It’s officially that time of the year. Seniors in universities across Pakistan are gearing up to celebrate their last few days of University and all the traditions and celebrations that come with it.
For this year, the annual ‘Daaku Day’ at LUMS has officially been changed to ‘Pirate Day’ and students are pretty pissed off.
The University sent out an email to its students, faculty, and staff to announce some changes in the activities and rules of Daaku day.
The email went on to say,
Daaku Day has been a long-standing tradition for LUMS students. It is one of the spirit days that take place for Seniors to celebrate their four years at the institution.
The day itself consists of running around campus, dressed in ‘Daaku’ like attire and ‘looting’ other students.
And though it may seem harmless, the senior celebratory day has gotten quite a bit of hate over the years.
Went to LUMS yesterday, unfortunately it was Daku Day at the campus. Very disturbed to see students wearing Ajraks as symbol of dakus.
— Nighat Dad (@nighatdad) April 18, 2017
Criticized for appropriating and disrespecting Sindhi culture through wearing ajrak, Daaku day was also scrutinized for it’s ‘looting’ feature, in which seniors would go to other batches and ‘loot’ them of personal items.
lums: you're so lucky to be studying here do you know how bad the ragging is in other unis we're all one big tolerant happy family
also lums: surprise!!! it's daku day! prepared to get sprayed, robbed, harassed by people in ajrak because every1 knows only sindhis are dakus— zorya khan ☭ Ⓐ (@nightwitchling) April 3, 2018
It’s no surprise that LUMS wanted to rectify the situation as best as they could.
In 2012 one student brought real gun at campus to celebrate real daku day. A disciplinary action was taken against him. #LUMSDakuDay
— Nighat Dad (@nighatdad) April 18, 2017
The university had always been behind the change and implemented guidelines in past years, but this seems to be the first time LUMS is officially stepping up and bringing about change.
When speaking to LUMS senior, Arsalan Athar, he was able to give us some valuable insight into the situation and how most students are feeling about the change.
“…I’m personally okay with it, the looting would tend to get out of hand. And well, so far a big fat water fight has been fun, although I know a lot of seniors will disagree.”
And he was right:
This was the saddest, most pathetic Daku Day in LUMS history. Obviously it had to happen when my turn came.
— Hamza (@wingsforus) April 17, 2018
Agreed. That was a bummer. Made it pointless. But we still looted (not much) so.
— Rubab Syed (@RubabSyed21) April 17, 2018
If you have a problem with LUMS celebrating Daaku Day by wearing ajraks, go and host your own version of it. Kal koi aur offend hoga https://t.co/fGd6rM7mKi
— اسپیشلسٹ (@Syed_Wajii) April 18, 2017
Will renaming daaku day prevent looting and harassment? #staytuned
— angryreactsonly (@Thisismaryam96) April 13, 2018
favourite argument in favour of daaku day: "freshmen should be more aware of their rights."
nice yaar, way to shift responsibility.
how about the powerful be reminded of how their privileges don't allow others to exercise their rights?— zainab ? (@zainabmsheikh) April 13, 2018
lmao all these seniors crying because daaku day is now pirate day…
Good riddance— Hermeen Shahid (@hermayonnaise_) April 13, 2018
Hazing is a huge issue on university campuses and though this change may make some students angry, it is the right thing to do for any university to avoid a situation that could potentially be quite dangerous for other students.
What do you think about the change? Do you think it’s a good idea? Would you be pissed? Should more universities be bringing about this change? Let us know in the comments below! Love you.
The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need To Survive Daaku Day
LUMS Is Up For Sale On OLX And Students Are Like, Bech De?
Cover image via: LUMS Photography Society / Facebook