100 Years Of Fests, Elections, Societies And A Culture That Sets Apart DU From Others!

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After a century-long journey that began in colonial India and culminated with the graduation of its last class on May 1, Delhi University celebrated its 100th anniversary.

The university that kick-started its journey from three colleges in 1992 (St. Stephen's College which was founded in 1881 as part of the Cambridge Mission to Delhi, The Hindu College in 1899, and Ramjas College in 1917), is now with 90 colleges and more than 4 lakh students.

“We started with only three colleges — St. Stephen’s, Hindu and Ramjas. Now we have 90 colleges. In 1922, we had two faculties — Arts and Science. Now we have 16… eight departments, now we have 86 departments. We started with just 750 students, now we have 6,06,228 students. When we started in 1922, we only had 1,380 books in the library. But now we have 17,00,853 books, and in addition to this we have digital media and different types of databases.” - Yogesh Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Delhi University

Birth of Delhi University

It was in 1911 when Delhi was chosen as the new capital of India. With World War I, conflicts over the intended university's structure clubbed with a lack of funding delayed the project for an additional 11 years.

Finally, the Delhi University Bill was proposed in the Imperial Legislative Assembly on January 16, 1922, with the goal of creating a teaching and living university in the capital of British India. On February 22, the Assembly approved the bill, and on February 28, the Council of States passed it. On April 6, 1922, Viceroy Lord Reading became Chancellor and Hari Singh Gour became the Vice-Chancellor.

Initial phase of struggle

The first decade of the university's existence saw significant additions, including the Faculty of Law in 1924, the revival of Delhi College as Anglo-Arabic College the same year and its affiliation with DU (today's Zakir Husain Delhi College), the beginning of Commercial College in 1926 (today's Shri Ram College of Commerce), and the inauguration of Lady Irwin College in 1932.

The institution was situated in the Ritz Cinema building, Curzon House on Alipur Road, and a section of the Old Secretariat building during this transitory period. In 1923, the Viceregal Lodge and Estate near the Ridge eventually agreed to give it a permanent home.

“As a result the university played a very small part in the life of the capital and no part in the life of India as a whole. It did not attract undergraduate or postgraduate students from other parts of India, and had very little academic society of its own. It remained scarcely known outside Delhi, and even there, it inspired little confidence.”

- Aparna Basu, Historian, Essay ‘The Foundation and Early History of Delhi University’, Volume ‘Delhi Through The Ages’

Journey to the ‘Most-Desired University’

Affiliated with 77 institutions and 16 faculties, Delhi University proved itself as one of the greatest unifying influences in the New India. As the city’s demographic character underwent changes, accommodation of new colleges into its ambit kept on increasing.

Not to miss out on the students living far from University’s central points, colleges like Aditi Mahavidyalaya in Bawana, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College in Dwarka, Keshav Mahavidyalaya in Pitampura, Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar College in Yamuna Vihar, have been incorporated into the university.

Ranked 12 in the University Ranking and 19 in the overall category by NIRF, Delhi University always emphasized self-assurance in its students and helped them develop their entire personalities.

What makes DU ‘Dil ki Dhadkan’?

Delhi University is well-known for providing academic excellence to its students, along with extra-curricular activities. Students at Delhi University have access to a plethora of new opportunities. Throughout their time on campus, students are exposed to new experiences and opportunities that help them gain confidence and develop their personalities.

Let the culture speak!

The cultural societies of Delhi University are well-known. 

• Ibtida- The Dramatic Society of Hindu College
• Orpheus- Western Music Society of Miranda House
• Glitz- The Fashion Society of Kamla Nehru College
• Sparx- The Dance Society of Gargi College

If you enroll in any of the colleges of the university and want to have a good time, cultural society is the way to go.This process is just as difficult as applying to college, from auditions to final selection you must make every effort to join and become a member. Whether you enjoy dancing or signing, Delhi University has you covered with all of its various societies.

Aao Aao Natak Dekho…

Members of the dramatic society can be found practicing around campus, and their loud voices and impressive displays of talent will undoubtedly catch your attention. Whether you enjoy acting and signing or writing and playing an instrument, the Dramatic Society will provide you with everything you need. If you enjoy drama and theater, the dramatic society is the place to be.

• Shunya- Ramjas College 
• Ibtida- Hindu College
• Verve- Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies
• Ankur- Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College
• Moksh- Sri Aurobindo College

Let’s Go 5 6 7 8…..

This is the place for you if you know how to grove to a beat and swing your body. Whether you prefer folk or Western dance, you will find both at the Dance societies of Delhi University Colleges. Joining college dance societies can help you learn about different dance forms.

• Nataraj- Maharaja Agrasen College 
• Misba- Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce
• Crunk- Shri Aurobindo College
• Zestreets- College of Vocational studies
• Spardha- Shaheed Bhagat Singh College

Sa Re Ga Ma Pa…….

If you find solace in music and enjoy performing, the music societies of many colleges have you covered. If you appreciate singing Indian or Western music,the music societies have separate groups concentrating on different areas of music.With so many different things to learn like acabella, classical, rock etc, you're bound to learn a lot.

• Geetanjali of Miranda House
• Swaranjali of Hansraj College
• Dhwani- (Indian Music Society) Lady Shri Ram College
• Euphony- (Western Music Society) Gargi College
• Musoc- Kirori Mal College 

DUPC- Delhi University Photography Club

The society is for all DU students, not just students from one college. DUPC is ideal for those who want to be a part of a photography society with students from other colleges, not just their own. There are no auditions or selection processes in society. Anyone with an interest in photography is welcome to join the club.

Delhi University Election

The spirit of the elections is people approaching you on campus and asking for your vote. Roads clogged with several organizations conducting their own electoral campaigns. As part of their campaign, campaigners will stand outside the metro station, soliciting votes and even providing free e-rickshaw rides to college students. September is jam-packed with events such as free giveaways and class cancellations. Along with the cultural fests and societies Delhi University is also known for its elections. If you are a newcomer, be prepared for all the attention.

Over the years, Delhi University has evolved into more of an experience than a regular university. For students, time spent on campus is the most liberating and empowering, and Delhi University does not disappoint. Every student who attended Delhi University remembers their time there fondly. It is a memory they will treasure for the rest of their lives.

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