'UNESCO should declare Nalanda University as world heritage site'

21 January, 2013

January 9, 2013 was a memorable day for the alumni and teachers of 150-year-old Patna College in Patna. Sesquicentennial day was celebrated in the college campus with great fervor and gaiety. The presence of thousands of alumni, officers, scholars, teachers, students and staff made this historical moment more beautiful and memorable.

The programme started with the Patna University song. Guests were welcomed with a musical welcome song –“Swagtam shubh, Subh swagatam” by the college students. All guests were welcomed with beautiful rose bouquets. Chief guest His Excellency Governor of Bihar and the Chancellor of the Universities of Bihar, Sri Devnand Konwar inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp. Guest of Honor was Former Chief Justice of Hon’ble High Court of Punjab, Haryana and Sikkim, Binod Kumar Roy.

“Patna College is among the ten oldest colleges of the country. Its illustrious and legendry alumni include great names, Dr. Sachhidanand Sinha, the first president of the constituent Assembly of India, Dr Sri Krishna Singh, first Chief Minister of Bihar, Dr. Anugrah Narain Sinha, first Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Dr. Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, the National Poet, Justice B.P.Singh, former Chief Justice of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and several judges, advocates, administrators, scholars, teachers, politicians and media persons. There was a time when Patna College was considered the ‘brain capital’ of Bihar. The history of Patna College testifies that it was a college imparting education of such quality which impressed upon the scholars to refer the college as the ‘Oxford of the East’,” said college principal Dr Ras Bihari Prasad Singh during his welcome address.

“Patna College is older than the Patna University. Bihar is the sacred land of Gautam Buddha, Mahaveer and so many immortal souls.This state was also cradle of human civilization. This college has produced many light houses which are a pride of Bihar. This college was founded on January 9 in 1863 by British India. It was not only founded for the British Government, but also for everyone. It was the brain capital of India. This college has produced thousands of scholars, academicians, researchers, advocates, revolutionaries and political leaders. They gave light to the world,” said His Excellency Governor of Bihar, Devanand Konwar in his inaugural address.

“I feel very sorry to know that ancient city Mohenjodaro is in the list of world heritage sites of UNSECO, but world’s first university – Nalanda University is not enlisted yet. UNESCO should enlist it for the conservation of the glorious history,” he added.

Patna College is a constituent unit of Patna University. Patna college alumni cannot forget the excellent teaching styles, knowledge power and humanitarian nature of Late Ex Vice- Chancellor and History professor of Patna University, Prof K.K.Dutta, Centurion Hindi and Sanskrit scholar Retd. Prof. Nawal Kishore Gaur and eminent geographer Retd. Prof. Dr Parmeshwar Dayal.

Former Justice B.K.Roy, Prof (Dr) Sambhu Nath Singh, Vice –Chancellor, Patna University and former principal of the college Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh also highlighted the glorious history of Patna College.

On the occasion a Souvenir and a research journal, ‘Current Studies and Research Journal’ was also released by Mr. Konwar. Five toppers of this college were honored with gold medals. Winners of debate, essay, Quiz and painting competitions were also awarded.

Dr I.C.Kumar, IAS (Retd.), Walking encyclopedia & former V.C. of Veer Kunwar Singh University, Ara, Abhimanyu Singh IAS (Retd.) & former V.C. Magadh University, Bodh Gaya, Sidheshwari Pd. Singh, Sr. Advocate, Major Balbir Singh Bhasin, former V.C. Magadh Uniniversity, Dolphin man and environmentalist Dr R.K. Sinha and a large number of other dignitaries were also present in the programme.