Mumbai: Culture, history and tradition resonated loud and clear reminding me of the immense history of our country as I stepped inside the gate of Shivaji University, Kolhapur. As I lifted me eyes, the massive statue of the Maratha warrior and historical figure Shivaji Maharaj riding his horse all set for a battle portrayed the importance of culture announcing a strong message of fighting all odds to win various battles of life.
A mix of various cultures, Shivaji University caters to over 3,000 students of 300 different colleges mainly from Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, Ratnagiri and Pune districts. Students from different rural areas of Maharashtra are studying various courses and specialisations in Post-Graduate (PG) courses at this university along with accommodation facilities.
Students revealed they have a new inclination towards Military Science which is an optional subject in Bachelor of Arts (BA) course. Vidya Salunkhe, a student said, “No other university offers Military Science as an optional subject. It is interesting to study about the tactics and know-how of armed forces of our country as we are keen towards learning about the defence forces of India.”
Besides, students are keen about joining the National Cadet Corps (NCC) which is a military force for students of schools and colleges.
Mahendra Chorge, a student, said, “Our parents and grandparents have been part of the Army, Navy or Air Force. Therefore, there is a deep sense of will within us to contribute for the nation. It may sound too patriotic as this spirit is lacking in our friends of other cities and states as all of this seems like an alien subject for them.”
Devanand Shinde, Vice-Chancellor of Shivaji University, said, “Kolhapur is a land of people who have given their life for our nation. We want to continue this culture among students so that they can create history in the future just like their forefathers. Culture, history and tradition has a different significance in this university and students are willing to embrace it.”
A Guidance Cell to train students appearing for Short Service Commission (SSC) or entrance examinations for civil services and armed forces will be established. “Students are often discouraged when they do not clear SSC entrance tests, MPSC or UPSC examinations and then give up. We want to train students in terms of appearing for these tests and also guide them for various opportunities which they can opt for even if they do not clear these tests,” added Shinde.
Dr Shinde was recently awarded Honoray Rank of Colonel in NCC by the Ministry of Defence. Shinde said, “NCC is an important factor for students to instil a sense of discipline within them. Students pick traits and learn faster on their own by observing and learning from their friends.”
Students and teachers mentioned culture plays an important role in their education. A professor of the university said, “Education begins outside the boundaries of a classroom. Practical approach, projects, field work, experiments, assignments, voluntary work and internships help students to groom themselves on their own by gaining first hand on ground knowledge and experience.”
Students of Shivaji University have initiated various projects on campus like artificial well, lakes, water conservation and harvesting, gardening, plantation, green vehicle usage, NCC camps, mess facilities of cooking and serving food at hostels, clean-up drives and field work.
Alokkumar Jatratkar, public relations officer of university said, “All our activities on campus are run and managed by students. Right from serving food at hostel to running the photocopy centre at the university, students work and manage all the facilities and services.”