New Delhi: In a bold and controversial move, Ronak Khatri, the President of Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU), smeared cow dung on the office of the principal at Laxmibai College, located in the heart of the Delhi University (DU) campus, on April 16, 2025. This act of protest was aimed at drawing attention to the long-standing issues with basic student amenities and the dilapidated infrastructure that many students feel has been ignored by the administration.
Khatri, accompanied by a group of fellow students from DUSU, arrived at the principal’s office at around 11:30 AM, where they carried out the protest by smearing cow dung on the door. His protest was a direct response to unresolved issues such as poor sanitation, overcrowded hostels, and inadequate resources for academic growth that students of Laxmibai College have been struggling with for years.
🔹 What Actually Happened: The Protest in Action
On the morning of April 16, 2025, Ronak Khatri, along with his supporters, arrived at Laxmibai College to stage a symbolic protest. The group marched to the principal’s office, where Khatri smeared cow dung on the principal’s office door, sending a strong message about the dire state of student welfare at the college. The protest was not just a symbolic act but a direct challenge to the administration, demanding that they address the unresolved issues such as the poor state of hostel facilities, lack of clean drinking water, and unsanitary washrooms that have plagued the college for years. Students witnessed the protest, with many expressing their support for Khatri’s bold move, while others raised concerns about the method used.
The protest was highly disruptive, with college staff and the media quickly arriving at the scene. As Khatri smeared the cow dung on the principal’s door, he was vocal about the need for the administration to prioritize the basic needs of the students. The protest quickly became the center of attention on campus, and a handful of faculty members, including the principal, expressed dismay over the method of protest, although they acknowledged the underlying issues.
🔹 The Protest: A Symbol of Frustration Over Student Facilities
Khatri’s protest is not just about the symbolic use of cow dung but serves as a powerful message to the administration about the disrespect students feel towards the university’s failure to address their basic needs. In a press statement following the protest, Khatri explained:
“We are not protesting just for the sake of protesting. We are fighting for our right to a clean and safe environment in our campus. We’ve been ignored for far too long, and this is a way to send a clear message to the administration that our demands must be addressed immediately.”
Khatri’s actions reflect the growing frustration among students who have been raising alarms about the conditions on campus for months. Issues like broken infrastructure, filthy washrooms, and the lack of clean drinking water have persisted for far too long, and this protest was meant to make the administration confront these problems head-on.
🔹 University’s Response to the Protest
The administration at Laxmibai College has expressed shock and disappointment over Khatri’s protest, describing it as an “unacceptable” way of highlighting grievances. A statement issued by the Delhi University spokesperson read:
“The university administration acknowledges the concerns raised by students regarding the facilities on campus. However, such protests are not the right way to approach the situation. We encourage students to engage in constructive dialogue and bring their concerns to the table in a peaceful manner.”
Despite the administration’s call for peaceful engagement, many students feel that their previous attempts at dialogue with the administration have been met with inadequate responses. Khatri, on the other hand, maintains that the administration has failed to take serious action to resolve the issues that have been repeatedly raised by the student body.
🔹 Support and Opposition: Mixed Reactions on Campus
Khatri’s protest has sparked a wave of support among many students at Laxmibai College and across the broader Delhi University campus. Several student groups have rallied behind him, applauding his bold approach to drawing attention to the ongoing issues.
Arvind Kumar, a third-year student from Laxmibai College, expressed his support:
“Ronak is doing what every student here has been wanting to do for years. The college administration has failed us, and it’s time the students raise their voices in a way that cannot be ignored.”
However, some students and faculty members have criticized the method of protest, especially the act of smearing cow dung on the principal’s office door. Professor Meera Sharma, a senior faculty member, commented:
“While I understand the students’ frustration, such actions only undermine the credibility of their cause. Protests should be aimed at fostering positive change, not escalating tensions.”
Despite the divide in opinion, the protest has certainly captured the attention of both the student body and the media, bringing long-standing issues of student welfare to the forefront.
🔹 A Broader Issue: Infrastructure and Student Welfare in Delhi University
Khatri’s protest at Laxmibai College highlights a larger, more systemic issue in Delhi University: the neglect of student welfare across various campuses. While DU is one of the top educational institutions in India, many students feel that the administration has consistently failed to prioritize basic student needs, such as adequate hostel accommodations, sanitation facilities, and safe drinking water.
Students at several DU colleges have been demanding improvements in these areas for years, but the lack of action from the administration has led to increasing frustration, culminating in protests like the one led by Khatri. This protest, though focused on Laxmibai College, could spark a wider movement across DU, as other colleges and student unions may follow suit, demanding similar reforms.
🔹 What’s Next for DUSU and the Administration?
Following the protest, Ronak Khatri and other members of DUSU have vowed to continue their campaign for better student facilities. They have announced plans for a march to the Vice-Chancellor’s office if the administration fails to take prompt action.
Khatri’s actions are a reflection of the growing urgency among students to bring about meaningful change in the university. As the situation develops, more protests and demonstrations are expected, which could put even more pressure on the administration to address the students’ grievances.
Conclusion: A Bold Protest or an Overstep?
Ronak Khatri’s protest at Laxmibai College has sparked both admiration and controversy. While his method of using cow dung as a form of protest is highly unconventional, the core issue that he is raising — the failure to provide basic amenities for students — is one that cannot be ignored.
The act has brought much-needed attention to the student welfare crisis at Delhi University, and it remains to be seen whether this bold protest will lead to real change or if it will simply deepen the divide between students and the administration.
👉 For more updates on the ongoing protest and developments at Delhi University, visit Delhi University Official Website.
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