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Indian Express
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
DU's academic council approves courses on Sikh martyrdom, radio jockeying as a part of UG elective subjects
Delhi University's Academic Council (AC) in its meeting on Saturday, approved a series of course additions, including a new undergraduate elective on 'Sikh Martyrdom in Indian History', guidelines for supervising fourth-year projects, and skill enhancement courses (SECs) like 'Radio Jockeying'. The General Elective (GE) paper on Sikh martyrdom, introduced by the Centre for Independence and Partition Studies (CIPS), will be available to students across all colleges from the upcoming academic session, said an official statement of DU. The four-credit course will explore the development of Sikhism, 'state persecution' under the Mughal Empire, and the 'resistance' led by Sikh gurus and warriors such as Guru Arjan Dev, Guru Tegh Bahadur, Guru Gobind Singh, the Sahibzadas, and Banda Singh Bahadur. DU Academic Calendar 2025-26 The course includes site visits to historically significant gurdwaras and forts, alongside screenings of documentaries and interactive tutorials. Officials said it aims to fill gaps in dominant historical narratives by highlighting the socio-religious contributions of the Sikh community. The council also approved guidelines for supervision of dissertations, academic projects, and entrepreneurship modules for the fourth year of undergraduate studies under the UGCF 2022 framework. As per the guidelines, all faculty members, with or without a PhD, are eligible to supervise such work. Each faculty member can guide up to ten students, subject to programme-specific ratios, and each student will be assigned an Advisory Committee for Research (ACR). Some council members, however, submitted a dissent note flagging concerns over high supervisory loads without adjustments in teaching hours. They recommended that faculty supervise no more than three to four students and that guest faculty be factored into the student-teacher ratio. Expanding hands-on learning opportunities, the university is set to launch a new skill enhancement course (SEC) on 'Radio Jockeying', where students will be trained in voice modulation, diction, studio operations, live show hosting and interaction with industry professionals. The curriculum includes practical studio simulations, pronunciation drills, pitch control and show planning. Other newly approved SECs include 'Eco-Printing on Textiles', 'Vacuum Technology', Surface Ornamentation', 'Medical Diagnostics', and 'Digital Tools for Interior Designing'. In a relief measure for students impacted by the curriculum transition, DU has approved a two-year extension for students admitted in the 2016-17 academic session to clear their academic backlogs and qualify for a degree. The provision aims to support students affected by the switch from the CBCS to the UGCF system. The council also approved all curriculum changes proposed by the Standing Committee on Academic Matters, including the removal of papers related to Islam, Pakistan and China from the postgraduate Political Science syllabus. Another proposal, allowing up to 5 per cent of course credits to be earned via SWAYAM and MOOCs platforms from 2025-26 onwards, faced strong opposition from members who raised concerns over academic standards. A committee has been constituted to review the matter. Vice Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh also instructed departments to expedite the submission of pending paper evaluation bills, directing the Examination Branch and Finance Department to ensure timely payments to faculty.
Economic Times
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
From IP to cosplay influencer: Singapore student builds career in fashion and wig design
Singapore cosplay influencer Elise Lim styles custom wigs and props in her home studio, where she builds a career after leaving the Integrated Programme to pursue fashion design Student transitions from Integrated Programme to cosplay design Elise Lim, a 19-year-old student in Singapore, transitioned from the prestigious Integrated Programme (IP) at National Junior College to pursue a diploma in fashion design and management at Temasek Polytechnic. Initially part of the Art Elective Programme, Lim developed an interest in cosplay during her fourth year of the IP and began experimenting with costume and wig her fifth year, she decided to leave junior college to focus on fashion full-time. Lim said, 'It's not common for people to drop out of the IP, and a lot of parents could be worried that this is an unstable future, which is true, because the design and art field is unstable', to The Strait Times. Also read: Who is Khaby Lame and why the world's most popular TikTok star left the US? TikTok following grows as cosplay content gains traction Now in her third year at polytechnic, Lim has grown a substantial online following. Her TikTok account has more than 94,000 followers, and her most viewed video, featuring a self-made wig of the character Magical Mirai Miku, has garnered over 12.9 million views. On Instagram, she has 12,200 followers and manages commission requests for wigs on a rolling basis. Her wigs are priced between US$100 (S$130) and US$700, and she has created more than 30 character wigs and over 10 props. Many of her clients are international, and she frequently sends availability updates to her followers. 'I first started playing video games like Valorant and League Of Legends in secondary school, and afterwards I saw all these people online cosplaying these super-interesting-looking game characters,' Lim explained. Finding the cost of high-quality props too high, she began making her own at the end of cosplay props and wigs for global clientsLim works from a studio set up in her attic, equipped with a sewing machine and materials sourced both online and locally. Her costume accessories are made using ethylene-vinyl acetate foam and repurposed cardboard from platforms like Taobao. When pressed for time, she sources materials from stores in Chinatown. Also read: Viral icon Khaby Lame detained by ICE and forced to leave the U.S. — fans worldwide rally behind the TikTok starThe workspace includes cosplay props such as a shark-themed rocket launcher based on the character Jinx from the Arcane series and wigs styled for characters like Gwen from League of Legends. Demonstrating her process, Lim showed how she begins with a pre-colored base wig, styles the synthetic hair, and constructs an internal structure to match the character's design to The Strait stated, 'This is skilled labor, so I had to practise and learn, and train. And the cost of living in Singapore is also high, so I think my price is quite justified.' Future plans include studio launch and overseas study Despite concerns from some about the stability of an arts-based career, Lim's mother has remained supportive. 'I'm proud of Elise and generally supportive of her love for crafting... My main concern is her frequent exposure to chemicals when making wigs,' said Mrs. Lim, who is an only child and lost her father at a young age, hopes to open a commissioning studio with fellow cosplayer Jade Tang, 21. She noted that both frequently receive commission requests and see the potential for a long-term venture if they continue improving their skills. Also read: New TikTok diet trend sparks backlash as experts warn it's fueling a dangerous new wave of harmful eating habits After completing her diploma next year, Lim plans to take a gap year to attend short courses in garment construction. She is also considering applying to art universities in China, Belgium, or Italy to study costume design.'It's more fruitful because the skills that I've learnt are more tangible,' she said of her polytechnic education. 'At the end of each module, you would have a very clear idea of what you gained from it.'Reflecting on her decision, Lim said, 'If I stayed in JC, my focus would be split between academics and the arts… so I switched to TP.'She advises others to research and consult mentors before making non-traditional choices. 'If they are confident they can earn (money) and have done research in their field, then there's nothing wrong with doing something a bit more unconventional.'
