Patna: The falling standards of education Bihar and the infamous ‘Bachcha Rai’ topper scam were topics that overshadowed what was supposed to be a celebration, as Patna’s   AN College celebrated its Diamond Jubilee on Saturday. The occasion coincided with the  129^th birth anniversary of Bihari intellectual and freedom fighter Anugrah Narayan Sinha after whom the institute is named.

Governor of Bihar Ramnath Kovind, the chief guest inaugurated the event and later released the AN College annual magazine  named “Anugrah Jyuti” and a Research Journal “Anugrah Smriti Granth”.  He said, “Anugrah babu (also called as Bihar Vibhuti) was the one megastar for ‘swadhinta sangram’. He was a very simple, kind, generous and ready to meet his public any time and any situation. He was the person responsible for the life improvement of farmers, by taking correct decisions. He will always be an inspiring source for the upcoming generation. We will never forget his contribution towards the country.” The Governor, referring toAN College, said, “In these 60 years, the institution has climbed the stairs of success. Recently, India today magazine mentions the top 3 colleges in Bihar, in which one is  AN college. This institution has achieved its goal and objectives.”

Bihar HRD Minister Ashok Chaudhary noted that in the 21st century, Bihar is progressing and stepping towards becoming a smart state. He questioned the scams in education that are being unearthed, saying, “What kind of society is being constructed, where Baccha Rai kind of people are murdering the future of students. Education is the only tool to eradicate the ills of society and to empower the youth and students.” He lauded the memory of the man after whom the college is named, “  Anugrah Narayan was one of the freedom fighter, struggler and a man of simple and kind nature, worked hard for independence. He was the one with Dr. Rajendra Prasad for independence movement” he said.

He further said, “The standard of education has gone down in recent years. Bihar has number of people who are intellectually rich and if these people support government then we will definitely upgrade our education system. For that it is been made compulsory for professors to spend at least five hours a day  in college, and students have to attain at least 75% attendance to sit in the exams.

Former Governor of Nagaland and Kerala, Dr. Nikhil Kumar, present at the function, in his speech also mentioned the ‘toppers scam’ and said, that the Bihar government should strictly take action against such criminals and for the educational standard of Bihar to be upgraded. He also the requested the government to provide easy Educational Loans to the needy students. There are many students who are not able to study due to economic conditions, he said.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr. Bihari Singh, Principal of A.N. College shared the achievements of College and elaborated about research activities being held at the college. While talking about the achievements he said, “Our College has produced number of scientists, educationists, researchers and many government officers for our country”.

The Bihar Governor, who is also the Chancellor of Magadh University appreciated A. N. College for its achievements and research activities. The Programme was anchored by Dr. Kalanath Mishra, HOD of Hindi Department AN College. The principal of Patna Women’s College Sister Marie Jesssie AC, Professors of A. N. College and parents of the students were present on the occasion.

The other guests were Prof. (Dr.) Md. Ishtiquae (Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Magadh University), Dr.Ras Bihari Singh (Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, NOU, Patna), Prof. (Dr.) Bihari Singh (Principal, A. N. College) and Dr. Poornima Shekhar Singh (Vice-Principal, A. N. College).

Prepared by Newsnet Desk with inputs and photographs from Saurabh Tiwary and Karn [students of BMC Dept SXC, Digha]

  AN College, Bihar, education, Governor of Bihar Ramnath Kovind, interns, Magadh University, Patna Women’s College