10.03.08
The IPL: The Beginnings
Posted by IPL Organiser, Our guest author.
The very second day after we sent a mail calling for the nominations to participate in IPL, we knew instantly we are onto something big. Getting around 150 replies from all corners of the students fraternity within the first two days was exciting as well as exceptional. And a bunch of cricket lovers were on their way to bring ‘desi-tennis ball sport’ to home.
The idea came back to me way back in summers. I often used to discuss college cricket with friends Gaurank and Karan in those days. We used to think of all sorts of teams, biggest hitter, most valuable bowler, quickest fielder, etc. At the same time, I had an image in my mind of zealous guys playing tennis ball cricket day-in and day-out on the Felicity ground, though most of them were not regulars in their batch and house teams. It was then when a gut was invoked within me to organize something big, something which would be popular and involve a greater number of players.
On coming back to college, I knew who the right person was to contact regarding this – Mahaveer. We discussed a few basic details and decided to hold a meeting amongst the organizers. The first meet though ended up in a treat at Dominos with cheese burst’ all over the place 
Anyways, the rules and the format of the game was decided soon. Now the big question was – how to select the teams ???
We thought since we were planning the tournament on the lines of Indian Premiere League, why not adopt their team selection procedure. And so it was. Each of the captains were allotted a 100 points and the onus was on the captains to bring out the best players on to the field. Now, I understand that such a selection procedure’s capability to bring out the best can be questionable at times, but it was practically impossible to conduct trials for all the nominees, especially at such a short notice. Having said this, it did manage to bring out many latent names on the block who were equally good on merit, though had little recognition.
From then on it was more or less a smooth ride apart from a few delays. Once the formal ground work was done, the only thing left was to go out and set the ball rolling. The first day was a super hit with new faces emerging, sixes being hit, wickets being taken in a flurry and free hits ofcous
I would like to thank all the organizers here for carrying out the activities in a systematic manner and keeping a check on things from time to time. A special mention for Mahaveer here who played a pivotal role in organizing and for putting up a great website for maintaining the IPL stats. You can check them here – http://web.iiit.ac.in/~mahaveer/IPL/
So, has the tournament been a success? From an organizer’s point of view I am more than happy for the course of events. A lot of positives have come out of it – greater participation in sports, more people on the field, more opportunities for many, and on a slightly different note – it managed to create an environment where all the players played together as a unit with house-no-bar, batch-no-bar. For the negatives, number of people watching the matches and following the tournament stats was dismal at times. But that was understandable to certain extent as this was the first edition of IPL.
So, what next? The future plans include conducting the next edition on a bigger scale involving more players. The teams would have a sense of recognition with team jerseys, team slogans, logo, managers etc. Infact the PDI was quite fascinated with the concept as well and even dropped a hint of conducting a night tournament. We are also thinking of taking the event at inter college level by inviting teams from other colleges. Also, this has been such an initiative that a sports-lover alumnus would be more than happy to contribute their bit for this. So we would definitely be eying to get a couple of sponsors for the next edition.
As of now, I am eagerly waiting for the outcome of the tournament. Three matches still to go. My money is on the Fantastics. Lets see what happens!
Thank you
IPL Organizer
09.23.08
Demise Of The Carnival?
In autumn 2006, the UG2K4 batch initiated a very interesting concept called the Sunday Carnival. The Carnival was started with the aim of proving themselves as a batch (similar to the 2K1 batch and Amalgam). The concept of competitions on a Sunday was a runaway success. People had a blast on the day and the event managed to hold back people in the campus. Over the months, other batches followed suit, and the Carnival became one of the most awaited events every month. Of course, the Carnival was also touted as a run up to Felicity. Events for Felicity were successfully or unsuccessfully tested out at the Carnivals.
Today, it is unfortunate to see that the successful concept is dying a slow death. The number of carnivals and the batches coming forward to do it came down last year. This year, not a single carnival has been held, nor does one seem to be in sight. We hope the people in charge are listening- Students want the Carnival back!
09.18.08
Security in Hostels
Recently, a laptop and a cell phone were stolen from Prasoon Mishra’s (a UG 2 student) room. This is not the first such case IIIT has seen. In fact, there have been a spate of monetary and cell-phone thefts in the hostels of late. Unfortunately, people don’t seem to learn from mistakes. Both the campus life and the wardens had been silent on this thus far. It is only after the unfortunate laptop case that a few steps like not allowing the newspaper guy in OBH have been taken.
Do IIIT hostels have enough security? Can something be done about it? Can thefts in hostel be prevented? Issues which need some urgent working upon.
08.26.08
MSIT Placements
MSIT placements along with B.Tech and M.Tech students? A little birdie tells me that the final decision has been taken on this matter, and the answer is a Yes. Let us look a little closely at the issue.
IIIT has always had separate placements for the B.Tech/M.Tech students on one hand and the MS students on the other. The reason for the same is not difficult to seek- The aims of the two programs are quite different. Recruiters are looking for different attributes when it comes to the two sets of students. Can those attributes be found in the MSIT students? Have they been exposed to the same sort of training and teaching which others have undergone? Can they meet the standards which the other IIITians have set in the industry? Will the companies be satisfied with the quality of students?
The other issue, of course concerns the burden on the Placement committee. With the additional weight of MSIT students on them, they might find it a little difficult to cope. The logistics of placements for such a large number of students might not be the easiest of jobs. It’s bound to affect the placements of the non-MSIT students. This especially when the industry is facing a slowdown and companies are downgrading or rescinding offers made during placements.
A majority of the students do not seem too enthused by this idea. Grapevine also has it that some of the faculty members are not very happy with the decision (?) If this is true, it’ll be sad if the MSIT students finally sit for placements with the B.Tech/M.Tech students.
08.24.08
IIIT Bloggers day special
As you all must know by now 3oth August is IIIT bloggers day. On this occasion IIIT Post announces a “Best Post” competition. All posts written on the 29th and 3oth of August will be eligible. The winner and the post will receive a mention on the IIIT Post. There will also be a best post competition for UG3 and the winner has the opportunity to join IIIT Post as a junior contributor. Also on the occasion of Bloggers day we invite submissions to IIIT Post from the alumni. Submissions can be mailed to any of the authors of IIIT Post. Happy Blogging
08.23.08
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08.22.08
Spurt in blogging activity
The blogroll suddenly seems to be teeming with activity. The last post is only 2 days old, compared to the 7 days which was the norm for the past few months! It looks like the reason for the same is the sudden propaganda launched by UG2K5 bloggers to spruce up the blogging activity in the college. Himank talks about a bloggers day and bloggers meet. Must say that it is an impressive initiative taken. How long will it last only time will tell. Till then, Blog On!
08.19.08
IIIT Premier League
The enthusiasm is unmistakable. The organizers seem well prepared. The tournament seems set to take off sometime soon, possibly as early as next week. Well, it’s the IPL, the desi form of the Indian Premier League.
Well, grapevine tells me that yesterday was when the much awaited ‘bidding’ for players took place. Players were bought and sold (like cattle in the market). The same source also tells me that the costliest players were Saladi Rahul and Ankit Rai. (Wonder why the organizers haven’t revealed the details of the bidding). Looks like the all-rounders are in demand for this 12 over-8 player-tennis ball cricket tournament.
Now let us look at the proposed tournament a little closely. There are obviously a lot of positives which are palpable. An opportunity being given to fringe players, more activity in the campus, bohemian among batches and houses (which by the way, has seen some real low standards). It also ensures that the cricket part remains the focus, unlike the Indian Premier League. However, a lot of issues can crop up. The first and the most important thing- How long can the tournament be continued and the enthusiasm maintained? The tournament will have at least 8*7/2 + 3= 31 matches. Each match will probably require a couple of hours. Where we have had so many issues regarding conduct of inter house and batch matches (they have never been held on time), this number looks like a tall order. The other issue, of course, is regarding the batch and house cricket matches. Will they be held as usual? Will the enthusiasm for cricket ball matches remain among the players? Will the football-biased PED support the initiative?
The success of the tournament will depend largely on the answers to these questions.
08.18.08
Kaun Banega TA?
The list of TA’s for this semester was recently finalized. Reactions ranged from disappointment to bewilderment as students did not find their names on the list or find themselves TA’s for courses they haven’t even applied for !
Student X was denied TA ship despite being a TA for the course last year, as students with higher CGPA’s had applied. Student Y was denied TAship because, despite being widely acknowledged as arguably the best candidate, he had a A-. Student Z was denied TAship despite the faculty member giving a written request for Z to be made a TA. Rumor has it that a MS-CSE student was made a TA for DSP. Apparently he had never done the course or ever heard of it. In fact he didn’t know whether DSP meant Digital SP or Discrete SP.
Are you X or Y or Z? Do you think that this is good for academics? Do you think that students selected as TA’s based on a grade-CGPA sort make the best TA’s? Certainly not. In defense of the institute, at least the faculty member responsible for TA allocation is trying to be consistent with the selection criterion. Also there is apparently some semblance of transparency.
Are TA’s paid enough? Is the Rs.2250 pay adequate compensation for the TA’s who definitely put in more then the recommended 5 hours a week? Or is it fair to argue that TA’s should not be concerned about the money as being a TA is primarily about the opportunity to learn and experience teaching?
Is IIIT selecting the best TA’s? Has the time come for IIIT to re-evaluate the way they appoint TA’s?
08.17.08
Culturally proud?
A furious discussion is on in Namrata’s blog on this topic. The authoress probably did not want the discussions to head the direction they have taken. However, some of the comments were very interesting to read. For example,
“Is there anything to learn from the spirit of unity of purpose that Chinese have shown in their pursuit of bringing a fabulous Olympics to the world? May be. Chinese have failed in defining a purpose that is culturally Chinese in nature.“
There is another discussion on whether technology is anyone’s property or not. One of the guys has gone into shikshas and samskaras. There’s one more observation by an amused observer. Some food for thought!
