India's Best Universities: BHU betters standards set for itself

Vice-Chancellor Lalji Singh at the Banaras Hindu Universitys cyber libraryA varsity academic career, for many, exemplifies the closure of teenage angst, a bittersweet farewell to carefree days and the heralding of an intellectual blossoming tempered only by the limitations of one's enthusiasm. Bearing a testimony to the remarkable vision of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) offers this and much more to its students even today. Deep in the heart of Varanasi lies a 1,360-acre campus, a veritable island of learning that nurtures a generation of nation-builders year after year.The largest residential university in Asia, BHU was established in 1916 as an exemplar of academic excellence and has become synonymous with a way of life teeming with enriching experiences. The institution, a pioneer in interdisciplinary and innovative research, has been ranked the third-best university in India in this year's India Today-Nielsen Best Universities Survey.The one-of-a-kind university that strikes a balance between its original ideals of overall personality development, moral grit and technological awareness, BHU has 116 departments with a delightful array of subjects-ranging from technical and philosophical to the vocational. A case in point is the Department of Library and Information Science, a course that lends a peek into the massive backstage operations of information systems.The critical aspect of residence on campus is that it opens up unique opportunities for mentorship, research and contribution to regional development in terms of protecting the heritage of Varanasi. Delving into the intricacies of energy management in the city that sees a massive tourist footfalls, Indian Institute of Technology-BHU has devised initiatives on solar heatingcooling applications, solar laundry, splash wash technology and solar-powered autorickshaws.The Department of Veterinary Sciences awaits recognition from the Veterinary Council of India, hoping to set a precedence for animal care in India. Those growing up on a diet of James Herriot and Gerald Durrell books could well find and nurture their passion here. A cause close to Vice- Chancellor Lalji Singh's heart, he says if there were more takers for veterinary science as compared to those for engineering and medical degrees, India's vet deficit could be bridged.The Institute of Agricultural Sciences makes myriad contributions to the agriculture, horticulture and livestock sectors of the country in an advisory capacity. The institute is the nodal centre for Agricultural Innovation Partnership under the USAID programme, which includes the universities of Cornell, Georgia, Buffalo, UC Davis, Ohio, Tuskegee, Purdue and Illinois. Closer home, the institute is renowned for developing the highest yielding basmati rice variety-'Malaviya Basmati Dhan 10-9' IET 21669-which was recommended by the Central Seed Committee.Straying from the beaten track yet again, BHU has introduced a professional MSc course in forensic science, the first of its kind in India. The online course relies on an interdisciplinary approach geared primarily towards members of the judiciary and police personnel, encompassing the disciplines of engineering, law, arts, commerce and social sciences. Launched in collaboration with Truth Labs, the first independent forensic science laboratory in India, the course delves into the intricacies of cyber forensics, crime scene investigation, polygraph reading and medico-legal consultancy, among others. Its hands-on approach to training and analytical services makes it a potentially attractive prospect for young professionals across disciplines.As for the sciences, the Department of Physics leads by example. In cognisance of its scientific merits, it was sanctioned establishment of the Tandetron Accelerator facility by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.The Bone Marrow Transplant and Stem Cell Research Centre under the Institute of Medical Sciences, slated to be completed by the end of 2014, has been envisioned as a hub of interdisciplinary research for development of new technology in the study of stem cells. An academician, guide, innovator and philanthropist rolled into one, only time will tell how BHU betters the already incredible standards it has set for itself.Follow the writer on Twitter @aninditasatPublished By: AtMigration Published On: Nov 30, 1999 00:00 IST--- ENDS ---

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India's Best Universities: BHU betters standards set for itself

Asia's largest residential university is a pioneer in inter-disciplinary and innovative research.

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