Delhi University opened on Wednesday with thousands of students stepping into a new phase of their life amidst tight security by the police personnel to curb ragging. Breaking its 30-year-old tradition, the university commenced its academic session for the year 2010-11 on July 21, instead of July 16. No untoward incident came to light.
“It’s like a dream come true. I always wanted to join DU and am happy to have joined with my friends,” said a cheerful Kriti Singh, a first-year student of the Hindu College.
With some first year students’ parents coming all the way to drop them to their colleges on the first day of the session, traffic jams were reported in the university area. But the irritant could not dampen the enthusiasm of fresh students who, in their colourful attire, seemed to be having a great time.
Though no ragging took place but informal introduction did take place in most of the colleges. “The senior interacted with us asked us are name and to sing a song which was fun. None harassed us,” said Sharbani Bhattacharjee, a fresher.
All colleges opened at 8 am and most planned orientation programmes for students on the first day. Strict anti-ragging arrangements were in place in the North and South Campuses of the university.