Rain and Political Discord Define Opening Day of Delhi University Term

Campus Return Marred by Memories of Unrest

Delhi University (DU) reopened its doors on Tuesday to begin the new academic session under a heavy downpour that thinned attendance across campus orientations. While the day typically centers on registration logistics and welcoming newcomers, the prevailing atmosphere was shaped by the fallout of the recent demonstrations at Jantar Mantar. Students expressed a mix of regret for missing the movement and outrage over the response to the July 20 protests.

Shubhi Yadav, a third-year student, shared a harrowing account during an orientation at Daulat Ram College regarding the escalation on July 20. She described how a peaceful gathering turned violent after 3 p.m. when authorities deployed tear gas and lathis. Yadav alleged that male police officers harassed female attendees and assaulted minors, including a sixth-grade student who reportedly suffered a leg fracture. She condemned the labeling of students as anti-nationals, calling such vitriol unjust in a democratic society while demanding accountability for police misconduct.

Electoral Politics and Missing Factions

The academic start also functioned as the unofficial launch of the DU Students’ Union election cycle. Student organizations established help desks and distributed literature to recruit freshers. However, the absence of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) from the Jantar Mantar agitation became a point of contention among the student body. The RSS-linked group responded to criticisms by stating they prefer using alternative platforms rather than street protests to address student grievances.

• Safety Concerns: Soundarya, a newcomer at Shri Ram College of Commerce, noted that security fears kept her away from the protests, a decision she now regrets.
• Gen Z Mobilization: Divya Dewana, a third-year student at Daulat Ram College, viewed the collective action as a positive shift, noting the significance of her generation unified in demanding rights and systemic change.
• Faculty Observations: Staff members noted that the rain was the primary factor in the lower-than-expected turnout for the first day's introductory sessions.

Despite the rain and the logistical hurdles of the first day, the student body's focus remains split between their studies and the ongoing demand for justice regarding the summer's civil unrest.

Source: The Hindu — Cities