A video of Dr. Pratyush Vatsala, principal of Delhi University’s Laxmibai College, applying cow dung on classroom walls has gone viral, sparking widespread discussion among the netizens. The move, aimed at combating the extreme summer heat in the capital, is part of an ongoing research project titled ‘Study of Heat Stress Control by Using Traditional Indian Knowledge’, led by a faculty member.
She is Principal of a college of my University. Duly plastering cow-shit on classroom walls. I am concerned about many things – to begin with- If you are an employer and applicant studied from an institution which has such academic leader- what are odds of her getting hired? pic.twitter.com/0olZutRudS
— Vijender Chauhan (@masijeevi) April 13, 2025
Defending her actions, Dr. Vatsala told PTI, “It is under process. I will be able to share details of the full research after a week. The research is being carried out in porta cabins. I coated one of them myself because there’s no harm in touching natural mud. Some people are spreading misinformation without knowing the full details.”
The experiment is focused on C Block classrooms, where indigenous methods are being used to cool the interiors. The principal reportedly shared the video herself in a WhatsApp group of faculty members, writing, “Those who have classes here will soon get these rooms in a new look. Efforts are being made to make your teaching experience pleasant.”
Established in 1965, Laxmibai College is a women’s college named after Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi and has five academic blocks.
Here’ how netizens reacted to the video
The principal’s actions have received mixed reactions on social media. While some criticized it as “gimmicky” or questioned whether such experiments were allowed, others supported her use of traditional methods. “It’s all about ‘principles’,” quipped one user.
Another said, “This is all for the camera. She’s probably eyeing a promotion.” Another said, “Is she doing an experiment? Is she allowed to do such an experiment?”, “Don’t be surprised, she may get Teacher of the Year award”.
However, many praised the initiative: “This is common in villages. Cow dung is a natural insulator,” one user wrote. Another added, “Kudos to her… this reminds me of my childhood in rural India.” “Cow dung keeps the building cool! It acts like a heat barrier”, “My grandmother used to do this, when i was 5-6 yrs old. We moved to pakka house in city after that. But i think, ab hum puraane yug mein firse waaps jaa rhe hain,” said another user.