LU alumni take a stroll down memory lane
The past pupils also credited their alma mater for whatever they achieved in life
LUCKNOW : Past pupils hugged friends, touched feet of their teachers and went on a trip down memory lane as alumni converged on the campus for the 102nd Foundation Day celebrations of Lucknow University on Friday evening. Six distinguished old students were honoured by the university on the occasion.
The alumni were proud over LU getting the A++ grade by NAAC this year. They had a word of advice for the current students – “Enjoy every moment spent on the campus, but remain focused on your goals.”
The past pupils also credited their alma mater for whatever they achieved in life.
Anil Bhardwaj, director, Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad reminisced his university days and spoke about the Chandrayaan Mission of which he was a part. He obtained his Master’s degree in physics from LU in 1987.
A recipient of the Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar Award, Bhardwaj said: “It was an emotional moment to be honoured by our alma mater. I felt 30 years younger as I walked into the portals of Lucknow University. Teachers not only gave us knowledge, but insight too. I remember all my teachers like UD Mishra, Usha Bakshi and others.” Jayanti Prasad (IAS), whole-time member of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India, New Delhi, recalled his professors with fond memories and the music group he formed. He got his PG degree in physics in 1984 and also achieved the distinction of getting the highest marks in the university.
“Teachers like RN Singh and RC Srivastava were very caring. In the canteen, I thrived mostly on money borrowed from friends and the canteen owner. I also took part in extra-curricular activities,” he said.
Justice Rituraj Awasthi, chairman, National Law Commission, New Delhi obtained Master’s degree in medieval and modern history from LU in 1981 with highest marks. He expressed gratitude to his professors for the life he has led.
“With a rich collection of books, Tagore library was a treasure trove of knowledge. I remember Prof Raj Bisaria of
English Department and Prof Mohd Muzammil of economics,” he said. Shashi Prakash Goyal (IAS), additional chief secretary, UP, also recalled his university days, the Tagore library and addressed his teachers as the finest he had ever come across.
“During our university days, students from IITs did not think positively about LU students. But this year when the university got A++ rating, I sent the message to all friends with a sense of pride,” he said.
Manu Kumar Srivastava (IAS), chief secretary, government of Maharashtra, Mumbai, a post graduate in physics, was among the distinguished alumni but was not present on the occasion. His parents collected the award on his behalf. In a video message, Manu thanked his alma mater.
Senior journalist, Ashutosh Shukla, who obtained his post graduate degree in 1987 from the department of medieval and modern history also shared his memories of the university.
Vice-chancellor Prof Alok Kumar Rai appealed to the past pupils to help the university in whatever way they can. “This year, the university got top A++ rating from NAAC and attracted a huge number of applications from candidates for admissions,” he said.
Dayashankar Singh, minister of transport (independent charge), government of UP, recalled how the university helped in grooming his political career. Singh said chief minister Yogi Adityanath spoke to him on finding out ways to contribute to Lucknow University.
Chief guest Yogendra Upadhyay, higher education minister, said LU may be the first university in the state to get the top rating, but there will be few other universities in UP, which may get similar rating in the days to come.