India, March 22 -- Navratri celebrations at Delhi University have yet again taken a powerful and contemporary spin. Moving beyond the traditional festivities, the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) has revived its unique initiative where it introduces nine female students to step into the role of its president, one on each day for all nine days of the Navratri. This effort received an overwhelming response the last time, and this year saw over 5,000 applications. Applicants were asked to reflect on three key questions: 'Why do you want to become the president?' 'What will you do as the president for a day?' and 'How can Gen Z women represent Indian democracy?' Based on the responses to these questions, a jury shortlisted nine students. "The idea is to send the message that Gen Z women have a powerful voice to share," says Aryan Maan, DUSU president, adding, "After the first two days, so many students have reached out saying they wish they had also registered." For those stepping into the role, the experience has been transformative. "More than anyone, my dad was visibly happy and excited that I was selected. He drove me himself to the DUSU office on the day," says Sakshi Sharma, who filled in the role of the president on the first day. A first-year student of BSc Life Science at Ramjas College, she adds, "I applied because I want to represent my fellow women. This experience has inspired me to do more for women's power in the future." Day two saw Vanshika Jangra, a second-year BA Prog student at Motilal Nehru College, take charge. "I got to the office at 11am and first took a few moments to realise the expectations I had to carry on the day. The first thing I wanted to work on was mental health, as there have been so many incidents of DU students taking their lives in recent times... Then, since fest season is on, a few students from Hansraj College came who were struggling with fest budgets. Helping them was different, as we are usually on the other side of the fence, attending these fests."...