Breaking its earlier tradition of commencing classes on July 16, DU’s new session is set to start from July 21. Thanks to the semester system, which has not only upset science students and faculty members, but has also changed the university's 30-year-old rule. The new change certainly has caught everyone by surprise, making it a nostalgic moment.
“When my mom was in college, it reopened on July 16, unless it happened to be a Sunday. So, the news was quite surprising and unusual for me. It seems time and traditions are changing in DU. Are there more to come?” asks Nisha Singh, a, third year student, Kirori Mal College.
But few are enjoying the extended holidays. “There was nothing specific related to DU opening on July 16, but it had become a tradition and students used to look forward to the day. It might be sad for freshers, who cannot be a part of this tradition, but for us, it just an extension of our holidays, and we are enjoying it,” says Devika Gupta, a second year student, Hindu College.
However, the change of dates doesn’t matter much to students, who’re joining as fuchchas and are looking forward to joining classes tomorrow and being a part of the university.
Apula Singh, who is joining Lady Shri Ram College, Economic (Hons), says, “It doesn’t really matter to me. To be a part of college is a great feeling in itself. It’s a new start and it is nice to have changes every year. But with this new change, I hope they don’t introduce the semester system in commerce and I am praying that they give equal importance to extra-curricular activities.”
Seconds Sunakshi Sood, a student of Sociology, joining Kamla Nehru College, this year. “Initially, the news was shocking. The semester system is good for students, and if the dates are being pushed back to accommodate it, then it is completely justified.”