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Sex Amma

Sex Amma – A Revolution

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The subject of sex has been shushed in classrooms, homes, and streets, even though it is an important part of everyone’s lives. With the hush around sex comes a lack of awareness and education. DU Beat aimed to burn the taboo of sex and created its own column for sex education with Sex Amma – a fun, humourous, yet educational and helpful column that answered questions about sex and related things.

The ‘sex education’ classes back in school focused on how a child is born and what the names of all the genitals are. But what about indulging in sex out of choice? We were never taught what to do if having kids wasn’t the goal; ‘sex for pleasure’ as a concept only existed in pornography and was, quite expectedly, looked down upon. College was no different. Sure, everyone was doing it, but no one talked about it and no one asked questions; sex was still a taboo. It is difficult to learn about contraceptives if your parents change the radio station when the condom advertisement comes on, and it is impossible when the government does not play any condom advertisements during waking hours. This is what the students of the University of Delhi faced in a conservative country with an even more conservative government.

With the great free press comes great responsibility. The idea of a sex column is not novel. All leading newspapers and media use their freedom of expression to try and educate their audiences more and more about sex and related health problems through these columns. DU Beat led the charge from a student perspective. As India’s largest campus publication and as an entirely student-run platform, we felt it was our responsibility to try and answer questions that the students of the University of Delhi had about sex, relationships, and intimacy. And so, Sex Amma was introduced as a weekly column in 2008. The column was widely loved and became so popular that Hindustan Times did a special feature on it.

The queries Amma got ranged from “What is the use of flavoured condoms?” to “How do I protect myself from STDs?” and were not only limited to questions; Sex Amma got a lot of ‘fan mail’ as well in the form of inappropriate messages. During all this, the column did its part in helping its readers become more aware of sex and related topics, while also making use of the platform to wipe out the taboo around the subject by talking about things that still were not openly discussed. The queries and concerns that were received were also related to body positivity, a healthy sex life, and the LGBTQ community. Moreover, not only did the column provide educational information, it also gave advice on improving mental health.

Unfortunately, Amma’s cleavage and flash of her thong, as well as her quirky way of calling her readers idli and dosa were not appreciated by a select few, after which the conversation around Sex Amma turned into something it was never intended to be. Focus was shifted from the column that provided humour and education to DU students to the inappropriate nature of the column simply because of its subject. However, even as Amma took a break for a few months, the magnitude of her revolution was not forgotten. She sparked a change in the way people viewed sex education – there were finally answers for the many questions that were not discussed anywhere else. The column had successfully become a space for students to talk, and raise questions, about sex.

The column had one sole purpose – to provide a fun, humourous take on something that was everyone’s favourite thing to do, yet considered a taboo. Sexual health, STDs, LGBTQ rights, contraceptives, and body positivity, needed to be talked about and Sex Amma was the platform that made it possible for these queries to be answered. As firm believers in freedom of expression, we will continue to strive for a University space that does not allow taboos to hijack our education, regardless of its form. After all, it is nothing to be ashamed of, is it?

Anagha Rakta
[email protected]

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LQBTQ

Gender Revolution: A Beginner’s Guide

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For a long time, our society has considered heterosexual, and cisgendered identities as the norm. With changing times, LGBTQ+ persons are being recognised and celebrated. Here is a glossary that will give you a glimpse into the concept of varied gender identities and their expressions.

Sex – Sex refers to the biological anatomy of a person (Eg- male, female, intersex)

Gender – Gender refers to the psychological identity of a person (Example – Cisgender, Transgender, Agender, Gender fluid, etc). Gender is a social construct and is based on the notions of societal roles, clothing, expression. Gender binary refers to an idea that gender and its expression is strictly male/masculine or female/feminine based on sex assigned at birth. Such an idea becomes problematic for those who don’t fit into such a system.Gender Identity- Gender Identity refers to a person’s internal awareness of their gender.

Sexual Orientation – A person’s feeling of attraction to other people. A person may be attracted to the same sex (lesbian, gay), opposite sex (heterosexual), both sexes (bisexual), or without reference to the sex or gender (pansexual). Some people do not exhibit sexual attraction at all and, hence, they are called asexuals. While sexual orientation is about attraction to other people, gender identity is about a deep-seated sense of self.

Gender Dysphoria – Involves a conflict between a person’s sex (biological self) and gender (psychological self). The presence of Gender Dysphoria is the medical diagnosis of being transgender as defined by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). The inclusion of gender dysphoria as a diagnosis in DSM-5 is controversial in transgender communities because it implies that being transgender is a mental illness rather than a valid identity. But because a formal diagnosis is generally required in order to receive or provide treatment in India, it does enable access to medical care for some people who wouldn’t ordinarily be eligible to receive it.

Transition – According to DSM-5, a transition is seen as a treatment for gender dysphoria. Transition usually involves counselling, cross-sex hormones, puberty suppression, and gender reassignment surgery. Some people may have a strong desire to be treated as a different gender without seeking medical treatment or altering their body. They may only want support to feel comfortable in their gender identity. Others may want more extensive treatment including hormone treatment, and gender reassignment surgery leading to a transition to the opposite sex. Some may choose hormone treatment or surgery alone.

Transgender/Transexual – Usually abbreviated as ‘trans’, it refers to a person whose gender identity does not match the biological sex they were assigned at birth. A transgender boy refers to a person who was born as a female, but their gender identity is a male. While a transgender girl refers to a person who was born as a male, but their gender identity is a female.
Intersex – A disorder of sexual development, results in a reproductive, genetic, genital, or hormonal configuration such that the person’s body can’t be easily categorised as male or female.

Kinnar Community – Usually known as ‘Hijras’ in North India, the Kinnars are a marginalised group of eunuchs, intersex, and transgender people. They have been legally recognised as the third gender in our country. Please note the words ‘chakka’, and ‘hijra’ are offensive words and one should refrain from using them.

Agender – A person who doesn’t identify as a man, or a woman can be labeled as Agender.

Gender Fluid – A person whose gender identity/expression shifts from male to female is gender fluid.

Gender Queer – A person whose identity doesn’t follow the gender binary. Such a person will identify as a combination of both genders, neither of the two genders, or somewhere in between.

Pronouns – One should use appropriate pronouns for a person based on their gender identity. It’s best to ask a person which pronouns they use. Apart from the commonly used ‘he’, ‘she’ pronouns, genderqueer people use ‘they’ or the newly created nongendered pronouns; “zie” and “per.”

Satrangi Salam!

Reference: National Geographic Magazine, January 2017

 

Feature Image Credits: Tele Juice

Raabiya Tuteja
[email protected]

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News

DU Professor Booked Under IPC For Allegedly Molesting a Student

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A professor at Daulat Ram College (DRC) has been booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly molesting and harassing a student of the same college. The alleged incident came to light when the woman approached the police on 31st January and lodged a complaint against the ad-hoc professor at Maurice Nagar police station.

The woman, in her complaint, avowed that the professor would stare at her and often wink during classes. She further stated that on 21st January, he met her near the college canteen and passed crude comments. “He told me I am looking hot and sexy. Then he touched me inappropriately and tried to come closer to me,” the woman cited in her complaint.

The complainant further said the accused offered to join her for a cup of tea or coffee and insisted on meeting her alone. His texts to her read, “Can we have tea/coffee tomorrow at 10?” and “Just chit chat over coffee.” When she refused, he threatened to fail her in the internal examination.

It is noteworthy that this is not the first time that complaints against the professor have surfaced. A few months back, a student from the Philosophy Department of DRC had complained to the authorities regarding inappropriate advances made by him. With respect to this, the Head of Department of Political Science said, “We were definitely concerned and held a departmental meeting because he is from our department. The girl, the professor, and members of the Students’ Union were also present at this meeting.” The matter was put to rest after he had apologised, and the Principal had served him a warning.

On being asked about this incident, a third-year student of the Political Science Department observed, “Ever since he joined college a few months back, he has been overly friendly with the students. He would make sordid remarks like “Aap Baal Kholke Aaya Karo” (keep your locks free). A strict action should have been taken against him, to stem his guts right at the beginning.”
On talking to a few students of the same college, the correspondent unearthed text messages from the same professor sent to different students, some of which read, “I need you more than anybody else” and “You are beautiful smart n.. Very HOT n SEXY (sic)”.

Diksha Verma, Vice President of the Political Science Department of DRC, commented, “Since this is not the first time we have received complaints about him, the Principal should take a bold step and suspend him. If no action is taken, then it can encourage other people to behave in the same way.”

However, in a phone conversation with the DU Beat correspondent, the Principal of the college seemed reluctant to provide answers and said, “The matter is so sensitive, the police also haven’t told me anything. I haven’t talked to the teacher also. Unless I know who is the girl involved and what is the Professor’s take on it, I just can’t keep talking to people.”

On being asked about the future course of action, Principal Savita Roy, remarked, “Generally, if a complaint like this is filed in the college, it is routed to the Internal Complaints Committee, but since the matter is already in the domain of the police, we’ll see what kind of action the police takes. I’ll assure you, it will be the strictest possible action. It’s a women’s college.” Meanwhile, the police have ensured, “We have questioned the teacher. We are verifying the allegations”.

It is well known that the fear of harassment in the National Capital can help explain a women’s college choices in Delhi. A college is supposed to be that sphere in a woman’s life where she can grow, live, laugh, and learn unrestricted. It becomes a matter of public concern if even that space becomes soiled with the fear of harassment and coercion.

 

Feature Image Credits: The Indian Express

Vaibhavi Sharma Pathak
[email protected]

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Kejriwal Meets Students, Accept Demands of Cheaper Transportation

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Taking forward the struggle for roll-back of the metro fare hike and better public transport in Delhi, a mass delegation of students from almost 30 colleges marched to the Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s house and had a meeting that lasted almost 2 hours. The resolute students, led by the All India Students’ Association, marched from the Civil Lines Metro Station to Raj Niwas in the afternoon of 25th January, 2018.

In a monumental development, the CM extended his full support to the ongoing movement for rolling back the metro fare hike and accepted most of the students’ other demands relating to Delhi public transport. Granting major relief to the students of University of Delhi, the delegation managed to convince the CM to extend the validity of DTC bus passes for students. The student bus pass which was till now valid for four months, will henceforth be valid for 6 months.

Speaking on their second achievement, AISA DU President Kawalpreet Kaur remarked, “Student bus passes were hitherto valid only in non-AC busses. And it had been our long-standing demand that the passes be made valid for AC busses as well, a demand which was immediately accepted by the CM.”

Moreover, in a noteworthy accomplishment, the students’ delegation also persuaded the CM to introduce university-special busses and women-special busses as well as increase the number of DTC busses by 2000, a significant move which will enhance connectivity with Delhi University colleges. Towards this end, AISA State Secretary Niraj Kumar remarked, “The CM has asked for a period of 6 months to materialise this promise.”

When asked about their future course of action, AISA National President Sucheta De said, “Now, in a few days’ time, we will take a delegation to the PM, since he is a major stakeholder in our struggle for more effective public transport in Delhi.”

 

Feature Image Credits: Niraj Kumar, AISA

Vaibhavi Sharma Pathak

[email protected]

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DUB Speak

An Ode Against Heteronormativity

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What happens when someone doesn’t follow gender norms? I recall the day when I wore nail paint to college for the first time.

I have always been fascinated with colours. Whether it is the colours on a dupatta or the colours of a rainbow, I am immediately drawn towards the myriad of tints and shades. I imagine a world without colours would be dark, depressing, and dull. As a teenager, I had embraced my femininity with pride. I dressed to my pleasing and behaved with feminine grace. I was never ashamed of it, nor did anyone make me feel so. After joining the University of Delhi, I experienced greater freedom and hence, one day, I decided to wear nail colour to college.  

I started with an obvious choice, pink! I don’t remember if I was nervous about the stares, the questions, or the judgements, but nonetheless, I starkly remember my anxiety. One of the things I have learned about style is to carry yourself with confidence, even if you have second thoughts. So, I did just that. While travelling in the metro, when a few people gawked at me, I made sure to show off my nail colour more.  That moment felt like my own small rebellion against our regressive society.  

After I got off at the metro station, the auto-drivers made sure to get a better look at the ‘boy’ with the coloured nails. The security guard at my college rhetorically asked me if I was wearing nail paint. To every smirk, question, or stare at my hands, I raised them higher and asked the person, “Ache lag rahe hain na? I’m going to put black next.” Surprisingly, I received several affirmative responses and genuine smiles.

Heteronormativity is a system that encompasses the norms of gender roles, identities, and sexualities. The assumption is that everyone who is cisgender, heterosexual, and performs traditional gender roles is ‘normal’. Homophobia and transphobia are rooted in such a system. Hence, any such assumption of normality becomes problematic.

Due to the prevalent heteronormativity in our society, I expected – and –  encountered some hostile reactions. A classmate shared with my friend that she doesn’t understand why I have to be gender-bending. She believes that I should control my femininity and start to ‘man-up’. Further, she suggested that going to the gym will help. My immediate reaction was that of shock, veiled under a series of hysterical laughter. It made me realise that we have a long way to go before inclusivity becomes the norm. In a step towards the formulation of such a society, I will keep on painting my nails, one colour at a time.

  

Feature Image Credits:  Mugdha Duinn for DU Beat

Varoon Tuteja

[email protected]

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Campus Central

NSUI Starts Indefinite Hunger Strike to Put Forth Demands

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With unwavering purposefulness, NSUI started an indefinite hunger strike from the afternoon of January 23, 2018 at the Arts Faculty.
Members of NSUI braved the rains and flagged slogans such as, “Chatron ke samman mein, NSUI maidan mein” (NSUI has come out to work for the students), “Hum apna adhikar mangte, nahi kisise bheek mangte” (we ask for out rights, but refuse to beg), and “University humare-aapki, nahi kisike baap ki” (this university is ours, not any familial property).

In the hunger strike wherein senior members of the NSUI like Akshay Lakra and Anushesh Sharma were present, the gathering demanded the setup of a central library which would be open 24 hours of the day, u-special buses in campus for DU students, fee reduction of the Delhi School of Journalism, and special metro concessional passes for DU students.

It is noteworthy that until 2013, a number of University buses were plying to cater to DU students. But now, there is not a single u-special bus. As such, students of far-flung colleges such as Shyamlal College and Vivekananda College have been forced to use private cabs which dig a hole into their pockets. This also affects the safety of girls studying in colleges like Aditi Mahavidyalaya as they are forced to risk their lives and travel alone.

On being asked about their third demand by DU Beat, NSUI Delhi President Akshay Lakra reasoned, “Delhi Metro fare has almost doubled in the past 1.5 years. In October last year, I along with two NSUI activists Shauryaveer Singh and Arjun Chaprana were compelled to jump into the metro tracks in a protest to attract the attention of the government. But till date, nothing has progressed on that front.”
Speaking further on their fourth demand, Akshay Lakra asserted that the high fees for the Delhi School of Journalism symbolises defacto privatisation and hence needs to be reduced.
On being asked whether there has been any response from the authorities’ side, NSUI National Secretary Anushesh Sharma said, “We have tried to contact the VC and the Dean of DU, but they have ignored our demands. When we put forth our demand of a 24/7 centralized library, they ignored the same on the premise of security and budget excuses. Hence we will continue to strive for the students until our demands are fulfilled.”

Feature Image Credits: Vaibhavi Sharma Pathak for DU Beat

Vaibhavi Sharma Pathak
[email protected]

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DUB News

NSUI-led DUSU Launches Students’ Charter

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In an exceptional initiative, the NSUI-led Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU), in consultation with the University of Delhi, has drafted a Students’ Charter that seeks to enable students to exercise their rights. The draft of the Charter was launched at a program held from 11 a.m. on 23rd January, 2018 at Ramjas College, in the presence of DUSU President Rocky Tusseed, Vice President Kunal Sehrawat, and AICC Secretary Ruchi Gupta besides others.

On being asked about the motive behind this momentous move, Ruchi Gupta, who is also the NSUI National In-Charge said, “The NSUI had fought the elections on the premise of two promises. One, restoring free speech, critical thinking and academic autonomy; the other, defining the democratic role of student unions in the governance of universities. Now, we want to take that forward by ensuring that there is free speech within the University.”
In the backdrop of the conflicting relationship between the students and university administrations across the country, this draft charter provides hope of reconciliation between the two, and provides a framework for the University to develop and improve its services.
The draft of the Charter is divided into 2 sections. One contains the Fundamental Rights of students that the University must recognise. The second contains the Directive Principles, which, although unenforceable by a court of law, are significant for the University administration. While the former notably includes the right to have an environment free from sexual and mental harassment, the noteworthy point in the latter is the guidelines for the University to provide accurate information to the students about its statutes, methods of assessment, and attendance requirements amongst other regulations.

On being asked about the future course of action, DUSU Vice-President Kunal Sehrawat assured, “We will be in consultation with DU colleges and will take feedback from the students. With their support, we will approach the VC for his endorsement. Once this charter is passed by the DUSU, we will take it to all the other universities to create a spirited learning atmosphere across the country.”

 

Feature Image credits: Anushesh Sharma

Vaibhavi Sharma Pathak [email protected]

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DUB Speak

Absurdly “Realistic Stereotypes”

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Whenever college students are depicted in movies, you have to take it with a grain of salt. They are generally depicted as 25-to-30-year-olds never studying or attending class while focusing all their time on their social lives. That being said, sometimes there’s an ounce of truth to these stereotypes.

Here is a carefully crafted list of college students as movie characters that you find in every college-

The tomboyish exuberance: Anjali from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

For an industry that had a history of being stuck with “gulaabi gaal” and “reshmi zulfein”, Anjali was a miracle. The tomboyish exuberance, the loud disposition, the nonchalance towards fashion and social mannerisms was more real than Bollywood likes to be. Millions of girls across India felt seen for the first time. For this, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai will be a landmark and blessing to Bollywood, always.

The self-loving socialite: Poo from Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham

She loved herself. Right from her killer entry dancing on “It’s Raining Men” to her looking for fat-free stuff on the dining table, Poo’s world revolved around herself. She refused to be bossed around by men and did the bossing all by herself. She also taught every woman that there’s nothing wrong with finding yourself sexy. You’ll definitely come across a Poo in college whose fashion sense might be over the top, but is never afraid to speak her mind.

The reckless and westernised archetype: Laxman aka Lucky from Main Hoon Naa

Lucky represents the most radical divergence from the typical Bollywood hero figure. From the moment he first appears on screen, Lucky typifies everything that Bollywood culture seems to fear. He wears Westernized clothing (leather jackets and ripped shirts), drives a motorcycle, plays the guitar, and is a serious lady’s man. Lucky also sports long, unruly hair, a sign of recklessness and wild behaviour. Throughout the movie, we see him smoking, failing classes, and denying any romantic feelings for girls in order to maintain his image. In each college, you would encounter such a prototype who would appear reckless from afar, but on close scrutiny, you’d discover the “softer” image of their character.

The Youth Leader: Michael Mukherjee from Yuva

In every college, we see the erudite college youth leader who wants to bring about a change in the social order and wants to use student power to change the festering fortunes of Indian politics. He doesn’t think it’s wrong to hustle people around as long as the ends are achieved. He is passionate about his ideas to the extent that he’d be willing to turn down a US scholarship, like Ajay Devgn’s character did in Yuva.

The good student whose passion lies elsewhere: Farhan from 3 Idiots

Farhan has a passion for photography in the movie and his passion is to become a wildlife photographer. But he joined an engineering college to satisfy his parents. Throughout your college life, you’d come across many of his kind who have been compelled to choose a course of life they are not passionate about, but still go ahead due to certain compulsions.

The ditzy party girl: Haley Dunphy from Modern Family

Sarah Hyland’s ditzy yet lovable Haley has had a rough collegiate road. She first got kicked out of college for freshman drinking, thereafter got enrolled in community college and then started her own fashion photography blog. If you pay closer heed, you’d see that every college has someone with this party-girl persona.

The Bro:  Steve Stifler in American Pie

Much like the offensive but good-natured Stifler, bros are obnoxious, loud-mouthed males who live for partying. Every college has at least one. They usually just stand around holding a red plastic cup waiting for something exciting to happen so they can scream something that demonstrates how much they really enjoy partying. Usually, well concealed under spiked hair with frosted tips, there’s a heart of real gold.

The Nice, Stable Nerd: Max Fischer in Rushmore

Just as every movie features a bro, the flip-side of the coin is the uncool nerd character who is still somehow likable despite being presented as a loser. Unthreatening, intelligent, and helpful, he would be obsessed with joining and starting college clubs like beekeeping, stamp and coin collecting, French, Model United Nations and so. Like Max, the likeable nerd also often has trouble in love.

The talented multi-tasker: Elle Woods from Legally Blonde

Elle Woods had a lot going for her. She was president of her sorority, was charming and most importantly, was a natural blonde. She was also crafty enough to make it into Harvard  Energetic, sweet, and persistent, she is the prototype of the multi-tasker in every college.

 

Feature Image Credits: PNGTree

Vaibhavi Sharma Pathak

[email protected]

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Bazinga

Maitreyi College to get its own McDonald’s outlet

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The tussle between north campus and south campus has been old and continuous. While both campuses have their own hangout spots from Hudson Lane to Satya Niketan and Kamla Nagar Market to Hauz Khas Village, north campus wins with a McDonald’s in its vicinity. Swedish House Mafia tells us, ‘don’t you worry child. Heaven’s got a plan for you’. Finally, heaven’s plan has come to fruition. Tables have turned as Maitreyi College is now getting its own McDonalds franchise.

It is unbelievable how the college student union pulled this off, especially amidst the lack of proper infrastructural facilities throughout the university. An optimistic student of College of Vocational Studies placated, ‘Though my college has been dealing with collapsing roofs, but at least we will have a McDonalds nearby.’ Appreciating the commendable efforts, another student exclaimed, ‘Take that North Campus! I’m lovin’ it’. While south campus students are clearly delighted by the prospect of their own McDonald’s, other off-campus colleges don’t share their enthusiasm.  Talking to DU Beat about the upcoming fast-food outlet, a visibly frustrated student of B.R. Ambedkar College said, ‘As if the campus students didn’t have enough bragging rights. What’s next? An on-campus cinema? Do they even know we exist?’

Initially, the outlet will be functional from within the college canteen. The administration wants to re-vamp the canteen to match the aesthetic of a McDonald’s outlet.  A college official exclusively shared with DU Beat that, ‘We have to regularly cancel the tenders of our caterers since the students in the college choose to eat out rather than in college. As a result, the caterers end up leaving because they hardly make any profit and, finding new caterers is not an easy job.’  She informed us that the students will also get a personalised meal, and all items will be available at a subsidised rate.

Since junk food is directly linked to obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes, it becomes controversial for an institution to endorse a fast food outlet. Researchers have observed that students need wholesome and healthy food to improve their mental rigour and health . To this, a college official insisted that the college will ensure maximum supervision over the quality of food items. She further added, ‘As much I would like my child to give up junk food, there’s little I can control. Hence, if the college is proactive in taking steps to ensure the quality of the food, I feel a little secure.’

This new change comes right on time, just before the renowned DU fest season. If exploited, it can become an efficient and profitable marketing scheme. It will be intriguing to see how an in-campus McDonalds outlet will impact the crowd turn out and also if other colleges will follow suit. Moreover, it can also be expected to positively affect the admission intake this year.

Disclaimer: Bazinga is our weekly column of almost believable fake news. It is only be appreciated and not accepted.

 

Feature Image Credits: Grub Street

Varoon Tuteja

[email protected]

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Students Protest to Demand a Rollback of Metro Fare Hike

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In a landmark step to pressurise the government into rolling back the metro fare hike which came into effect in May and October of 2017, the All India Students’ Association (AISA) held a strike in the Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station from 1pm on the 18th of January.

The protest “Occupy Vishwavidyalaya” witnessed a number of students, led by the AISA, block Gate 3 of the metro station in a bid to ‘occupy’ the same until the government accepted their demands of immediate rollback of the metro fare hike and giving metro consessional passes to all DU students.

Senior members of AISA Neeraj Kumar, Sucheta Dey, and Sunny Kumar along with ardent supporters raised slogans like “fare hike dhokha hai” (fare hike is betrayal), “metro pass dena hoga” (the government will have to give metro concessional passes), and “paee paee occupy (occupy every inch)”.

In the context where an estimated 2.8 million passengers travel daily on the capital’s metro, the DMRC had recorded a fall in ridership when it had hiked the metro fare twice in 2017. This move had been exceptionally hard-hitting for the students of DU, many of whom have to travel long distances to come to college.

At the face of several policemen being stationed at the metro station to control any law and order situation that might crop up, AISA President (DU) Kawalpreet Kaur, in her impassioned speech, invoked the crowd to block Gate 3 and pledged not to move until either the DMRC or the government heeds their demands. Terming the fare hike as “unacceptable”, Kawalpreet said, “This metro is named Vishwavidyalaya and yet the students themselves aren’t able to use the metro. So what is the point of calling this metro station ‘Vishwavidyalaya’? The fare hike has compelled the students to either use other means of transportation or even skip college on days at an end. This inability to access the university campus also amounts to denial of education.”

It is noteworthy that even last October, AISA had held a demonstration in the Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station to pressurise the government on this issue. However, AISA National President Sucheta Dey today claimed that till date, there has been no communication from the DMRC in response to the same. On being asked by the DU Beat correspondent regarding their course of action if the police forcefully tries to evacuate the gathering, AISA State Secretary Neeraj Kumar said, “We have raised our voice in a peaceful manner. Any unprecedented step by the police would go against the law. In a passionate reference to the legacy of student protesters, Kawalpreet discerned that it was because of the protests by the students of DU a few years back that student passes for DTC busses were made available.

While Delhi Metro has lost 3 lakh commuters after the fare hike in October, there is an apprehension that by 2019, the metro fare will double itself. At the backdrop of the DMRC’s reticence on the issue, the question that various student quarters of DU are asking is, if Kolkata can have metro concessional passes for students, why can’t Delhi? While the aam janta shouts, “mehengi metro nahi chalegi” (costly metro will not be allowed), is the government listening?

 

Feature Image Credits: P.V. Purnima for DU Beat.

Vaibhavi Sharma Pathak 

[email protected]

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