In a surprising incident at a Delhi University college, a principal reportedly painted a classroom wall with cow dung, claiming it as a traditional purification practice. The act has triggered a mix of outrage, curiosity, and cultural debate across campus and online. University authorities are yet to comment officially.
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New Delhi – A surprising incident at one of Delhi University’s constituent colleges has sparked wide-ranging debate after a principal allegedly ordered the application of cow dung on the classroom walls, citing it as a traditional practice of purification and energy cleansing. The move has left students, faculty, and netizens divided—while some view it as a return to cultural roots, others see it as unscientific and unhygienic.
The incident took place at a government-aided college affiliated with Delhi University, where the principal reportedly directed staff to mix cow dung with water and apply it to the inner wall of a classroom that was set to host a cultural activity. Photos of the room, visibly stained with greenish-brown patches and carrying the distinct odor of cow dung, quickly surfaced on social media platforms.
The action has raised eyebrows across academic and political circles, with student groups and teaching staff calling for a formal inquiry. While the principal defended the move as “a symbolic gesture aligned with Indian tradition,” critics have condemned it as an act rooted in superstition rather than science.
In an informal statement to local reporters, the principal allegedly said, “For centuries, cow dung has been used to purify homes and spaces before religious or community functions. I don’t see anything wrong with reviving a harmless, eco-friendly practice.” She further claimed the act was not meant to offend but to create an atmosphere of spiritual positivity during the upcoming college function.
However, the explanation hasn’t gone down well with several students and faculty members. “Classrooms are meant for learning, not rituals. This sets a dangerous precedent,” said a senior professor from the same college. Another student questioned, “If cow dung is acceptable now, what’s next? We need science, not symbolism.”
The event has not just become a campus controversy but a political talking point. Representatives from student unions like AISA and NSUI condemned the act, calling it “unconstitutional” and “a misuse of institutional space for religious posturing.” Some faculty unions are demanding the intervention of the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish clear protocols on cultural practices within academic settings.
Meanwhile, Hindu traditionalist groups have supported the act, praising the principal for “courageously reintroducing ancient Indian wisdom into modern education.” A few have even suggested workshops on the uses of panchgavya (a mixture of five cow products), adding to the intensity of the debate.
Amidst the cultural storm, health professionals have issued warnings. According to Dr. Neha Rawat, a microbiologist from AIIMS, “Cow dung, while organic, can be a carrier of bacteria and parasites. Using it indoors in classrooms without ventilation poses respiratory risks, especially for asthmatic or allergic individuals.”
No major health complaints have been reported yet, but the Delhi University health committee has been informed and may send a team to inspect the classroom.
Despite the growing buzz, the Delhi University administration has so far remained silent. No official statement has been issued, and university officials have reportedly sought a preliminary report from the college’s governing body.
Student protests have begun brewing across DU campuses, with posters and placards reading “No Cow Dung in Classrooms” appearing in several departments. A protest march is being planned for the upcoming weekend.
Photos of the cow dung-painted wall have gone viral, with reactions ranging from amusement to outrage. Memes flooded Twitter and Instagram, while others raised genuine concerns over the saffronization of educational spaces.
Some X (formerly Twitter) users praised the act, calling it a “green initiative,” while others slammed it as “medieval and regressive.” Hashtags like #CowDungClassroom, #DUControversy, and #PrincipalPurifier trended briefly during the day.
Experts warn that this is not an isolated incident. With rising cultural assertiveness across campuses, acts like these reflect a broader shift where education, tradition, and politics increasingly intersect. Whether the application of cow dung was meant as a spiritual gesture or a political statement, it underscores the growing tension between modern science and cultural revivalism in India’s academic spaces.
As the debate continues, students and educators await clarity from Delhi University on whether such practices will be permitted in the future—or whether they will be strictly discouraged under the banner of scientific temper.
