Tensions are at an all high as we proceed towards the end of another semester with no recent development regarding Delhi University colleges. In early September, there were some signs of the university reopening but they stayed limited to final year science students. On Tuesday, Yogesh Singh the Vice-Chancellor of the university gave a sort of a mixed message:
We will decide after Diwali. There is a fear that Covid might recur. If the situation remains fine, we will think.
Does this mean college will open post-Diwali, a matter of weeks before our end term exams? Is Delhi University leaning towards opening or remaining close this year? It poses more questions than answers. It is obviously important to recognize that this situation proves perilous and unlike private universities, DU just does not have the infrastructure to open colleges with proper social distancing. So, most of us will suffer as our friends in private universities move out of their homes and show off their college life which we all desperately need.
The problem remains, that opening in the middle of the semester poses many challenges. Mostly taking into consideration how much co-dependent we have become on the OBE level of education. And also, online education does not translate to good grades in offline papers.
Protesting a Lost Cause
The Delhi University is infamous for its protests and gatherings to show support for any and all causes and this time too, we have students protesting (outside campuses) the reopening of the colleges. A futile attempt that caught no attention of the authorities but probably left those poor student protesters wheezing due to Delhi’s great air quality this time of the year. And let’s not forget, the hunger strike “to push” the university to open colleges.
Delhi University Has “Ideas”
Another suggestion that came from the Vice-Chancellor is increasing the university time to facilitate staggered classes. Instead of regular timings, students and teachers would be required to come at a particular time, attend/teach and go back home. This would mean more sections of a particular class or department.
But wait, how does this apply to institutes which are both morning and evening colleges? Also, does this mean that the one friend I have in my batch is going to come to college at a separate time than me and I might never meet them on campus?
We need answers DU!
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