Students, colleges step up for Satya Niketan collapse victims

After a boys' PG building collapsed in Satya Niketan on Sunday afternoon, student bodies across Delhi University campuses have stepped in to assist those affected. From arranging temporary accommodation and food to sharing SOS numbers, helpline details and verified information on social media, students are helping affected peers access immediate support. As per a BBC report, authorities confirmed on Monday that seven of the 12 victims rushed to the hospital had died, while adding that around 40 people were believed to be trapped under the debris.The North East Students' Association (NESA) of Sri Venkateswara College told us that they're working to help those who may need support, including by arranging alternative accommodation. 'As a student body, we are currently making a list of all alternative accommodation options which we can share with our NESA students, so that they can shift there. Our college has also opened its gates for the students, especially for girls from any college, providing food and accommodation facilities,' Devyani Lama, President of NESA shared.Student bodies are ensuring that verified information and assistive contacts are readily circulated. A student from the Political Science department of Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College informed us, 'While most of our team members live in and around the Satya Niketan area, much of our assistance has been focused on coordinating support and helping students stay informed. Additionally, the college gates have been kept open for any student in distress and even our departmental professors have been personally reaching out to students to check on them and extend whatever assistance they can.' Pragati Mishra, a third year History student at Aryabhatta College, told us, 'We are helping students by arranging temporary accommodation for them and circulating information about other forms of assistance being provided. I first went to my college campus to see how things were being managed, and then I went to Satya Niketan, where people were helping students with food and accommodation. Our college is also providing accommodation and food for students. There are a few groups of active students working on the ground.'A master's student living in a DU hostel told us, 'I was with my friend in his PG near the collapsed building yesterday. Around midnight we were asked to evacuate and we left only with a few essentials. My friend and I are now in the hostel.' Students are taking shelter in hostels and nearby campuses.Across DU, colleges are stepping in with both support and relief material for students affected by the incident. The Women's Development Cell of Maitreyi College is offering mental health and psychological first aid for students residing in the area. In a post online, the WDC wrote, 'WDC is extending emotional support and psychological first aid to students to safeguard their well-being. We are providing a safe space for peer interaction and facilitating confidential conversations with the WDC committee, offering students solidarity and comfort during this difficult time. A specialised professional student helpline is also available for those who require immediate support.''We stand in solidarity with every affected member of our community and remain committed to supporting all students and their families during these difficult times,' said Prof Vandna Luthra, Officiating Principal of Gargi College, in a statement. She added, 'Students who have been displaced may contact us immediately. Anyone can reach out for temporary accommodation, food, shelter, and any other assistance. We request everyone to prioritise their safety. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families and friends.'Prof Arun Kumar Attree, principal, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College also extended support. In an official statement by the college, the principal said, 'In these difficult times, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College stands firmly with every affected student. As a measure of immediate support, and in view of the safety concerns arising from the incident, any student of a University of Delhi college residing at Satya Niketan who is required to vacate their accommodation due to safety reasons may temporarily stay at Shaheed Bhagat Singh College until suitable alternative arrangements are made.'