After a spate of attacks on Africans in the national capital, the Delhi University has assured students from the continent that they would find a safe and secure environment not only in the varsity but in its hostels as well. In order to bridge the language barrier, the varsity is also planning to launch a Hindi course for its African students. During an interactive session on Tuesday, Delhi University deputy dean of foreign students’ registry Amrit Kaur Basra, dean of students’ welfare J.M. Khurana, dean of international relations Anand Prakash and Prof. Suresh Singh from the department of African studies, told the African students that all measures would be taken to ensure there is a cordial atmosphere on the campus for the African students to pursue their respective careers. The DU authorities were expecting a large turnout, but only 10 African students showed up for the session. “Our meeting was aimed at knowing their mind. After the unfortunate incidents in the recent past, we wanted to give them surety that the university is committed to provide full security to them and make their hostel accommodation safe,” Dr Basra said.
Recently, some Africans were attacked in Rajpur Khurd village in South Delhi’s Chhattarpur area, a week after a Congolese national was beaten to death in Vasant Kunj. These incidents had sent shock waves among the community.
Dr Basra said the varsity was also making efforts to make students aware that all students from the African continent were not only South African nationals. “Many people have this perspective that African students belong to only South Africa, but in reality there are about 54 such other countries.”
Prof. Anand Prakash maintained that the university would soon start a Hindi course from this academic session for the African students so that they can be easily understand the language to interact freely with their classmates and respective faculty. The university is also planning to organise cultural events so that people can be more aware about the African students.
