KOLKATA: Calcutta University has started renovating its over-a-century-old Ballygunge campus. The state PWD has undertaken the renovation work. The Rajabazar campus will be the next on agenda.
The CU authorities said the renovation work started last week. The overall renovation for the College Street campus of Calcutta University is also underway. The Ballygunge Science College is the second campus where a complete renovation project has been taken up. It began with the outer wall repairs but soon it will get the look of a modern building with all facilities. The auditorium on the campus will also be refurbished with all modern equipment and facilities.
Renovation work in progress
A few years ago, a devastating fire broke out in the university’s Ballygunge campus, damaging some floors, especially the zoology department. Now the CU authorities are planning to come up with proper fire fighting system on every floor with fire extinguishers and sprinklers. Classrooms, elevators and the guest house will be renovated one by one.
Vice-Chancellor Sonali Chakravarti Banerjee said, “CU embarks on the renovation of its Ballygunge Science College Campus in view of the celebration of 75 years of Indian Independence.”
Taraknath Palit, who was closely involved with the Swadeshi movement, had gifted his sprawling house for the purpose of Science and Technology, where the Ballygunge Science College came up. Palit donated his huge assets and property, including his house, in 1912 for University College and Science and Technology, which was soon followed by equally magnanimous charity for the same purpose from Rashbehari Ghosh in 1913.
Palit executed two trust deeds in June and October, 1912 for Calcutta University by donating 1.5 million. Palit and Ghosh together donated nearly Rs 37.5 lakh that was used to build Taraknath Palit Siksha Prangan on Ballygunge Circular Road and Rashbehari Siksha Prangan at Rajabazar. The VC said Palit’s mission was to develop a strong higher educational base in the pre-independence era. It was a remarkable move and a great contribution for Swadeshi advancement along the path of scientific teaching and learning during colonial times. The renowned teaching staff took the baton of the Swadeshi progression like Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray, Sir Chandra Sekhar Venkata Raman, Sisir Kumar Mitra.
“Today, by resolving to initiate a full scale renovation of Ballygunge campus, also known as the Taraknath Palit Siksha Prangan, through the state PWD, we pay our tribute to the original pathfinders who had paved the way for India’s freedom” the VC added.
