DU’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ run aims to engage 5,000 students; BJP leader collaborates in organising efforts

Delhi University is hosting a unique event named the ‘Run for Viksit Bharat’ on May 8, 2024. Vikas Gupta, the Registrar of Delhi University, mentioned that approximately 5,000 students will join in this run. The University’s goal for this event is to increase awareness in our community and work towards making India a developed country by 2047. There are questions about why the University is holding this event during the Lok Sabha elections and why there are rules called the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). But Vikas Gupta clarified that the event isn’t about backing any specific political party. Instead, it’s about encouraging students to vote and be more involved in the democratic process.

The University of Delhi and the Vikas Bharat Ambassador Club are teaming up to organise this event. What’s notable is that during a planning meeting for this event, Kuljeet Chahal, a BJP member, was present. The involvement of BJP leader Kuljeet Chahal in the planning process adds an interesting dimension to the event. Chahal’s position as a ‘Viksit Bharat Ambassador’ highlights how politics and development efforts can come together. People might wonder if the event has anything to do with politics because a BJP leader, Kuljeet Chahal, was involved. But the University says the event is about education, not politics. Chahal is known for doing different political and community jobs, like being in charge of the Namo app and working for the New Delhi Municipal Council. He calls himself a ‘Viksit Bharat Ambassador’ online, but we couldn’t get his opinion on this.

The run will go for 2.4 kilometres, starting from the first gate of the University to the sports complex. It is vital to understand that the New Delhi Municipal Council does not control these areas. Choosing this route from University Gate no 1 to the University sports complex shows moving forward and getting better. By organising the run within the university premises, the event ensures the active participation of students while avoiding any problems with who’s in charge of what area.

When the election date was announced on March 16, some rules called the Model Code of Conduct came into play. The Election Commission of India then said on March 21 that messages about ‘Vikshit Bharat’ should stop during this time. This was because some messages were still being sent out despite the rules. However, Vikas Gupta made it clear that the University’s event isn’t linked to any political party or Government department. It’s just a university event to motivate students, he said.

Basically, the ‘Run for Viksit Bharat’ is Delhi University’s way of getting students involved in their country’s development without focusing on politics. It’s a good thing the University is doing to encourage students to care about their country and work together for its progress. This event shows that Delhi University wants everyone to be part of making positive changes, no matter their political views.