Delhi’s newly appointed Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, recently received a heartfelt visit from her alma mater’s principal, Dr. Savita Roy of Daulat Ram College. Dr. Roy expressed her pride and confidence in Gupta’s leadership, stating, “I have fond memories of her. She always fulfills the promises she makes. My blessings are with her. All of us are with her.”
Gupta, reflecting on her journey from a student leader to the Chief Minister, addressed current students, emphasizing that her achievement symbolizes a collective victory: “I feel proud… I want to tell the students from Delhi University and especially from Daulat Ram College that only Rekha Gupta has not become the CM; all of you have become the CM.”
A Legacy of Leadership
Rekha Gupta’s political journey began during her tenure at Daulat Ram College, where she joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in 1992. Her dedication and leadership qualities led her to serve as the Secretary of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) in 1995-96, and subsequently as its President in 1996-97.
During this period, she was known for her strong-minded approach and commitment to addressing student and women’s issues on campus.
Indu Jain, a professor who taught Gupta between 1992 and 1995, recalled, “Rekha was very strong-minded. She always helped others. As her teacher, I could see the leadership qualities in her. She was destined for this.”
Political Ascendancy
After her impactful tenure in student politics, Gupta continued her public service journey. In 2007, she was elected as a councillor from North Pitampura, focusing on developing basic facilities such as libraries and parks.
Her commitment to social service is further exemplified by her founding of AAS, a non-governmental organization dedicated to community welfare.
Despite facing setbacks, including a loss in the mayoral election to AAP’s Shelly Oberoi in 2023, Gupta’s resilience remained unwavering. Her perseverance culminated in a significant victory during the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, where she won from the Shalimar Bagh constituency. At 50, as a first-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), Gupta was chosen to lead Delhi as its Chief Minister, marking her as the fourth woman to hold this esteemed position.
A Symbol of Empowerment
Gupta’s ascent to the Chief Minister’s office serves as an inspiring testament to her dedication and the robust support from her educational and political mentors. Her journey underscores the impact of strong leadership foundations laid during formative years and highlights the importance of mentorship and community support in achieving significant milestones.
