Delhi University Students Hit Back at Principal’s Cow Dung Cooling Plan

New Delhi [India] April 16: At Delhi’s Lakshmibai College, something unexpected happened. The principal, Dr. Pratyush Vatsala, used cow dung on classroom walls to keep the rooms cool during Delhi’s heat. She said it was part of a research project. But when the video of her doing this was shared, people were shocked. Some found it funny, some were angry, and others asked why there were no coolers or fans instead.

Students Return the Favour

Days later, a new video shocked everyone again. This time, the Students’ Union president Ronak Khatri entered the principal’s office and applied cow dung on her walls too. He said, “If madam wants cow dung cooling, she should try it herself.” Students said they were not asked before using cow dung in their classrooms. They felt disrespected and used this act to make their voice heard.

The AC Controversy

After the protest, students joked that now the principal should remove her air conditioner and sit in the “natural cool” she believes in. Many questioned why such an old method was tested in classrooms while the principal's office had proper cooling. The protest raised doubts about fairness and whether students were treated equally or just used for experiments.

Backed by History, But Still Debatable

Cow dung has been used in Indian villages for years to cool homes. People mix it with mud and apply it on walls. It also keeps insects away. In fact, even a minister once launched cow dung-based paint. But in big cities like Delhi, especially in cement buildings with poor airflow, such things may not work. Experts say cow dung can’t cool big buildings like proper fans or ACs can.

A Call for Real Solutions

Students say the real issue is not cow dung but the bad condition of classrooms. Old buildings, no ventilation, no coolers, and broken fans are the real reason for the heat. Instead of testing ancient methods, they want proper repairs. The protest was loud and messy, but it raised an important question: should students suffer for someone else’s experiment?

Is This Disrespect?

While the protest by Ronak Khatri and his team was aimed at challenging the principal's unconventional method, one must ask if this was the right way to express disagreement. Disrespecting the principal and teachers by mimicking the act of smearing cow dung in their office sends a wrong message. Though their anger over the lack of student consent is understandable, targeting faculty members in such a way undermines the authority and efforts of educators who are working hard within their limitations. It's important to find respectful ways to voice concerns without crossing boundaries.