Delhi college principal smears ‘gobbar’ on classroom walls to beat the heat, students say, “asked for fans, not cow dung”

In an unusual and surprising move, the principal of Delhi University's Lakshmibai College has taken matters into her own hands, quite literally, to cool down classrooms during the summer heat. According to a TOI report, she used cow dung to coat the walls of one of the college’s oldest classrooms, claiming it was part of a traditional method to bring down indoor temperatures.

Pratyush Vatsala, the principal, personally applied cow dung to the walls of a classroom in Block C, which is known for getting extremely hot during summers. A video of her spreading the cow dung with her hands, alongside some other staff members, was shared in the college’s internal WhatsApp group for teachers.



However, the video didn’t stay private for long. It soon landed on social media, where it sparked a mix of reactions, some people praised her eco-friendly approach, while others were confused or critical.

Cow dung has traditionally been used in rural India to coat floors and walls. It’s believed to offer cooling effects, act as an insect repellent, and even have antibacterial properties. Some African communities also use similar techniques. In fact, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had once launched paint made from cow dung, promoting it as an eco-friendly and non-toxic option.

But using this rural method in a modern urban college has raised eyebrows.

What are students and teachers saying?

Students and faculty members feel the real issue is not being addressed. Many classrooms in Block C lack proper fans, ventilation, or cooling systems. Even the washrooms are in poor condition.

"Some rooms are definitely hot, but no one asked for cow dung," a student told TOI. "We just need proper fans, or at least coolers.”

Another teacher said that while the principal’s intention may have been good, the method isn’t practical for the college’s cement-heavy infrastructure.

What did the principal say?

When contacted by TOI, Principal Vatsala said that the cow dung application was part of a "research proposal by faculty". She seemed to suggest that this was an experimental method rooted in sustainability and traditional knowledge.

Experts weigh in

Architects and environmental experts have noted that while cow dung has natural cooling properties, it doesn’t offer much when used on concrete buildings. It also lacks the strength or durability to be a replacement for modern cooling systems like fans, coolers, or air conditioners.

They added that if Lakshmibai College truly wants to tackle heat in classrooms, it must invest in proper infrastructure instead of relying on symbolic gestures.

Inputs from TOI