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2    2021 | Spectrum | Volume 14 Number 7
        2    2020 | Spectrum | Volume 14 Number 7
        The Handmaid’s Tale: A                                                        Aiding the Defenders


        Dystopian Pot of Brilliance                                                   PRANAV.V

                                                                                      AARYAN SHARMA

                                                                                        “Safety and security don’t
        PRIYANKA SRINIVAS         other beloved dystopian books   The overarching brilliance  just happen; they are the result
                                  such as “1984” focuses heavily  of this novel lies in its ability  of collective consensus and
          “The Handmaid’s Tale” is  on redemption from a totalitarian  to weigh in on multiple issues  public investment.” Well said
        a fictional novel written by   government and “Lord of the   in a smooth, flowing storyline.  by Nelson Mandela. As the army   SF-2: one of the submissions
        Margaret Atwood, published   Flies” focuses on survival and   Having a female protagonist is  give up on their tomorrow to
        in the year 1985. It follows the   other moral aspects of humanity.   an integral part of the success  let the people have their today,  of 210 participants without
        tale of Offred, who narrates her   However, “The Handmaid’s   of this novel since it brings a  even small steps taken by the  any discrimination towards age
        story as an oppressed member   Tale” manages to portray both   fresh perspective that shines a  citizens can sometime bring  or country of residence. The
        of the Republic of Gilead.   themes along with feminism,   light on the role of women in a  huge difference. Keeping this  participants were provided with

          Gilead strips down all the  objectification of women, ways   dystopian society. The writing in  very thought in mind the SRM  the details of the 16 problem
                                                            the novel is extremely verbose  Innovation and Incubation Centre  statements and some of them
        rights and dignities of women  of gender expression, oppression,   and explanatory, which feels  (SRMIIC) in collaboration  included ‘The use of block
        and confines them to roles of  surveillance-based living, caste-  overwhelming at times. However,  with the “Tamil Nadu Defense  chain technology in military’
        childbearing. However, if women   based division of society and  overall, this cautionary tale is  Corridor.” hosted ‘The Defense  and ‘Tracked Snow remover’
        are unable to give birth due to   multiple other themes.   completely worth your time.  Services Hackathon’ on 19th, 20th  Their skills were tested in front
        reasons, they are discarded as                                                and 21st of March 2021 to identify  of 21 judges who ranked them
        useless elements. This is the                                                 and aid the problems faced by  based on their approach to the
        present, for Offred. However,                                                 the soldiers and supporting both  solution, use of technology,
        she knows a sweeter time too,                                                 student and faculty teams for  planning and execution of the
        one before enslavement. Offred                                                the development of technology  ideas, and user experience.
        narrates her story between the two                                            and products for the Defense  The event was a success with
        timelines, painfully recounting                                               Sector. The hackathon was  a huge participation and the
        her memories of “the before”                                                  held online considering the  message intended was spread
        with the harsh juxtaposition of                                               current situation with a total  across boundaries.
        her present.
          This book has all the standard
        elements of a dystopian novel: a                                              Altitudes ’21
        covert government, a controlled
        society, an oppressed protagonist
        and a tussle for freedom. However,                                            AASTHA AGGARWAL           and ended with the valedictory
        the worldbuilding in this particular                                                                    function at 3:00 P.M.
        novel is what sets it apart from   The Handmaids and their curse of being able to bear children.  With a vision to “evolve,
                                                                                                                  Various themes were covered
                                                                                      educate, enrich, and empower”   in this fest: Application of
                                                                                      and a mission to “develop   Statistics, Mathematics in
        Are we underestimating India’s food culture?                                  analytical, logical and reasoning   Cryptography, Astronomy,
                                                                                      skills,” The Department of
                                                                                      Mathematics and Statistics,   and Modern Technology. The
                                                                                                                participants presented their posters
                                                                                      SRM Institute of Science
         ADITHYA R                same brought about a change  sweeteners that provide a rich   and Technology, successfully   on joyful learning, evolution
                                  amongst the masses.       source of iron in contrast to   organized Altitudes ‘21, a math   in mathematics, and advanced
          There is an ancient proverb   India’s traditional eating ways   modern white sugar.   fest through a virtual platform.   mathematical applications via
        which states that our food is   have stood the test of time. For   The traditional Indian kitchen  Dr. M. Shanmuga Sundari, HoD,   the virtual platform.
        medicine, However, today’s   example, the three major oils  has several condiments including  Department of Mathematics and   The online mode was not a
        eating culture completely debunks   used in Indian cooking are  turmeric, pepper, mustard,  Statistics, convened the math fest.  barrier to the smooth preparation
        this statement. Our negligence   derived from Coconut, Sesame,  tamarind, and cumin seeds which  The Chief Guest, Dr. G.P. Youvraj,  and execution of the whole
        towards the traditional eating   or Groundnuts and contain good  induce medicinal compounds  Professor, National Institute of  event. The session was very
        methods began when doctors  cholesterol whilst providing  already present when added  Technology, Puducherry, honoured  enlightening, and many people
        claimed that these practices were  lubrication for internal organs,  in specified quantities. Ghee  the audience by delivering the  came together to witness their
        unhealthy based on Western Study.  even aiding digestion. Palm  is another source of omega  inaugural address. There were  peers’ work. The research papers
        Advertisements endorsing the  sugar and Jaggery are traditional  fatty acid that prevents aging,  four categories in the event:  presented were well prepared and
                                                            premature wrinkle formation,  Paper Presentation, Poster  quite informative. All winners
                                                            and improves digestion.   Presentation, Mathematical  were applauded and rewarded
                                                                                      Olympiads, and Connexions. The  for the hard work and dedication
                                                              People are currently buying   fest inaugurated at 10:30 A.M  they had put in.
                                                            spices in packets loaded with
                                                            preservatives and adulterants
                                                            rather than making their own
                                                            not understanding the risks
                                                            involved. Indian food traditions
                                                            were aimed to naturally cure
                                                            various ailments and build a
                                                            stronger immunity system. The
                                                            cost of spending on healthy and
                                                            nutritious food is lesser than the
                                                            cost expended on medicines.
                                                            Health is first the priority for
                                                            a meaningful existence and
               Groundnut oil, Coconut oil, and Sesame oil have    requires a small conscious
            traditionally been the major oils used in Indian Cooking.  decision to bring the change.  Brochure for Altitudes’21
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