DU Students infuriated over the prolonged college closure, initiate a social media campaign under #reopendu. However, the authorities say that colleges are unlikely to reopen anytime soon due to the covid-19 surge and the 2nd wave. Therefore, many students of the university have taken up the issue on social media through a Twitter storm under the hashtag #reopendu
Many students are struggling with online education and want to resume physical classes. The digital classes have been continuing for a year now, which further infuriates students. However, the rural area students are mostly hit and are victims of the digital gap. Connectivity issues, inadequate availability of course materials, and many other vital problems have posed hindrances.
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Memes, tweets, and petitions form the part of #reopendu
An online petition was started by the DU students around 2 weeks ago. Hence, 5,700 students have signed the petition now. Therefore, the rage and yearnings of the students are visible. The students say schools and colleges were shut down in March 2020 when the country went into lockdown. However, the majority of schools and colleges were allowed to reopen in February. But, DU colleges are only allowing final-year research scholars.
#reopendu was a hit in portraying problems:
Hence, the student started this social media campaign as a method of retaliation. They made memes and tweeted under #reopendu. The Twitter Storm was initiated on 30th March 2021 from 11 am by the DU students. Students not active on Twitter were also guided to make new accounts for the hashtag and mutual support. Hence, it was successful in catching the attention of the administration.
HUNGER STRIKE BY STUDENTS IN DU FOR COLLEGE REOPENING
Students ask the faculty to reopen colleges with proper safety measures. They even said that many students are suffering from depression due to the digital gap. Deependra Sharma says, “Student’s productivity had been hampered.” Being a village area student, he faces internet issues daily. Mrinal Rai from Ramjas College says, “There is no clarity of topics in online classes.” They don’t know what to study for the exams. Hence, the #reopendu incorporated all the problems faced by students on daily basis.
