Campus politics came calling to Delhi University on Day One of the academic session on Monday with hoardings, signages and friendly introductions by persons affiliated to either the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad or the National Students’ Union of India being the norm.
The first thing that students encountered on stepping out of the Vishwavidyalaya metro station was a big sign: “NSUI welcomes all freshers to Delhi University.”
A small walk ahead was the life-size hoarding of students’ union president Aman Awana of the ABVP. Freshers were welcomed several times in this manner. However, if someone were to miss any of this or the graffiti on the walls, they were approached by smiling students handing out visiting cards.
“Elections are something that must not be missed. Please call that number if you have any problem in college or anyone bothering you for anything,” they would say.
There were some other ways too in which the freshers were greeted on campus. Our volunteers welcomed them to DU by putting a tilak on their forehead and presenting a book on Swami Vivekanand. We also put up anti-ragging signature campaign boards in front of colleges,” said ABVP State secretary Saket Bahuguna. He said their North-East cell has put up boards outside colleges encouraging students to take a pledge against discrimination, ragging and drugs.