Governor Arif Mohammed Khan Unveils Swami Vivekananda Statue at Gaya College Foundation Day
In a significant cultural and educational event in Gaya, Governor-cum-chancellor of universities Arif Mohammed Khan unveiled a life-size statue of Swami Vivekananda and released a commemorative book on his life. The ceremony marked the 83rd foundation day celebrations of the historic Gaya College, drawing prominent political and academic figures from across Bihar.
Governor Emphasizes Education's Societal Role
Addressing the gathered dignitaries, faculty members, and students, Governor Khan articulated a vision for education that transcends mere degree conferment. "The fundamental aim of education is not just to provide academic qualifications, but to cultivate aware, responsible citizens who can positively guide and transform society," he stated. He praised institutions like Gaya College for upholding this responsibility over decades of service to the community and the nation.
Magadh University Announces Major Academic Advancements
On the sidelines of the foundation day function, the Vice-Chancellor of Magadh University detailed a series of substantial academic and administrative reforms implemented in recent years. The university has successfully regularized its academic calendar, conducting approximately 155 examinations over a three-year period to ensure timely completion of student evaluations.
Key achievements highlighted include:
- The establishment of a dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) center, which will offer courses ranging from diploma to postgraduate levels.
- Academic mentorship for the AI initiative from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna.
- Financial support of Rs20 crore allocated from the MPLAD fund by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh.
- The dispatch of over 6.5 lakh degrees to affiliated colleges, significantly reducing the need for students to travel to the university headquarters.
- The implementation of a centralized evaluation system to accelerate the declaration of examination results.
- The generation of approximately Rs110 crore in revenue over the past two-and-a-half years through examination fees collected from affiliated colleges.
- Modernization of the university's pension system for staff and faculty.
Infrastructure Development and Future Projects
The university administration has also proposed significant infrastructure enhancements to support its growing academic operations. Plans include the construction of a separate examination department building and a centralized examination hall on the main campus, with an estimated project cost of around Rs34 crore. "Construction work on these new facilities is expected to commence shortly," the Vice-Chancellor confirmed, indicating a commitment to improving physical resources for students and staff.
A comprehensive academic calendar has been meticulously prepared to maintain regularity across all university functions, including examinations, result publications, and admission processes. This systematic approach aims to provide students with a predictable and efficient educational experience.
Dignitaries Grace the Occasion
The foundation day ceremony was presided over by Gaya College Principal Satish Singh Chandra and witnessed the presence of several high-profile attendees. Notable figures included Bihar Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar, along with ministers Ashok Choudhary and Dilip Kumar Jaiswal, underscoring the event's importance within the state's educational and political landscape.
The unveiling of Swami Vivekananda's statue serves as both a tribute to the spiritual leader's enduring legacy and a symbolic reinforcement of the values he championed—education, self-awareness, and service to society. Combined with Magadh University's forward-looking initiatives, particularly in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, the event highlights a dynamic period of growth and modernization for higher education in the Gaya region and Bihar at large.
