New Delhi: Shoppers strolling through South Extension and Connaught Place this week were met with an unexpected sight, Santa Clauses wearing gas masks.
There were no photo ops or festive jingles. Instead, the Santas were there with a stark message: Delhi’s air has become too dangerous to breathe. The unusual walk was organised by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) as a public awareness drive on Delhi’s worsening air quality. Volunteers dressed as Santa Claus moved through the crowded markets of South Extension and Connaught Place, distributing masks, candies and small notes to passers-by. The notes carried a simple but worrying message, Delhi’s AQI has crossed 500, pushing pollution levels far beyond safe limits. Volunteers spoke to shoppers about how breathing this air every day is affecting children, the elderly and even otherwise healthy adults. Many people stopped to read the notes, ask questions and express concern over how long the situation would continue.
#WATCH | Delhi: The NSUI launches a 'Right to Breathe' campaign uniquely, highlighting Delhi’s severe air pollution. Volunteers were seen with masks and dressed as Santa Claus to raise awareness about the issue. pic.twitter.com/TQ8jcgDZKr
— ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2025
‘Celebration or Survival’: Volunteers’ Demands
Through the symbolic protest, NSUI volunteers demanded immediate accountability from pollution-controlling authorities, strict action against major pollution sources, and a transparent, comprehensive clean air roadmap. They also called for special protection measures for children, senior citizens and other vulnerable groups.Citizens were urged to join the movement, sign the clean air petition and raise their voices to ensure that the right to breathe clean air is recognised as a fundamental right.
‘When Even Santa Needs a Mask’: NSUI President
NSUI National President Varun Choudhary said the sight of Santa Claus in a gas mask reflected the seriousness of the crisis.
Clean air is no longer a choice but a necessity. When even Santa has to wear a mask in Delhi, it shows how badly governments have failed. Our children are growing up in gas chambers, and citizens are being forced to choose between celebration and survival,” Choudhary said.
He also criticised the lack of political focus on the issue.
“In 15 days of Parliament, not even 15 minutes were spent discussing the air we breathe. Clean air is a fundamental right. We demand an immediate, serious and time-bound action plan to guarantee every citizen’s right to breathe,” he added.
