Batti Gull

As PM Modi announced the discontinuation of the red beacon atop VIP vehicles, a move which was hailed as death sentence for VIP culture, the nation went in a tizzy and the babus were left dizzy. Romika Chakraborty, GT Network, brings you the red, yellow and green of now the late ‘red beacon’.

Everyone is a VIP in India
5,79,092: that is the number of VIPs in India. In sharp contrast are other countries with UK at 84 VIPs, China-435, France-109, Japan-125, Germany -142, Australia- 205, USA -252, South Korea -282 and Russia at 312. And if the whooping Indian VIP fraternity bothers you, then it shouldn’t. After all, everyone is a VIP in India - President, Vice President, MP’s, MLA’s, IAS, IPS, ICS to media barons; to sum up- 33 categories in total.

And we like it that way
“Tu janta nahi hai main kaun hun,” is an often heard statement in the capital, where either you are a VIP or you are related to one, which is equivalent to being a VIP itself. So, when the privilege of jumping red lights, not having to stand in queues, getting VIP seats in cricket matches etc is taken away, creating a furore is only just the start. So, when Karnataka CM, politicians in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana found it hard to part with their ID card of power, one could hear the sound of their heartbreak miles away.
So while, the ministers act like spoilt kids, stomping their feet when their favourite toy is taken away, Delhi Police had a more rational reason for crying foul. When a similar order was issued by the Supreme Court of India in 2013 that limited the use of red beacons only for high dignitaries, Delhi Police had appealed the order. The Delhi Police pleaded that the colour red, which “triggers the quickest response from public”, was “the best” colour for its operations. It cited that “red light has maximum penetration even in low-visibility conditions such as fog, dust and at night.”

But some like it the other way
“VIP box me jaana hai? Toh Pepsi pi na yaar!” goes the tagline of a latest contest to watch the IPL finals, by the soft drink giant. Now that the PM seems intent on killing the VIP keeda, guzzling cola seems to be the only way to make it to the VIP stands. But it wasn’t very long ago, when these contests were mere laughing matter, for everyone had a VIP pass. So, while the VIPs cried hoarse, guess who had the last laugh? The event organisers in the capital who were always busy organising seats and drinks for the VIPs, cutting down on tickets they could actually sell out.

Of course, some beg to differ
Thankfully enough, there are some who believe in the power of ‘common man’ even in this land of entitlement we call India. Amarinder Singh, CM of Punjab had tweeted doing away with red beacon in March, way before the PM Modi’s mandate to do the same. Back in December 2013, Arvind Kejriwal’s 49-day AAP government in Delhi had banned red and blue beacons, and many individual leaders, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Badal, do not use beacons on their vehicles.

Red or no red, I’m a still VIP
VIP has become like a surname in India. You are born with it, and you die with it. Even when the red beacon is snatched away. Escort vehicles, heavy security cover, blocking traffic to make way for the VIPs, free passage at toll booths, special lanes at airports and railway sta tions along with a host of other privileges ensure that our not-so-mango-people do not feel let down.
So, while you and I may have to struggle to get a 3BHK on the outskirts of capital for 35k or may be more, the ones with the VIP badge are allotted houses in Lutyens Delhi by paying a rent of just Rs 2,000. And they said it’s the end of VIP and babu’s ‘red beacon’ culture? 

Life is beyond books

Dr Neevita Narayan, chief audiologist & director, SpHear Speech and Hearing Clinic has been treating hearing impaired patients for over two decades. A graduate from AIIMS, she is passionate about paediatric hearing loss and is the founder of ‘I Can Hear Foundation’ that treats underprivileged hearing impaired patients. Anahita Dembi, AIS Noida, XI catches up with her at YP 2016-17, where she was a jury member.

Challenges of an audiologist
When a patient comes to us (doctors), s/he is entrusting us with his/her life. The treatment we give to a patient goes at great length in determining his/her future. Knowing that you bear such a huge responsibility is a challenge. You need to be extremely dedicated to your job and live up to the responsibility you have been entrusted with.

Most difficult case
Not many people are aware that hearing impairments can be corrected. To help people overcome such myths pertaining to hearing impairments is the first and foremost difficulty. Further, there have been lot of difficult cases. Anyone who is born with hearing impairments will also have speech disability. This is because speech is a learned process while hearing is a sense. Thus, it is a challenge for the audiologist as there is a serious responsibility to develop a sense, without which a speech will not be learned, no matter what.

Future scenario in India
India is definitely progressing towards a better healthcare infrastructure, in terms of audiology treatment. The government is allocating funds and working towards eliminating   hearing impairment since this also affects speech delivery. Improved facilities in speech therapy are also being offered as it can help people lead a better and healthy life.

Imp. of school newspaper
It is important to inculcate reading at an early age in children. One should always be aware about what is happening around us. Reading newspapers not just creates a sense of awareness but also broadens ones horizon.  School newspapers are an important step in this direction. They help in inculcating the habit of reading at an early age, which in turn goes a long way in creating conscious and responsible citizens.

Student sensitisation
Life is beyond books and the four walls of a classroom. Life is about understanding various social issues that plagued the society at large. It is about working for the welfare of your nation and working towards making this world a better place. The youth needs to be sensitised towards social issues and the reponsibility they bear. Youth is the future of the country, and making them sensitive is the way to go.

Youth Power as a changemaker
I am really amazed at the way the school has taken up these projects. The work the students have done is amazing. The initiatives taken up by them  were truly an eye opener for me. I wish I had such an initiative in my school. Youth Power, I feel not only exposes students to such social causes at a very young age, but also teaches them to tackle problems early on. Youth Power is truly a great platform for the young, ambitious changemakers of Amity.