Gardener’s son elected St. Stephen’s College students’ union president

Probably for the first time in the history of St. Stephen’s College, a student from the Hindi medium has been elected president of its students’ union. Rohit Kumar Yadav, the newly-elected president, comes from a humble background -- he is the son of a gardener employed with the college.

Announcing Rohit’s achievement with immense pride, Principal Valson Thampu termed it a “historic and proud moment” for the college and its alumni. Talking to The Hindu, Mr. Thampu said: “There is a belief that St. Stephen’s is a college of the elite, I would say it is a college of the intellectual, and this has been proved today. A boy coming from a very humble background has been given an extremely important position here.”

“We are often accused of being snobs, but this achievement will change that image. I am very proud of the boy and my college,” he added.

Rohit is the son of Harish Yadav, who works as a gardener in the college premises. A student of 3rd year BA Programme, Rohit has been educated in Hindi medium all through his student life.

He became popular because of active participation in the Social Service League -- a college society that encourages students to do social work. Rohit was also one of the co-ordinators for the visually challenged students.

Rohit defeated three others in the elections held on Saturday. He received 140 more votes than his nearest opponent. “The best thing about Rohit’s win is that during his entire campaign he used Hindi as a medium to communicate with students and he received a great response,” said a member of the union.

Mr. Thampu also praised his campaigning style. “During the open court session, where contestants are supposed to address the students, Rohit always spoke in Hindi and the response from the students was amazing. I could gauge his popularity from one open court session itself.”

St. Stephen’s does not work in accordance with other Delhi University colleges. While other colleges are yet to conduct their students’ union elections, St. Stephen’s conducted its polls on Saturday and announced the result the same day.