Delhi CM Rekha Gupta inaugurates Centenary Block at Daulat Ram College
Synopsis
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta returned to her alma mater Daulat Ram College on Tuesday to inaugurate its Centenary Academic Block — and in doing so, offered one of the more personal speeches of her tenure, tracing her path from a self-described backbencher to the head of Delhi's government, while calling out AI and skill-based learning as the tools that will define the college's next century.
Key Takeaways
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta inaugurated the Centenary Academic Block at Daulat Ram College, Delhi University on 27 October 2026 .
Gupta is an alumna of the college and attended the event as Chief Guest .
She credited the college's faculty with transforming her from a 'backbencher' into the Chief Minister of Delhi.
The college now offers skill-based courses and focuses on Artificial Intelligence (AI) preparedness for women students.
Gupta noted that thousands of Daulat Ram graduates are making their mark nationally across various fields.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, inaugurated the Centenary Academic Block at Daulat Ram College, Delhi University — her own alma mater — in a ceremony that carried personal resonance as much as institutional significance. Gupta, who attended the event as Chief Guest, credited the college with shaping her journey from a self-described backbencher to the head of the Delhi government.
A Personal Homecoming
Addressing the gathering, CM Gupta reflected on her student days with candour. 'It is truly a moment of great happiness for me to come here to my own college. I believe Daulat Ram College has played a very important role in the journey I have undertaken from there to where I am today,' she said.
She recalled the quiet habits of her school years — preferring a seat at the back, avoiding teachers' gaze — and attributed her transformation to the encouragement of the college's faculty. 'The professors and faculty at Daulat Ram College always gave us such strong encouragement that today, that girl who was once a backbencher, has come to the front and has the courage to lead this entire state,' Gupta said.
A Message to Current Students
The Chief Minister broadened her remarks beyond personal nostalgia, positioning Daulat Ram College as a cradle of national achievement for women. 'Thousands of women across the country, who completed their graduation and post-graduation from this college, are making their mark in society and bringing glory to the nation,' she said.
Acknowledging the students seated before her, she added: 'Among all the girls sitting before me, who knows where each one of them will reach in the future. One day, we will say that this girl belongs to Daulat Ram.'
Technology, AI and the New Curriculum
Gupta drew a contrast between her student era and the present, noting that her generation navigated college life with pagers rather than smartphones. She highlighted that the college now offers a range of skill-based courses — a shift from the more limited academic options available during her time.
The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the next generation, saying girl students today are 'updating' themselves with technology-driven skills and the determination to face future challenges. The inauguration of the Centenary Academic Block was presented as a physical symbol of that forward momentum.
Significance of the Centenary Block
The new academic block marks a landmark in Daulat Ram College's institutional history, coinciding with centenary celebrations. The college, a constituent unit of Delhi University, is an all-women institution with a long tradition of producing graduates who have entered public life, academia, and professional fields across India. The addition of new infrastructure and skill-based curricula is expected to expand enrolment capacity and broaden the scope of courses available to students.
The inauguration underscores the Delhi government's stated focus on women's education and skill development as priorities for the capital's academic institutions.
Point of View
However, is the policy subtext: the emphasis on AI-readiness and skill-based courses signals the direction Delhi's government wants to push public university curricula. Whether that vision translates into funded programmes or remains aspirational rhetoric is the question the college's administration — and students — will be watching.
NationPress
27 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Delhi CM Rekha Gupta inaugurate at Daulat Ram College?
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the Centenary Academic Block at Daulat Ram College, Delhi University on 27 October 2026. The new block marks a milestone in the college's centenary celebrations and is intended to expand its academic and skills infrastructure.
What is Rekha Gupta's connection to Daulat Ram College?
Rekha Gupta is an alumna of Daulat Ram College, where she completed part of her higher education. She has credited the college's faculty with encouraging her to move from being a self-described backbencher to eventually becoming Delhi's Chief Minister.
What did CM Gupta say about women's education at the event?
Gupta said that Daulat Ram College has produced thousands of women graduates who are making their mark across India. She also highlighted the importance of skill-based learning and Artificial Intelligence in equipping today's students for future challenges.
How has Daulat Ram College's curriculum changed since CM Gupta studied there?
According to CM Gupta, the college now offers a wider range of skill-based courses compared to the more limited academic options available during her student years. The focus has expanded to include technology and AI-oriented learning.
What is Daulat Ram College?
Daulat Ram College is an all-women constituent college of Delhi University, known for producing graduates who have gone on to careers in public life, academia, and professional fields across India. It is currently marking its centenary with new infrastructure and academic developments.
