Students of Miranda House enjoying the rain on Tuesday, the first day of Delhi University’s new academic session.
| Photo Credit: SUSHIL KUMAR VERMA
The new academic session at Delhi University (DU) opened on Tuesday to a familiar sight — nervous freshers, returning seniors and long registration queues. Amid the downpour and low attendance, campuses buzzed with conversations around the recently concluded protest at Jantar Mantar.
Many who watched the protest unfold from outside Delhi or stayed back out of concern for their safety said they regretted not being present on the ground.
With the DU Students’ Union elections approaching, student organisations also began their campaigns with help desks and pamphlet distribution. Some students questioned the absence of the RSS-linked Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) from the agitation. The ABVP had earlier defended its position, saying it was raising students’ issues through platforms other than the Jantar Mantar protest.
A faculty member said fewer students attended orientation sessions due to the rain.
Outside the college gates, Soundarya, a fresher at Shri Ram College of Commerce, expressed regret at not having attended the stir at Jantar Mantar.
“I couldn’t join the protest at Jantar Mantar due to security concerns, and I truly regret that. It was a much-needed movement, and I stand in support of the students who raised their voices,” she said.
Outside the gates of Daulat Ram College, Divya Dewana, a third-year student, reflected on watching the protests unfold.
“Seeing all the students, the Gen Z, come together was a good feeling,” she said. “Everyone was speaking up for their rights, what they found wrong and asking for a change.”
Inside the college, at the college orientation, Shubhi Yadav, a third-year student, spoke about the brutality she witnessed. “On July 20, we had gathered peacefully with banners, asking for justice and accountability. But after 3 p.m., tear gas and lathi charge turned violent. Male policemen harassed women and even beat schoolchildren. A sixth-standard child suffered a fractured leg.”
She added, “Labelling students demanding their right to education as ‘anti-nationals’ is unjust in a democracy. Quick and strict action must be taken against the unethical actions and misconduct by the police.”
(Antra Abhilasha contributed to the reporting of this story)
Published – July 29, 2026 01:09 am IST
