In an unusual attempt to counter the summer heat, the principal of Delhi University’s Lakshmibai College Pratyush Vatsala was seen applying cow dung on the walls of a classroom, calling it a “desi” solution to heat-related complaints.
Vatsala is seen standing on a chair, applying cow dung to the walls of a room in C Block, assisted by college staff. The principal wrote on the group, “Desi methods are being adopted to address complaints about the heat in C Block. Those who have classes here will soon receive these rooms in a new form. Efforts are underway to make your teaching experience more comfortable.”
Speaking to media - Vatsala said, “It is part of the research proposal by faculty called the ‘Study of Heat Stress Control by Using Traditional Indian Knowledge’” and did not elaborate further.
While cow dung has been traditionally used in rural Indian homes for its natural cooling properties, its application in an urban educational institution has raised curiosity amongst students.
A final-year undergraduate student said, “Although basic facilities like fans are present in the classroom, a back-to-the-roots solution was given by the principal to beat the heat. It was surprising.”
Another student, who is part of the college’s student union, said they have been receiving several complaints over the past week about rising temperatures and malfunctioning fans. “This particular classroom is above the canteen and is part of one of the older buildings. We are not sure how the classroom will function after the cow dung has been applied. We plan to visit next week and speak to the students,” the student said.
A section of the faculty criticised this move.