Patna University readies to welcome PM, storied alumni for centenary celebrations

Once referred to as the Oxford of Bihar, the Patna University (PU) has turned the century and to commemorate the occasion, celebrations will be kicked off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.

Currently, large-scale preparations are underway at the varsity — alma mater to the notable names from Bihar including Jayprakash Narayan, CM Nitish Kumar, deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi, Union ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad, Ram Vilas Paswan and Upendra Kushwaha and RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Several of its alumni are expected to participate in the celebrations that will continue for the next year. However, the university has decided to restrict the number of participating students to 2,000 and those affiliated with political outfits will not be allowed for security reasons.

Established on October 1, 1917 on the banks of River Ganga, the colleges boast of iconic British architecture. It is giving a facelift to its campus for which the state government has sanctioned Rs four crore. On its centenary, it also plans to start at least 10 new courses.

The celebrations will be PM Modi's first visit to Patna after the formation of the JD (U)-BJP government in Bihar. "The function would extend just over an hour and will be held on the campus of Patna Science College where a special pandal is being erected for the occasion," said a senior official of PU.