DU Turns 100; Continues its glorious tradition

Delhi University, one of the most prestigious universities in the country, celebrated its Centenary with great fanfare as well as added responsibility. Synonymous with its excellence teaching, better opportunities for students as well as faculty, research and innovation, world-class education and infrastructure and cultural diversity, DU has become a go to institution for students from across the country and even abroad. For students hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, North East and Southern States, DU has become a symbol of education of highest standards. With only 750 students, this university was started on May 1, 1922. It was established by an Act of the central legislature. In its glorious journey of 100 years, DU has fulfilled India’s expectations and served humanity.

When this university opened its gates for students, it faced multiple challenges on diverse fronts. Once a proposal came for the Government of that time that this university should be closed. However, nothing of that sort happened and today a mind boggling number of six lakh six thousand two hundred and twenty eight students are getting education in the prestigious Delhi University. Way back in 1922, DU opened with only three colleges- St Stephen’s, Ramjas and Hindu College. But today Delhi University has 90 colleges, 16 faculties and thousands of teachers. This is the reason why the University of Delhi is one of the largest universities not only in Delhi, but also in the whole of India.

NEP GIVES STUDENTS A CHOICE

DU recently adopted the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and also introduced a four-year Undergraduate Curriculum framework with multiple exit options. DU has also started admission to the UG programme based on an entrance examination, namely Central University Common Entrance Test (CUCET), which is in the interest of the students. NEP gives flexibility to the students so they can pursue their degree in any subject.

Talking exclusively to Organiser, Prof. Shri Prakash Singh, Director, South Campus, said it was a proud moment for him that DU has completed one hundred years. “DU completed its hundred years. The same next year, South Campus is going to complete 50 years of its establishment. This is one of the few campuses in India where so many courses are conducted for the students at the same time. DU is one such institute which is providing good education to girls through its women’s colleges,” said Prof Singh, who did his Ph.D. from DU. Giving his reaction to Delhi University completing its Centenary celebrations, Dr Abhishek Tandon, State President, ABVP Delhi, said that now DU has turned into mini-India. “Students from all parts of the country and even globally are studying here. The people from DU have played an important role in all the major movements of the country. The democratic culture of this university matches with the democratic culture of the country.” In his college time, recalled Dr Tandon, he used to depend more on books. But today’s students are not much dependent on books. Internet is helping them a lot in this matter. Dr Praveen Gautam, Assistant Professor, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar College DU, revealed that he was a student of Hindu College, which has been a favourite of many students, some of them celebrities from diverse fields, right from its inception. During his college days, Dr Gautam recalled he had to wait for DU buses to travel to the campus from his residence. Now the situation has changed, it has become easy to commute to college by Delhi Metro. “The fact that Delhi University has finally completed its 100 years is a matter of pride for me,” he said.