New Delhi: Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Monday announced that her govt would soon fulfil the long-standing demand for concessional metro passes for students. Gupta also assured students of safe, modern, and affordable transport facilities. She announced that more University Special buses would be introduced in the coming days, in addition to the concessional metro passes. Speaking at Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad’s annual event, Swayamsiddha 2025, at Delhi University‘s Sports Complex, Gupta reflected on her journey from being a student activist to taking over as CM. Gupta stressed on how the campus life plays a defining role in shaping future leaders. She urged young people to make their college years “more memorable by engaging in meaningful causes.” “ABVP gave direction to my life — it was my very first ‘management course’,” Gupta recalled. She said her introduction to the organisation during her early college years — when she witnessed its consistent efforts to address student issues — inspired her to join. That experience, she added, gave her first platform, motivating her to work for society and the nation. Highlighting the broader purpose of education, CM said, “Education is not limited to books alone; it also nurtures self-confidence, self-reliance, and a sense of responsibility towards society. University students are the pivot of the nation’s future and must move forward with determination and courage to realise their dreams.” Praising Swayamsiddha, which honoured women achievers, Gupta said the event demonstrates that “daughters have the full ability to achieve their dreams independently.” Encouraging students to embrace resilience, she told them, “Within every ‘impossible’, lies ‘I am possible’.” On the occasion, she honoured 500 girls excelling in academics, sports, and other fields with certificates of merit and mementos. Gupta described the recognition of 20,000 students at Swayamsiddha as a landmark achievement, calling it “not just a number but a decisive step in shaping the direction of the youth’s future.” CM underlined that the present era belongs to women’s leadership and empowerment. She encouraged the students to make their mark in every field. The event was also attended by ABVP’s national girls’ in-charge Manu Sharma Kataria, national secretary Shivangi Kharwal, DUSU vice-president Bhanu Pratap Singh, among other distinguished guests.
