|
The Informal Discussion Group
St. Stephen’s College
Yearbook
Report 2009-2010
The Informal Discussion Group (The IDG) is 50
years old. And 50 illustrious years later, we still got game. The
year 2009 was remarkably successful- brilliant guests, regular
talks, some new beginnings, some ambitious schemes, first years,
long meetings, hopes, dreams, and did I mention first years?
Yes, my friends, this year is monumental, epic,
even, and for a number of reasons. Firstly, the IDG expanded its
membership and inducted 20 first years. Secondly, we turned 50.
Thirdly, we elected a notoriously violent President. And lastly, we
argued. More than normal.
Ok now to the important stuff. We had talks.
Lots of them. They were very good. Binayak Sen showed us the grave
nature of public healthcare in our nation. Karan Thapar gave us one
of the most entertaining and witty talks we’ve ever had. We
questioned Sharmila Tagore on everything from censorship to
(somewhat problematically) her son’s love-life. Shyam Benegal
educated us about the nuances of film and Urvashi Butalia gave us a
unique insight into the eunuch community. Arun Shourie made us
rethink our religions while Arvind Kejriwal gave us his perspective
on people participating in government. Shabnam Hashmi told us about
her work with ANHAD. Shiv Shankar Menon told us about the grievous
nature of the Sri Lankan conflict. Nafisa Ali spoke to us about her
multifaceted life while Begum Noor Bano gave us an inside view on
Nawabi culture. Akeel Bilgrami gave us a fascinating view on Gandhi
in the modern world. Alka Acharya enamoured us by giving us a
refreshing perspective on our Chinese neighbours. Timeri N Murari,
Y.S. Rajan, T.K. Oomen, Khalid Tyabji, Zafar Iqbal , and Sam Pitroda
were all insightful and incisive.
We attempted to start a democratised Discussion
Forum where students would collect and talk about, well, anything
under the sun. We were met with some roadblocks and varying degrees
of success. Yet, we soldiered on.
Ultimately, year five-oh is memorable because
of the people. Gurnoor’s dedication knows no bounds, much like his
ability to annoy. Arjun, the silent stalwart bent on a Kay-Friesan
tryst,hajmola-chewing Yash whose inane SMSes ensured our sanity
during meetings and Roshni whose insight ensured a flow of
excellently selected guests.
We’d like take to our metaphorical hat off, and
nod our tousled heads in admiration for our right-honourable
President, Gurnoor Dhillon and his third year crew.
And can only hope that in the years to come we, with our
first year army, can continue the noble tradition of the IDG. This
year’s been good and 2010 will be better. Because that’s just how we
roll.
www.theidg.blogpsot.com |
