Tea, Conversation and Revolution at JNU’s ‘Guerilla Dhaba’

Called the ‘Guerilla Dhaba,’ it sells tea at Rs 5 and offers a promise to maintain the night culture of Jawaharlal Nehru University.

(Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Guerilla dhaba)

A weak-old pop-up establishment on a footpath, with no roof or seating, has found a home in the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus, and also in the hearts of the students of the university.

Called the 'Guerilla Dhaba,' it sells tea at Rs 5, and offers a promise to maintain the night culture of Jawaharlal Nehru University.

This makeshift shop operates from 11pm to 2am at night. All you have to do is make tea, have a conversation, and wash your glasses before you leave.

Also Read: Uncertainty Over JNU’s Iconic ‘Ganga Dhaba’, Students Protest

The ‘Guerilla Dhaba’ has Brought Back a Sense of Security in Women

The Campus Development Committee's instruction to canteens on campus to roll down their shutters at 11pm every night has lead to creation of this dhaba. When the JNU administration had enforced this decision, the then Students Union, headed by Mohit Kumar Pandey, had organised a 'Tea Protest' against the decision.

Funny thing is, during the time of laying down of this rule, the administration had cited "security reasons." However, the women moving through campus at night had begun to feel more unsafe since.

The lack of the usual night-time din and vibrancy at JNU campus often made traversing through campus in the middle of the night a seemingly eerie experience for women.

This Guerilla Dhaba, has helped bring back the vibrancy on campus, and hence, a sense of security in women.

Women were not feeling safe on campus. Some women were stalked on deserted roads. Ever since the dhaba was started, there are always 30 to 40 students near the T-point, making the campus more lively and safe

Swati Simha, one of the dhaba’s co-ordinators to PTI.

Dissolution of GSCASH Another Trigger

According to Swati Simha, the recent dissolution of the university's sexual harassment watchdog – GSCASH – was another reason why they started this dhaba.

Ever since the new VC took over, there has been major pressure from the administration to curtail democratic culture on campus. There is a threat to student politics, freedom of mobility, and socialising. We wanted to counter all the attempts through this facility.

Reina Gattuso, another coordinator and an MA student at the School of Arts and Aesthetics

Owned by nobody and run by volunteering students, the "Guerilla Dhaba" is a sign of protest. Students frequent this makeshift joint for inexpensive tea and a struggle for unfettered democracy.

Also Read: Highest Ever: JNU Records 39 Complaints of Sexual Harassment

(With PTI inputs)