New Delhi; A video showing Delhi University's Laxmibai College principal applying cow dung to classroom walls has sparked widespread attention and debate. The footage, which is going viral, features Principal Pratyush Vatsala standing on a wooden desk and using her hands to smear cow dung onto walls in a semi-circular motion. A man nearby holds up a pan filled with dung as she continues the task, dressed in a teal sari and trainer shoes.

The incident took place in a porta cabin at Laxmibai College, and Principal Vatsala later told PTI that the act was part of an ongoing research initiative led by a faculty member. "It is under process. I will be able to share details of the full research after a week," she said. Defending her actions, she added, "There’s no harm in touching natural mud. Some people are spreading misinformation without knowing the full details."

The 35-second video was reportedly shared by the principal herself in the college’s teachers’ group, highlighting that indigenous techniques were being tested to cool classrooms in the C Block of the institution. Laxmibai College consists of five blocks, and this initiative is currently limited to one. In a message to faculty, Vatsala stated, “Those who have classes here will soon get these rooms in a new look. Efforts are being made to make your teaching experience pleasant.”

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However, the video has stirred mixed reactions. Vijender Chauhan, an educator and motivational speaker, expressed concern over the message such acts send about the university’s academic leadership. "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 an applicant studied from an institution which has such academic leader, what are the odds of her getting hired?" he wrote.

The use of cow dung as a natural insulator is not entirely new in India. In 2023, a doctor from Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, coated his car with cow dung, claiming it helped reduce internal temperatures during summer. In 2019, a homemaker named Sejal Shah also gained internet attention for covering her Toyota Altis in cow dung, arguing it kept the vehicle cool and curbed air conditioning usage, thereby helping the environment.

Despite the controversial optics, the principal insists the project is still underway and details will be shared once the research concludes.