotion
Being a volleyball player myself and also observing my
seniors’ ardour for the game, playing this sport transcends
the boundaries of mere physical exercise; instead, it’s
excitement and teamwork on another level. From seniors
teaching the juniors the basics to mastering the defending,
serving and smashing skills steadily over time is surely a
glorious experience. Inter college Volleyball tourney is one of
the central sports events during PULSE at AIIMS. We trained
for almost a month, dedicated to getting better at the game
and on top of all, owning a custom-made jersey having our
names and AIIMS printed beside it, to wear it and represent
AIIMS in the 60’x30’ netted battlefield.
The greatest game in the whole world sure has just the same
craze here at AIIMS! As they say, it's not just a kick at the ball
and the desire to find the net, it's a passion, a craze and a
plethora of emotions - all amalgamated into one. Seeing my
batchmates and others sweating it out on the field, training
for hours, the goal celebrations, the dribbles and dives. After
taking their accounts, I realised that this sport has a special
place in the hearts of many. Also, as I am writing this article
during the frenzy of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, it
just gives this section more meaning! As I enter Mess 4, I am
bedazzled by lots of football fan posters, a replica of the FIFA
trophy, the mess noticeboard filled with match prediction
and bets, and a couple of dozen superhyped fans enjoying
the world cup matches, all hooked to the TV screen - overall
a truly emotional ‘run’ encompassing the football...
You can judge the popularity of this sport by going through
the ‘intros’ of the freshers: almost 40% of them make sure to
mention badminton as their hobby. It makes sense because
it's one of the favourite backyard sports activities in India
and elsewhere- a healthy way to enjoy leisure evenings with
friends and family. But the competitive side of badminton:
inside the
rectangular indoor courts, players on both sides of the
formidable net, pouncing upon the ricochetting shuttlecock
with sophisticated racquet movements, the daring defences,
the smashes and serves- it's truly a sight to behold and a rush
to feel. When you step into the AIIMS Gymkhana, you are sure
to catch a dozen students running, jumping and swinging
about in the badminton courts- while some play casually,
others sweat it out day and night for perfection. You can see
the intensity, the frenzy, the fun, the grit - an assortment of
a multitude of emotions.
A frisbee a.k.a. Flying disc - is it a gliding toy or a competitive
sport? You decide. Who knew that a simple plastic airfoilshaped
disc would tread the long path from becoming a
recreational toy(or rather a treasured item for a dog owner) to
emerge as a serious sport, a craze, especially among college
students in the post-pandemic era. I could never forget the
excitement and enthusiasm when the whole batch conducted
the first frisbee tournament wherein girls and boys alike put
in the same level of dedication, zest and love for the sport
and made it truly engaging and epic! I really hope to see disc
sports become a part of Infest and maybe even Pulse.
What comes to your mind when you hear about “sports”?
The most common thoughts will be excitement, joy,
anger, thrill, tension, fear, pride, and anxiety – a plethora
of emotions. Emotion is a central feature of most, if not
all sporting events. After toiling hard for years to get into
AIIMS, for some, sports become a refuge from the stressful
college life: the spirit-draining lectures, the assignments,
the postings and the dreaded exams. While for others who
didn’t get the proper “sports exposure” before, the multitude
of sports facilities present at AIIMS Campus: The famous
“Quad”, Gymkhana, Lawn Tennis and Squash Courts etc.,
provide ample opportunities for holistic sports development
of the students.
Myriads of competitive and friendly sporting events organised
in AIIMS e.g. in Infest, Pulse, ACL, RCL, Marathon events by
various departments, Frisbee and indoor games, tourneys
and many more; it’s a treat to every sports enthusiast and
even attracts those students who feel underconfident about
sports or are planning to try out a new game and develop new
interests and hobbies. Sports activities, intense competitions,
the competitive spirit, and the electrifying atmosphere drag
even the lazy ones out of their couches- that is the magic
of sports! Needless to say, participating in sports activities
develops connections that bond all sorts of students from
disparate backgrounds and places and helps in ‘Interaction’
at AIIMS. To sum up, playing college sports has some serious
benefits. Besides just being fun, sports can help you perform
better in academics, relax more and worry less, deal with
setbacks, work better with others and increase your energy
— all of which help you balance studies and everything else
going on in your life.
As a sport which is gaining humongous popularity among
teens in India, AIIMS UGs are no exception. Strolling down
the hostel corridors at midnight and later hours(even at 4
am!), I often see people jumping, striding and shooting the
ball into the hoop. They jump, they fall, get up, dribble, hit
the backboard or worse, the rim and shoot again: a constant
eort to get better in and out of the court. It makes me
wonder, how deep can a sport dig into the hearts of those
who play it. During the intra and inter-college tournaments
held at AIIMS during Infest and PULSE and Periodic leagues,
students from dierent batches come together on the court,
form teams, and compete, and no matter whether they win
or lose, they take home a world of experience involving
sportsmanship spirit, endurance, cooperation, respect
towards other players and a score of other virtues that matter
not only inside the rectangular court but also in life. It's a
wonder how many emotions can be uncovered in a simple
game of ball and hoop.
Design: AB
Illustration: SV
For those who like it indoors, it's a dierent dimension
overall - where great stu happens in a small space. The
most played ones at AIIMS are Table Tennis, Badminton,
Carrom and Chess.
While TT and Carrom need intricate motor dexterity, Chess
is a game of brains over brawn, wherein a multitude of
emotions are silently reflected on the chessboard rather than
on the faces.
All in all, it's an almost certainty that playing any sport will
pump up your emotions, flush out anger or despondency,
calm your mind, sharpen the senses, and make you happy;
but what I feel the best thing about playing a sport is all the
things it teaches us about LIFE -the virtues of teamwork,
compassion, perseverance, a sense of community and shared
emotion, inclusivity and countless more.
Lastly, a quote to sum up my article -
“Sports are more than just games. They’re about life,
emotion, passion, and some of the greatest highs and lows
we can experience.“
Basuraj Biswas
Batch of 2021
134 135
Photos from UG Cricket League
AIIMS Delhi
November 2022
ports has long been defined as a source of recreation that started upgrading its
meaning in real-day life. e 1983 World Cup, the roar of passion in the Wankhede
stadium on April 2nd 2011, and stories of athletes who overpower their difficulties
and shaer records prove that sports are a way to redefine yourself. ey're a medium
which unite people, especially cricket, a fantasy that every Indian dreams of with utmost
passion. e “UGCL” is one such expression of the cricket fever among us AIIMSonians.
e UG Cricket League was held in November and had a participation of around 80
enthusiastic UG’s. 5 teams were made, captained by Satyendra, Bathla, Shreyas, Dubey
and Ravi based on the auctions held regard to the immense boredom of Ballabgarh
posting!
Two minute silence for those who were
fooled by the illustration into thinking this
piece was related to football.
Wars are oen lost before entering the balefield and team Shreyas (of which I too was
a part) made every effort to lose the game in colourful ways! People say that Shreyas
by his masterplan had bought every player at twice the amount and expected them to
play two times beer! (PS- e team lost every match of the season). Each team had a
compulsion to include 2 female players. Neha boss was bought for a price more than the
whole 2021 batch totalled (except for team Shreyas though)! Tamanna says she was very
impressed by the inclusiveness which inspired her to be the GH secretary in SU 2023.
Girls had different rules. While bowling, the batsman had to change to his non-dominant
hand, the pitch size was reduced and while baing, the bowler had to compromise his
action and the boundaries were shortened! Overs bowled by girls were seen to be speed
breakers for a batsman in a good rhythm. Also, the league led to the uprising of several
new talents shaering the records set by the veterans. “I loved bowling and a lot of tips
from the gully cricket helped me gain wickets too,” says Vinit Mundada, the secondhighest
wicket-taker of the season with the famous hat trick.
e match days were exhausting yet exhilarating. e gush of adrenaline, mind-blowing
strategies, sensational baing, countless balls geing lost with the raining sixes, and
disturbing yet hilarious commentary kept the fun going!
Every team had a great run and finally, aer a series of nail-biting matches, the trophy
was lied by team Satyendra winning the finals by a margin of 84 runs (Greater than the
highest score by team Shreyas in the whole season!)
e league with its diverse emotions and experiences has been one of the fondest
memories of the year! With the new student union in place, we all hope to recreate last
year's nostalgia with greater enthusiasm and keep the cricket fever alive.
Meghan HK
Bat of 2021
Design: AB
Illustration: SH
136 137
Design: AP
Illustration: SH
Derived from the Greek word electiopolitica, which translates to the headache caused due to excess drama.
heartache-inducing toxins, toxic friendships, toxic relationships etc.
-Sun Tzu. Probably.
Everything starts with a dream, a desire for something, to obtain something, to achieve something and this is
the root cause of all the nonsense drama which follows it. Here in our college, people with similar ideals and
vibes become a group, not just an ordinary one. They become a tribe and people in a tribe are extremely loyal
and unfortunately are hostile to the people of other tribes. This is the beginning of the problem. (All of this is
written, keeping a particular batch in mind and if you know you know ;) ).
The clash between these tribes is not evident initially. But as days go by, stuff becomes more clear and more
vivid and this would ultimately lead to a massive showdown on the day of the elections. The differences in
ideologies, characteristics and requirements within various groups of people within the batch are the ultimate
cause behind the batch getting drifted away into various factions.
“Et tu brute?”- Bheem to Ram (figuratively)
After being in this college for 2 whole years and surviving a very, ahem, “interesting” and “dynamic” election,
I can indeed say that a person standing up in elections would do whatever he can to gain the trust (votes) of
their peers, may it be requesting, gaslighting, bribing, blackmailing and what not. From giving treats to giving
false hopes, they will be willing to do anything. But the saddest part is that these people don’t seem to realise
or rather don’t seem to understand the aftermath of their battles, and to what extent this toxic battle affects the
niché of our college. The political rifts of one batch leave a lasting effect on the next batch and the cycle continues.
Fights continue to happen on matters started by the seniors and it creates rifts in junior batches as well.
“Wake up to reality. Nothing goes planned in this
accursed world”-Madura Uchchiha (Definitely)
No one can predict what will happen at the end of
the elections. What’s more, is that no one can predict
what will happen after the elections. Some are happy.
Some are sad. Some are miserable. Some will be
denied the study materials necessary for preparation
for an upcoming exam. Some leave a few WhatsApp
groups. Some form new groups. Some will point
fingers. Some take the blame. Overall in a nutshell
there would be more drama than the last episode of
your favourite, extremely long Hindi serial.
Friends turning into enemies, enemies turning into
allies, betrayals, alliances, backstabbing, and the
impending feeling of not knowing what to expect,
is what student elections bring to our beloved college.
Elections always uphold a significant place in
the mind of every AIIMSonian. Some are part of it
to serve, but most come for power, money and respect.
The whole politics around gaining the objective
of being a part of SU and the whole ordeal of
events that led up to the elections is a one-of-a-kind
experience by itself.
- Anantha Parakrama
Batch of 2020
140 141
Investor: Bernie, I've been investing with you for years and
I've never seen such consistent returns, especially during this
market downturn. How do you manage it?
Bernie: It's all about experience, my friend. Decades of
expertise in the markets and knowing when to move in and
out.
Investor: But even with algorithms, it's hard to predict these
types of market movements.
Bernie: Exactly. It takes more than just algorithms to make
money in this game. It takes a deep understanding of the
markets and the ability to adapt to changing conditions.
Investor: But Bernie, people are starting to question how
you're able to consistently beat the market, even during these
tough times.
Bernie: Look, I've been in this business for a long time. If
people knew what I was doing, there would be thousands of
Mados out there, and none of us would be able to make a
dime. I know what I'm doing, and people trust me with their
money. I take out a few minutes of my time, and you start
hurling accusations? If you're not comfortable, you can always
take your investments elsewhere.
Suddenly, the door burst open and Bernie's 10-year-old son
Andy rushed in, tears streaming down his face.
Andy: Don't you ever touch my mother again, you monster!
Bernie's face darkened, and he stood up from his desk,
towering over the small boy.
Bernie: How dare you barge in here and speak to me like that?
I am your father, and I will not tolerate this kind of disrespect.
As Andy's mother rushed in and pulled him out of the room,
Bernie's eyes glinted with a cruel amusement as he gestured
towards a sign on the wall that read "No questions asked."
Fast-forward 15 years...
Andy, now a medical intern, with his classic triad of diusion
of responsibility, de-individualisation and confirmation bias
mixed with his charismatic personality, went on to propagate
his questionable ideologies. Having successfully created his
own cult, everyone had acquired a sense of belongingness
and frequent outings and a shared cultural background had
created their home far from home.
One fine day, with the SU elections coming up and the freshers
flowing in, an enthusiastic yet naive one started having a
conversation with Andy. “I’ll definitely vote for Ansh, he’s
intelligent, influential and a people’s person, every quality
that an ideal President should have.” Andy knew it was time to
bring out the cards.
Andy: I'm glad you're enthusiastic about Ansh. But have you
considered the other candidate, Nambiar? He has some great
ideas too.
Fresher: Really? I haven't heard much about him. What are his
ideas?
Andy: Well, he’s focused on promoting diversity and inclusivity
on campus. He wants to create more opportunities for
underrepresented groups and make sure that everyone feels
welcome here. I think that it’s very important for every sect
to be equally and fairly represented rather than a few people
taking over all the work.
Fresher: Yeah, that does sound mildly important. But I still
think that the primary job of a president is to be the face of
every single student of UGs, which Ansh could be best fit for.
Andy: I understand where you're coming from, but have you
considered why you feel that way? Is it because you know Ansh
personally, or because you've been influenced by what other
people are saying?
Fresher: I guess it's a bit of both. I've heard good things about
him from other people, and I've seen him around campus.
Andy: That's fair, but it's important to make an informed
decision based on each candidate's allegiances and ideas.
Don't just go with the popular choice without considering all
your options.
Fresher: You're right. I should do my research and make sure
I'm making the best decision for the school, not just following
the crowd.
Andy: Exactly. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of
elections and forget about the bigger picture. But we all have
a responsibility to make sure our campus is a welcoming and
inclusive place for everyone. You people are going to be the
future face of AIIMS, and well, if the people closest to you
start feeling excluded, life as it is here will become hell. It’ll be
hard to get work done and represent yourselves on a bigger
platform.
Fresher: But do you not think that this bias might come from
both ends?
Andy: Look, I’ve been at this place since the time you used
to wonder what preparing for this institute even seems like. I
know what it feels like to be on the darker side of this moon,
and especially as a fresher, you wouldn’t want a life where you
spend most of your days in college and PULSE, thinking that
locking yourselves up in your room is the easier option.
Fresher: But doesn’t that apply to other people too?
Andy: Have you lost your sanity or what? How did you even
get to this place? Have they started a new scholarship for selfsabotaging
dumbfounded people? I am really done with this
conversation right now. An intern takes out 15 minutes of his
time with you, and this is the way you behave with him. You
really wish to know what exclusion feels like? I’ll make sure
none of your seniors even look towards your face again and if
they do, I’ll have my way with them.
Fumed up, Andy opened his phone, the “recent memories”
popped up, and there it was, an old picture of his dad. The
picture, almost staring down his soul and beginning to acquire
a nefarious form, uttered, “You’ve finally achieved what it
takes to conquer this society my son. After years and years of
patience and unrest, you’ll be making me proud. Go be the
man you were always meant to be, the man that this world
deserved.”
The lightning had struck!
The realisation had hit!
Andy looked up at the sky, feeling a sense of hopelessness
but purpose. The lightning struck again, did it cause more
destruction? Maybe. But the light carried more weight this
time.
Design: AB
Illustration: RR
142 143
Jay Rajyaguru
Batch of 2022
-Naman Singh, Bat of 2021
146 147
-Harsh Agarwal
148 149
THE FUTURE IS
VAIDEHI JHA, BATCH OF 2022
Design: AB
Illustration: AB
FIGHT
GENDER
INEQUALITY
Can a world where
half of the population
is treated as inferior
to the other half ever
progress?
Many girls face hardships even before they’re born.
100,000 abortions every year continue to be performed
in India solely because the fetus is female. Especially in
rural areas, a daughter is treated as a “burden” and taught
household chores while her brother is given the liberty to play
and go to school. Often, girls are married o, at an extremely
young age, to a stranger and expected to be an “obedient” wife
and a devoted mother.
But gender inequality doesn’t always show itself in the form
of female feticide or a stunted childhood. Sexism is all around
us, ingrained in our daily activities. We’ve all heard how
someone bad at sports is called a “pussy” or been told that
they “throw like a girl”. While this is said to be “just a joke”, it is
very oensive to women. Has Serena Williams not won enough
Grand Slam titles to shatter the myth that women are bad at
sports?
Women must work three months longer on average to equal
what men earn in a year! Working mothers still make less
money than their male colleagues, regardless of experience,
and female workers are often penalized for taking maternity
leave. Unequal pay, harassment, failure to be promoted are
just a few of the ways women are discriminated against in the
workplace.
Even though they don’t need to, women have proven their
worth over and over for centuries in all walks of life. From
Marie Curie to Oprah, there are thousands of women who
have defied the patriarchal society.
Girls love pink; women are bad drivers; they never stop
talking, especially when with other women; women love to
spend other people’s money; they’re obsessed with their
looks; women are fragile, catty and emotional. The list is never
ending. There are so many of such false stereotypes that have
been normalized by society.
Here are 4 steps to deal with sexist actions:
1. Accept your emotional response: You have every right to feel
mad, insulted, or taken back. Take a second to understand
what you’re feeling and why.
2. Don’t accuse, or assume: Don’t assume this person knew
that this comment was sexist and oensive, as they may be
uneducated about the topic.
3. Explain your reaction: In what way was the remark oensive
to you?
4. Ask a question: “What did you mean by that?” This question
will force them to reflect on the comment, and uncover their
biases or misunderstandings.
If you witness sexism, don’t be afraid to stand your ground.
You don’t need to be a victim of inequality to support the idea
of equality. Strength has no gender!
Let’s fight like girls and stop the war against women.
The future is female!
150 151
The
ELEPHANT
In
THE ROOM
“Aer you,”
Design: AP
Illustration: PS
“No, no it’s not nice for me to go first when you’re a woman”,
he said, fixing his posture, filling his chest with something more
than air, and bowing for a medal in chivalry, in his head. “Ladies
first.” Something about this phrase has always irked me, but
this incident hazed my thoughts for the rest of the day. Much
like how women are raised by their families to be ladylike, men
are raised in a society that has for generations and generations
considered this and many similar things, an act of chivalry and
the 'gentlemanly' thing to do. Many theories explain the origin
of this phrase, but irrespective of that, it reeks of the inherently
patriarchal mindset of many. To the people who call it the polite
thing to do, I ask, what part of it superseded my politeness while
holding the door for this Gentleman?
e above situation is just one example of so many real-life
scenarios. Casual sexism is like an elephant in the room, that so
many of us have come to ignore. Behaviours, remarks, comments
and manners hiding out in the open. A sneaky monster indeed.
Most of us fail to acknowledge it happening in front of us, while
many don’t even address it when directed towards themselves.
People have become accustomed to it and pretend it doesn’t
exist. All sexes and genders alike. Is it even worth pointing it
out? Is it worth being called the vibe-kill? At this crucial time of
the present, can we let casual sexism just slide?
Sexism is multifaceted. Very obvious sexist behaviour is hard
to miss. But what’s more damaging and concerning is subtle
sexism. Overt sexism constitutes what’s called hostile sexism.
While positive actions and behaviour towards people, based on
feelings of dominance and superiority, deep within, constitute
benevolent sexism.
Partly fueled by our patriarchal conditioning and more so by
our resistance to making a change. is is the slow poison.
People come in all sorts of permutations and combinations.
Gender roles are constructed by society. And hence, they can
be deconstructed over time within the same society. Sexist jokes
are considered funny, because of the society they reflect, the
society that has normalized sexism, the society that applauds
sexist behaviour as chivalrous. Pop culture and the media glorify
it and people are rarely held accountable for it.
“Mr Vice-President, I’m speaking… If you don’t mind leing
me finish, then we can have a conversation." Kamala Harris
responded to Mike Pence interrupting her during the 2020
Vice Presidential debate. It is just a very public example of a
manterruption. is behaviour is definitely coloured by the
gender roles constructed by society. Men are convinced because
of their upbringing that their ideas are more valuable and hence
the eagerness to express them, thus triggering the interruption.
ey assume the freedom to patronize women, be condescending
towards them and ignore common civility with women.
Next time someone cracks an overtly sexist joke, don’t remain
silent. Your silence isn’t quiet. Speak up. Speak out. You’re not
amused. Don’t be scared of standing up for yourself. We set the
standards for how we are treated in this world. Don’t hold back
from speaking up when you feel offended.
What is the boom line?
It is possible to be funny without making someone disadvantaged
the bu of your jokes. Especially a cishet man in today’s world
is in many ways in an advantaged and more privileged position
when compared to others. Use that privilege for good, be beer
for God’s sake.
- Anonymous
154 155
Jay Rajyaguru
Batch of 2022
156 157
“Daebayo!”
“Omae wa mou shindeiru!” “Gambare gambare” “Shinso wo
sasageyou!! ”
You must have heard these atleast once, either from the
internet or from your friends who watch anime.
Anime, the vibrant and diverse world of Japanese animation,
has captured the hearts of millions around the globe. With
its unique art style, engaging storytelling, and diverse
genres, anime offers a plethora of options for newcomers
to explore. It oen includes unique storytelling elements,
vibrant visuals, and intricate character development. Many
anime series are adapted from manga (Japanese comics) or
light novels, ensuring a rich source material.
In this beginner’s guide, we will provide an overview of
anime, recommend popular series across different genres,
and suggest titles based on individual preferences. So,
whether you’re a fan of fantasy, romance, action, or mystery,
there’s an anime waiting to transport you to new and exciting
worlds.
SHONEN
Let’s start with Shonen anime, which is usually targeted
towards young boys. is genre typically features actionpacked
stories with strong male protagonists, epic bales,
and lots of friendship and camaraderie. Shonen anime
oen includes themes of adventure, friendship, and
teamwork, and it’s popular among viewers of all ages.
Full Metal Alemist - Brotherhood
If you’re looking for something with a dramatic plot but with
catchy humour, this is the anime for you. Holding the Number
1 spot for a really long time, this epic tale follows the Elric
brothers on their quest to restore their bodies using alchemy.
e thing that garnered this show aention is its hilarious
nature, despite having a dramatic plotline. Even the most
serious scenes are oen interrupted by comical elements.
e world that it creates is immersive, adopting its own set
of universal laws including alchemy through equivalent
exchange, mind-body duality, and its own interpretation of a
higher power, making sure to stick by these.
Demon Slayer
If you’re a fan of thrilling action, breathtaking visuals, and
a captivating story, then the world of “Demon Slayer” is an
anime you don’t want to miss. Adapted from the immensely
popular manga by Koyoharu Gotouge, “Demon Slayer: Kime-
tsu no Yaiba” has taken the anime community by storm,
captivating audiences with its intense bales, lovable
characters, and a unique blend of supernatural elements
and historical seing. Prepare to be transported to a world
where demons lurk in the shadows, and a determined young
hero embarks on an extraordinary journey of vengeance and
redemption. Join Tanjiro Kamado on his quest as a demon
slayer and prepare to be swept away by the epic bales and
heartfelt moments that make this series a true gem.
Atta on Titan
Prepare to be completely captivated by the dark and thrilling
world of “Aack on Titan.” With its gripping story, intense
action sequences, and shocking plot twists, this anime is an
absolute must-watch. Follow Eren Yeager and the Survey
Corps as they bale towering Titans in a desperate fight for
humanity’s survival, and brace yourself for an emotional
rollercoaster that will leave you breathless.
CRIME
In the world of crime genre anime, mystery, suspense, and
intrigue take center stage. From intricate detective stories
to high-stakes heists and psychological bales, crime anime
offers a captivating exploration of the dark underbelly of
society. ese are full of heart-pounding adventures and
intricate puzzles that will keep you guessing until the very
end.
Death Note
Sounds familiar?
One of the classics and oen a first watch recommendation
to any beginner, this psychological thriller follows the catand-mouse
game between a genius high school student,
Light Yagami, and a mysterious detective known as L.
When Light discovers a supernatural notebook that can kill
anyone whose name is wrien in it, he takes it upon himself
to cleanse the world of criminals. “Death Note” masterfully
combines intellect, morality, and suspense, making it a mustwatch
for fans of intricate mind games and moral dilemmas.
Psyo-Pass
Set in a dystopian future, this series follows the enforcers of
the Public Safety Bureau as they track down criminals using
likelihood to commit crimes.
One of the standout aspects of Psycho-Pass is its incredible
world-building. e show creates a fully realized and
immersive world that feels both futuristic and believable.
ROMANCE
ere’s something special about watching two characters
fall in love on-screen that just makes your heart fluer, am
I wrong?
From heartwarming tales of first crushes to epic love stories
that span lifetimes, romance anime explores the complexities
of human relationships and touches the deepest corners of
our hearts. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or simply
looking for heartfelt storytelling, these anime series will
leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling that lingers long
aer the credits roll.
Clannad
is is a true masterpiece of an anime that tells a deeply
emotional and heartwarming story about family, love, and
the power of human connection. It deals with the daily life
of a delinquent, struggling with family problems. As their
relationships develop, the characters learn to confront their
past traumas, support each other through difficult times,
and find hope and meaning in their lives. is anime makes
viewers care deeply about the characters and their struggles
and has the power to make you bawl your eyes out.
It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of
anime to deeply connect with its viewers.
Fruits Basket
If you’re looking for a heartfelt and enchanting romance
anime, “Fruits Basket” is a must-watch. is captivating
series follows Tohru Honda as she discovers the dark secret
of the Sohma family, who transform into zodiac animals
when embraced by the opposite gender. With its endearing
characters, deep emotional connections, and themes of love,
acceptance, and personal growth, “Fruits Basket” will sweep
you off your feet and leave you longing for more.
“Fruits Basket” offers a delicate balance of heartwarming
romance, slice-of-life moments, and supernatural elements
that create a truly immersive experience. With its beautiful
animation, memorable cast, and exploration of complex
human relationships, this series has captured the hearts of
fans worldwide.
158
COMEDY
Ah, comedy anime - the ultimate cure for the soul-crushing
monotony of everyday life. It’s a genre that can have you
laughing so hard you snort milk out of your nose, or leave
you chuckling quietly to yourself as you make your way
through your daily routine. With its wide array of hilarious
and light-hearted series, this genre offers a perfect escape
from the mundane. From quirky characters and wiy
dialogue to outrageous scenarios and clever comedic timing,
comedy anime is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Gintama
If you’re craving a hilarious and offbeat anime experience,
“Gintama” is an absolute must-watch. is show will have
you laughing your pants off one moment and sobbing the
next. With its perfect blend of comedy, action, and parody,
this long-running series follows the eccentric samurai-forhire
Gintoki Sakata and his hilarious misadventures in a
world where aliens have taken over feudal Japan. Prepare for
a wild ride filled with pop culture references, wiy banter,
and outrageous comedy that will keep you laughing from
start to finish.
Assassination Classroom
For an unforgeable blend of action, comedy, and heart,
“Assassination Classroom” is a must-watch. Follow a
group of students as they aempt to assassinate their
unconventional alien teacher, Koro-sensei, while navigating
the challenges of school life. With its lovable characters,
thrilling storyline, and poignant messages about growth
and friendship, “Assassination Classroom” has the perfect
balance of lighthearted comedy with serious drama, making
for an entertaining and engaging viewing experience.
Kaguya-sama: Love is war
If you’re a fan of romantic comedies, “Kaguya-sama: Love
is War” is an anime that will have you laughing and rooting
for its quirky characters. e series revolves around Kaguya
Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane, two high-achieving
students who engage in an elaborate bale of wits to make
the other confess their love first.
e show’s writing is nothing short of brilliant. e dialogue
is sharp and wiy, and the jokes are always on point. Whether
it’s Kaguya’s schemes or Miyuki’s aempts to outsmart her,
the show never fails to deliver laughs.
MYSTERY
If you’re a fan of suspense, intricate plots, and mind-bending
mysteries, get ready to dive into the world of mystery anime.
ese captivating series will keep you guessing and on the
edge of your seat as you join detectives, investigators, and
amateur sleuths on thrilling adventures. From puzzling
crimes to supernatural enigmas, mystery anime offers a
wide range of gripping narratives that will challenge your
detective skills and ignite your curiosity, while keeping you
captivated from start to finish.
Steins;Gate
Blending science fiction and mystery, “Steins;Gate” follows
the story of an eccentric scientist Rintarou Okabe, who
discovers the ability to send messages to the past and alter the
course of events. With its intricate plot, complex characters,
and a perfect blend of suspense and emotion, “Steins;Gate” is
a must-watch that will keep you on the edge of your seat at
all moments and just when you think you have it all figured
out, BAM! A plot twist comes out of nowhere and blows your
mind.
Erased
Probably my favourite anime out of the bunch. is thrilling
anime follows Satoru Fujinuma, a struggling manga artist
with the ability to go back in time, as he tries to prevent a
series of tragic events and uncover the identity of a serial
killer. e anime manages to balance its compelling mystery
with its emotional depth. It isn’t just about solving the web,
it’s about Satoru’s journey of self-discovery and learning to
confront his past traumas. It’s a story that will make you
both gasp in shock and tear up in emotion.
AND THERE ARE MORE...
e above listed anime are just a speck considering the large
list available. But the world of animation isn’t just limited to
these 20-minute-an-episode series.
In a world where animation knows no limits, anime movies
stand out as a captivating and diverse form of storytelling.
From breathtaking visuals to compelling narratives, these
films transport viewers to imaginative worlds and offer a
unique cinematic experience. Whether you’re a dedicated
anime enthusiast or a newcomer, the magic of anime movies
is bound to ignite your imagination and leave a lasting
impact.
Spirited Away (2001)
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this Academy Award-winning
film tells the story of Chihiro, a young girl who stumbles
upon a magical world filled with spirits and must navigate its
enchanting yet perilous realm.
Also watch other movies by the same director:
Howl’s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, e Wind Rises
Your Name (2016)
e one movie every anime enthusiast recommends to their
friends. A beautiful blend of romance and fantasy, this film
follows the lives of two teenagers, Taki and Mitsuha, who
mysteriously swap bodies and embark on a quest to find each
other.
Directed by Makato Shinkai
Make sure to watch his other movies if you love “Your Name”-
5 centimeters per second, Weathering with You, Suzume
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
A poignant and heartbreaking portrayal of the effects of war
on children, this Studio Ghibli film follows siblings Seita and
Setsuko as they struggle to survive in Japan during World
War II.
e Girl Who Leapt rough Time (2006)
is heartwarming coming-of-age story follows Makoto,
a high school girl who discovers she can time travel, and
explores the choices and consequences she faces as she tries
to make the most of her newfound ability.
AND LAST. THE BIG THREE.
e Big ree was a term used to describe the three most
popular running series during their golden age in Jump’s mid
2000s period - One Piece, Naruto and Blea.
(Jump is a line of manga anthology magazines published
in Japan by Shueisha. e most famous one being Weekly
Shonen Jump.)
During this time, these three anime garnered significant
aention not only in Japan but also internationally. ey
were oen at the forefront of discussions among anime fans,
appealed to a wide range of audiences, spanning different age
groups and demographics. Each series had its own unique
elements and themes, which contributed to their individual
success. As a result, the term “e Big ree” emerged as
a way to collectively refer to these influential and highly
successful series.
While these three anime series played a significant role
in shaping the anime industry, it’s worth mentioning
that the term “Big ree” is not as widely used today. e
anime landscape has evolved, and new series have risen in
popularity. Nonetheless, “Naruto”, “Bleach,” and “One Piece”
remain beloved classics that have le a lasting impact on the
medium.
If you’re interested in watching these series, although long, I
recommend starting with the first episode of each and seeing
which one resonates with you the most. All three offer
compelling storylines, exciting bales, and a wide range of
characters to enjoy. Happy watching!
Confused about your way through the anime world? Don’t
worry, we’ve got you all hooked up.
Scan the QR code below to open up the Ultimate Anime
Recommendation Flowart. is flowchart is designed to
help you discover new series that align with your tastes and
preferences. Whether you’re into action-packed adventures,
heartfelt romances, thought-provoking dramas, or captivating
fantasy worlds, this flowchart will guide you towards
the anime that suits your interests. Simply follow the paths
based on your previous likings, and get ready to embark on
an anime-watching adventure tailored just for you!
-Rohin Prabhu (Bat of 2021)
Harsh Agarwal (Bat of 2019)
Design: HA
Illustration: HA
160 161
The Legends Of The
Key Rulers
CHOLA DYNASTY
The Chola Empire reached its zenith and attained
imperial status under the Medieval Cholas in the
mid-9th century CE.
Vijayalaya
The Chola Empire, a thalassocratic dynasty,
is renowned as one of the longest-lasting
dynasties in southern India. This era witnessed
the emergence of a new culture and an
unprecedented flourishing of art. The temples
and literature from this period still stand as
testimony to its remarkable history.
Vijayalaya established the Chola Empire by
conquering the Tanjore kingdom in the 8th century.
His victory over the Pallavas paved the way for the
rise of the mighty Cholas, with Tanjore becoming
the first capital of the empire.
Aditya I
Succeeding Vijayalaya, Aditya I became the ruler
of the Chola Empire. Under his reign, the empire
gained significant power through his defeat of King
Aparajita.
Rajendra Chola
King Vijayalaya
History Of
The Capital
Successor to the renowned Rajaraja Chola,
Rajendra I was the first Chola ruler to venture to the
banks of the Ganges. He earned the title of 'Victor
of the Ganges' and established the new capital of
Gangaikondacholapuram. This period is considered
the golden age of the Cholas, but after his rule, the
kingdom experienced a widespread decline.
King Rajendra Chola
Rajendra I founded
Gangaikondacholapuram
to commemorate his triumph over
the Pala Dynasty. The name of the
city can be divided into Gangai
(Ganga)/ Konda (Obtained)/ Chola
(Chola)/ Puram (City), signifying
the city of the Cholas built on the
site where they obtained water
from the Ganges.
Architecture & Religion
Brihadisvara Temple
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple
Airavatesvara Temple
Although it is now a small village,
the grandeur of its past is preserved
through the existence of the
Mahashiva Temple.
The Chola Empire extended
from southern India to the river
Tungabhadra in the north, and
Gangaikondacholapuram was built
as a new capital for administrative
and strategic purposes.
The kings built a large number of Shiva
temples during their reign.
Cholas followed the Shaivite sect of Hinduism and
were tolerant towards other faiths.
162 163
"The Earth is littered with the ruins of empires that
believed they were eternal."
-Camille Paglia
The Chola
Navy
About
The Cholas did not possess a
standing navy as understood
in modern times. Instead,
they formed a maritime force
using ships primarily used
for trade, lacking dedicated
vessels for naval combat.
The Rise
From the latter half of the
9th century CE to the early
13th century CE, the Cholas
reached the pinnacle of their
power. During this time, the
Chola Navy played a crucial
role in expanding the empire
through naval expeditions
along the Ganges, such as
the conquest of the Pala of
Pataliputra, and the Chola
invasion of Srivijaya (presentday
Indonesia) in
1025 CE.
The Fall
The navy also engaged in
diplomatic relations with
China. However, the Chola
Navy declined in the 13th
century due to land battles
with the Chalukyas of the
Andhra-Kannada region in
South India and the rise of
the Pandyan dynasty.
The Sengol
Sengol is associated with
the Sengaal Chola dynasty
during the Chola Empire.
Traditionally, Sengol was
passed from the departing
king to the new monarch,
serving as the epitome
of power. This custom
dates back to the Chola
Empire and is regarded as a
representation of a fair and
just government, particularly
in Tamil Nadu and other
southern states. Notably,
this Sengol was presented
to the first Prime Minister
of India, Jawaharlal Nehru,
symbolizing the transfer of
power and independence
from the British on August
14, 1947, at midnight. The
historic sceptre has now been
installed by PM Narendra
Modi in the New Parliament,
adjacent to the seat of the
Speaker.
The term "Sengol"
originates from the Tamil
word "Semmai," which
means righteousness. It
symbolizes the ruler or
leader's commitment to
upholding fairness as the
primary guiding principle
and represents a just and
equitable government.
Carved onto the head of the
Sengol is the holy bull of
Lord Shiva, Nandi.
Rishit Agarwal
Batch of 2022
Design: AB
Dr. Kaushal Jain
Batch of 2018
165
Design: AA
167
Design: AA
Q1. Is the hype around ChatGPT justified?
Prasen-
I’m quite impressed with ChatGPT’s language capabilities. It
can generate highly accurate and human-like responses to a
wide range of questions and topics, which is definitely worth
the hype, in my opinion, despite its several limitations such
as a paucity of humane understanding. I do believe it still has
a lot of potential and it will only continue to improve.
Meghan-
I am of the belief that ChatGPT does justify the hype. From
providing apt facts to recognising emotional questions,
it sure does have a wide range! Being an AI, it definitely
reduces the efforts of humans in curating data for a variety of
projects!
Q2. Do you think AI can replace consulting physicians in the near future?
Prasen-
It’s hard for me to say this yet. While Al is advancing rapidly
and has the potential to improve medical diagnosis and
treatment, it doesn’t exactly provide empathy and emotional
support to the patients, which is an essential part of the
healing process. Doctors also rely on their experience to
make complex medical decisions which Al can not replicate.
But it does have the scope of assisting physicians and
improving healthcare in the next few years.
Meghan-
I don’t fully agree. Physicians are trained to interact with
people and they learn everyday with every new case. ere is
also the aspect of empathy which is an integral part of being
a good doctor that AI cannot provide. A machine with such
strictly defined algorithms is unlikely to completely replace
humans in the field of medicine, at least for the next few
years.
Q3. Should humanity be careful when creating a powerful tool like AI? What if it causes more harm than good?
B E C O M E H U M A N
PRASENJiTHAN MEGHAN MRiNAL NAMAN
Prasen-
Definitely, with such great powers that we vest in AI, there
should also be great responsibility. Ethical implications of
Al can’t be overlooked. Fair and unbiased use of technology
without malice must be ensured. AI can potentially replace
humans in many jobs and cause unemployment and laziness
to set in as well. Such issues need to be addressed ASAP.
Meghan-
Every invention has the potential for misuse. Technology
such as AI in the wrong hands can cater to some people’s
selfish interests and lead to other’s loss. It might create a
wave of laziness. Besides, with a new tool in hand, the world
seems to aain a new level where everyone’s the same and
finding the best among them seems tough and scary!
BATCH OF 2021
Q4. Answer like a scientist would - should animals be used for experiments?
ChatGPT is the latest in a long line of AI tools aimed at providing human-like answers to any question
the human mind can conjure up, but it is definitely the most successful and most popular. Its use has
percolated into all walks of life, ranging from reviewing existing literature on a subject to faking your
way through assignments. Now, in what is one of our most creative mag ideas ever (in terms of reducing our
own work), we will ask the same set of questions to a fully qualified human from the Ed Board, and to ChatGPT.
Have fun figuring out which set of answers is whose.
Prasen-
Animals have been crucial in studying human diseases and
developing therapeutic strategies for them. However, the
use of animals in experiments raises ethical concerns too.
I believe guidelines set forth by the competent authorities
should be strictly adhered to and if possible alternate
methods of experimenting should be adopted.
Meghan-
Animals are a boon to researchers. Having a physiology
similar to humans, they provide very useful models for
studies. But they need to be used with proper care as their
position in the ecosystem needs to be respected. It is beer to
have a powerful commiee which approves and ensures the
usage of animals as per the given ethical guidelines.
Q5. What points would you give a non-drinker to encourage him to give up his alcohol virginity and start
drinking?
Prasen-
I’d highlight the social benefits of drinking such as improved
bonding and fun memories with peers. Tell them about the
positive effects of alcohol such as relaxation, stress relief, and
enhanced enjoyment of social activities. I would suggest that
they start with low amounts and gradually raise it to avoid
geing drunk and causing mayhem.
Meghan-
I would point out that drinking might ease the process of
socialising with most of the drinkers out there and reduce
awkwardness. Also drinking alcohol in controlled amounts is
not abuse and oen seems to enliven the mood. I would tell
them to try it once and then decide to opt out, rather than
not try it at all.
Q6. Vice versa now, how’d you encourage a drinker to get back on the virtuous path of being booze-free?
Prasen-
If it’s in my power then I’ll create an environment that
supports abstinence, such as removing alcohol from the
house and social situations. We can highlight the ill effects of
alcohol on health to persuade the drinker, all while building a
rapport with them and being empathetic.
Meghan-
I would convey how constant drinking might lead to
addiction and long term problems like the ruin of one’s social
and financial life. We can also explain how the abuse of
alcohol is harmful to health in countless ways. It’s beer to
give up drinking before it starts to get the beer of your life.
CAN YOU iDENTiFY THE
IMPOSTOR?
If not, then AI might just be one step ahead of us already…
Fun facts and helpful links
How to make better use of ChatGPT
Jailbreak prompt
ChatGPT’s sense of humour
"Photograph" - Artwork by Hardik Gupta, Batch of 2019
171
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7 िचरंजीवी
is eyelids lied, and the blinding
light stabbed at his eyes. Within
a minute, his eyes won the bale
against the light, but then he was faced
with the more uphill bale of figuring out
where he was and how he got there. A
surgeon dressed in scrubs walked up to
him and stopped by his bedside.
"Hi, my name is Dr. Jayanth. Hope you're
feeling beer now. Please answer the
following questions so I can judge how
well you’re recovering."
He nodded his head, still unaware of
what exactly he was recovering from.
"Your name?"
"Sameer Singh"
"Age?"
"28"
"Occupation?"
"Soware engineer at Deloie"
"Marital status?"
"Married to Preethi Pandey for 2 years"
Meanwhile, 4 beds away was a woman
brought in with Sameer Singh. A surgeon
approached her and introduced herself.
"Hello, my name is Dr. Sujata. Good to
see you awake. I'm going to ask you a few
simple questions about yourself to judge
your recovery. Ready?"
She nodded her head.
"Your name?"
"Preethi Pandey"
"Age?"
"25"
"Occupation?"
"Accountant at Deloie"
"Marital status?"
"Unmarried".
It had been 24 hours since Sameer had
regained consciousness. e anaesthesia
had worn off, but he'd never felt this
numb. Misfortune had struck, but
the cruelest bit was that it had struck
unequally. Both Sameer and Preethi had
retrograde amnesia, but Sameer didn't
remember the last 8 months of his life,
whereas for Preethi, the last 4 years were
a blank. He'd suddenly gone from being
the love of Preethi's life to just another
colleague. He lay alone on his bed, his
mind driing back to his conversation
with Preethi 30 minutes back:
"Hey baby, are you doing ok?", Sameer
asked, still in denial.
"Woah, now that we're out of the office,
you think you can hit on me?", Preethi
said, smiling teasingly.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm a lile dizzy, but otherwise alright."
"Do you believe this amnesia stuff they're
telling us? I still think this is all a very
elaborate prank."
"Yeah dude. Someone is clearly very rich
and bored."
is unseled Sameer. She'd not called
him "dude" since they'd started dating.
"Yeah. Remember that time Dan arranged
pot brownies for our date instead of
champagne?"
"Oh, have you also joined the game now?
How gullible do you think I am?" she
laughed.
"What are you talking about?"
"Come on Sameer, we've never dated."
"Don't say that, babe. You're killing me."
"You're freaking me out now. We're
actually married?"
Mrinal Kueri, Batch of 2021
Design: AB
Illustration: AB
"Yes Preethi. Please, tell me you remember.
Tell me you remember us."
"I'm sorry Sameer, even if what you're
telling me is true, I have no memory of it.
You're my friend, but nothing more."
"So everything we've been through is
just gone? Our first office date, when we
were accidentally locked in? e private
chapel wedding, just the two of us?"
"I'm really sorry Sameer, but these things
never happened for me." Preethi's voice
was quivering now.
"But our first… .."
"Please Sameer, I beg you, stop. Don't
cause yourself more pain, and don't make
me cause you more pain by going on."
e sound of curtains being drawn apart
jolted Sameer back into reality. It was his
mother.
"Hey, how are you feeling now?"
“Waiting for this nightmare to end."
"You and me both. Did you see Preethi?"
"Yes. 4 years wiped clean."
"Oh no. I'm so sorry."
Silence engulfed them both.
"You know", Mrs. Singh said tentatively,
"maybe this could be a new start for you
two."
"DO NOT START WITH YOUR
OPTIMISTIC BALONEY RIGHT NOW!
I've prey much lost my wife and you're
telling me to look on the bright side?!"
"I know you're hurting right now, and
of course, you should take your time to
come to terms with this, but all I'm saying
is that you've been given the opportunity
to experience all the highs of love once
more, with the love of your life."
"But I'm not the love of her life anymore.
And now, everyone's going to tell her
about a life that she thinks she never lived.
ings are going to get so complicated."
"You've done it once, son. You can do it
again. Besides, you two can support each
other through these hard times. Help each
other through this dark tunnel. I promise
you, there's light on the other side."
"It's not as simple as you think. Human
emotions are a game of chance. What
happened in the past may not happen
again."
"Just before you started courting her,
against my wish and HR rules, you pointed
out that her parents were also colleagues
initially. When I told you that their story
was just a one-off, you said, and I quote,
'that won’t stop me. e probability of
success may be microscopically small,
but if you knew her, you'd ask me to go
aer her.’”
Sameer didn't respond.
"I can't imagine how scary and uncertain
the future looks to you right now, son. All
I'm hoping is that you haven't given up
on her yet. She's worth the fight."
Sameer took a deep breath. He said
nothing for a while. en, slowly:
"Next time, before you start giving sage
advice, at least let the man grieve for a
while."
Mrs. Singh smiled. "Let's hope I don't
have to again."
Sameer smiled back.
Mrs. Singh stepped out and sat down next
to her husband, and Mr. Pandey and Mrs.
Pandey. Not a word was spoken. But there
was unspoken understanding. ey were
still overwhelmed by their visit to the
crash site, where they had immediately
rushed to upon hearing the news of
Sameer and Preethi's memory loss.
Lady luck operates in strange ways. e
charred remains of the divorce agreement
recovered from Preethi's handbag at the
crash site, signed by Sameer and Preethi a
day before the accident, now safely nested
in Mr. Pandey's pocket, represented the
last remnant of a broken marriage, and
the bouquet in Mr. Singh's hand, bought
for Preethi on Sameer's behalf, signified
its resurrection.
-Harsh Agarwal, Hardik Gupta
College is a time for growth and development, not just academically, but also socially. As we navigate through the
different stages of college life, we encounter a wide range of interpersonal relationships with our peers. Whether it’s
friends, romantic partners, classmates, roommates, or any of the other many, many people we interact with on a daily
basis, these relationships play a significant role in shaping our college experience. In this article, we have made a
fun aempt at depicting these connections (some new, some pre-existing), and the unique challenges that come with
them, in the form of some really interesting line graphs. Hope you have as much fun figuring these out as we had in
making them:
Megha Mallick, Batch of 2021
She had a penchant for romanticism,
In a lonely cloud, she’d see a buerfly,
In a teardrop, emotions trapped in a prism,
With her, there was never a moment dry.
I saw her on a ursday aernoon,
Snaking her fingers through her sunlit hair,
Humming a sweet and happy tune,
Twirling on the grass with her feet bare.
She was the embodiment of tranquillity,
A light soul filled with grace,
Sent to heal my insanity,
With a halo giving out protective rays.
en she saw me looking, and smiled,
And the buerflies in my stomach went wild,
Her eyes were lile pools of honey,
at had never seen any agony.
In my head, I was writing her a sonnet,
Like Pa wrote to Ma right aer he hurt her,
She was the new bee in my bonnet,
e image of her face will never be a blur.
Ma had le; Pa had drunk himself to death,
My world started closing in on her,
I would love her until my last breath,
I was not a lonely girl anymore.
To her, I poured my heart out,
Bruised by a million lies,
I said all that I felt out loud,
And looked deep into those kind eyes.
But she did not return my passion,
Kindness morphed into shock and disgust,
Pity took the place of compassion,
She had shaered my trust.
Before leaving that living hell,
I took her to the forest to let her go,
To bid her farewell,
To let her be free.
Eight decades later,
I still remember her sunlit hair,
I wonder what life could’ve been for us,
Had she survived that day in the forest,
Had that branch not slit her throat in two,
Had she just loved me like I loved her.
-Vaidehi Jha, Bat of 2022
A bouquet of sweet-scented lilacs,
Freshly put in one of her favourite crystal flasks
Taking a whiff of her lilacs, I said yes to him, she said
Swirling her hair, dancing in the air, all elated.
She looked way too prey when she was happy
Her smile with her cute crooked canines could ward off anything
crappy
Even more remarkable, the way she could light up an entire room,
was her great sense of humour
A lil’ innocent kid at heart, oh boy she sure was a late bloomer
I could feel my heart pounding,
Not with the exhilaration of my ‘best friend’ finding the man of her
dreams
But with the bier realisation that I was late
Or maybe I wasn’t
For I was nothing to her but a pal
To listen to her agony and sing with her in melancholy
To cheer her up and gear her up as she’d always done for me
But to me she was more than just a comfort zone, a pacifier or a
friend,
Still I gave her a wry smile that wasn’t half as beautiful as hers,
because all I could do was hide behind it and pretend
Because I knew I had to fake enthusiasm, be by her side, be her
bridesmaid
She’d never foreseen the garden full of tulips
Blooming for her, underneath, that she’d stepped upon while
geing those lilacs,
With the tulips, withered my hopes and that fairy tale
enchantment
It was me, and my unrequited love, against her lilacs and her
contentment.
-Aakriti Khand, Bat of 2021
179
...so do they make us exist.
oiling hot summer aernoon. Exam paper
distribution. Tense faces. Dripping sweat. It
happened again. My friend was sad and worried
about his result. In the corner of the luxurious Auditorium
which had been stolen by our juniors not long ago (just
like our immediates had stolen it during Infest practice),
he was scrolling through Instagram, watching (stalking) a
girl’s account, when he vented out his frustration saying
“Number mil nahi raha hai bro”. For genuine reasons, as
anyone would think, I thought my friend was not happy
with his scarcity of success among women. But no. Reality
indeed is oen disappointing. It took me an eternity to
realize North Indians call ‘Numbers’ what we call ‘Marks’.
I am actually not supposed to wonder when 54 students
are from South India, which makes up around half of the
2021 batch.
e diversity intrigues. It simply does, when people from
all four directions bring their own sweets, introduce you
to their culture, take you to their homes and invite you to
their family marriages. You always feel like something’s
always there to keep you going. e happiness in learning,
pronouncing, and using the curse words of different
languages and screaming it back to the same guy who
gave you a treat moments ago is reportedly unmatchable
(haven’t tried, believe me). In the course of childhood,
environmental sciences changed to social sciences to
social studies to separate subjects of History, Geography,
Politics and Economy, but one thing remains unchanged -
the phrase “India is a diverse country”.
From PY to RJ in the number plates of the parked
motorcycles, AIIMS is a living example. And for specific
South Indians who have never talked to a native in Hindi,
to learn to beautifully insult (read swear) the same native
Hindi speaker is an achievement good enough to be in a
resume.
If cultures are colours, AIIMS is a palee. From “Tera naam
itna chota kaise ho sakta hai’’ directed towards a South
Indian to “Where’s the paneer in your plate” directed
towards a North Indian, it all goes by so fast and funny
that we ultimately realize we’re friends, brothers and
sisters aer all.
Be it on Eid, Holi, Christmas or Guru Nanak Jayanti, the
air always has such a specific and powerful aura - the
aura of celebration - that we should consider the potential
possibility of celebrating the aura itself. Ultimately it seems
that when the goal is to live and let live, diversity isn’t a
stumble on the path to unity.
Spicing up the population with FNs and NRIs has been one
of the best decisions AIIMS has made because it basically
feels like you’re a part of their family even before you’ve
made memories with them. rough various festivals and a
variety of fests, we share this beautiful land and beauteous
bond. Sometimes all we need to be awestruck is to just
take a moment to appreciate this friendship, recognise the
diversity and live in harmony. AIIMS indeed is a melting
pot of diversities.
Written by
Hayagrivas M B
Batch of 2021
Design: HA
Illustration: HA
180 181
Design: HA
Illustration: RR
- Hayagrivas M B, Bat of 2021
here’s no denying the fact that Naatu Naatu was
probably the buzziest earworm of the past year,
not just in India, but all over the world. Winning a
boatload of accolades, including the most prestigious
of them all - the Academy Award - beating out the
likes of Lady Gaga and Rihanna, this song from
RRR finally proved what Indian cinema can do on
the global stage. While the main reason it became
famous is its infectious beat and the terrific dance
performances accompanying it, there is a lot more
depth in the lyrics beneath the surface. e song
references the traditions, sights and sounds of
rural Andhra and Telangana life. is article is an
aempt to explain the references that are oen lost
in translation.
e lyricist, Chandrabose, hails from a small village
in the Warangal district of Telangana, and he wrote
the song based on his experiences growing up. e
word ‘naatu’ literally translates as ‘raw’, declaring
the song to be rooted in the rustic atmosphere of
the countryside. Every line of the song expresses
the unbridled festive energy of an authentic rural
environment.
Polam Gau Dummulona Potlagitha Dukkinau
లం గ న ట త న
Potlagia is the more colloquial term used for bulls in
rural areas or more specifically young, uncastrated bulls
that are oen used in bull fights or races. e line here
refers to the sheer energy of the bull jumping into the
fields (polam gau).
Polaremma Jaataralo Potaraju Ooginau
రమ తర త ఊన
Polaremma Jaatara is a widely celebrated fest in rural
Andhra Pradesh and parts of Telangana. Potharaju is
believed to be the deity’s brother who dances in a frenzy.
Kirru Seppu Lesukoni Karrasamu Sessinau
కర న
Kirru Seppulu are the leather sandals used by farmers
when going into the fields, named so basically because
they make the Kirru sound while walking. Karrasamu is
a kind of exercise done in rural areas involving twirling
bamboo sticks, doing mock fights, wearing these sandals.
Marrisetu Needa Lona Kurragumpu Kudinau
మ డన ర ం న
Boisterous like a group of youngsters (kurragumpu)
gathering in the shade of a banyan tree (marrisetu).
Erra Jonna Roelona Mirapa okku Kalipinau
ఎర న న రప కన
Jonna Roe (Jowar Roti) with the spicy Mirapa
okku (chilli pickle) is a staple meal in rural Telangana,
Rayalaseema and even in parts of North Karnataka.
- Kaushik Palli, Bat of 2021
Design: HA
182 183
परशुराम:
ास:
िचरंजीवी:
"अामा बलसो हनुमान वभीषण:।
कृ पः परशुराम सैतै चरजीवनः॥"
पौराणक काल म अंत रहमयी और चकर कथाओं तथा महापुष का वणन रहा है। उन महापुष म से कु छ वशेष ऐसे भी ह जो आद काल म अपने साहस
पराम और वीरता के लए वात थे।
कु छ ऐसे जो आद काल से वतमान तक जीवत ह वे चरंजीवी अधान से वात ह। पुराण म कु ल सात दीघजीवय का वणन है: अामा, ास, बली, हनुमान,
वभीषण, कृ पाचाय और परशुराम।
कु छ के लए यह अधीर जल के समान शीतल वरदान था तो िकसी के लए ाप क भीषण अ का कोप। अनेक माताओं के अनुसार कलयुग के अंत म जब भगवान
वु क प म अवतरत हगे तब यह चरंजीवी अधम का नाश करने म उनक सहायता करगे। चरंजीवी को अमरता का तीक माना जाता है, जो जीवन और मृ के
बीच क सीमा को पार करता है।
भगवान वु के छठे अवतार, परशु धार, जमद पु परशुराम संपूण जगत म
अपने यु कला तथा अ-श नपुणता के लए वात है। भगवान शव से इे
यह वा ा हुई। अपने िपता क आा पर परशुराम ने अपनी माता रेणुका का सर
धड़ से पृथक कर दया। िपतृ भ से अंत स होकर जब ऋिष जमद ने उ
एक वर दया तो परशुराम ने वर प अपनी म को पुनः जीवत कर लया। इस
कार मातृ ऋण और िपतृ ऋण दोनो से मु हुए। ाण कु ल म ज परंतु कम से
िय माने जाने वाले परशुराम ने पृी से इस बार पापी और नरंकु श िय
का नाश िकया। परशुराम के अवतरण के उपल म अय तृतीया का ोहार मनाया
जाता है।
हनुमान:
ावतार, आनेय, कपीर, संकट मोचन इाद नाम से जाने वाले हनुमान
वायुदेव के देव पु ह। बाावा म सूय को एक मीठा फल मान कर खाने का
य िकया, जसके कारण सूण जगत म अंधकार छा गया। सूय का अ
पुनः ािपत करने के लए इं ने मात के हनु पर व से हार िकया, इस कारण
मात का नाम हनुमान पड़ा। भगवान राम के तीक हनुमान ने सदैव भु के दय म
अपना ान ा िकया। सीता - खोज म वह वशाल समु को लघ कर लंका पहुंचे
और माता सीता को भु राम क मुका भट क। लंका पत रावण ने जब हनुमान को
एक साधारण किप समझकर बंदी बनाना चाहा और उनक पूंछ म आग लगाने का
य िकया; उस आग से संपूण लंका को जलाकर हनुमान ने हाहाकार मचा दया।
महाभारत काल म भी हनुमान के अनेक वृत मलते ह। त प, पडु पु
भीम को अपने बल पर अंत अभमान था। भीम को सबक सखाने हेतु ी कृ
क आा से हनुमान एक बार उनके पथ पर लेट गए। भीम ने उ पथ से पूंछ हटाने
का आदेश दया। हनुमान ने एक दुबल किप बनकर भीम को ही उनक पूंछ हटाने
का आह िकया। अभमानी भीम अपने संपूण बल का योग करके पूंछ को तनक
भी हला न सके । इस कार भीम का अभमान चूर चूर कर दया। महाभारत यु म
ी कृ के आदेश पर अजुन के रथ के ज पर वराजमान होकर उनक रा क।
अजर तथा अमर हनुमान आज भी भु भ म लीन ह।
वभीषण:
रावण के अनुज होते हुए भी वभीषण ने भगवान राम का प लया। रास कु ल
म ज लेने के पात भी उने हरभ को ही अपने जीवन का उे बनाया ।
भगवान ा से वरदान म उने सदैव स का प लेने का आशीवद मगा । सीता
का अपहरण करने पर रावण को उने बहुत समझाने का य िकया पर रावण
ने उनक बात ठु कराकर लंका से नासत कर दया। भगवान राम क शरण म
आकर रावण के दुम से पृी को मु िकया। अपने कु ल के वपरत कम करके
यह स िकया क क पहचान उसके ज से नह ब कम से होती है।
लंका वजय के पात भु ी राम ने उ लंका का रा सप दया । कई वष तक
राज करने के पात उने सास जीवन का अनुकरण िकया और भु भ म
लीन हो गए।
महाबली:
ऐसा सोचना िक मा देव पुष ही दीघजीवी थे, पूणतया स नह है। इस त का
खन असुर राज महाबली क गाथा से होता है। ओणम नामक ोहार महाबली
के रण म कई देश म मनाया जाता है। असुर ारा ा अमृत से महाबली को
अमरता ा हुई । असुर राज होते हुए भी वह एक परोपकार और उदार राजा थे।
ग वजय के पात राजा बल ने अमेध महाय का आयोजन िकया। भगवान
वु वामन अवतार लेकर य पात दान लेने आ पहुंचे और महाबली से तीन पग
भूधर क दणा मगी। नयमानुसार महाबली ने अभी दणा देने का वचन दया।
वामन देव ने िवम प धारण करके एक पग म संपूण धरा, दूसरे पग म ग को
समाहत कर लया। महाबली ने तीसरा पग रखने के लए वामन देव को अपना सर
ुत कर दया। महाबली के दानवीरता से स होकर भगवान वु ने उ वैकु ं ठ
म ान धान िकया। माताओं के अनुसार महाबली ेक वष ओणम के ोहार
म अपने रा का मण करते ह।
महिष ास को महाभारत तथा पुराण के रचयता के नाम से जाना जाता है। इसके
अतर भी महिष ास को अनेक वेद के संकलनकत सहत अ महपूण
ंथो के लेखक के प म ेय दया जाता है। ास जी का ज ेता युग के अंत
म हुआ। एक अंत मनमोहक वृतत भी महाभारत क रचना के साथ जुड़ा हुआ है।
ास जी ने महाभारत महाका क रचना के लए भगवान गणेश क एक लेखक
के प म सहायता ली। अनेक कलम के टूट जाने के कारण भगवान गणेश ने अपने
एक दत का ही कलम क तरह योग िकया। इस कृ के बाद ही उ एकदंत कहा
जाने लगा।
कृ पाचाय:
महाभारत के उेख म कृ पाचाय का वणन होना तो अनवाय है। भगवान ा के
चौथे अवतार कृ पाचाय का पालन पोषण राजा शतनु के ारा हुआ। इसके पात
उने पडव और कौरव के राजगु बनकर उ वभ कार क वा दान
क। महाभारत के यु म कौरव क तरफ से उने यु िकया। एक महान गु और
योा होने के वपरत कृ पाचाय ने अंतम दन एक अंत ीण काय िकया। अंतम
दन दुयधन क मृु के बाद तशोध क अ म झुलस कर उने पडव के शयन
क को अ लत कर दया। जसके फल प इ इस अ पाप का
भोग तण करने हेतु, अमर रहने का ाप मला।
अामा:
महाभारत के महान पा म से एक अामा गु ोण के पु थे। दुयधन के परम
म होने के कारण अामा ने कौरव क तरफ से यु िकया। यु म कु छेक
जीवत योाओं म से एक अामा ने अपने िपता और म क मृु का तशोध
लेने के लए पडव शवर मे आमण कर सेना मुख िधु समेत अनेक योाओं
क हा कर दी। पडव के शवर म लौटने पात उसने पडवो पर ा साधा;
ुर म अजुन ने ेपा वरोधी शरा अ चलाया। इन दो दैवीय अ
के वंश को रोकने के लए महिष ास ने दोनो योाओं को अ वापस लेने का
आदेश दया। अ वापस लेने क कला सफ अजु न के पास थी, फलत: अामा
ने उसक दशा उरा ( अभमु क पी) के गभ क ओर मोड दी। इस अ
अपराध के लए ी कृ ने अामा से उसक मण छन ली और समय के अंत
तक ोध, घृणा और वेदना म रहने का ाप दया। वतमान काल म भी अामा
को देखे जाने का दावा िकया जाता है।
चरंजीवी क कथाएँ भारतीय धम और संृ त म गहर प से िढ़वादी ह।
चरंजीवी क कथाएँ धामक ंथ और लोककथाओं म बहुत ही रोमचक और
ेरणादायक होती ह। इन कथाओं म चरंजीवी द शय से संवधत
होता है और उसक सेवा समाज के लए नःाथ भाव से होती है। चरंजीवी क
कथाएँ हम एक सकाराक िकोण और से धम के मह को समझाती ह। वह
एक ेरक आदश है जो हमारे जीवन म एक गहरा भाव डालता है और हम समथ,
सहयोगी और समझदार बनाता है।
- अमन िपाठ
(Aman Tripathi)
2021 बैच
Artwork by
Soumyadip Halder
Batch of 2021
184 185
Design: AB
186 187
Artworks by: Soumyadip Halder, Batch of 2021
Artworks by Soumyadip Halder, Batch of 2021
Artwork by Basuraj Biswas, Batch of 2021
188 189
Design & Illustration: HA
192 193
Dr. Anirudh Vutukuri
Batch of 2017
194 195
P
NOSTALGIA RESELLERS
Love is the feeling which makes us learn to live and think for others
and KK has truly made us feel the essence of this emotion through
his soulful voice in the song ‘Zara Sa’ from the movie ‘Jannat’. e
music by Pritam Da and lyrics by Neelesh Misra contribute to this
song’s aura. e composition depicts a glorious declaration of love.
Mein tere mein tere
Kadmoon mein rakh du yeh jahan
Mera ishq deewangi
Hai nahi hai nahi
Aashiq koi mujhsa tera
Tu mere liye bandagi
KK’s magical voice makes us feel the song. e emotions rage in
our hearts, and we can’t help but be remembered for the love we’ve
given and received in our lives. is piece of art makes us realise
the beauty of love and the memories associated with it. Songs like
this will always keep KK alive in our hearts.
Anshul Rana
Bat of 2021
Krishnakumar Kunnath, fondly known as KK, was
a magical singer. His creations were the soundtrack
of the 21st century and an inevitable part of our
memories. A versatile singer, his songs ranged from
melodious romantic tunes to captivating dance
numbers. e star passed away on the 31st of May,
2022. His sudden demise was a shock to the music
industry, leaving an irreplaceable void. is is a
tribute to the timeless voice from the perspective
of four different music enthusiasts.
e world of love gets the best of everyone’s creativity and no
hyperbole seems to be able to contain its beauty! And Kya Mujhe
Pyaar Hai is one such effort portraying the glory of this mystic
spell!
Tum Kyun Chale Aate Ho
Har Roj In Khwabon Main
Chupke Se Aa Bhi Jao Main
Ek Din Meri Baahon Main
196
Expressing a wide range of feelings, the whole song seems to be
a crazy monologue of an aashiq, with a bit of ishq overdose. It is
one of the classic creations of music director Pritam. It is a perfect
fusion of so acoustics, a soothing chorus, Spanish verses and a
wonderful guitar outro (you might have missed it). KK with his
engaging voice gets us high on love! A shout-out to all the couples
madly in love, this might be the perfect song for you!
Fun fact: is song was accused of being “lied” from “Tak Bisakah”
by Noah. You shall be shocked by the similarities! Give it a try.
Meghan H K
Bat of 2021
KK's enchanting voice. Shantipriya and Om. It was love at first
sight for them, and magic for us.
Aankhon Mein Teri
Ajab Si Ajab Si Adayen Hain
What Om saw in Shantipriya's eyes, we felt, through this ethereal
piece of music. Vishal Dadlani penned the beautiful lyrics for
this song, which was brought to life by the Vishal-Sekhar duo's
composition. But the magic, truly, is KK.
Kitna Kuch Kehna Hai
Phir Bhi Hai Dil Mein
Sawaal Kahin
Sapnon Mein Jo Roz Kaha Hai
Woh Phir Se Kahoon
Ya Nahin
ere are a million things that the lover wants to say to his beloved.
He confesses his feelings to her in his dreams every day. But he
now longs to be with her and whisper to her all the things he loves
about her. Poetic to say the least.
Ajab Si is not just a huge part of 2000s music, it's also an integral
part of our childhood. Om Shanti Om was a crowd favourite and
so were its songs. Ajab Si is one of those songs which taught us
what love was. And through many masterpieces like this, KK will
always be cherished in our hearts.
KK was one of the first Indian singers I was introduced to in my
childhood. Mesmerized by his live performance in the cultural
fest of my father’s university, I have been immensely in love with
the unmistakable sweet touch of passion in his voice ever since.
From vibing to the beats of ‘Tadap Tadap' to grooving to the
peppy ‘Dus Bahane 2.0’, I have grown up. His track ‘Alvida' from
the 2007 movie ‘Life in a… Metro’ is my favourite.
Here KK sings a poignant song of separation from the loved one.
e lover resigns from the futility of his one-sided love. In his
mind, the stoic young man is dejected, and also angry, at this
realisation; yet at the same time, despite his aggressive overtones,
he continues to love his mistress in the deepest of his hearts and
even wishes that someday she will come back to him for love,
having realized her folly. Against Pritam's powerful background
music, KK has beautifully portrayed the baffling range of
conflicting emotions in this ballad penned by Amitabh Varma.
KK's melancholy voice switching sharply between low and high
notes is sure to make your hearts heavy. At his untimely bidding
goodbye from this world, we the fans of his timeless romantic
voice, wish to ask him:
Dil hai pareshan
Sacha na suna, tune kyun bhala keh diya
Alvida alvida
Koi pooche toh zara
Kya socha aur kaha alvida
… for our hearts are not yet fulfilled.
(PS: You'd love to listen to a rendition of the song in (Vedant)
Kashikar's (Batch of 2019) voice. :))
Soumyadeep Choudhury
Bat of 2021
Craving for a trip down memory lane? Find these
and other timeless songs by KK - simply scan this
QR code on your Spotify app and be teleported to
the good ol' days of peak Bollywood music.
Anna Basil Gomez
Bat of 2020
Design: AB
Illustration: SV
198 199
Love,
or the
lack
thereof
200
Sweet dreams
Hey Daddy! Tell me a bedtime story
But mind this, it should not be scary.
I know you are not as good as Mumma,
But you can tell one without drama.
You probably don't know this,
Bedtime stories help me sleep.
I have to go to school and tuition,
My whole day feels like an illusion.
Bedtime is only when it feels real.
I will sleep aer one, at's a deal.
You can tell me about the king of the sea,
How he killed the monster and made his
daughter free;
Or one about Jack and his giant tree.
Or everyone's favourite, Mickey and Minnie
Listen, come to bed, it's already late.
No story have I read that you will relate
Try to sleep instead, you have to wake up at eight.
With that being said, let's end this debate.
Oh, come on! Don't cry. You are not a kid
OK, I will try, just like you did.
Once there was a kingdom with the greatest border
It was ruled by the just and mightiest emperor.
e king had a sweet lile daughter
And he was afraid that he might lose her.
e princess was very beautiful and she was shy.
One day she became upset, nobody knew why.
She went to the stable and took a horse,
She ran towards a very rough course
On the horse, she headed towards East.
Crossing the scary jungle and dreadful beasts,
ere the princess hid in a castle with a great wall.
Rumours started to spread, most of them false.
e king announced, whoever brought her back could
marry her.
Day by day, his nights were becoming scarier.
Lots of people tried, but none of them
succeeded.
Because for the journey, courage was needed.
A young man promised the king he would bring the
Princess back.
His journey began in the spring, but soon he lost
track.
In the forest, he was fighting for his life.
Monstrous beasts' blood dripping from his knife
He crossed the forest, a great wall was waiting for
him.
He had to break the wall standing before him.
He was losing his fingers, breaking those walls.
Suddenly, one day, he heard a traveller call,
e traveller asked him why he was trying so hard.
He lost his mind or some kind of retard?
e man replied, 'He just wanted to know why the
princess is sad.'
And he would give his life to make the princess glad
He never wanted to marry her.
And he would continue
till he lost all his fingers.
-Mohammad Akram Kamil
Bat of 2020
is is a confession:
I have never been in love
Oh, there were boyhood
crushes,
Childish fantasies
Built from dreams
In thin air
But even then I knew
ey were nothing
But pipe dreams
Made by an idle mind
en there was Someone,
Over the days,
Talking with her,
I grew to like her
en, a question,
I asked myself,
Do I love her?
en, I asked,
Do I even believe in love?
For I had no way to know
As I’d never been in love
Correction: I realise,
I’d never been brave enough
To let myself be loved
Will I ever shed the cowardice
Of savouring the comfort
Of loneliness?
To that Someone,
Do you like me?
I like you, but I don’t know
If I’m brave enough to love you
Or to let myself be loved by you.
-Anonymous
Jay Rajyaguru
Batch of 2022
202 203
Design: AA
(Dr. Mohammed Fawas K)
204 205
Design: AA
207
Dr. Suryansh Saini
Batch of 2018
Bloodbath
Forsaken lad slumped past
Heavy downpour claered wails
Muddy road to soles sunken deep
rough homes and neighbourhoods
A pious woman with pity
Drawn by hazy resemblance of lost
Showered love and affection motherly
In eyes that looked to help
Roomy stay and richness
Poisoned mind that cared no less
Groped a glock out of jacket
Redness flowed painted floor
Foggy
Diagnosis,
Starry
Resilience
A Stare too deep and sour
Lips transfixed in a smile
Ignorance a clouded judgement
Nature too broken to heal…
-Dr. Mohith Kapse
Bat of 2018
A winter night so cold and dark,
e fog rolls in to leave its mark.
But as the light begins to peek,
A glimmer of hope starts to speak.
e chill in the air cuts like a knife,
But the stars above bring back to life.
A sense of warmth that can't be tamed,
As the darkness is illuminated by the
flame.
e night may be long, and the journey
hard,
But the light in the fog is a shining
guard.
Guiding us through the cold and dark,
Until a new day makes its mark.
-Kratik Agarwal
Bat of 2020
Prachi Khadatare
Batch of 2021
208 209
मेहनत
मेरी माँ
अनकही बातें
Dr. Fathima Hanna
Batch of 2018
Took a deep breath and blossomed to life,
Felt old sun’s warmth for the very first time
An inferno of vibrance who braved that cold
night,
He rose come morning, dazed were all by the
sight
A carefree mess of hues, of green and blue
Jay his best friend, his soul pure and true
Swaying with the flow, goes hither goes
thither
Growing in the field where he saw his
brothers wither
Across the row of our sweet souled star
A stranger clad in petal gears ground char
Life with no intent, working through day till
ten
Sends a breeze, draws the bees, repeats the
rite again
Faced falls, faced storms, hardened to the
core
No joy, no peace, his humbled heart begs no
more
An engine of the world’s making, their sorry
choices to deal
Did it hurt to lose his hues, or he even forget
how to feel?
-Naman Singh
Bat of 2021
मेहनत
मेहनत खून पसीने क लगती है
बरस से तय तकदीर बदलने के लए
पहाड़ सफलता के ऐसे ही खड़े नही होते
हत ज़र है नसीब क तीर बदलने के लए
बैठा समाज चाहे ना उीद होकर
सबको दखादे तू उठ खड़ा होकर
वो भी तेर जुनूनयत के आगे घुटने टेक दे
दखादे उस डर को भी उससे बड़ा होकर
तू वो चराग बन जो अंधेरे से उभरकर चमके गा
बाक सारे दीपक चाहे बुझे ही है
या ताउ जीना है ऐसे ही
फै सला ये भी करना तुझे ही है
तू कहता है िक ता सा रहता हूं म, तो
ऐसे कै से ल क ओर रार बढ़ पाएगी
म कहता हूं िक सफलता के पथ पर चल कर तो देख
ताई भी तुझसे खफ़ा हो जाएगी
सहज ही नह मल जाता खुशय का दरया
लाख दुख सहकर चेहरे पे मुान आएगी
िकत खराब थी, यह कहना ना पड़े
परम करने पर िकत भी तेर काबलयत जान जाएगी
-अंशुल राणा (Anshul Rana)
बैच 2021
213
Anustup Bhaacharyya
Batch of 2019
Why are we here? What makes our heart beat?
Do we truly need someone else to feel complete?
Does ‘the one’ exist, and will they stay?
And if so, are fate and destiny really in play?
en, do we even, in our life, have any say?
If ‘the one’ is just a myth, and if destiny is just a sham
en who decides what I can be and what I am?
If we decide what we are and what we want to be
en why do others’ opinions keep us from being free?
If everyone is different, is ‘objectivity’ even a thing?
If not, then why does being ‘selfish’ have such a bad ring?
If everyone’s point of view is different, unique
en why are others’ ‘good opinions’ all we seek?
But if just doing what you want is the logical way
Why are we inevitably this society’s prey?
Does society even make sense, this ‘collective being’
Won’t leing go of their rules and expectations be freeing?
But then, why do we feel alone when away from others
Why are we hurt when we’re cursed by our brothers?
If they are different, and objectivity is an illusion
Why do we want to be justified, to be proven?
Why is being different, being the outcast so hard?
Why do breakups and fallouts leave us so scarred?
If they can’t understand, and you shouldn’t expect
Why does being alone leave us so wrecked?
e closeness, the warmth - is it something that logic can’t explain?
Some dimension of human existence that escapes our brain?
Maybe the ‘maers of the heart’ truly are different
Maybe it’s these which make us feel so terrible yet magnificent.
214
-Maanit Matravadia, Bat of 2020
218 219
220 221
A Rant On
A tear rolled down my cheek as I walked in solitude in the rain
As people passed by, unaware of the chaos in my brain
Not an expression on my face, I was too tired to say a word
I didn’t want to cry; I didn’t want to be heard
Restrictions
Design: HA
Illustration: RR
I was tired of debating with the world, proving I was right
Too tired to any longer put up a fight
I have surrendered in front of destiny unaware of what it holds
A disappointment to the past girl who was sure and bold
I don’t wish to stop; I don’t want this moment to end where I am with me
For once no one’s telling me how I am wrong or how to make things right,
I’m free
It’s just me, the same me who’s been through it all, the witness to all her
faults, she who took every call
Yes she messed up several times but can’t life give her a few free passes,
aer all, she’s just a kid
With nothing in her defense, with no plea and no bid
She just wants to be the same old self, happy in her bliss,
Finding happiness in the tiny things and fighting her bale crisis
Yet coming out strong making herself proud
Simply being the best in the crowd
~ Pavit Singh, Bat of 2021
Disclaimer: I wrote this before the Rishikesh trip.
College is about being exposed to the real world, and it
certainly did happen. My views of an ideal world with
gender equality were shattered, the way an egg splatters
when it falls from a rooftop. Gender equality is still a myth. The
boys have all the freedom in the world while we girls are being
deprived of our basic rights. They have a curfew only on paper
while the girls are trapped within the shackles of restrictions.
All we’re allowed to do is study, and study on an empty
stomach because we can’t even go to the mess in the evening
for snacks, let alone go anywhere else. We can order food, but
that is not economical and everyone knows it. The boys can do
whatever they want, eat whenever they want, and go wherever
they want. The girls, however? Porcelain dolls in a glass cage.
A very cliché comparison, but it is extremely apt. We live in a
hospital but can’t go to the emergency when we’re sick. We’re
escorted only after two or so days of suering. Going to the
general store or the coee shop is a far-o thought, we can’t
even go to the pharmacy to get medicines. “Order it!”
While our prison is very cushy, with spacious rooms and
clean bathrooms, it is a prison nonetheless. What's the point
of sitting on a throne in a locked room when there’s a whole
world out there to explore? We’re taken everywhere in a line,
like toddlers. College is about exploring and learning about
yourself, but how can we possibly do that when we don’t even
know about our surroundings? I’ve been on the campus for a
month now, and the only non-academic places I’ve seen are
the hostel, mess, and general store. College is about liberation,
but I certainly had more freedom back home. They’re scared
about our wings breaking, but they’ll heal. Nipping them o at
the buds is not the answer.
Anushka Kulkarni
Batch of 2022
The boys have a TV in their hostel and a lot of other
extracurricular activities. We have nothing. Our entertainment
is studying. We’re no longer allowed on the swings in front of
the girls' hostel. When I asked why, I was not given a straight
answer. Not allowing us to sit on the swings is just sadism
under the facade of "protecting us from ragging". How could
sitting on swings in front of the girls' hostel, out in the open,
under the watchful eyes of the wardens, possibly make us
susceptible to getting ragged?
To be very blunt, we are adults and while we are a bit naive, it
doesn’t warrant the kind of restrictions and regulations being
enforced upon us. Yes, we have each other and it’s a new place
with new people, but we need to be able to do more than just
socialize. We’re in that sweet spot between teenage life and
adulthood. If we don’t have the freedom to make mistakes
now and learn from them, we’ll screw up even worse in the
future. Some of those mistakes will turn out to be the most
memorable experiences of our lives. By depriving us of the
ability to make them, they’re ensuring that our treasure trove
of memories remains empty. We don’t even know what we are
missing out on. I understand that the restrictions will be lifted
soon, but I don't think it's fair that we have to wait for around
3 months for that to be done.
If this is the case in a premier institute like AIIMS, I shudder to
think about the situation in other colleges.
Design: AB
Illustration: SV
222 223
Awakening Of The
Quiescence
By Nitant Joshi, Batch of 2022
Every individual on this planet is bound inadvertently by social norms. Norms
which extract our inner feelings and at the same time suppress our outspoken
opinions. An individual chooses to either thrive or be downtrodden under
these equivocal circumstances. riving under stringent norms also opens us to
opportunities to explore one’s quiescent centres. e constant sounds of frolics in
the background arising from old and dingy hostel rooms reinstate one’s faith in the
dual nature of man. One nature encompassing outward depiction used to portray
one’s intellect and discipline. e other, hidden away from society’s leering eyes,
constantly evolves and prospers in the background. It patiently waits for the
subconscious authorisation to leap out and be free at last. Once quiet and reticent,
individuals finally let out, rather than dig out their quiescent centres. ey delve
into previously unknown depths of celebrations and excitement. New experiences
and exotic sensations take over the finely honed discretionary powers that they
perfected over the years. Intelligence never dies out, rather gets subdued under the
sheet of newly found freedom. is opens up dangerous avenues and possibilities
of spiralling into the vortex of indiscipline and insubordination. On the other
hand, a controlled and calibrated release of this latent energy would only serve to
supplement one’s intellect and personality development. e decision rests upon
the individual to either bask in the supernova of glowing self-confidence or be
burnt to shreds by the fire of desires…
224
Design: AB
Illustration: SH
Shubham Bhakal
Batch of 2019
Angels
Listening to tales of magic, music and mountains,
Stories of dear Grandma, old and wise,
“Are angels real?”, asked the lile one, full of wonder,
“Yes”, I replied, with a twinkle in my eyes.
“With ethereal beauty, blessed by Aphrodite,
Or wings shining silver as the moonlight,
With fairy dust to make everything right?”
She asked, not believing me quite.
No, they don’t usually look like that,
Yet, they’re gracious blessings of the lord,
To pull you out of the river of worry and strife,
To help you remember “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
A magical caress on the head,
Whisking you away into the magical dreamland,
A mom’s healing touch making pain disappear,
Like fickle words wrien in sand.
Dad’s pep talk before an exam,
Making anxiety disappear in a wisp of time,
e one who always helps you,
Whether you’re in need of a penny or a dime.
e friend whose presence and whose hugs,
Never let you feel away from home,
Or the one who just sits and listens for a while,
When you feel worried or alone.
And yes, of course there’s the magic too,
Not the mahogany wand or the silver dust,
Yet, it’s a magic which causes miracles to be,
e magic of love, faith and trust.
So as you grow, always believe,
In miracles and stories that end well,
For when you’re asked, “Are angels real?”
I hope this is the truth you’ll tell!
-Ishika Gupta
Bat of 2019
म
मेरे हर मज क दवा है म
मेरे हर सच क गवाह है म
या खुदा िकस म से तूने बनाई है म
मेर सस, खाना, पानी और हवा है म
मं ही है जो मुझे यह तक लाई है
खुद क खुशी भूलकर जसने जंदगी बनाई है
भूलना मत कभी मं क ममता को
उसी ममता ने तो संसार म ार क रत चलाई
है
ार का दूसरा नाम है म
तुझे पूजना मेरा काम है मं
भगवान ने दया है मुझे जो
सबसे बड़ा तू वरदान है मं
गलतय हजार क है मैने
उ सुधारने क हत दी है तूने
जंदगी से .कज जो लए थे मने
उ चुकाने क कमत दी है तूने
जब भी कभी मेर जंदगी संवारने वालो क
दाान बय होगी
तो कतार म भगवान से भी पहले मेर मं होगी
संसार क जननी है वो, उसे याद रखना दुनया
वालो
हर मुसीबत म साथ देने वाली मेर मं होगी
।।।।।
-अंशुल राणा (Anshul Rana)
2021 बैच
226 227
Sathya Keshav entu
Batch of 2021
My lile circle in my personal space
No mockery no embarrassment and no snarky
comments to face
People I love and people who care
e warmth of compassion and the comfort in the air
But my mind chides me, “Why don’t you open up more?”
A coward hidden in her tiny lile core
Is it the fear of being judged or not being enough
What is it that makes it so hard and tough
Am I disrupting the harmony or fiing in just fine
Am I welcome or unwanted, what’s the sign?
Am I being too finicky or do people think I’m proud
Have I risen above or just too lost in the crowd
What if I share too much and I lose respect
Or too lost in my world and can’t connect
Is the world my enemy or is it just me
Are there walls of prejudice or there’s love I can’t see.
-Pavit Singh, Bat of 2021
Aer all this time that we have shared together,
Yet when you knock upon my door, the happy rush in
me does not get any lesser.
You are the comfort that’s hard to find,
A rare and precious friend whom I can call mine.
So thrilled with all the dreams in my head untold,
For our lives have just begun and there is so much to
behold.
e world may cause a lot of strife,
But just a few moments with you can turn things
around, like a roll of the dice.
And make everything happy and nice.
I'm grateful to God every single day,
With you by my side, life's such a sweet bouquet.
No Romeo and Juliet, I’d like our story to be simpler,
So let me ask you
Will you be my happily ever aer?
-Megha Gupta, Bat of 2019
228 229
Aashish Meena
Batch of 2020
Metaphorical
- A Week's Journey
On Mondays when no pill in Ibiza comes to aid
Tim Bergling of my life you become
232 runic seconds of 'Waiting for Love' plays
On Tuesdays when I face all the hassle blades
photographers of my life you become
enthralling montage of unparalleled love plays
On Wednesdays when I trudge under the dingy
shades
vivid rainbows of my life you become
unadorned pier paer of arcadian drizzle plays
On ursdays when some sentiments turn to jade
Daoist paradise of my life you become
sonorous poetry from trembling lips plays
On Fridays when my words are all disarrayed
Shams Tabrizi of my life you become
divine lines from Rumi's rubaiyat plays
On Saturdays when my confidence is frayed
priceless appreciation of my life you become
healing vibrations from rose quartz plays
On Sundays when materialistic glimmer fades
Hans Zimmers of my life you become
background score of unequivocal love plays
-Gaurav Prakash Meena
Bat of 2020
अनकही
बात
अर रह जाती ह कु छ बात
कु छ बात अनकही रह जाती ह
दल से नकलती ह कु छ
कु छ बात जुब नह आती ह पर
बोल नह पाते ह
डरावना तो नह है सच
लेिकन डर लग ही जाता है
बुरा ना लगे तुमको सच
यह डर नह जाता है
मन तो था कहने का कु छ
पर बात कभी और के लए टल जाती ह
कोशश चाहे िकतनी भी कँ
कु छ बात रह ही जाती ह
यार बता तो दू ँ तुमको, कु छ गलत थोड़े ना है
पर ा समझ आएगा तुे, तुे समझना भी है?
अगर जानना चाहते हो तोह सुनो! अभी बता देता हूँ
पर अगर अनसुना करना है तोह को! कह लख कर छु पा देता हूँ
कहने तो आज भी बहुत कु छ आया था
पर दल म छु पा कर ही ले जाता हूँ
अपने मन क दुवधा लेकर तो आया था
पर आज िफर संकोच से दबा देता हूँ
जनको बोलना था बहुत कु छ
उनको देख हत टूट सी जाती है
आज िफर रह गयी बात कु छ
कु छ बात हर बार रह ही जाती है
-नखर बंसल (Nikhar Bansal)
बैच 2021
230 231
Universe
Bharat Goel, Batch of 2022
e countless ways
In which
e devious universe works
I cannot fathom
Manipulating and manoeuvring
Every creature
Tethered to it
By invisible strings
Woven with white lies
e master ventriloquist
Compelling, coercing
Our meek mortal minds
To silently savour sin.
His servants obscuring the reality from us
Shielding us puppets from the truth
e deceptive universe
Imbued with power
Engrained in one's subconscious
Disguised as instinct
e angel on one shoulder
e devil on another
e choice is ours
at will render
Us either saints or sinners
Every fleeting moment
Of our ephemeral lives
We make a choice
It's do or die
But what if the universe
Makes that choice for us instead?
Slaughtering our visceral hopes and fears
Inflicting his beliefs on our submissive souls
Labelling his choices
As fate and fortune
As destiny
And as doom
Our strings unravelling, untwining above us
Marionees as he destines our lives
We're all now a part of something bigger than ourselves
An ulterior motive.
Dr. Archisman Mazumder
Batch of 2018
232 233
Ravi Ranjan Roy
Batch of 2019
(Rank 2)
(Rank 7)
(Rank 20)
(Rank 1)
(Rank 15)
(Rank 2)
(Rank 7)
(Rank 8)
(Rank 12)
(Rank 31)
(Rank 44)
(Rank 54)
(Rank 72)
(Rank 94)
(Rank 125)
(Rank 153)
(Rank 34)
(Rank 35)
(Rank 53)
(Rank 55)
(Rank 58)
(Rank 75)
(Rank 125)
(Rank 157)
(Rank 196)
(Rank 23)
(Rank 34)
(Rank 58)
(Rank 65)
(Rank 67)
(Rank 160)
(Rank 179)
(Rank 190)
244 245
Madhur Singhal
Batch of 2020
246 247
248 249
250 251
Design: HA
Abhishek AA
Batch of 2020
252 253
254 255
256 257
258
260 261
262 263
264 265
266 267
268 269
270 271
272 273
2
274 275
276 277
278 279
2 2
280 281
282 283
284 285
286 287
288 289
290 291
292 293
Intern's Column Designing
credits:
Cover art - RR
Layout & illustrations - HA
Design - NS, HG, AB
294 295
With Love,
From 'StupEd
Illustration - SH
Design - AB, HA
Wall mag covers - RR, PS
296 297
Tuesday, 2 nd April, 2024
The soul of a magazine, long trapped within the confines of a computer screen, gets liberated.
As I type this letter at 3 in the morning seated in the plush armchairs in the SU Room, I can’t
help but smile. “Almost there”, I think to myself, as my eyes beg for sleep, but I continue to
clatter away at Abin’s laptop.
The memory of receiving my very first ‘Hybrid Hues’ in the initial days of the orientation
program will be etched forever in my temporal cortex. I still remember as an unsuspecting
faccha when I first laid my hands on Rishi’s mag. The diversity in its content, interspersed
with wit and artistry, had me in awe. It didn’t take me long to realise that I had to be a part
of this, and with it, be associated in some way with the amazing people behind its creation.
Starting out modestly by contributing an amateurish (and in retrospect, very poorly-written)
poem to Dyuti’s mag, I was steadily getting more opportunities to write in Laya’s wall mags.
I also began attending design workshops that she organised, but when I really spread my
wings was under Keerthana’s able guidance, whose patience and encouragement gave me
confidence in my ability to grapple with the basics of InDesign, Illustrator and Procreate.
An attempt to recount the journey of making this mag is a daunting task, but bear with me as
I try. From the moment the four of us (Harsh, Hardik, Abin and I) were put in charge of the
Editorial Board 2022-23, we knew what we were up for. The successful release of Keerthana’s
mag had laid a solid foundation for our society, but the edifice to build upon it fell on to us.
The Co-Secy’s I had were heroes we all need but don’t deserve, and I’m grateful for all the
times they had my back.
Despite coming from a non-ed board background, Harsh became an integral part of our
operation. Like a queen on the chessboard, he became a force to be reckoned with in mag
designing, surpassing my wildest expectations. Guess this just happens when you have an
insatiable hunger and untiring passion for creative work! He was literally hell-bent on making
our mag “the best one ever”, and he would stop at nothing to achieve this, branching out to
even writing engaging articles, further elevating our content. If only he was discovered by the
earlier editorial boards, I wonder how much further he could've gotten.
Although both Abin and Hardik became busy with research and Step 1 exam preparation
at various points during our tenure, they did not default on a single assignment. Their vast
experience with design work in the previous ed boards helped the mag immeasurably.
In March 2022, a good number of people I had inherited from Keerthana’s ed board along
with many keen facche (who are now in the 5th semester) joined us on the ride, reposing faith
in our ability to steer the ship in the right direction. Together, we put in all we had to release
our first wall mag within a mere month of the formation of the new ed board (the name for
which Anagha cleverly came up with at the Mag Ed’s expense). LT visits and online events like
‘Hue-topia’ were carried out to pump up participation among juniors. Several months down
the line, another wall mag was out, and an impressive thirty-eight people survived on board,
committed to the ultimate cause of HH ’22-’23. We were joined by five more enthusiastic
juniors from the 2022 batch. Each of our crew has been an invaluable addition in their own
right, bringing a fresh outlook to every discussion.
Hours of deliberation, both online and oine, involving almost all ed board members, gave
shape to the questionnaire for the 7th edition of Vital Statistics. Not to forget the equal (if not
even greater) number of hours spent watching footage of ‘Family Guy’, trying to find
(in)appropriate jokes to accompany the data analysis.
The ever-dependable illustrators - Ridhima, Soumyadip Halder, Pavit and Sathya were also
super-stars this ed board saw the rise of. Prime examples of their best works include all the
cover pages and the illustrations in Vital Statistics. It is but the beginning for these talents,
and I can't wait to see how their future pans out.
The entire team of Interns’ Column, led by veterans like Anushka Rathi and Maanit, understood
their assignments from the get go and never have I had to so much as bat an eyelid during
the entire process of collection of columns and photos for interns. Prachi also stood up to
the task of compiling Pulse and P-wave sections, selecting bite-sized articles from a huge
number of writers alongside relevant photos. Aman, Suyash, and Sahil shared responsibility
of data collection for marriages and ranks.
Editing and proofreading content are some of the most challenging parts of the job. But to
be honest, they have always been the most fun for me. Judging what someone else wrote
and pointing out errors gave me the feeling our language teachers at school relished. Anna,
Philemon, Mrinal, Kaushik and Hayagrivas are a few who really stood out in this area.
Anagha and Naman were exceptional in all their assigned tasks throughout and have shown
promise in their capability as leaders. I wish them the best as they put on the crowns of Chief
Editors for HH ’23-’24 and HH ’24-’25 respectively.
We hit many bumps on the road (most notably the NExT mock test scare and the final prof
season which followed), but never once did we come to a grinding halt. Burning the midnight
oil for days on end, both in the final year as well as the first three months of internship, was
necessary to make sure we crossed the finishing line. And would you look at that? We made it!
Did we ever doubt ourselves? Not really to be honest, we knew we had what it takes all along.
It may have taken a tad longer, but good things come to those who hustle, right? Proving our
doubters wrong (and our haters clinically insane) is just icing on the cake as we savour this
moment of success.
This has been one heck of a ride, but it pains me to say that like all good things, the mag must
also come to an end. It’s time to go our separate paths, me o to the dreaded Dayalpur and
you, hopefully o to explore more of ‘Hybrid Hues’!
Signing o as Magazine Editor 2022-23
Anustup Bhattacharyya
298 299
Long live our Hybrid Hues
'StupEd Board
"ere's nothing better than a world
where everybody's just trying to
make each other laugh"
Matthew Perry
American-Canadian Actor
(1969-2023)
The Editorial Team for the 22nd edition of Hybrid Hues, 2022-2023
300
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