Saharanpur needs a State University
 

- Dr. K.K. Sharma

(Dr. K.K. Sharma, Ph.D. (Delhi), H.L.F. (Paris), F.ICTP (Trieste) is a renowned physicist who was formerly serving as scientist at - CNRS, Meudon (France), University of Turin (Italy).  At present, Dr. Sharma is the Principal of M.S. College, Saharanpur-247001 U.P. India)

Abstract

There is a great need of establishing an affiliating-cum-residential State University at Saharanpur.  The pluralistic character of Society, course contents according to local needs, topographical & climatic conditions warrant a separate University for the region.  The local resources are sufficient to sustain such an academic seat of higher learning.

Introduction

Saharanpur is a divisional head quarter in western Uttar Pradesh consisting the districts of Saharanpur and Muzaffarnagar.  Ever since the emergence of the State of Uttarakhand, two eminent Universities, the University of Roorkee (presently I.I.T. Roorkee) and the Gurukul Kangri University at Haridwar have been taken away from the divisional jurisdiction of Saharanpur.  Presently, Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut caters to the academic need of divisions of Meerut and Saharanpur, which encompasses the districts of Meerut, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budha Nagar, Baghpat, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur and Bulandshahr.  Obviously, the span is too large.  More than 250 affiliated colleges besides several Institutes of Advance Studies, a Medical College, An Engineering College, a Law College and a Management College are existing on its Campus itself.  The University administration finds it difficult to manage such a big affair of academic, administrative and examination activities.  The Law & Order problems at the Campus add fuel to the fire off and on.

Vision: The span, local resources and course contents

There are more than 30 affiliated institutions of Arts, Science, Engineering, Agriculture and Law existing in the Saharanpur district itself.  The people of Saharanpur direly feel the necessity of an affiliating-cum-residential University at Saharanpur.  The pluralistic character, topographical and climatic conditions of the region, the course contents according to local needs, the examination pattern and the calendar of the University need to be restructured to tone up the academic and financial administration.

Saharanpur is an easily accessible Junction Railway Station of Northern Railway.  There is peaceful co-existence of people of all faiths - Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Sikhs and Christians.  There is a large population belonging to SC/ST and minority strata of the society.

The local resources are sufficient to sustain a residential-cum-affiliating State University.  Sufficient land for the purpose can be made available in Shivalik ranges neighbouring the shrine of Shakumbhari, a place of adoration for all sects.

The academic structure of the University can be envisioned to have :

• Science Faculty

• Agricultural Faculty

• Engineering Faculty

• Medical Faculty

• Faculty of Oriental & Occidental Languages and Culture

The Science Faculty may constitute of an Institute of Nanotechnology and Microelectronics besides basic Sciences, and an Institute of Artificial Life and Genetic Engineering.

The Agricultural Faculty may consist of department of Horticulture; Rice Research Institute and a Cane Research Institute.  The already existing Horticulture & Research Institute, locally known as Company Garden, may well serve its purpose.

The Engineering Faculty may consist of an Institute of Leather Technology, Institute of Pulp and Paper Technology, Textile Designing and Fashion Technology to boost the already flourishing local hosiery industry, and a Wood Working Institute of Timber Technology to promote Wood Carving and furniture industry, which earns foreign renenue through export.

The infrastructure of the already existing Government Hospital itself warrants initiating the teaching of medicine, surgery, pharmacology and other allied disciplines leading to the establishment of a full-fledged Medical Faculty.  The Veterinary Science will find its field area in the already existing Remount Training School Depot.

The Oriental & Occidental languages and Culture faculty will find a help from the already existing Mazahir-uloom and other Arabic Madarsas, Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Centre of theological studies like that of Mokshayatan, the monastery of Shakumbhari shrine, including relics and remnants of archeological interest.

Conclusion

If the above vision is materialized, it will really be of great help to enhance the ecademic and cultural level of this region to uplift the standard of living of minorities, backward and downtrodden people.  Establishing a State University of Saharanpur, having residential-cum-affliating character is really the need of hour.