Democratic Students' Federation
 DSF | |
| Abbreviation | DSF |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2012 |
| Type | Student Organisation |
| Legal status | Active |
| Headquarters | India |
Secretary | Anagha Pradeep |
President | Swati Singh |
Vice President | Sunil Yadav |
Joint Secretary | Subhadeep Nath |
| Website | DSF |
Democratic Students' Federation (DSF) is an independent left-wing student organization based in India. Formed in 2012–13, DSF emerged following an extensive internal debate on the direction of the left movement in the country and the autonomy of student activism within that framework. DSF is widely recognized as the longest-running autonomous student organization at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).[1]
History and Formation
[edit]DSF was established with the objective of building a progressive, democratic, and autonomous student movement. Its foundation was shaped by a commitment to bottom-up democratic discussion, resisting the imposition of political strategies from outside university spaces. The organization arose as an alternative to party-controlled student bodies, advocating for the independent agency of student activists.
Ideology and Objectives
[edit]DSF is a left-oriented organization that believes in maintaining autonomy while engaging in broader democratic and progressive struggles. Its key positions include:
- Advocacy for secularism as an essential component of any democratic process.
- Opposition to neoliberal capitalism, which it sees as concentrating wealth and power at the expense of working people.
- Strong criticism of the RSS-BJP's Hindutva nationalism, viewed as a significant threat to Indian democracy.
- Commitment to fighting caste and patriarchy, drawing from historical anti-caste and feminist movements.
- Support for an alternative economic system that prioritizes people and the environment over profit.
DSF identifies global capitalism, particularly in its neoliberal form, as incompatible with genuine democratic governance and social justice. The organization calls for mass movements that unite economically and socially marginalized groups to build an egalitarian and just society.
Activities and Alliances
[edit]While maintaining its autonomy, DSF works in solidarity with other left and progressive forces beyond campuses to strengthen broader democratic movements. It actively participates in student elections, particularly at JNU, and has a visible presence in national student debates and activism. [2]
Core Beliefs
[edit]- Autonomy of student movements from mainstream political control
- Democratic participation and grassroots discussion
- People-centered development and environmental justice
- Anti-caste, anti-patriarchy, anti-communalism stance
See also
[edit]- Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union
- All India Students Association
- Student politics in India
- Jawaharlal Nehru University
References
[edit]- ^ "DSF". Democratic Students' Federation. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ "JNUSU 2025: DSF wins Vice President and General Secretary". The Indian Express. 28 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.