Crawford Hall. Univ. of Mysore, Itslife.in |
Nalwadi KrishnarajaWadiyar IV Mysuru Today |
Col. W.L. Crawford starofmysore. com |
Crawford Hall. Univ. of Mysore, Mysore .Itslife.in |
Earlier, as the colleges were affiliated to Madras University, Madras (Chennai), there arose some administrative difficulties. So, Maharajah
Maharajah Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar Star of Mysore |
Nalwadi and Dewan Sir M. Visvesvaraya wanted to start a separate university in Mysore and the idea, for various reasons, did not materialize. Undaunted, the Maharajah appointed educationists C.R. Reddy and Thomas Denhem to make a proposal after making in-depth study of various universities. Based on their recommendation, the university was started and due emphasis was given to research and promotion of knowledge among people. V. Najundaiah, who played a vital role in the formation of the university became the first vice-chancellor of Univ. of Mysore.
When it comes to introducing new changes in tune with modern times, this institution never lags behind. The University of Mysore went 'Solar' in 2012 and it meant it was saving large utility bills which otherwise could be used for any other academic purposes. This plan was to be extended to other buildings. The university is particular about running labs on solar energy. Besides, the university is conserving rainwater for meeting its energy and water needs to some extent. They are harvesting rain collected on the roof top of the buildings and it is made possible by a grant from the the University Grants Commission (UGC). However, only in the recent past it bagged the UPE “Universities with Potential for Excellence" status in recognition of its academic excellence. The Union Government in 2008 named it an “Institution of Excellence”, taking into consideration the university's heritage, contributions and long standing in higher education. It also sanctioned a Rs 100-crore special grant for research and development.
The university has a few distinctions to its credit that make it unique. It is the only institution in the country to be started under the royal patronage of the far sighted rulers of the Wadiyar Dynasty. It is also the sixth university in the country and the second university in South Asia, and the first university in Karnataka state. Yet another unique feature is the university buildings, including departments on campus are being guarded by Home Guards and the services were introduced after 2011. Earlier, it was done by private guards.
Its Golden Jubilee celebrations - completion of 100 glorifying years were celebrated in Nov. 2014. Indeed, the Maharajah was a visionary as the institution started earnestly by him, is continuously making a valid contribution toward education in this part of Karnataka.