DUSU elections have always been a barometer of the socio-political mood among the youth of the National capital of India. Through the years, the student community has seen its share of landmark achievements, and of those, the election of women presidents is especially notable. Although DUSU has mostly remained male-dominated, five girls have broken the mold and left an indelible mark in its history. From Anju Sachdeva in 1989 to Nupur Sharma in 2008, these presidents are a symbol of inspiration as well as the challenges of student politics.
Anju Sachdeva – The Trailblazer (1989)
In 1989, Anju Sachdeva wrote history by emerging as the first woman president of Delhi University Student Union. She won as an independent candidate, and her triumph was not only a testament to her individual success but also a landmark victory for women’s involvement in student politics. Sachdeva’s victory demonstrated that leadership in DUSU didn’t have to belong to political parties and that independent voices could be heard by students.
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Monika Kakkar – Strengthening the Footsteps (1993)
In 1993, Monika Kakkar was the second woman elected to the DUSU president’s post. Her tenure was characterized by prioritizing student welfare and representation while the university was facing several issues, including infrastructure shortages and heightened student activism.
Shalu Malik – Carrying the Torch Forward (1994)
Even a year later, in 1994, the mantle was passed on to Shalu Malik as DUSU president. Malik’s win highlighted the increasing acceptance of women leaders within the student body. Malik was popular for her organizational abilities and skills of reaching out to students in different colleges. Her leadership further increased the confidence of woman contestants to enter mainstream student politics, which tended to be aggressive and male-dominated.
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Alka Lamba – The Fiery Leader (1995)
In 1995, Alka Lamba won and created yet another page of history in women leadership in DUSU. Lamba’s aggressive speeches and political clout made her a name outside the university gate as well. She later switched to active politics, occupying several top positions. Her journey to success turned her into one of the most noted names among DUSU women presidents
Nupur Sharma – The Last Woman President (2008)
After over a decade, in 2008, Nupur Sharma was elected the fifth woman DUSU president. A student of Delhi University’s Faculty of Law, Sharma was from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Being an effective debater and articulate leader, she was a common sight in political debates even outside the campus.
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The Long Gap Since 2008
Ever since these five women achieved their success, there has been no woman president in DUSU since 2008. This long gap indicates the continuing gender gap in student politics, with combative campaigning, money power, and political support often proving to be obstacles to female candidates.
