TO BE SOMEBODY REMAIN NOBODY

Prominent among the urges, that inspires and drive a person in life is the urge to be somebody. It is quite humane in the quite early stages of life, is the urge to be somebody. It is quite humane, especially in the early stages of life, to want to do something to win laurels and admiration of all around. There is a pitfall though the very process of becoming somebody may subtly reduce to nobody.

American poet, Emily Dickinson says:

“I am nobody!

Who are you?

Are you nobody too?”

Why should anybody be happy about being nobody?

The point of guarding against becoming a self defeating somebody applies to upbringing of the child as well .Doting parents often stunt the natural growth of their children through excessive adulteration. Common acts and utterances are praised beyond an extent. Talent that otherwise might have flowered under proper training is praised to the extent of killing it.

John Stuart mill’s education and training began very early. At the age when many kids can barely speak, he had learnt enough to read the classics. Did this make him exceptional?

NO!!! Because his father (his tutor) always made him believe that there was nothing extraordinary about his achievement. He told him that he was doing only what anybody is capable of doing.

WE UNDERESTIMATE OUR CAPABILITIES AND WASTE OUR LIVES STRIVING FOR TOO LITTLE.

One should constantly watch out and talk to himself/herself morning and evening and brush aside adulation to remain a free NOBODY.

VAISHNAVI

I year

BACKMASKING

Music – it emanates the highest aesthetic pleasure to men....it is a source of rejuvenation... brings in serenity...

But this is not entirely about the aesthetical value of music...though the purpose stated behind it is the same... the real reason behind backmasking stil continues to intrigue everyone...popularised by the beatles... backmasking has always remained one of the most controversial issues..and it continues to be so because the of the fervour it created during early 80s.

Backmasking is basically recording a song that is meant to be played forward in such a way that when it is played backward, it gives u a different meaning. Its like having two songs on the same track. It started as early as 1913 but was used first time as concrete by the beatles in their 1966 album “revolver”. The song created a furore, but not because of the obvious reason, rather because people interpreted it to be “satanic”.

And from here on began the saga of dissentions. During the 1970s, the fundamentalist Christian groups declared these as a work of satan, which was followed by mass record burning protests. The latest addition came when Led Zeppelin’s “stairway to heaven” which goes as”if there’s a bustle in your hedgegrow don’t be alarmed now. It’s just a spring clean for the may queen. Yes there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run; there’s still time to change the road you’re on”, when backmasked appeared as,”oh here’s to my sweet satan. The one whose little path would make me sad, whose power is satan. He ‘ll give you 666. There was a little tool shed where he made us suffer, sad satan.”

The alleged singer on confrontation said he had no knowledge about it, and backmasking was done only to enhance the quality of the track. The church claimed that it is either the subconscious mind of the singer deciphering the song the reverse way or it is the satan himself who was making the singers do it. Nonetheless it continued, and surprisingly more than half of the present day singers still use this technique, though now mostly, backmasked songs rather give u a satirical meaning.

Artists who have been accused of backmasking include Led Zeppelin^[76] The Beatles,^[76] Pink Floyd,^[76] Electric Light Orchestra,^[76] Queen,^[76] Styx,^[76]AC/DC,^[76] Judas Priest,^[76]The Eagles,^[76] The Rolling Stones,^[76] Jefferson Starship,^[29] Black Oak Arkansas,^[29] Rush,^[77] Britney Spears,^[78], andEminem.^[23]

Eagles famous hotel California when played reverse gave message that claimed that the singers were into drugs. The Christian churh still believed that basic idea was spreading Satanism and mocking Christianity which derives from the ancient practice of mocking Christianity by saying prayers backward at the witch's Sabbath.

The mystery remains hidden but it still to pervade our minds. In recent times, backmasking is only done to add a fun element to songs. But the freakiness of the entire idea is astounding and will continue to be so.

PLABITA TALUKDAR

II year

INVOLVEMENT OF STUDENTS IN POLITICS

Money and muscle power have come to play a prominent role in college elections, students should join politics .but, for that to happen , the prevailing atmosphere has to change for better

The need of the hour is a group of young and dynamic students who can follow the lofty ideals set by our great leaders.

Voters are fed up with the aging politicians they want to see young energetic people in position of power. For that youth should be encouraged to join politics as students are known to be still not very matured they should ensure that they are not misled by self serving politicians.

it is high time students actively take part in politics, they can bring in refreshing changes to the much maligned political system, only students can cleanse the system with their thought and action but in this age of lucrative job offers students are finding it difficult to change their mind set and engage themselves in the national cause apart from the social service forums like NSS and NCC, students have new ideas for achieving greater progress. They should definitely be given a chance to make the country flourish.

SAI SRUJANA

I year