Malaviya’s vision must continue guiding IIT-BHU
The Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University aka IIT-BHU is celebrating its centenary.
BHU founder Pt Malaviya had established the institution for nation building in January 1919.
He always thought of restoring the glory of Kashi which has been ‘a seat of learning’ from time immemorial.
Drawing from our past glory to the European universities of Sorbonne, Oxford and Cambridge, he had a vision to establish a unique university with a blend of the East and the West. This included our rich culture, heritage and tradition, with top-quality research and teaching in every branch of human knowledge.
He created ‘a temple of learning’ with an excellent scientific/social/cultural/ value-based reputation inculcating a humane and interactive work-culture in both teachers and taught.
This healthy environment inspired the famous scientist and a professor of this university Dr Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar to write its college anthem (Kulgeet): ‘Madhur, Manohar, Ateev Sundar’ (so sweet, serene and infinitely beautiful).
Pt Malaviya thought of a university whose students should feel the inner meaning of a corporate life and where the teachers would mould their characters for good and where students would begin to value knowledge for the service of the motherland and the mankind.
At the same time, he realised the need of the country and its people. In this spirit, three courses namely ‘artisan’, ‘diploma’ and ‘degree’ were started at the college.
It was a unique model for imparting technical expertise from the grassroots to higher technological learning and innovation.
The Banaras Engineering College (BENCO) had Prof Charles King as its principal. BENCO electric power house became operational in 1921 to cater to the needs of BHU. Colleges of Mining and Metallurgy (MIN-MET) and Technology (TECHNO) were established later. These three colleges were merged to make an Institute of Technology (IT-BHU) in 1968.
On June 29, 2012, IT-BHU was converted into an IIT on a promising note that it will serve as a leader of engineering education in India with its rich legacy. The first convocation of the IIT-BHUwas held on July 10, 2013.
Former President of India the late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam had given away degrees to the students then.
Malaviya’s vision, his respect for excellence, and his
self-confidence must inspire, guide and remind us of making and shaping our institution not only to meet the societal needs but also to rank high on the global level.
This is how we should celebrate thecentenary of the institution to move forward.