21 must-known facts about Banaras Hindu University

Hello everyone! In this article, I am going to unveil some must known facts about Banaras Hindu University. I am sure you are going to connect with this. Let’s begin.

About the Founder of BHU

Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Ji is the founder of Banaras Hindu University. He was the first longest-serving vice-chancellor of BHU {1919-1938}. He was born on 25^th December 1861 at Prayagraj (Allahabad earlier) in a Sanskrit scholar Brahmin family. Madan Mohan Malviya’s ancestors belong to Madhya Pradesh’s Malwa region that’s why he was named Malviya. He is the son of Brijnath and Moona Devi. He got married when he was just 16 years old.

Establishment of BHU in 1916

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has recently completed its 100th year of establishment in 2016. On this occasion, BHU’s coin of Rs. 10 was issued by RBI to mark the centenary year of Banaras Hindu University.

Banaras Hindu University has maintained its grand legacy for decades. It is ranked #801-1000 in QS Global World Rankings 2020.

Contribution of Dr S Radhakrishnan

Even before independence, the importance of Banaras Hindu University as a major centre of education was well known in India and as well as abroad. The country was a slave when Dr Radhakrishnan took the responsibility of the university amidst the declining health of Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya along with the responsibilities of its establishment and operation. From 1939 to 1948, he served as the Vice-Chancellor of the Banaras Hindu University.

The Main Campus

The main campus of the university was established by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Ji who was a prominent lawyer, educationist, and Indian Independence activist. At the 21^st conference of the Indian National Congress in December 1905, Malviya publicly announced his intent to build a university in Varanasi. He then published his plans in 1911. Moreover, he left his legal practice to focus on the development of the university.

The Main Campus of Banaras Hindu University is spread over 13,00 acres of land on the southern edge of Varanasi. The campus layouts approximate a semicircle. The campus has over 60 hostels offering residential accommodation for over 12,000 students.

The South Campus in Barkachha

With an area of 2760 acres, it is situated 8 km southwest of Mirzapur town on Robertsganj highway. The campus is now residing with over 1500 students being admitted in 27 courses. The administrative building and the lecture theatre complex are also well developed and furnished providing an ideal learning environment. Besides this, the campus also provides a hostel for students, a park, a sports complex, all-in-one-purpose shops, stationery shops, laundry services, printing and surfing shops, a library, cafeteria and fruit vendors to cater to the diverse needs of all the students.

IIT and AIIMS

Banaras Hindu University has its own beautiful campus of IIT and its own AIIMS certified IMS (Institute of Medical Science) college. IIT- BHU is very renowned for its academics and placements. The medical and research department of BHU provides one of the best facilities in the country.

Sir Sunder Lal Hospital of BHU

BHU has AIIMS level hospital ie. Sir Sunder Lal Hospital, is a teaching hospital affiliated with the Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS-BHU). Located on the BHU  main campus, it is the largest tertiary referral hospital in Eastern Uttar Pradesh state with the best possible treatments.

Students and Employee Health Centre

Apart from the medical hospital, BHU has its own Health Centre where the students and employees of BHU get the best and most free treatment. You can easily avail the of health care in campus.

Café Coffee Day

BHU has a Coffee Shop by CCD at a good subsidised especially for the students of BHU. Surrounded by the beautiful campus, having a Cup of coffee is bliss for sure.

Veterinary College of BHU

BHU is also known for its Faculty of Veterinary Science which is situated in the South Campus of Banaras Hindu University with vast agriculture fields including different flora and fauna.

Central Library

The Sayaji Rao Gaekwad Library, also known as the Central Library, is the main library of Banaras Hindu University. Established in 1917. It is listed in the Survey of Manuscripts in India. The present building of the library was built in 1941 on the pattern of the British Museum.  It is Asia’s largest central library. It’s a heaven for book lovers.

The famous “VT”

The New Vishwanath Temple-BHU is also known as “VT” is a replica of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Jyotirlinga) situated in Varanasi. VT is one of the holiest and most sacred temples of lord Shiva situated in the lush green campus of Banaras Hindu University. It is also known as Birla Temple which is a beautiful architecture crafted with white marble. It is believed that a visit to this place brings all wishes to come true.

Atal Incubation Center

Atal Innovation Center is one of the flagship projects of the Atal Innovation Mission under the aegis of NITI Aayog, Government of India. AIC – Mahamana Foundation for Innovation & Entrepreneurship – IM-BHU was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in the University on 18/09/2018. AIM intends to form centres called Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) that would nurture innovative start-up businesses in their pursuit to become scalable and sustainable enterprises.

Meal in BHU

The mess food and meal in BHU is quite cheap. The quality of food is good and you can have unlimited food in the hostel mess for just Rs 40. Maitreyi canteen and IIT cafeteria also provide quality food for everyone.

Atmosphere and Environment

Due to its vast campus, beautiful gardens and numerous plants, the temperature inside the campus is 2 degrees less than the rest of the city. You can experience the greenery and serene weather just after entering the main gate.

Law faculty

The Faculty of Law, Banaras Hindu University has a 100 years old history that is incomparable to any traditional institution in this country. It has the highest number of students qualifying for the judiciary.

Convocation ceremony

The convocation ceremony is the most beautiful ceremony by far. The students are dressed in dhoti kurta or saree with a pink pagdi. The whole environment is full of enthusiasm and cheerfulness. It’s a proud moment and a dream for every student of BHU to be a part of its convocation. The buildings are decorated with beautiful flowers and rangoli, the whole aura is filled with positivity and excitement for sure.

SPANDAN and FESTS

Spandan: It is the cultural fest of the university. It is an inter-faculty university fest conducted every year with various contests and completions taking place for almost every form of talent – singing, dancing, drama, debates etc.

College Fests: Every faculty conducts its own sets of events just before Spandan to identify and select students for representation in spandan as well as to entertain and enhance the talented students of the faculty. You will be able to celebrate every aspect of life and culture at these fests.

Kashi Yatra and Technex

A great combination of musical events, fairs, drama, debate, advertising, media, graphics, etc. organised by IIT – BHU is the most cheerful and joyful event of BHU. Days are bagged with events and nights with concerts. The biggest stars and singers take away all the stress and tension.

The Foundation Day

The Foundation Day of BHU which is celebrated on the eve of Basant Panchami every year is something every student looks forward to. Students from almost all the faculties and departments participate actively. There is a tableau of students and teachers from each faculty, beautifully decorated and highly judged. Yes, there are prizes as well! We celebrate Saraswati pooja in our respective hostels as well followed by havan and aarti.

NSS and NCC events

Apart from academics, each student has an opportunity to participate in and become an NCC or NSS cadet that could help improve their skills and help them present their patriotic regard for the nation. The NCC and NSS events also give quotas for future examinations and provide opportunities such as the National Youth Camp, R.D. Parade Camp etc. You will be able to earn a lot of experiences and adventures through these camps.

If you get a chance of studying in this beautiful and prestigious university, there is a lot to explore and learn from each and every passing day. Surely you will be able to achieve and understand a lot from Varanasi and Banaras Hindu University. You are going to live your best phase. Do enjoy. Do share your responses in the comment section.

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