Delhi daze: When the city came crashing down on them

In September 6, a tragic event shook Delhi, as a private hostel building collapsed, burying seven individuals, five of whom were University of Delhi students. Among them was Pavan Yadav, a 17-year-old from Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh, who had recently moved to the city to pursue a BSc (Computer Science) degree at Motilal Nehru College.

His sister, Aparna, recalls how Pavan loved the city, despite initial struggles with the louder and harsher atmosphere. He would often watch tech-related videos and display anime posters on his walls, an indication of his passion for technology and fast cars.

Sadly, Pavan's dream was cut short when Hostel Daze, a paying guest accommodation in Delhi's Satya Niketan, crumbled. His sister Priyanshi, who lived in the hostel, had no idea that her brother was inside when she saw the news. She spent hours trying to reach him and finally learned of his death from rescue personnel. Pavan's father, Vishambhar Nath, and mother Meera Devi plan to file complaints against the government and Hostel Daze for their son's untimely demise.

Meanwhile, Pavan's younger brother Akshat, a BCom student at PGDAV College, prepares for the UPSC exams and manages a strict budget for their family's monthly expenses.