We, the students of Hansraj, unconditionally condemn and protest the construction of a GauShala, dubbed as a “Swami Dayanand Cow-Protection and Research Centre” at the very site which was reserved for a women’s hostel whose construction has been on hold for many years now.  

In 2019, our principal – Dr. Rama –gave an interview to a mainstream newspaper emphasising the need for a women’s hostel. It is an understood fact within the student community in Hansraj that this land has only been allotted to keep a charade when the NIRF Rankings come knocking at our door. Women who come from regions other than the NCR find it terribly difficult to find safe and affordable housing in the city. For them, the facility of a hostel on campus – especially for scholarship/reservation students who may get some concessions – is the best option to pursue their academics.

According to Youth4Work, the male to female ratio of Hansraj College is as low as 62:38. An anecdote notes that “Many women applicants say they prefer admission in a college with a hostel because their parents feel more comfortable if they are accommodated on the campus rather than in rented places outside.”

As colleges shut down because of the pandemic, our college administration demanded full and bulk fees payment even though most of our families were suffering economic hardships. Now imagine our surprise when we learn that while the campus has been shut, the college has finished the construction of a full-fledged GauShala without any warning or discussion with the student community. The need for one is something none of us are able to even begin to fathom. Most of us are well aware that the symbol of a cow is used to embody and encourage the principles of Hindutva, we can see that in our society with the rise of violence under the garb of Cow Vigilantes as well as in our education sector with the introduction of a national cow exam by the UGC not too long ago.

This shows the true lack of concern the administration has for its students. We find it disgusting that our college administration prioritises the “protection and promotion” of cows instead of struggling female students whose interests are being side-lined for such an absurd decision.

We will take out a vigorous campaign against this decision and demand that the GauShala is broken down and the construction of the long-awaited women's hostel is started. Help us reach our goal and sign this petition. Spread the word! Get your friends and classmates to sign too!