I-day celebrations go online in Delhi colleges and universities

nNEW DELHI: Universities and colleges in Delhi organised virtual events to mark the 74th year of independence even though the Covid-19 pandemic and mandatory social distancing norms limited the celebrations.

Institutes such as Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi University, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and Indian Institute of Technology-delhi held smallscale flag-hoisting ceremonies on the campus.

Delhi University colleges such as Delhi College of Arts and Commerce (DCAC) conducted virtual events to celebrate.

Anuradha Gupta, DCAC principal, said, “The flag-hoisting ceremony happened through web application and the national anthem was played online. We commemorated the sacrifices of freedom fighters and lesserknown scientists and entrepreneurs. Students recited poems and we screened a short film on nation-builders. We brought forward educationists, teachers and students on the platform.”

Jamia organised a virtual poetry symposium on Friday evening. “Teachers and officers working in different departments of the university recited poems in six languages, including Sanskit, Persian, Hindi and English,” said media coordinator Ahmad Azeem.

The JNU unit of the National Service Scheme conducted an online competition. “We are inviting video submissions from people who have been social change makers. They will be uploaded on our social media platforms and the ones with most views and likes will be awarded on August 20,” said Abhivyakti Vivek, a postgraduate student and the NSS convener at JNU.

The Delhi University Students’ Union organised virtual Independence Day celebrations throughout the week. From poetry recitals to debates and quizzes, DUSU invited students to participate in online events.