From Business conclaves to Literature Festivals,From The President of India to His Holiness The Dalai Lama,colleges of Delhi University witnessed a hoard of events this academic session 2016-17 and we bring you some of those which had the most popular and most powerful personalities in attendance :-
1. President Pranab Mukherjee at St Stephens College
The President of India,Shri Pranab Mukherjee addressed the Founder’s Day celebration of St. Stephen’s College on December 7,2016  in New Delhi. He mentioned that he was extremely proud to be a part of the celebration. The president talked about various issues such as employment opportunities, problem of energy deficiency and the need for innovation in present times. He encouraged the youth to contribute towards solving the problems faced by the country in every little possible way.
2. Lord Meghnad Desai at Lady Shri Ram College
Lady Shri Ram College had the pleasure of hosting Padma Bhushan recipient Lord Meghnad Desai on the 1st of September 2016 to deliver a lecture on “BREXIT: The Implications for India and Europe”. 
Lord Meghnad Desai is an economist,a prolific writer,a reader and a political activist.He is a professor Emeritus at London School of Economics and a member of the House of Lords.He talked chiefly about the impact of BREXIT on India and Europe.He also encouraged the  students to pursue excellence and not just grades and  to take up leadership roles in the society.
3. Durjoy Dutta and Venkaiah Naidu at Hansraj College
The Finance and Investment Cell,Hans Raj College had organized its flagship event Empressa’ 2017 on 21st February 2017.
Shri Venkaiah Naidu,Minister of Urban Development of India attended the event and gave a talk on the will to achieve goals giving inspirational examples from his own life. He further went on to explain the recent steps taken by the government, calling demonetization a ‘ bitter pill to cure long term illness’.
Another highly anticipated speaker for the day was the famous author “Mr. Durjoy Datta”.He narrated his story and talked about how his passion for writing  led him to becoming a best selling author, screenwriter and entrepreneur.Having finished his talk, Mr. Datta even signed copies of his novels for the fans.
4. His Holiness Dalai Lama at Jesus and Mary College
The auditorium of Jesus and Mary College (JMC) was a jam packed space as His Holiness The Dalai Lama addressed the students and teachers alike.He spoke of oneness of humanity,religious harmony, and using technology for the betterment of relationships and even shared the secret of his great health.The event was organized by the Commerce department and turned out to be a huge success.
5. Piyush Mishra at Kirori Mal College
Actor Piyush Mishra is known for his fun loving and cheerful personality.The actor graced the Kalam Youth Festival at Kirori Mal College organized by the A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Centre in association with the college,with his presence and kept the audience spell bound with his crazy antics.Mishra recited poetry and had a candid interactive session with the students.
6. Dr. Raghuram Rajan at St Stephen’s College
The planning forum of St.Stephens College organized ‚ÄòA Talk by Dr. Raghuram Rajan’ on 3rd September 2016.Having served as the Chief Economist at the International Monetary Fund as well the Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India,Dr. Rajan was the 23rd Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.Dr. Rajan said ‚ÄúSet RBI Governor‚Äôs rank commensurate with most important technocrat‚Äôs post‚Äù.He not only talked about the importance of macroeconomic stability but also touched upon the importance of the governor alongside the finance minister.He also discussed some of the important reforms he had undertaken for the best interest of the country.
7. Harsha Bhogle,Govinda,N Srinivasan and others at SRCC Business Conclave 2017
One of the biggest business conclave event of Delhi University which was awaited by almost everyone started on 7th February this year and continued till 9th February 2017.The student Union of SRCC increased the benchmark of its Annual National Management Festival.Some of the speakers who shared their knowledge and experience included Harsha Bhogle,an Indian cricket commentator and journalist who shared his view points and also told the audience that one needs to FAIL in order to become BETTER.
Govinda was right up there with his charismatic personality and shared the circumstances which he had to face to be this successful today. Shri Venkaiah Naidu,Minister for Urban-Development talked about India’s development and N. Srinivasan, Chairman and Managing Director ‘The India Cement Ltd’ discussed his mantras of success in life.
8. Gautam Gambhir and Phogat Sisters at Ramjas College
A ground full of students and the air filled with cheers,The National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit and Sports Department of the college on the occasion of completing 100 years organized a two day cultural and sports event on 12th January 2017.The event started off with the welcoming of guests which were none other than the ace cricketer Gautam Gambhir and the Dangal Fame Sisters-Geeta Phogat and Babita Phogat.
Gautam Gambhir,who is an alumnus of Hindu college said, ’It feels great to come back to DU.I am from Hindu College and that was the best time of my life.’
Phogat Sisters,who already have brought so much laurels to the country were also spotted there as one of the guest.With being filmed about their life, they also mentioned how much their Father struggled and what all hardships they had to face.Yet the ever smiling faces were right there delivering positivity in the air.
9. Shashi Tharoor at Hindu College
‘Musha’irah- The Annual Literature Festival of Hindu College’ presented by the Parliament of Hindu College ran from 8th February 2017 to 10th February 2017 and had the very prominent Dr. Shashi Tharoor as one of the speakers.Dr. Tharoor is currently serving as Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha from Thiruvananthapuram,Kerala and is also the author of 15 bestselling books.He was seen discussing about his new book ‘An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India’.Dr. Tharoor also quoted, “The only reason I came first in science at school was because I was good at taking exams”
The event in its next two days had eminent speakers like: Tarek Fateh,Devapriya Roy,Kapil Mishra and Manish K Tyagi.
10. Abhinav Bindra,Soha Ali Khan,Kishore Biyani and others at SRCC Youth Conclave 2016
With an unexpected turn out to the line-up of speakers,this year Youth Conclave at Shri Ram College of Commerce took placeon 20th September 2016 and 21st September 2016.The event was surely an exciting one and full of knowledge coupled alongwith fun.The Youth Conclave since its first edition has been one of the most awaited conferences acoss Delhi NCR among college students.
Soha Ali Khan,Bollywood actress interacted with audience and shared her take on the education and also told that how was her approach towards the same. Prakash Jha,Movie producer,Actor, Director and Screenwriter left the audience thrilled with his words.He focused that every abled individual should get equal opportunity in his or her life.
Abhinav Bindra,Indian Olympic Champion inspired the completely energetic audience with his words and simplicity and Kailash Kher, filled the auditorium with energy.He even broke the stereotypical definition of success and told that those who have passion have the power to get success.
By Mugdha Khandelwal & Ashima Chawla
