Get your act together

• Q: I am in my final year of graduation and I wish to join the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi. Could you please let me know about the selection procedure?

Lopa Swant

• A:The National School of Drama (NSD), established by the Sangeet Natak Academy, offers a three-year postgraduate diploma in dramatic arts which is recognised as equivalent to MA in dramatics by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

The course comprises dramatic literature and aesthetics (eastern and western), theory and practice of acting, including components of mime and movement, martial arts, yoga and music, and theory and practice of stage technique such as costume and scenes, lighting, make-up and theatre architecture.

Eligibility for admission to this programme is a bachelors degree in any discipline with experience of active participation in at least six theatre productions and working knowledge of Hindi and English.

As there are only 20 seats for this course, the selection procedure is pretty rigorous. After the initial screening, written and medical test for physical fitness which is held in five centres (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Guwahati and Calcutta), about 80 applicants are short-listed for a five-day workshop at NSD that forms part of the selection process. For the written test it is best to read up and attend drama festivals to supplement your knowledge on film, television, culture and of course theatre.

I don’t see why you can’t apply. After all, four seats (out of 20), are reserved for the physically disabled / SC / ST (preferably from communities traditionally connected with performing arts). Make sure you avail of every opportunity to participate in college plays and street theatre to hone your singing, dancing, mimicking and acting skills. In the auditions you will be asked to enact dramatic passages or speak dialogues from plays.

Vital statistics

• Q: Since I am good at maths, people suggest I take statistics in college. How much will I need to study to become a statistician? What will the work involve?

Ritika Bose

• A: Statistics is a branch of mathematics that deals with the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of masses of numerical data. Statisticians typically study statistics, mathematics, and / or some related field of statistical application. Because of the applied nature of many statistical professions, statisticians often develop skills in a particular field of study like economics, medicine, biology and psychology. Many people with degrees in statistics don’t work with the title “statistician”. They are business analysts, professors, mathematicians and statistical software engineers.

Opportunities beyond your wildest dreams

• Q: What are the job opportunities in forestry and wildlife other than that of a forest guard? Can I find work in private firms with a qualification in this field? What course should I opt for in BSc?

Tapan Guha

• A: Since you have not mentioned your qualifications, let me give you an overview of all the job opportunities one could have in forestry / wildlife depending on your field of specialisation.

You could take up work either in offices, laboratories or outdoors. Opportunities exist with governmental and non-governmental organisations interested in preservation of forest resources and ecology as well as corporates maintaining commercial plantations for spice, coconut, tea, coffee, medicinal herbs and timber.

Industries which utilise forest resources require the services of industrial and agricultural consultants.

One can get jobs in The Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education (ICFRE) and its affiliated forestry research institutes such as the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehra Dun and the Institute of Social Forestry and Eco-Rehabilitation, Allahabad.

As for career options, various professionals work in forest and wildlife conservation.

Forester: The forester is responsible for protecting and regenerating forests, protecting wildlife habitats, checking for and fighting wild fires, landscape management and so on.

Dendrologists: They specialise in the scientific study of trees and woody plants. Their work involves research on the history, life span, measuring, grading, classifying the varieties of trees, and studying ways and means of tree improvement through afforestation.

Enthologists: Enthology is the scientific study of animal behaviour in its natural environment. An enthologist studies and analyses the evolution, behaviour, biological functions of an organism in its natural environment.

Entomologists: They specialise in the study and control of diseases caused by insects and pests.

Silviculturists: Silviculture is an aspect of forestry that refers to the growth of plantations that yield periodic harvests.

Forest range officers: Forest range officers take care of public forests, sanctuaries and botanical gardens. They have conservators, loggers and other junior personnel working with them.

Zoo curators: They are responsible for animal welfare in the zoos and also undertake conservation programmes. They also play a role in the administration of zoo and breeding programmes.