Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi – Facts And History

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) was founded in 1916 by the famous Indian freedom fighter, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. The university is a public research university located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India and is known for its excellence in the fields of arts, sciences, engineering, management, law, and medicine.

BHU is one of the largest residential universities in Asia, with over 30,000 students from all over India and around the world. The university has a sprawling campus spread over 1,300 acres, and it comprises several faculties, institutes, and centers of study.

The university has a rich history and has produced several notable alumni, including former Prime Minister of India, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Nobel laureate, Dr. Har Gobind Khorana. BHU is also known for its significant contributions to the Indian independence movement and the promotion of Indian culture.

BHU has been consistently ranked among the top universities in India by various ranking agencies, including the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and QS World University Rankings. The university is dedicated to promoting excellence in education, research, and community engagement, and it continues to be a leading center of academic excellence in India.

History and Foundation:

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) was founded in 1916 by the Indian nationalist leader and educationist, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, with the help of Annie Besant, a prominent Theosophist and women’s rights activist. The university was established with the aim of promoting the study of Indian culture, arts, and sciences, and to provide quality education to students from all walks of life.

The idea of establishing a university in Varanasi (then known as Benares) was first proposed by Malaviya in 1905, and he worked tirelessly for the next decade to raise funds and gather support for the project. Finally, in 1915, the British Viceroy of India, Lord Hardinge, granted the necessary permission to establish the university, and it was formally inaugurated on February 4, 1916.

The university was initially known as the Central Hindu College and was affiliated with the University of Allahabad. However, in 1917, it was granted the status of a separate university by an Act of the Indian Legislative Council. The name of the university was changed to Banaras Hindu University in 1919.

In its early years, BHU focused on the study of ancient Indian scriptures and languages, as well as modern subjects such as science, mathematics, and economics. The university also played an active role in the Indian independence movement, with many of its students and faculty members participating in protests and agitations against British rule.

Over the years, BHU has grown to become one of the most prestigious universities in India, with a strong reputation for academic excellence and research. The university has expanded its academic offerings to include a wide range of disciplines, and it continues to be a leading center of learning and scholarship in the country.

Academic Programs:

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) offers a wide range of academic programs at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels across several faculties, institutes, and centers of study. Some of the major academic programs offered by BHU include:

1. Faculty of Arts: The faculty of arts offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in disciplines such as Hindi, English, History, Philosophy, Sanskrit, and Linguistics.
2. Faculty of Social Sciences: The faculty of social sciences offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in disciplines such as Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Psychology, and Geography.
3. Faculty of Science: The faculty of science offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in disciplines such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Zoology, Botany, and Computer Science.
4. Faculty of Commerce: The faculty of commerce offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Commerce and Management.
5. Faculty of Law: The faculty of law offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Law.
6. Institute of Medical Sciences: The Institute of Medical Sciences offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Medicine, Ayurveda, Dental Sciences, and Nursing.
7. Faculty of Education: The faculty of education offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Education.
8. Faculty of Engineering and Technology: The faculty of engineering and technology offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in disciplines such as Computer Science and Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Chemical Engineering.
9. Institute of Agricultural Sciences: The Institute of Agricultural Sciences offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Agriculture, Horticulture, and Forestry.
10. Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development: The Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Environmental Science and Sustainable Development.

These are just a few examples of the wide range of academic programs offered by BHU. The university is committed to providing quality education across a diverse range of disciplines and is constantly expanding and updating its academic offerings to meet the changing needs of students and society.

Campus and infrastructure:

The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus is spread over an area of 1,300 acres and is one of the largest residential campuses in Asia. The campus is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, and is home to over 30,000 students and 2,000 faculty members.

The BHU campus is divided into several faculties, institutes, and centers of study, each with its own distinctive architecture and infrastructure and it is well-equipped with modern facilities and amenities, including:

1. Libraries: BHU has several libraries that house a vast collection of books, journals, and research papers. The main library, the Central Library, is one of the largest in India and has over 1.3 million volumes of books and periodicals.
2. Laboratories: BHU has state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with modern instruments and equipment for research in various fields such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Engineering.
3. Auditoriums: The campus has several large auditoriums and lecture halls that can accommodate hundreds of students at a time. These are used for academic lectures, cultural events, and seminars.
4. Sports facilities: BHU has a wide range of sports facilities, including a stadium, tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and a gymnasium.
5. Hostels: BHU provides accommodation for its students in several hostels located within the campus. There are separate hostels for male and female students, and the facilities include mess halls, recreational areas, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
6. Medical facilities: The university has its own hospital, the Sir Sunderlal Hospital, which provides medical facilities and services to students and faculty members.
7. Computer labs: BHU has several computer labs equipped with the latest hardware and software for use by students and faculty members.

In addition to these facilities, BHU also has a post office, a bank, a shopping complex, and several restaurants and cafes located within the campus. The university is committed to providing a safe, secure, and comfortable environment for its students and faculty members, and it continues to invest in infrastructure and facilities to enhance the learning experience on campus.

Student life:

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has a vibrant student life with a wide range of cultural, social, and recreational activities available on campus. The university has a diverse student community, with students coming from different parts of India and abroad.

Some of the major student clubs and societies at BHU include:

1. Cultural clubs: BHU has several cultural clubs that organize events and festivals celebrating Indian culture, including classical music and dance, theater, and literature.
2. Sports clubs: The university has a variety of sports clubs catering to different interests, including cricket, football, basketball, and volleyball.
3. Social service clubs: BHU has several clubs focused on social service and community outreach, including the National Service Scheme (NSS) and the Youth Red Cross.
4. Debate and literary clubs: BHU has several clubs dedicated to debating and literary pursuits, including the English Literary Society and the Hindi Sahitya Parishad.
5. Entrepreneurship and innovation clubs: BHU has several clubs that promote entrepreneurship and innovation among students, including the Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) and the Technology Business Incubator (TBI).

Apart from these clubs, BHU also organizes several events and festivals throughout the year, including the annual cultural festival, Spandan, and the annual sports festival, Spardha. These events provide students with opportunities to showcase their talents, engage with peers from different backgrounds, and develop their leadership and organizational skills.

BHU also has several student-run newspapers and magazines that provide a platform for students to express their views and opinions on various social, political, and cultural issues. The university has a rich tradition of student activism, with students actively participating in protests and campaigns on issues such as social justice, human rights, and environmental sustainability.

Overall, BHU provides a rich and dynamic student life that promotes holistic development and prepares students to become responsible and engaged citizens of society.

Notable Alumni:

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has a long list of notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. Here are some of the most prominent alumni:

1. Madan Mohan Malaviya: Founder of Banaras Hindu University, Indian independence activist, and educationist.
2. N. Raj: Indian economist and educationist who made significant contributions to the field of economics.
3. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar: An eminent Indian scientist and the first Director-General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), was born in 1894 in Rajasthan and completed his early education in Lahore (now in Pakistan). He then went on to study at the University of Cambridge, where he earned a Ph.D. in chemistry.
4. Harivansh Rai Bachchan: Prominent Hindi poet and writer.
5. Ravi Shankar: An Indian musician and composer, widely recognized as one of the greatest sitar players in the world. Shankar was born in 1920 in Varanasi, India, and began his music career as a young child, studying under the guidance of his brother Uday Shankar, a famous Indian dancer and choreographer.
6. Shivakumara Swami: Indian spiritual leader and social reformer who founded the Siddaganga Mutt in Karnataka.
7. Girish Karnad: Indian playwright, actor, and director who was awarded the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan for his contributions to Indian theatre and cinema.
8. Anupam Kher: Indian actor who has appeared in over 500 films and was awarded the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan for his contributions to Indian cinema.
9. Jagdish Bhagwati: Indian-American economist and professor at Columbia University who made significant contributions to the field of international trade and globalization.
10. Manoj Sinha: Indian politician and former Minister of Communications and Minister of State for Railways.

These are just a few of the many notable alumni of BHU who have made significant contributions in various fields and have brought laurels to the university.

BHU and Indian culture

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has a rich cultural heritage and has been an important center for the promotion and preservation of Indian culture. The university was founded by Madan Mohan Malaviya, who was a prominent Indian independence activist and a strong proponent of Indian culture and education.

The university’s curriculum reflects its commitment to promoting Indian culture and heritage. BHU offers courses in subjects such as Indian philosophy, Sanskrit, and Indian classical music and dance. The university also has a Department of Indian Languages, which offers courses in Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu, and other regional languages.

BHU also has a number of cultural clubs and societies that organize events and festivals celebrating Indian culture. Some of the most popular festivals organized by the university include Spandan, the annual cultural festival, and Saraswati Puja, which is dedicated to the Hindu goddess of learning and knowledge.

The university’s campus also reflects its commitment to promoting Indian culture. The campus has several iconic buildings and landmarks that are inspired by Indian architecture, such as the Vishwanath Temple, which is a replica of the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.

BHU has also been an important center for the revival and promotion of Indian traditional medicine. The university’s Institute of Medical Sciences offers courses in Ayurveda, Unani, and Homeopathy, which are traditional systems of medicine that have been practiced in India for thousands of years.

Overall, BHU has played a significant role in promoting and preserving Indian culture and heritage. The university’s commitment to promoting Indian culture is reflected in its curriculum, campus architecture, and cultural events, and it continues to be an important center for the promotion and preservation of Indian culture.

BHU and Social Causes:

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has a long history of social activism and has been at the forefront of many social causes. The university was founded by Madan Mohan Malaviya, who was a prominent Indian independence activist and a strong proponent of social justice and education for all.

BHU has been actively involved in promoting social causes such as gender equality, environmental sustainability, and community development. The university has several clubs and societies dedicated to social service and community outreach, such as the National Service Scheme (NSS), the Youth Red Cross, and the Eco Club.

BHU has also been actively involved in promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality. The university has a Women’s Studies and Development Center that focuses on research, advocacy, and training related to women’s issues. The center also provides counseling and support services for women students and staff.

BHU has also been actively involved in promoting environmental sustainability. The university has a dedicated Eco Club that organizes tree-plantation drives, cleanliness drives, and awareness campaigns on issues such as climate change and waste management.

BHU has also been actively involved in community development. The university’s Department of Social Work offers courses in social work and community development and provides students with opportunities to work with local communities on various social issues.

Overall, BHU has been actively involved in promoting social causes and has been at the forefront of many social movements. The university’s commitment to social justice and community development is reflected in its curriculum, clubs and societies, and community outreach programs, and it continues to be an important center for social activism in India.

Challenges and future prospects:

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) faces several challenges and has opportunities for growth and development in the future.

One of the major challenges facing BHU is the need to modernize its infrastructure and facilities. The university has a large and diverse student population, but its infrastructure has not kept up with the growing demand for modern facilities such as state-of-the-art laboratories, smart classrooms, and modern sports facilities.

Another challenge facing BHU is the need to enhance the quality of its academic programs. While the university has a strong reputation for academic excellence, there is a need to update and diversify its curriculum to better reflect the needs of a changing society and global economy.

In addition to these challenges, BHU also faces competition from other top universities in India and around the world. To remain competitive and attract the best students and faculty, BHU needs to continue to invest in its academic programs, research capabilities, and infrastructure.

Despite these challenges, BHU has several opportunities for growth and development in the future. The university has a strong tradition of promoting Indian culture and heritage and has the potential to become a global center for research and education in Indian studies, philosophy, and culture.

BHU also has opportunities to expand its research capabilities and collaborate with other leading research institutions in India and around the world. The university has several research centers and institutes that focus on areas such as biotechnology, renewable energy, and sustainable development, and has the potential to become a leading research institution in these fields.

Overall, BHU faces several challenges but has the potential to continue to grow and develop as a leading institution of higher education and research in India and around the world.

Conclusion:

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in India, with a rich history and a strong reputation for academic excellence, research, and social activism. Founded by Madan Mohan Malaviya in 1916, BHU has been at the forefront of promoting Indian culture, heritage, and values while also keeping pace with the changing needs of society.

BHU offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in fields such as engineering, medicine, humanities, social sciences, and management. The university has a diverse student population, with students from all over India and other countries studying on its beautiful and expansive campus in Varanasi.

BHU has a strong tradition of social activism and has been at the forefront of promoting social causes such as gender equality, environmental sustainability, and community development. The university has several clubs and societies dedicated to social service and community outreach, and its curriculum reflects its commitment to social justice and community development.

Despite facing challenges such as the need to modernize its infrastructure and facilities and enhance the quality of its academic programs, BHU has several opportunities for growth and development in the future. The university has the potential to become a global center for research and education in Indian studies, philosophy, and culture, and to expand its research capabilities and collaborate with other leading research institutions in India and around the world.

Overall, BHU is a key institution of higher education and research in India and continues to play a crucial role in shaping the intellectual and cultural landscape of the country.