Delhi technological university has recently decided to conduct classes offline (PHYSICAL MODE) for the upcoming semester. Although, As students of esteemed Delhi technological university, We have the utmost respect for all the decisions that are taken by our university but we believe that the decision has the potential to create unforeseen ripples across multiple spheres. Therefore, we humbly beg to ask the following questions:

1. The new OMICRON variant has been rampant from the last few days in India. Scientists, Government, and concerned authorities are not sure if the Indian vaccines such as Covaxin, Covishield are effective against the new variant. With such confusion surrounding the new variant, would it be wise to expose the students without having the proper research first?

2. Its not possible to even comprehend the difficulties foreign students would face in coming to India. As we know India is going for restrictive "arrival to India" process whereby, some countries are not even allowed flights from India so in such scenario, leaving them on their own would be catastrophic for them.

3. The University host a wide number of students in a wide number of fields which has several “IMMUNOCOMPROMISED” students. Forcing immunocompromised students to attend classes when we are a more vulnerable lot and would be the first to suffer the consequences. A small exposure would be the end of life for those suffering from the weakened immune system. DTU stands for equality but this decision taken by DTU amidst such circumstances would create inequality where getting infected by virus might mean 14 days quarantine for some but end of life for others!

4. Some students may come from family of the belief known as “Anti- vaxxer’s”. Such students who have not had even the first shot of vaccine would be a threat to themselves and others. Would it be ethical to punish them and others for their parents or their own beliefs?

5. Students who have lost their parents and near dear ones in the wave of COVID 19 following July month would be still suffering from PTSD. Forcing such students to attend classes without proper counselling would create a mental health problem. It is still difficult to understand the trauma that these students would be feeling after stepping out on-premises where according to them, COVID19 could be lurking anywhere, would add to their stress, and would not let them a proper moment of rest. It would be difficult for such students to study when they would be stressed in fighting their own battle of mental issues. College should in such cases, either provide counselling or there might be deeper repercussions.

6. The biggest problem according to students is that the virus comes undetected and non- symptoms showing person can be a carrier. In such a scenario DTU could become the next “super spreader”. Omicron is being considered more severe than the “Delta” variant and Delhi is seeing a rise of 85 cases per day as we are writing this mail.

7. Many students who come from Faridabad, Noida, and opposite ends of Delhi would be far more at risk due to the daily travelling in DTC buses, Metros which might be “ hotspot “ of virus carriers. It would not be an exaggeration to say that most students out there have suffered from COVID 19 at least once in the past 2 years. Would their body be able to tolerate “another bout” of virus?

8. Most students of DTU have gotten one dose of vaccine so far, though effective, it would not give the immunity one should have while stepping out in crowded areas. One classroom should not have greater than 20-25 students according to Government’s directions. Therefore, arrangements for students should be as per Government’s orders.

DTU and its esteemed “Teacher body” have always been the first to resolve each and every issue faced by the students. We are sure that our concerns would be heeded, acknowledged, and appropriately responded by DTU. We are well aware that some students would prefer to take physical education mode but dismissing concerns of other students for one lot would be inhumane. We, students, request DTU to ponder over a “HYBRID” mode whereby an option to pursue “online education” would be given to the upper mentioned lot of students. This would create a healthy atmosphere whereby those at risk can get an education without being forced out in crowded areas.