Delhi University Freshers React to Student Protests as New Session Starts

As the new academic year commences at the University of Delhi, students are expressing a range of opinions regarding the recent wave of student protests that have swept through the national capital. While some students view these protests as a significant demonstration of student activism, others are more critical, raising concerns about the methods employed during these demonstrations. Aman Kumar, an 18-year-old first-year student at Ramjas College from Jaipur, shared his perspective on the protests, noting that he had been following the events closely and had a desire to participate. However, the ongoing admission process and his parents' apprehensions prevented him from joining in. 'I was keeping up with the protest updates not only through news outlets but also via social media, where people were sharing their experiences and videos of what many consider to be one of the most intense student protests of our generation,' Kumar explained. He expressed a sense of frustration, stating, 'I really wanted to take part, but my admission process was ongoing, and my parents were not supportive of me traveling to the protests.'

Another student from Miranda House recounted her cousin's involvement in the protests, highlighting the importance of the movement while also expressing concerns for her cousin's safety. 'My cousin lives in Delhi and participated in the demonstration. While we all recognize the significance of the movement, we were extremely worried about her safety. Communication was difficult because the network was largely down in the protest areas,' she shared. Many students engaging with the protests through social media described this as their first experience with student activism and collective action. Ishika Chakraborty, who hails from a small town in West Bengal, remarked on how witnessing the protests firsthand has reshaped her understanding of student power. 'Coming from a small town, I had only heard about student movements in stories. Seeing it happen in real life has given me a new perspective on how students can unite for a cause,' she stated. Excited about her new environment, Chakraborty added, 'I can't wait to experience the campus atmosphere during the DUSU elections.'

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the protests, some students voiced their concerns about the disruptions caused by the demonstrations. Rajeev Verma, a fresher from Uttar Pradesh, mentioned that his parents had reservations about the protest tactics. 'My parents have been vocal about their concerns, suggesting that there might have been more effective ways to engage in dialogue with the government. The protests led to significant disruptions, including the closure of metro stations and connectivity issues that lasted for days,' he noted. Another first-year student at Hansraj College echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the validity of the students' grievances but questioning the approach taken during the protests. 'I understand the reasons behind the protests and that students had genuine issues to raise, but I am not entirely in favor of how the protests were executed. My father was among the many commuters who faced challenges due to the disruptions,' he explained. As the University of Delhi welcomes thousands of new students, these mixed reactions to the student-led protests continue to spark discussions about activism and its impact on campus life.