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Role of Alumni in Higher Education Rejuvenation — Prof. P K Sharma

Higher Education 

Appreciating strength of Alumni Forums in Rejuvenating their Alma Maters—Prof P K Sharma

The two ALUMNI of a well-known institute of technology BITS Pilani of Rajasthan showing a fine gesture towards their Alma Mater by offering One Million Dollars each for giving fiscal help for girls’ scholarships, PhD fellowships and establishing centres of excellence towards institute’s Endowment Fund worth $100 million is worth emulating . An outlook candidly for the promotion of Quality Education in India-courtesy passionate Alumni!

However, it is ironical that Modi led NDA regime now and one decade long led BJP rule at Centre did not do anything worthwhile except sheer optics and tokenism spending a meagre amount of Union Budget for uplifting the standards of primary, high and higher education of India. Barring few states in the Southern India most of the states too have been found wanting in allocating adequate funds for education.

Does not it speak volumes of the fact that is this the way in which India aspires to be a developed nation by leaps and bounds by 2047 sans imparting of the quality education ?  Does not it require centre to lead from the front in the field of education contributing significantly to states for the sake of spending on research and development to harness talent in our institutions of higher education ?

The exemplary act of the two alumni really deserves kudos. One really fails to comprehend why the Indian media, particularly TV media is shy of reporting such positive news ? Such towering lamps and torches of academic excellence in Alumni and their philanthropy must be eulogised. The Telegraph group  ought to be complemented for highlihting this exclusive and motivating a story in their daily recently.

There may be numerous unsung alumni associations in India, but one is at Dr Satish Chander Dhawan Government College Ludhiana of Punjab.

This college  has groomed  galaxy of icons like Dr. Satish Chander Dhawan- A  famous Space Scientist, Sahir Ludhianvi-the  evergreen poet and lyrcist , Dr.M S Gill  IAS Ex-Union Sports Minister as well as Chief Election Commissioner India,Mr Balwant Singh Ramuwalia , A former Union Minister. Mr. N N Vohra ( IAS ) Ex-Governor J&K , Ex-CBI Chief Mr. Joginder Singh,  Mr K S Bains (IAS) , Mr Ishwar Chander (IAS) , Mr. Yashpal Sharma 1983 World Cricket Cup Winning Hero, Col. A S Cheema , Everest Mountaineer and Mr. Sukhbir Grewal-An international Hockey player olympian. This  college also prides in it’s aluma Mrs. Kamla Dalal,who was first woman PCS officer in Joint Punjab . This college has foundationally groomed  scores  of students who are now leading Chartered Accountants and Bankers . There are many a literary personalities across all disciplines coupled with many a journos who shine internationally and for whom this alma mater remained a cradle.

The Alumni of its own are leaving no stone unturned always to keep their  Alma Mater in high spirits  and highlights  as usual in all regards under the patronage of it’s Alumni  Mr. Onkar Singh Pahwa, A leading Cycle Manufcruring Entreprenuer  who has been recently on 26th Jan,2025 decorated  with Padam Shri too. Prominent industrialist Mr.S S Bhogal Co-Patron and his team with Mr.B B Goyal , Alumni  Organising Secretary and other Alumni teachers, former army officers , bankers and economists discuss issues concerning education and economy of the nation almost daily regularly on social media and other forums..

But, how very disappointing to find that for the past many months this premier institution established in 1920 which has been a Punjab’s nursery of IAS and IPS officers has been pulling on sans a regular Principal, courtesy AAP led Punjab Govt.?

Inspiring Alumni intellect and fiscal aid for philanthropy in such an indifferent atmosphere of neglect of state colleges is virtually impossible. It is  learnt that there are no regular principals in about 40 colleges out of 64 government colleges in Punjab.

Alumni spread globally in businesses and other domains can contribute significantly provided things are in place with the colleges and department of higher education followed by the state governments  and union  government’s encouragement within permissible norms  .

Prof PK Sharma Freelance Journalist,Associate Professor of English(Retired),

Pom Anm Nest,BARNALA(Punjab)

Contact : 9417002504

1 comment

Manjit Singh Sandhu February 1, 2025 at 3:29 am

Very well written article. No great institutes have ever survived without the support of its alumni.
The enduring prestige of certain historical educational institutes stems from a reciprocal relationship between the institutions and their alumni. By fostering a commitment to excellence and honoring their heritage, these institutes not only serve the immediate educational needs of students but also sustain a legacy that reinforces their significance in society. The shared belief in the value of these institutes creates an environment where both tradition and progress coexist, ensuring that they continue to thrive in an ever-evolving educational landscape.

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