DU begins session with new four-year programme

Delhi University (DU) Thursday opened its gates to the first batch of students of the four-year undergraduate programme, welcoming them with cultural shows, refreshments and a promise of no ragging.

Dressed in the trendiest of attires, the freshers were obviously excited as they embarked on a new chapter of their lives.

"I am very excited to be a part of the prestigious DU. Being the first day, I had to be in my best attire because, as they say, the first impression is the last impression," said a chirpy Ankita Mahajan, who had gone for a retro look, sporting palazzo pants and a polka dot shirt.

Nikhil Cherian, a student of Hans Raj College, dressed in shorts and a printed t-shirt, sported a casual look. "The weather is humid and you should wear what is comfortable. Till winter arrives, my wardrobe is not going to change," he said.

While some colleges which had finished orientation programmes earlier began with classes Thursday, others kept the first day informal, and sought to make the newcomers comfortable.

There were dance and theatre performances by cultural societies in some colleges and interactive sessions, where alumni shared their experiences with the newcomers.

Meanwhile, the political student outfits too went all out to woo students as they spread across the campus meeting new students, trying to impress upon them the need to join them.

The issue of ragging remained on the top of everyone's mind, with student outfits putting up colourful posters all over the campus promising "no-ragging."

"There is an anti-ragging campaign in place in all the colleges of north and south campus. If anyone is ragged, he or she can come to us and we will make sure that the guilty are taken to task. No cases of ragging were reported today," Varun Khari, vice president of Delhi University Students Union, told IANS.

"We have also started self-defence classes for the girls," he said.

Meanwhile, there was heavy deployment of police personnel across the campus to prevent ragging.

The students were excited about the new undergraduate course too.

"I feel DU has made the graduation programme more comprehensive and we now know about all the subjects. It will help our prospects of getting employed," said Nishant Singh, a student of the arts and humanities subjects at St. Stephen's College.

Some teachers too agreed. "This is a very productive programme, and students shouldn't worry. This will enhance their understanding," Rajinder Kumar, a Sanskrit teacher at Hindu College said.