University Of Allahabad
The University of Allahabad, informally known as Allahabad University, is a
public central university located in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh,
India. Established on 23 September 1887, it is the fourth oldest University in
India. Its origins lie in
the Muir Central College, named after Lt.
Governor of North-Western Provinces, Sir
William Muir in 1876, who
suggested the idea of a Central University at Allahabad, which later evolved to
the present university. At
one point it was called the "Oxford of the East". On 24 June
2005 its Central
University status was restored
through the University Allahabad Act 2005 of the Parliament of India.
The foundation stone of the Muir Central College was laid by
Governor-General of India ,Lord Northbrook on 9 December 1873.
The college was named after Sir William Muir ,
Lt. Governor of United Province,
who was instrumental in its foundation. The building was designed by William Emerson, who also designed
Victoria Memorial in Kolkata and Crawford Market in Mumbai in a
combination of Indo- Saracenic, Egyptian and Gothic styles.
Initially it functioned under the University of
Calcutta and later, on 23
September 1887, the University of Allahabad was established, making it the
fourth university established in India.
During the university's centenary celebrations in 1987 there were
demands from students, faculty and employees for the granting of status as a Central University. The Government of
India eventually acceded to this and the university gained both Central status
and recognition as an "Institution of National Importance" in May
2005. At that time, the University of Allahabad Act stipulated the constituent
colleges of the university to be:
·
The five faculties of Arts,
Commerce, Law, Medicine, and Science,
·
Three university institutes — the
Institute of Inter-Disciplinary Studies, the Institute of Professional Studies,
and the National Centre of Experimental Mineralogy and Petrology) and one
independent university Centre of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences,
·
One university college: the
Motilal Nehru Medical College and Swarup Rani Nehru Hospital, Allahabad,
·
Three constituent institutes: the
Govind Ballabh Pant Social Science Institute, Allahabad, the Harish Chandra
Research Institute of Mathematics and Mathematical Physics, Allahabad and the
Kamla Nehru Post-graduate Medical Institute, Allahabad,
·
Eleven local institutions.
Since antiquity
Allahabad has been rightly described as a sacred city. It is also the heart of
the Indo-Gangetic plain with a multicultural mosaic. It is a place where nature
chooses to converge Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati into Sangam that attracts billions
from all over the world to seek spiritual solace and peace. In this sacred
space as India advanced towards modernity, it gave birth to one of the most
important institutions of the world - Allahabad University. This seat of higher
learning soon acquired the rare distinction of producing students who guided
and continue to guide the destiny of India in a variety of ways. They not only
facilitated India’s freedom from colonial rule but also contributed to evolve
and strengthen the country’s Institutions both in India and abroad. The
University’s contribution to politics, education, law, science, technology,
engineering, entrepreneurship, literature, social sciences, films and health
care is unparalleled. It continues to benefit and inspire humanity all over the
world even today.
In more recent times
although Allahabad University continued on its path of progress and touched new
heights but due to some very trivial issues a false perception has impacted its
image. It is true that in the transitional phase of an institution some persons
may promote vested individual interests but the institution is primary and
individual interests are not above its dignity. The great son of India, Bhagat
Singh was once asked why he had not defended himself and his associates by
seeking recourse to law to which he said, “the cause is strengthened by
sacrifice but not by appeal in court.” Please remember that India lives in
India’s institutions and if we strengthen them we strengthen India. We may have
gone through difficult times but then suffering is not suffering unless we
endure it.
The world today in
the 21st century has shrunk into a global village and contemporary society has
great expectations from us. We need to pool our knowledge, our efforts, our
thinking and sink our differences, if any, to restore this institution to its
past glory. Please remember, we have great challenges to confront and huge
problems to overcome. In my view, our collective strength, hard work, harmony,
and transparency are the only weapons to surmount all these difficulties and to
offer solutions to the diverse problems that beset our society. Only then, can
we hope to see the expansion of knowledge and science into a wider culture.
To be your colleague
is a humbling moment for me and together we make a new beginning. It is here
that Allahabad University with its tradition of engaging with problems will
rise to the occasion. Let us draw inspiration from the past glory of our
institution and meet the challenges of poverty, quality education, empowerment
of women and weaker sections. We need to explore new frontiers of science and
technology and research. As a Vice-Chancellor, I would like to be known not as
a centre of power and authority but for my determination to pursue success and
growth without deviation and prejudice. To me, the display of respect in the
form of bouquets and garlands is mere hollow external trappings. My commitment
to my duty of taking this University forward remains paramount for me.
With all my wonderful
experience from West Bengal, I will remind you of the inspiring words of Swami
Vivekananda who exhorted us to ‘arise, awake and rest not, till the goal is
achieved’.
