Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?

Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?...

The Wicked Queen in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs well seemed to have understood the psyche of the mere mortals living outside the fairy land!!

We are mere, we are mortals, yet we do not refrain from wanting to be god!
Someone who can change destiny, someone who can decide what is perfect, someone who can decide that beauty does not lie in the eyes of the beholder..., someone who can foolishly decide that an angelic child's crooked set of teeth can cast a shadow over the country's perfect image...not withstanding that the nation will sing the song of her talent .

We are caught in our own created web of complexities! Freud spoke of unfulfilled dreams, EriKson complexities of development...and another mortal of self image and another of identity!

In this race for illusionary and temporal perfection, we have lost out that identity...
It is a race for the fair skin and zero figure!! A plain jane still has to be apologetic...Brains are good; but beauty grabs attention!! Don't you dare even think of the outlier cases...they are a statistical anomaly...
But the tragedy is that...
............................ even a child is not spared!!! and we talk about Human Rights!

Mirror mirror on the wall; who is the fairest one of all?

Alumni Matters Feb 2008

ALUMNI MATTERS!

Dr. Urmi Chatterjee was awarded the Young HR Manager of the year 2007 at the All India HR Summit.

A coveted award where her organizational team nominated her for the commendable body of work as a mentor and a role model.

She completed her PhD in the year 2004 from the Department of Management Studies under the able guidance of Prof. Mary Mathew. Her research was on Organization Designs for Patent Productivity.

She is with Honeywell Technology Solutions, India.

She takes time off her busy schedule to answer a few queries posted to her by the Voices Team.

1. How would you describe the transition from research to industry?

Industry gives you the practical perspectives of all that research brings theoretically. Transition is very smooth as long as you give the required time to understand the organization business model and the way you would want to implement your solutions in that setting.

2. How relevant was the research you did in relation to your job?

Quite relevant – my research was to come up with an Organization Design that will improve patent productivity and my role at HTS was in the area of Organization Design and Development. My analytical skills and ability to go indepth into any process which were developed as a researcher have also helped me to become the “Process Improvement” and “Innovation Champion” for all HR processes in the organization.

3. How did IISc aid your development as a HR Professional?

IISc brought in a HR focus which is very different from any other institute. IISc being primarily a research based organization – it makes HR researchers go through a more indepth and rigorous understanding of the theory and application of the same. It also helped me to build the competency of writing papers, presenting them at different forums even while working.

4. What were the extracurricular activities on campus that you were a part of and did you head any committees?

No. I was not involved in any extracurricular activities.

5. With regard to the award, did you put in any process in place that was viewed as a remarkable achievement?

I have put in several processes in place which include the HTS Competency Framework, the Mentoring process, the recruitment pipeline management system and University Relations framework.

I have also been certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt and mentored and certified more that 10 green belt projects aimed at improving HR processes.

6. What are the learning points of your career and what is the message you would like to give to aspiring Industry Professionals?

Learning points: Understand the business well and be open to learning and picking up new skills wherever there is an opportunity.

Message: Never consider your interests to be bigger than the organization interest. If you are able to achieve the organization’s interest your own interest would automatically follow through.

7. Your tips for to-be HR professionals?

Please keep yourself abreast of what is happening in the industry – things change everyday and we need to be smart enough to anticipate the same and proactively change our processes.

Finally!!

Finally...updated all the Voices backlog:)
The Let Us lather it up! is a combined effort with Shyam!!

Editorial June 2008

It is caramelized hope with little sugar, sprinkle of salt and garnishing of spice. It is like the wine you need to smell, swirl and taste. It is the little experiences we cherish that leave an indelible mark! Remember the walk in the first rain, the smell of roasted ‘bhuttas’, the dairy milk all melted and yet yummy, the little bird outside your room window, when you unexpectedly find money in your just washed jeans, the tangy aftertaste of pickle…
We in this issue of Voices celebrate our little moments, no guiding theme, just a matter close to our heart, a pot-pouri of articles all marked by personal experiences…it is a celebration of that thought.
We firstly congratulate the Students Council 2008 and wish them good luck for their tenure. May they have a successful year and their mantras of ‘student participation’ ensure beneficial changes.
The world swung to the strokes of IPL, discovered how mundane evenings become a matter of pride and glory, the underdogs emerged victorious in a display of fervent grit and determination! Spain took home the Euro Cup, wiping away a 44 year old tale of unrequited dream. IISc woke up to the beginning of Centenary Celebrations! We are all a part of this 100th year and so a part of unwritten history!
This issue begins with a look at our Contemporary Studies department from the perspective of a professor who has witnesses its’ unprecedented growth over the years. The world wants to go green and we also believe it is the colour to stay. Let us understand this through the words of poetry. We all crave for a sense of belongingness, want to find a foothold in this cacophony of diversity; some embrace this change while others steer clear. Let us see what this ‘mandal mania’ means? For all those times when you wondered why you should do something, we have a reflective article on this perennial question. We have always felt this way! An unexplainable emotion yet endows scrolls of literature; we dwell on this almighty emotion . If life is an eternal quest, what are we looking for? Happiness?? And how? Read on and smile at this simple happiness satisfaction equation. A little bit of humour brightens up all gloomy days and makes you feel good even on a sticky wicket. Let us see what Bhondoo has to say about his IPL experience.. Time flies by and how…we set foot in this new world and before we know it, we graduate…a heartfelt ode to this moment in the disguise of a verse!
May you reminisce your moments of celebration! May the remembrance last you forever. Celebrar este momento! Celebran sus voces!

We have always felt this way!- June 2008

Disclaimer: The thoughts expressed in this article have been universally experienced and propagated. I claim no originality. Any reference to any person, situation or emotion is completely intentional!! I do not claim to induce intellectual thought process but hope that u read this and smile.

There is a single emotion in life that transgresses all boundaries made by mankind and nature. It is simple, yet complicated. It is a source of solace and still gives us sleepless nights. It is our greatest need and yet understated at times! It is the cornerstone of our dreams, our relationships, and our existence and yet it gives the edginess of uncertainty to life. It is therapeutic in a manner unexplainable.

Just look at these phrases, Haven't we heard/read/seen them before…
Nobody loves me
I love my Daddy
Mommy knows best
I am my teachers’ pet
I only wish he would look at me once
Her love makes my world turn around
My grand parents make me believe love is lifelong
I am in love with life!

Advertisements/novels/songs thrive on this emotional need…
The Bru coffee advertisement
The Cadbury Dairy milk advertisement
Erich Segals’ Love Story
Michelle Alboms’ Tuesdays with Morrie
Dil kya kare jab…
Pehla nasha…

So, what do the Psychologists have to say?


Sigmund Freud,Psychoanalyst in explaining the Developmental stages, says that in the Fourth stage of Development- i.e Genital stage, age 12-20years
– ‘The adolescent begins to love others for altruistic motives and not simply for selfish or narcissistic reasons.’

Erich Fromm,Social Psychologist, gives it a A Character type description-
– Necrophilous- Attracted to death
– Biophilous- In love with life


Erik Erikson, Contemporary Psychoanalyst, again in his Stage Theory- describes that in Young adulthood, our Basic Strength is Love and in the case of its non- fulfillment, we experience a Psychosocial crisis of Isolation,


Abraham Maslow, Motivational Theorist also considers it in his paradigm of Hierarchy of Needs.

Carl Roger, a Person Centered Theorist focusing on the Phenomenological aspect- experience of the person, feelings and values. He highlights the importance of Empathy and unconditional positive regard in our lives.


However, the need can go wary, like it did with the Greek God, who said “I see I see I”. He is Narcissus!

So, all our Readers and our to-be readers! Reflect on this emotion! Love yourself, love life, love what you do, love your dreams and Love your ‘Voices’! Amen!!

Let ‘US’ lather it up!- Election Special Issue

The Soap-box (SB), the ceremonious platform where IIScians get to meet the election contestants and not only get to listen to their list of “I wanna dos…” but also say, “I wanna ask…”
Date:16th April, 2008
Venue: Choksi Hall
Time: 5.30 pm
The first people to come: The caterers.

People began trickling in by 5.30 and went to the snacks counter first. The kachori and the soan-papdi were delectable, run down by a cup of steaming tea. Thanks Hari!

The prime thought that emerged was the concept of team work and volunteerism. Not only did the contestants make this the cornerstone of their manifesto but duly explained how they would like to have a greater functioning team, with non elected members on it.

Contrary to popular expectations and hope that there would be greater participation, the centenary year elections witnessed unopposed election of the chairman and the general secretary. Our new Chairman is Tharakeshwar Appala ( Ajay Goyal, the other candidate withdrew his nomination) and our General secretary Arif ali Baig. Only the lady representative is to be elected through ballot. The two contestants are Rohini Bansal and Swayam Prabha.

Manifesto of Tharakeshwar led panel, which included Arif Ali Baig and Swayam Prabha, focuses primarily on increasing the SC team from three to five, waiver of fees and personality development programmes, to ensure greater participation from students at the leadership level. ( the complete manifesto)

Rohini, an independent candidate, came up with a 24 point manifesto that highlighted the issues of increasing security patrolling at night, maintenance of girl's hostels, washing machines/dryers in girl's hostel and beginning a specific women cell for wives. (the complete manifesto)

The interactive session saw the contestants being quizzed on various issues. Tharakeshwar led panel answered to the audience that they had no political ideology and only a common ideology – student participation. They also highlighted that the Post doesn't matter, student participation matters. An issue they highlighted in their answer to the Voices Questionnaire. (http://erg_akshaya.ces.iisc.ernet.in/eVoices/Election2008/Articles/candidates-speak/tharak-baig-swayam)

The importance of the Women’s cell on campus was discussed and how the dormant cell has to be made more active. Swayam Prabha and Rohini Bansal presented their perspectives on the issue, highlighting representation at hostel level, participation from students actively and the thought that help is available.

In view of the existence of diverse groups on campus and the fact that each contestant would have his own support base, Tharakeshwar and team brought to fore the fact that SC should be a five member committee. This would comprise of Chairman, Co- Chairman, General Secretary, Co- General Secretary and Women representative. This would ensure that the 1st runner ups in voting are the co-… post bearers. This would entail no group being neglected and all voices finding a listening ear.

A suggestion given to the new to be council was to have a library day where in IIScians work together to reorganise and rearrange the library books, ensuring some order and decorum.

The SC members were also urged to give importance to that majority of the student community who never come forward to raise their voice as in all probability; they are the ones who require greater help.

The Voices team requested the SC to make public the byelaws that govern their functioning for clarity and transparency. Also, to have a e-group from the beginning of their tenure to ensure smooth functioning and greater participation from the student community7.

On a final note, when quizzed on their individual strengths, these were the responses.
Chairman- Tharakeshwar Appala- “ I am a strong team leader.”
General Secretary- Arif Ali Baig- “ I have the ability to convince them.”
Women Affairs Secretary Post Contestants-
Swayam Prabha- “ I am determined to do something. I will do it.
Rohini Bansal- “ I can work in a team”


The outgoing SC Chairman, Hari Krishna Reddy chaired the meeting. He also spoke of his term as SC chairman.
He said how it was a learning experience for him and how the people support kept him going. He also urged to students to move beyond the apathy and write complaints if they have an issue bothering them and also pursue it. He said it is essential for students to raise legitimate demands and understand the logistic aspects of every facility they ask.
He said that Voices is their big success as it has been doing well and the SC has shared a good relationship with the team. He quoted the lost efforts on Vibrations unfortunately as a failure. Closing on his talk, he said that people always raise the issue of regionalism during the elections. Though it does affect the elections, we should appreciate the positive side of these regional groups and the cultural programmes they conduct year round which is done well.

What was also evident was the conspicuous absence of Sudarshan Iyengar, Outgoing General Secretary and Garima Gupta, outgoing Women Affairs Secretary .We do wish Sudarshan was there as Hari and he as a team have definitely done a commendable job with regard to some issues in their term. Congratulations to them!
Good luck to the new team that is going to take office!

Ahem…say it politically right!!- WO‘men’- Election Special Issue

Do we undermine what the word says or does it reveal what we don’t see?
A woman in politics has always been an interesting tabloid issue, women politicians have been hounded by the paparazzi, it’s a tale whose future is always speculated and foretold. Do we fear the fact that the clichéd line of ‘the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world’ is actually coming true, with leaders emerging from all quarters and all countries. Or is it a sublime truth that Wo‘men’ are mere shadows of the men, and mind you I am talking only politics.
The very charming Rahul Gandhi who was on campus addressing the youth said that at the risk of making his male colleagues unhappy, he has to believe that women are good for politics and there should be more women in politics, not just 33%.
Now, why am I even ranting all this? Let me keep this simple, SC election are round the corner and I was unable to find substantial data on Women who have contested for the posts of SC Chairman and General Secretary. Or is it that these posts were just believed to be for the men on campus? I had many questions and mind you I got answers that ranged from “Oh! No records” to “ The lady did not do much you know, not sure she can help your article” or even opinionated lines like, “ the ‘gundi’ (feminine counterpart for gunda) on campus!”. Baffling! Oh come on…let us be honest, how many of us even care to know who our SC Women representatives are? We love our Lady Dianas and root for the Lady Clintons; believe the Mayawatis have a punch and that Rabri makes Laloo sweeter! Yet closer home, we raise eyebrows and snigger believing that it is sufficient to have a woman just chair the post. After all, who cares what she accomplishes! At least the minorities are represented.
I am just looking for answers, please keep the growl and the scowl to yourself. Why do we need a Women’s representative post? Do not the men on campus need representation? Is it that very few women have the guts to contest in a male dominated campus, which is also vehemently influenced by community and regional considerations? I am not pointing fingers at anyone, am not blaming anyone, am just seeking answers!
Women can never stop asking and almost always seem to have the answers. So, I met the two women on campus whose names came up when I went scampering for material and posed my relevant and not so relevant questions.
A word of caution: Hold on to your seat belts!

Pritesh Dagur – “ I am not political in my outlook. I am a worker!”
General Secretary, Students Council, 2003-04

What is your take on IISc Elections and the role that women play?
Very few women stand for elections. There is an inbuilt hesitation among women and they are on the timid side. People have the attitude that ‘why do you have to do it, somebody will do it; why does it have to be me?’. This is however certainly not gender specific and I frankly do not understand why people think this way.

Do we need a Women’s Representative?
Yes! I strongly feel that we need a Women’s Representative. Someone who is approachable, amiable, discreet and strong. Someone who is a compulsive talker because then you reach out to people. Someone with a stable frame of mind and who can think of a solution. Someone who has a mindset, “I can” and who can build trust in the other person. This is how she should be. Aleya Kaushik, who held the post when it was first introduced in 2004-05, was a sensitized person. She took it to a high level with all the talks she organised and the personal approach that she adapted while meeting women individually who had some issues was remarkable.

While in office, what according to you were your landmark contributions?
While holding the post of the General Secretary, I was also the Hostel President as there was no designated person for that.
a) I personally ensured that all the geysers were checked and the faulty ones replaced in all the hostels.
b) Getting the Sexual harassment committee rolling in 2004 once the Supreme Court directive was out that every institution should have a harassment cell.

For a candidate, what would be your piece of advice?
a) They should have the strength and the conviction to take a stand.
b) Authorities put direct and indirect pressure, be able to deal with that.
c) Project students’ opinion in a strong way
d) Have a feel for what students feel
e) It has to be someone who is social, interactive and aware. Someone who spends all his or her time in the lab is not a suitable candidate.

What has your experience in IISc politics taught you? Highlight your observations.
a) The amount of fundamentalism definitely threw me off balance. People were discussing Tamil votes, Hindi votes, Delhi votes, Muslim votes! I had never thought that such a divide existed. The scuffle over menial things all based on community factor. There is a lot of extremism on campus and I felt that the campus is actually backward.
b) Complacency of the authorities was unbelievable. They just do not care. As long as you are giving some output to the department, they couldn’t care whether you are living or dying. Pleas fall on deaf ears; every issue you raise has to be followed up to ensure the solution sees the light of day.
c) How reluctant people are to fight for themselves; They are willing to crib about the problem but not solve it.
d) Some people like to believe that women are incompetent. This is an illogical discrimination and downright ridiculous. I have faced flak for being forthright and have had accusations thrown at me. What is important is that we women do not expect special privileges for being a woman instead want to be treated like human beings and get everything that a human being deserves.






Garima Gupta- “ Be what you are and do not care what others think.”
Womens’ Representative, Students Council, 2006-07, 2007-08

What is your take on IISc Elections and the role that women play?
Very few women stand for elections. There are many who believe in working, but not standing for the post. They fear what their bosses (guide) will think. The ones who are what they are and do not care what others think are the ones who come forward and work. The other set is always wary of what people will think of them and they do not come forward.

Do we need a Women’s Representative?
Yes, we need a Women’s Representative. We need a person in position who can help. Women not only face problems pertaining to the hostel but also other problems related to lab, guide and other people on campus. We at this position maintain confidentiality and do our best to help the person; directing them to the proper officials and in some cases, bringing the incident to the notice of the administration.

While in office, what according to you were your landmark contributions?
a) All hostel issues that came up, I ensured that they were directed to the authorities.
b) Other members of the women's committee helped in organising Women’s day programmes, panel discussions and film screenings
c) Many women facing distress or harassment on campus, not just students but wives also. I actively was a part of the Women’s Cell.

For a candidate, what would be your piece of advice?
a) Increase the awareness among the women that they are not responsible for the atrocities committed on them.
b) Do not be overassertive
c) Have a listening ear and direct them to the right people

What has your experience in IISc politics taught you? Highlight your observations.
Students think that the Student’s Council is never doing much. The fact is that there are many administrative glitches and we have to be persistent and patient. We need to understand why an agenda is important for people. I personally have never faced problem and my chairman is very supportive and appreciative of what I have done.


So, that was two rendezvous transcribed on paper! Good luck to the Women who are standing this year. Just remember, Impressions are made irrespective of gender!

Editorial Elections 2008

Those who stay away from the election think that one vote will do no good: 'Tis but one step more to think one vote will do no harm.- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen!
IISC is witnessing Elections 2008 in some days to come.
We appeal to your sense and sensibilities, exercise your choice and govern your interests. You have a right to know and a fundamental duty to vote!
We with pride and conviction bring you this Election Special issue to give you a sneak peek at your to be leaders; the process of elections. An understanding of the fact that, it is not all good and sundry to be out there representing you. Yet some brave ones do it year after year. We also bring you the gender angle and some retrospective thoughts.
Elect your mind to some reading time.

Good luck to all the contestants! May the best one win!
Good luck to all the readers! May you choose the best!

Editorial February 2008

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master,
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same....
Yours is the world you envisioned... and everything in it!
The last two months witnessed IIScians living by these
words from Rudyard Kipling's 'IF'.
It was a new year that began on a high(hike) and yet it had
its pitfalls. It was not about ambiguous resolutions but a
remarkable effort on the part of the student community to
come together and VOICE their issues. It was a common
goal, they came out triumph;however the journey has just
begun... and We at Voices applaud this commendable
effort. Kudos to the Student Council and all the
Volunteers who worked tirelessly representing the
oceanic population on campus.
A change is possible when we are aware of what needs to
be changed and also why and how? It begins with baby
steps.... The Voices Team did the first ever campus wide
survey to assess the level of services and amenities
accessed by the students. This brought to light some
predictable answers and some that threw us off our
chairs!So, let the Benchmarking begin.
Humor ensures that we take a insightful look at the
happenings around us! bhOndOO writes his take on the
scholarship hike. The fun and funny side of research
experiences comes as we Lighten up! On the Creative
bend, we have a poem highlighting the efforts of the IISc
Green Gang at trying to keep the campus clean and
Polythene free.
We begin our new section... Alumni Matters!- focusing
on the achievement of our Alumnus. This section
kickstarts with a feature on Dr. Urmi Chatterjee, who has
been awarded the Young HR Manager of the Year , All
India HR Summit 2007. We also retain our regular section
Gymkhana Corner and a Poll.
So, embrace the changes, empower your mind... and
enjoy this issue!!

Dec 2007- Encore in Voices

‘Encore’
A chance for IIScians to talk about their ‘non-academic’
achievements!
Go beyond the arena of academia,
Tell us your passion and achievements there.
Literature, music, art, adventure, dance, even cooking…oh
yeah!
Find ‘Your Space’ in the pages of Voices here.
Encore! Tell us who you are!

Editorial December 2007

It is always easy to take that first step…it is challenging to keep
working at it and take long strides; it is not the miles you cover but
the muscles you sore, it is not the thoughts you sow but the actions
you take!
Voices going online received immense feedback; we with
enthusiasm kept counting the hits, notwithstanding that many
were ours too! Firstly, Thank You for wholeheartedly accepting the
online version, for your suggestions that will help us innovate, for
your ideas that keep inspiring us.
The last two months saw temperatures dip to the lowest ever, saw
its after-effects abound; saw students go through all the exam stress
and credit completion. One concern on all minds was to beat the
cold and the stress. Our issue focuses on health related aspects. It
begins with an interview based write up, Health and Research,
focusing on the importance of attaining a sound body and a sound
mind, the dos and don’ts. It takes a peek at the facilities available
for contract workers and guides us towards the path of eye
donation. We also look at what the hostel authorities have to say
about the Hostel and the mess! An innate urge to question is what
ushers in changes in our society; it is not a bid to play a blame game,
rather a conscious effort to understand if what is happening is the
need of the hour and what is the price we are paying. Raising many
a question to an issue closer home is the article that looks at the
‘constructional’ development on campus! Giving you respite is a
tale of betrayal, one of the many instances of romance that brewed
over a beverage and discovered the beans! We have another new
blog featured and health again at the Gymkhana corner! For all
those who love the way words spell, we have a crossword! Crack it
and find your name in our next issue. Mail in your entries at the
earliest to, voices.iisc@gmail.com. Do you come on your own,
when you write, sing, dance, drive, climb mountains…do you pride
yourself on an achievement that is close to your heart? Then
Encore!
Wishing you warmer days and many more reading and writing
moments!
Happy New Year!!