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Journalism of Courage
As results of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) election were announced on Friday, the campus erupted in celebration — the sound of dhols echoed across the grounds and rose petals rained down.
The winners, sporting yellow marigold garlands, were hoisted onto shoulders and paraded toward the iconic Vivekananda statue inside the Arts Faculty on North Campus, a ritual etched in DU’s student politics.
Following their victory, the new leaders spelled out their promises.
ABVP’s President-elect Aryan Maan framed the victory as a collective mandate. “The students of DU have made us winners in this election. This proves how well-connected they are with the ABVP. Our priority will be the Metro concession pass, which we promised in our manifesto. We will ensure all students of DU get this pass,” he said.
Hailing from Haryana’s Bahadurgarh, Aryan, 23, is a graduate of Hansraj College and is currently pursuing a degree in Library Science. An active football player, he has been at the forefront of several key student movements organised by the ABVP, particularly campaigns against fee hikes and advocating for improved university infrastructure.
NSUI’s Rahul Jhasla, who clinched the Vice-President post, said his focus would be on mental health and housing. “I will ensure there is a mental health counsellor in every college of this university. I will fight to ensure every student in every college gets an option to live in the hostel. These will be the first things that I will prioritise,” he told The Indian Express.
Rahul, 24, is a final-year Master’s student in Buddhist Studies. He has been at the forefront of student activism for the past two years, demanding improved campus and sports infrastructure, better hygiene in hostels and classrooms, access to clean drinking water, and the establishment of a Women’s Development Cell. He enjoys strong support from Purvanchal and Rajasthan student communities.
“I’ve been fighting for the welfare of students for the past six years, and I will continue to fight for them in the future too,” he added.
ABVP’s Deepika Jha, who bagged the Joint Secretary post, pledged to focus on women’s safety and infrastructure. “Every college will have a women’s common room, and we will ensure there is patrolling in front of colleges to ensure women’s safety. This will be our priority,” she said.
Hailing from Bihar, Deepika, 21, is a graduate of Lakshmibai College and is presently a student in the Department of Buddhist Studies. She has been involved with the ABVP’s ‘Students for Seva’ initiative and contributed to student-led social transformation activities, including community schools and the Ritumati campaign for menstrual hygiene awareness.
Kunal Chaudhary from ABVP, who won the post of Secretary, promised to tackle a perennial frustration for students. “We will ensure WiFi is available in every college. Many students face this issue… and we want to make sure we take it up first.”
A Delhi resident and a graduate of PGDAV College, the 24-year-old is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in the Department of Buddhist Studies. Kunal also brings leadership experience to the panel, having served as President of the PGDAV College Students’ Union in 2023.
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