The 2025 Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections concluded with Aryan Maan of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) claiming the prestigious president’s seat. However, the true highlight of the contest was Joslyn Nandita Choudhary, the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) candidate, who made history as the first woman in 17 years to run for president from her party. Though she didn’t win, her campaign powerfully championed critical issues such as student welfare, gender inclusivity, and campus equality.
A Journey from Jodhpur to Delhi University
Choudhary, 23, grew up in Pal Gaon, a farming community in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. As the only daughter of a farmer father and homemaker mother, her decision to pursue higher education in Delhi marked a significant personal achievement, reflecting the evolving landscape of India’s university system.
Joining Delhi University in 2019, she is currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in Buddhist Studies. Her academic background, deeply rooted in philosophy and ethics, profoundly influenced her perspective and shaped her campaign themes, which focused on inclusivity, equality, and gender sensitivity.
A Campaign Rooted in Student Concerns
Leveraging her extensive experience as a Delhi University student, Choudhary built her election platform around issues that directly impact campus life. Her manifesto prominently featured:
- Expanding much-needed hostel facilities for students.
- Creating additional comfortable reading spaces.
- Ensuring hygienic washrooms and improved sanitation across campus.
- Boosting women’s safety measures on campus.
- Proposing a 12-day menstrual leave policy for female students.
- Reinstating the Gender Sensitisation Committee Against Sexual Harassment (GSCASH).
She also critically examined the four-year undergraduate program, arguing that it has exacerbated pressure on classroom availability, hostel accommodation, and overall university infrastructure.
Breaking Barriers, Leaving a Lasting Impact
Despite the eventual victory of Aryan Maan and the ABVP, Choudhary’s campaign has left an undeniable legacy. Her candidacy wasn’t merely an NSUI organizational move; it embodied the broader aspirations of women striving for leadership in student politics. For many, her participation alone was a landmark event, signaling a powerful shift as women leaders courageously reclaim their rightful place in a sphere traditionally dominated by men.
Education: A Pathway to Public Leadership
Choudhary’s academic journey and her personal experience as a Delhi University student were central to her campaign’s appeal. She became a symbol of a first-generation student from a rural background ascending to contest one of the nation’s most high-profile student elections. Her remarkable trajectory underscores a vital and growing trend: education as a potent force, bridging individual ambition with impactful public leadership.