"Pratidhwani" web edition

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Fourth Issue

VOX POPULI

Edition: 2

WE ASKED:
ASSESS HALL DAY 2006

THEY ANSWERED:

99% . . . the food is “worse”. Hall day should be there as it’s a mode to relax our tension. The only hope to enjoyment.
Ashutosh Saran Singh
Department of Chemical Engineering
ashuss@
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The Capitalist manifestation of pump and glitter in a neo-First world set up like IIT is just another attempt to take the minds of our budding researchers and scientists away from the naked reality that surrounds them and threatens to bite. One does NOT have to go outside the campus to realize the oddity of the situation . . just have a good look at the campus and the condition of the daily laborers, for instance. Can't we have a Hall Day without such shameless parade of overindulgence?

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It was a beautiful and lively evening to remember. Enjoyed the food and flower decoration. A little more encouragement and active participation from residents in cultural events will add some more stars to the event.
Vishal Aggarwal
MBA
aggarv@
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Our Hall Day celebration was really nice and we enjoyed it very much. This celebration really gave us an opportunity to relax a bit from the hectic schedule of our system. It was really a nice and enjoyable Hall Day.
Sambit Panigrahi
HSS
sambit@
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No upgrade of hall day cultural programs. No hall day needed, if it is as it is now. Take your guide to a restaurant for buttering.
Chandrashakher Bhuiyan,
Department of Civil Engineering
bhuiyan@
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First, I take this opportunity to appreciate “Pratidhwani” team for their healthy initiation of inviting the views of hall residents about hall day. Compared to other hall days (since 2001), I found Antarlay-’06 better in some sense. Though the cultural event was successful, what bothered me was the minimal involvement of the residents especially the new comers. This is disappointing as hall-day is supposed to be “our own” function and the idea behind organizing it is to find out the hidden talent in the residents. To that extent, the cultural secy. has failed a bit to attract the talent of the newcomers. Like previous hall-days, there was a lack of continuity during award distribution which resulted in chaos. We can’t blame any body as most of the awardees were busy with their own guests. As usual, the food was good, especially when doubts and apprehensions were voiced in the context of the lack of mess chairman. Decoration was at par, kudos to the whole HEC. Last but not the least, I would like to thank our previous presidents for their efforts to made the Antarlay-‘06 a memorable and sweet experience for me.
Ritesh Kumar Dubey
Department of Mathematics
riteshkd@
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Creativity at it’s own sense. Guide ko maska lagao.......keep him at good humor.

D N Srinath
Department of Aerospace Engineering
srinath@
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For VOX POPULI

Sathyaraj.V., sathya@
and
Tuhin K. Pal, tuhin@
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Leader Among Equals??

A sensitive equal, "seemingly harmless", "self appointed"- attempts to lead a group alongwith his few close confidants. A group where each member is equally capable and motivated towards a common goal, where each one shares a personal rapport with the leader. The leader envisions a work well done with cooperation of all volunteers- he considering himself also a volunteer. Everything starts great. Almost perfect plan shared with all. Communication exchanged within group congratulating a good start and planning. Fair deal of important work delegated to each of the equals.

Something goes terribly wrong in execution. The team gets divided into numerous power centers. Some commanding power from "seemingly harmless" and "right actions" of theirs. Some commanding powers from opposition of these "self confessed powerful" people.

A third fraction of people completely out of all activity- a recoil of past events. They were never recognized in an event just finished.

Contention, distrust grows. The easy tasks become unbearable. Leader "Works hard but doesn't delegate"- is the cry. Is the matter so simple?

Leader- pioneering a batch of equals-- makes a terrible mistake-- assumes that everyone is in tandem. Rules once made, responsibilities once delegated work according to the perfect plan-- but this does not happen. Different personalities, vested interest come into play. They are "equal" forces to recon with. But act superior. Leader, busy and pre-occupied with attainment of goal- misses the new developments. Does not "feel the nerve" regularly of his team of equals.

The team starts breaking. Cracks seldom appear on surface. Some remaining quiet, some instigate others, some seek an opportunity to vent. Things intolerable. "Beware" message sent. A few understand. Albeit, things remain unchanged. Next, all hell breaks loose. One "equal" buckles. Can't tolerate more. Leader faces fire.

A visibly broken leader. "We are under pressure", "We work like dogs" "People Hibernating" says the CORE team. Is not hibernation forced? The question to ponder over- Who is shying away from duty? Are they not crying "Give responsibilities; let us do our assigned duty, Why are you interfering". Is it falling on deaf ears or intentionaly overlooked. And then they talk of "Consensus".

Problem?

Over simplification of motives and behaviors? Failure to recognize equals with vested interests? Failure to decipher group dynamics? Deviation from promise of equal opportunity? Lack of confidence in equals by leader and other people? Considering equals as unequals?

Is a central point of contact not desired and absolutely necessary? Leader can't change frequently. Very true. Agreed. Nobody challenges that. But treating without bias. Seek opinions regularly from equals might help. Afterall,

They are "equals".
Vishal Aggarwal
aggarv@
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Quote of the Week:

Success does not change a person. It only magnifies you. It allows you to be who you are.

Will Smith, Hollywood Sensation
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Our Heritage

Volume: 2
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Apurba Kumar Jana (Nickname: MOGAMBO) (CHE, M.Tech & Ph.D, 1987-1994) was a garden secretary for many years. He was obsessed with gardening and particularly in maintaining Hall-4 lawns. In those days our hall was so often trespassed by cows, goats etc. Helpless Mogambo used to scold the gardeners for their carelessness and chased the animals out. In the mean time, based on his recommendations a rule was passed by HEC “Not to put chair in the hall-4 lawn.” Hall-4 still respects the sentiment.
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P.P.Thankchan (CHM, Ph.D, 1970-1982) took almost 12 years to complete his doctoral program! Why? He had diverse interests such as chess, cooking chicken, solving academic and computer problems of residents etc. When his programme got extended too long, the administration asked his guide for an explanation. Later, his guide instructed Tank to finish up quickly. Tank nodded affirmative to his guide but never showed up for more than a month. Tank had a strong attachment to our hall and used to listen and solve the problems of the residents and perhaps, this kept him too busy all the time. At last, the guide sent him a telegram – “Urgent! Meet immediately”! Instead of going to the department, Tank went to the post office and sent a reply telegram to his thesis supervisor “Too busy, will meet you later”!! The furious supervisor with the help of his fellow students managed to get Tank to the lab and compelled him to show his thesis write-up. Tank tried to escape by promising to bring the staff, but his supervisor was smarter this time. He sent another student to fetch all papers from Tank’s room! Then he ordered Tank not to leave his lab before finishing the thesis write-up. Arrangement was done for lunch and dinner to be served in the lab itself! For about a month he stayed in the lab and finished the thesis write-up!!!
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Coming up next…
Story of a person who was preparing and selling wine in hall-4…
A person who had his pet horse and used to ride him to his lab…
When TANK organized a Carnival to fade hall day function…
The 29-page PhD thesis…
And lots more…

Collected and edited by: Ankur Verma, ankurv@
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Humor Section

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posted by Pratidhwani at 12:00 AM | 0 comments

Friday, February 17, 2006

Hall Day Special Issue

VOX POPULI

Issue: 1

WE ASKED:

WHAT DOES “HALL DAY” MEAN TO YOU? YOUR EXPECTATIONS?

THEY ANSWERED:

“ Hall day should represent the true spirit of “4”…..Fun, Culture, Passion and Pleasure. Hall day should include activities which show that apart from being technocrats we had the passion to organize the cultural feast with many flavors. Dance, songs, food stalls and all sorts of entertainment activities should be the part of feast. Hall day should be remembered as “FESTIVAL” and not just any day. ”
Vipul Mathur
Fresher, MBA.
mvipul@iitk.ac.in
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“ I expect that our Hall day brings out the vibrant culture and multi-talents facets of its residents, becomes a sought after event to be remembered by the junta as an event where people pitch in their 100% and deliver an evening to remember. IITK residents-students and faculty alike- should yearn to be present year after year. ”
Vishal Aggarwal,
Fresher, MBA.
aggarv@iitk.ac.in
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“ My 'perception' of the HALL DAY

1. A day on which the entire hall can pool up its cultural resources to put up a display of its talent and creativity. 2. A time for knowing important happenings/events pertaining to the hall from the HEC. 3. A time to have a break from your mess dinner and enjoy the culinary delights! 4. A time to socialize - know your hall residents better! ”
Anand Kawthekar,
Fresher, Department of Mechanical Engineering.
anandsk@iitk.ac.in
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“ Hostel is a home away from home. I expect the day to be a special occasion to greet my seniors. Though it is 4 days away from Valentine's Day we convey our love and gratitude to one and all for the all success in their career and life.
Aha! Finally a day has come to forget the classroom noise, assignments, Midsems....x..y..zs...last but not least our Mess Food...! ”
N. Senthil Kumar,
Fresher, Department of Mechanical Engineering,
nsenthil@iitk.ac.in
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“ Full of joy, dance, DJ and most important no formalities. Get rid of your Profs. as quickly as possible and enjoy the rhythm. ”
Sarvendra Yadav,
Fresher, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences.
sarvend@iitk.ac.in
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“ Good get-together and a grand success. ”
Raghu Veer,
Fresher, Materials and Metallurgical Engineering.
raghuvbb@iitk.ac.in
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"Colourful cultural events showcasing IIT followed by good food."
Manikumar M,
Fresher, Department of Mechanical Engineering.
kumarmm@iitk.ac.in
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For VOX POPULI

Sathyaraj.V., sathya@
and
Tuhin K. Pal, tuhin@
____________________________________________

Puzzle Corner:
n-sum puzzle

Definition:
"n-sum": Given a sequence of real numbers r1, r2, …, rm. In this sequence, the sum of n (n<=m) successive terms is said to be "n-sum".

Question:
A. Easy drill:
In a finite sequence of real numbers, it is given that every 7-sum is negative, and that every 11-sum is positive. Find the greatest number of terms in such a sequence.

B. Bit tougher drill:
Suppose the answer to A is n. For this n, can you construct a sequence that satisfies conditions of A?

Solution of Cipher Text Puzzle:
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Our Heritage

Our Heritage intends to present interesting events, exciting stories about intellects, geeks and rebels who stayed in Hall 4. Further, in each edition we also aim to bring to you stories, memoirs, and interesting facts about Hall 4. I greatly appreciate all the senior/passing out residents who shared those stories and in the process, aid us to preserve our heritage and unique character of Hall 4.
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Hall-4 has the oldest constitution in IIT Kanpur (early 60’s). Although it remained unused for years, it was only in 1988 that Gautam Roy (CE, Ph.D), Khadilkar (EE, Ph.D) and S. Bhattacharya (Ph.D) rediscovered (while going through some old documents) and rewrote them in the present form. The Students’ Gymkhana constitution is inspired by the old Hall-4 constitution.
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In 1970s all American professors used to stay in Hall 4. To facilitate these professors, there was a proposal to make Hall-4 centrally air-conditioned. Unfortunately, the Government later rejected the proposal. This explains the absence of ventilators in our rooms.
American professors used to visit Himalayas in summer and brought very rare trees and planted them here, that perhaps why often in the campus the birds are seen which do not belong to this climate.
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P.P. Thankchan (Nickname: TANK) (CHM, Ph.D, 1970-1982), currently faculty of Chemistry Department at IITR, used to prepare chicken in the mess on special demand. And as soon as the word spreads in the campus, every one (of course, not vegetarians!!!) used to rush to Hall-4 mess, no matter whether he was a student, staff or faculty. Tank was also a chess champion, an authority in physical chemistry (even faculty consulted him on many topics), a computer genius (remember 70’s) and a very popular porn storywriter.
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Coming up…
Thesis drama of Dr. P.P. Thankchan…
Story of a person who was preparing and selling wine in hall-4…
A person who had his pet horse and used to ride him to his lab…
The 29 page PhD thesis…
Reason why we don’t put chair in our lawn…
And lots more…

Collected and edited by: C. S. Bhuiyan, bhuiyan@ and Ankur Verma, ankurv@
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Humor Section

Originally published in IITK Comics
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posted by Pratidhwani at 12:00 AM | 0 comments

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

Second Issue

VOX POPULI uncensored

There is no index of character so sure as the voice.
-- Benjamin Disraeli

‘Vox Populi’ is a Latin term for ‘Voice of the People.’ ‘Vox Populi uncensored’ is an endeavor to index the individual voice of the residents of Hall 4 on diverse issues that immediately concern them. With this objective, every fortnight our editors will meet you at your doorsteps to heed your intelligent perspectives, strong sentiments, and spirited responses. Through such a mission we aim to broaden and promote understanding and dialogue among the residents. Therefore, we request you to cooperate through casting your voice in this dedicated task of promoting the spirit of democracy and freedom of expression.

SATHYARAJ. V.
A-110 / 4
sathya@iitk.ac.in

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Do you Know?

Muharram

Muharram festival commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammed. This festival starts at the 1st day of Muharram (the first month of Islamic calendar) and lasts for 10 days until 10th of Muharram. During this month, while on a journey, Hazrat Imam Hussain, his family members and a number of his followers were surrounded by the forces of Yazid, the Muslim ruler of the time. During the siege, they were deprived of food and water and many of them were put to death. The incident happened at a place called Karbala in Iraq in 61st year after Hijra. This dispute was result of a disagreement among Muslims on the question of succession after the demise of Hazrat Ali, the fourth caliph. Some sects of Muslims hold meetings where speeches are made on the happenings of Karbala and on the lives of martyrs. The Shias, however, observe this festival in a different fashion. As Muharram approaches, they put on black clothes, as black is regarded as a color of mourning. Majalis (assemblies) are held every day during the first nine days where Shia orators relate the incident of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his party in a great detail. On the 10th day of Muharram, large processions are formed and the devoted followers parade the streets holding banners and carrying models of the mausoleum of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his people, who fell at Karbala. They show their grief and sorrow by inflicting wounds on their own bodies with sharp metal tied to chain with which they scourge themselves. This is done in order to depict the sufferings of the martyrs. It is a sad occasion and everyone in the procession chants "Ya Hussain", with loud wails of lamentation.

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Quote of the Week:

Triumph is just a little umph added to try.

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Puzzle Corner:
Cipher text puzzle

The president of hall-4 is out to watch "Rang De Basanti". It is very important to send him a secret and urgent message within next one hour. Our president, for the geek he is, has forgotten his cell phone in his room. Ankur, chairman reading-room committee, has a friend in hall-8, who is going to Rave Theater, but his friend is a HEC member of the rival hostel and he is not supposed to get the "secret" message. So, Narayan Dada decides to encrypt the "all important message" and give the cipher text to Ankur. Ankur writes it down on a piece of paper and hands it over to his hall-8 friend. When the president receives the paper, he sees the following:

AASPH HGIDD LZNRW LIAAA AEEII MNMTN
Key: KANPUR

Hint: The number of letters in each group is important, so is the total number of letters of the whole cipher text.

Can you tell what message was sent?
- Anupam Gupta (anupamg@iitk.ac.in)


Solution of the Circle Puzzle:

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Humor Section
Originally published in IITK Comics
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They said:

I am very pleased to notice that the Wall Magazine (stupendous effort) has come to being. I will like to congratulate Reading Room committee for their efforts to make it a reality where the inception has transcended conceiving. I wish all the best for all the future endeavors they will like to engage in...


Sumanta Sarathi Sharma
President, Hall IV

posted by Pratidhwani at 12:00 AM | 0 comments