The drummer of Bangalore-based band Local Train performs at Anwesha — the annual fest of IIT-Patna. Telegraph picture

Students learnt about safety measures and human rights at seminars in their colleges this week. They also celebrated the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi by donating blood. But they also let their hair downand had fun at the much-awaited IIT-Patna inter-college fest. The Telegraph checks out the events that kept college students busy last week:

Cellphone safety

Students of Magadh Mahila College on January 31 got a few tips on how to guard against becoming victims of cyber crimes at a seminar “Multimedia cellphone: Friend or foe?”

Experts at the seminar discussed how some people misuse cellphones and how the victims, especially women, could take precautionary measures. Some of the important tips were: “Never allow anyone to click your photograph on their cellphone”, “be careful while talking to someone, because voices might get recorded”, “never keep Bluetooth device on” and “do not let anyone use your cellphone in your absence”.

Inspector-general (weaker section) Arvind Pandey, who was the chief guest at the programme, said: “Multimedia cellphones can be misused by people. Therefore, people need to be very careful in handling this gadget.” Though technology can help people in a great way if it is used positively, at the same time it can do harm if it is misused, Pandey added.

Mridula Kumari, station house officer of Patna Mahila Police station was also present. She also gave some serious suggestions to the girls regarding the safe use of cellphones. The political science department of the college organised the seminar in association with special juvenile unit, Bihar.

Camera cover

JD Women's College became the first institution of Magadh University to install closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras on its premises. Around 16 CCTV cameras have been installed at the college for two purposes: To ensure safety of students and to keep a tab on their activities.

The inauguration ceremony of the new devices was held on February 1. Music department students sang Ganesh Vandana. Principal Usha Singh, at the inauguration ceremony, said: “I think every college, especially girls’ colleges, should have this facility. The facility can be helpful in ensuring safety. Also, the students will be more disciplined as they will be under scanner.”

Education department principal secretary Amarjeet Sinha, who was the chief guest at the programme, said the girls should learn taekwondo and karate for their safety.

Blood camp

Vijayam Educational Trust organised a blood donation camp on the premises of Cimage College on January 30 to mark the 65th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Students of the college learnt about Bapu’s teaching: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

College director Neeraj Agrawal said the students wanted to celebrate the occasion in a meaningful way and therefore they thought of participating in the voluntary blood donation camp.

Experts from Jai Prabha Hospital and Mahavir Cancer Sansthan collected the blood samples and also gave a few tips to the students regarding blood donation.

Around 223 students took part in the camp. Teachers and staff members also participated in the programme. Agrawal asked the students to donate blood at least once a year.

Centre head Megha Agrawal said she was delighted with the response of the students and hoped that more such events would be organised in the future.

Fashion at fest

Verve — a first-time fashion show - made heads turn at Anwesha, the annual fest of IIT-Patna this year that started on February 1.

“The fashion show was the best part of the fest,” said Ramu, an

IIT-P student. Students of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Birla Institute of Technology, Patna, Sri Arvind Mahila College as well as the hosts took part in the fashion show. NIFT grabbed the first position.

Besides the fashion show, there were a number of other events like dances and a rock band performance on the final day February 3. Local Train - a band from Bangalore - entertained the audience.

Students also took part in a dance programme, an eco debate and Stockmart - an event inspired by the stock market. There was also an IT quiz. There was also a parody singing competition.

Focus on rights

A University Grants Commission (UGC)-sponsored seminar on human rights was organised at St Xavier’s College of Education, Patna, for the MEd and BEd group trainees on February 3. The seminar opened with the inter-religious prayer service. In his opening welcome address, the acting principal of the college, Father Ignatius Topno SJ, welcomed the guest speakers.

Father Philip Manthara SJ, president, PUCL, Bihar said the state has to play a great role in creating awareness about human rights. He said in the name of development many Mushahar community members have lost their homes and nobody is ready to take the responsibility of providing them with compensation.

He also gave the example of the new park infront of the district magistrate’s residence, which years back was used by children, but now that is now for those who can pay the entrance fee.

A large number of the section is deprived of that park.

Daisy Narayan, president, state child rights board, and teacher at Patna University spoke on child rights. She said: “Every child has the right to life, good health, sanitation and education.”

Roshan Kumar and Shuchismita Chakraborty