Move Fearlessly: CM Rekha Gupta Empowers Students at Daulat Ram College
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta returns to her alma mater, Daulat Ram College, to launch new academic centres and announce major safety upgrades for women.
In a poignant return to her roots, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi, to inaugurate a series of new facilities aimed at enhancing academic excellence and skill development. Addressing a crowd of aspiring students, the Chief Minister delivered a powerful message: every girl in Delhi must be able to move forward fearlessly, backed by a government committed to protecting their safety, dignity, and fundamental rights.
Boosting Infrastructure and Skill Development
The visit was marked by the official opening of the Centenary Academic Building, the Computer Centre, and the Skill Development Centre. CM Gupta emphasized that modern education must transcend the mere acquisition of a degree. She urged the institution to focus on equipping students with technical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring they become self-reliant individuals capable of navigating the complexities of professional life.
During her tour of the campus, the Chief Minister inspected several key areas to gauge the quality of student life and learning, including:
- The Faculty Reading Room and seminar room.
- The Shri Ramalaya located within the library.
- The college's recycling unit and bakery unit.
Recognizing the need for further infrastructure upgrades, CM Gupta discussed the renovation of the college auditorium and pledged her full cooperation to ensure the project is completed.
A Personal Journey: From Student Leader to Chief Minister
The event held deep personal significance for the Chief Minister, who is an alumna of Daulat Ram College. Reflecting on her time as a student, she revealed that her foray into public service began right here, serving as the general secretary of the college students' union.
"The responsibilities I undertook during my time in student politics helped me understand people's problems and motivated me to work towards resolving them," she shared.
She expressed a sense of fulfillment in now being able to address the very issues she once raised as a student, but now on a much larger, city-wide scale.
Prioritizing Women's Safety in the Capital
Moving beyond the campus, CM Gupta outlined a comprehensive security blueprint for Delhi. She stressed that the burden of safety should not fall solely on women, calling for a systemic shift in societal mindsets. She argued that instead of restricting girls, society must teach boys and men to respect women.
To translate this vision into reality, the Chief Minister announced two major technological interventions:
- Smart Lighting: The installation of 1 lakh smart streetlights across Delhi, connected to a Control and Command Centre. This system will allow the government to identify and fix faulty lights rapidly, eliminating "dark spots" in public spaces.
- Enhanced Surveillance: A plan to install 50,000 new CCTV cameras across the national capital to strengthen surveillance and improve citizen safety.
Encouraging Courage and Talent
The Chief Minister also launched the ‘Miss DRC Talent Hunt’, urging students to step out of their comfort zones and showcase their unique abilities. This spirit of empowerment was further highlighted when students from the Mahila Vikas Samiti demonstrated self-defence techniques. CM Gupta praised their alertness and confidence, noting that such training is vital for self-protection and mental strength.
In her closing remarks, she encouraged students to trust their judgment, speak out against harassment or intimidation, and have the courage to make their own life decisions without fear.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh, Daulat Ram College Principal Prof. Savita Roy, and chairman of the college governing body Mukul Gupta, among other faculty members and students.