RU completes glorious 61 years

RAJSHAHI UNIVERSITY, July 6: The University of Rajshahi (RU), one of the largest and most attractive higher education institutions in the country. From the historical background Rajshahi city, standing on the Padma and holding the tradition of kings and Sultans, was the nerve centre of Varendra region.

Earlier the university was launched on July 6, 1953. Since then the institution has been rendering a commendable service in the field of higher education, research work and disseminating knowledge accommodating every year about twenty two thousand students.

It has witnessed rise and fall of numerous chapters of history. This region flourished during the reign of the Pala dynasty thousands of years ago.

Then a university, Somapur Vihara, was established in ancient times at Paharpur in Noagon district in order to spread higher education in different disciplines of knowledge, let alone ethics, philosophy and theology.

It won so much reputation that learners from home and abroad came to study here.

Though the university was established in 1953, actually its normal academic activities started in 1954. Initially six academic disciplines -- Bengali, English, History, Philosophy, Economics and Law were introduced. Simultaneously a discipline on Education (BT) was opened but failed to continue a few years later.

At the initial stage, 12 degree colleges and 8 intermediate colleges were affiliated to this university. It started its academic activities with only 161 students, 5 of whom were girls and a total of 20 teachers.

The problem of accommodation was solved in 1961 when the university was shifted to its own campus at the 'evergreen' Motihar.

Administrative activities resumed after the completion of present administrative building in 1964. The first science building was the first academic building and the only tin-shed Motihar hall was the first residential hall of the university.

Under Colombo Plan, Colonel G. Swani Thomas, MA designed the infrastructure of the university. A famous architect John A Zimanek assisted him. The area covered about 303.80 hectares of land including the Narikelbaria agriculture unit.