Rain and Protest Reflections Mark First Day of Delhi University’s New Academic Year
The new academic session at Delhi University began on Tuesday amid rainfall, with low attendance at orientation programmes. Students returning to campuses reported that conversations frequently turned to the recent student protests at Jantar Mantar, which concluded shortly before the session began.
Several students who had not participated in the protests expressed regret, citing security concerns or distance. Soundarya, a first-year student at Shri Ram College of Commerce, said she could not join due to safety worries but supported the movement. Divya Dewana, a third-year student at Daulat Ram College, said she felt encouraged by the unity displayed by students during the protests.
Student organisations, including those affiliated with political parties, began campaigning for the upcoming Delhi University Students’ Union elections by setting up help desks and distributing pamphlets. Some students questioned the absence of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) from the protests. The ABVP had earlier stated it was addressing student issues through other platforms.
During orientation sessions, some students recounted alleged police actions during the July 20 protest. Shubhi Yadav, a third-year student, claimed that tear gas and lathi charge were used against peaceful protesters, and that male policemen harassed women and beat a schoolchild, resulting in a fractured leg. She urged strict action against police misconduct, adding that labelling students as anti-national for demanding their rights was unjust in a democracy.
A faculty member noted that fewer students attended orientations due to the rain. The university administration did not immediately comment on the students’ allegations.
