Mallika Subamma building finally a reality

 I am very happy to state that finally today on 28th May, 2015, we had the stone laying foundation of Malladi Subamma building for the Centre of Women's Studies in the University.

Malladi Subamma a very well know activist has pooled all her savings and given Rs. 37Lakhs for a building  a big hall in the Centre when I was the Director had received this money on 8th March 2012.Malladi was 88years old and she debated a lot between Tripathi, Andhra University, Osman University and ours Centre for Women's Studies to give her life savings and finally decided on our Centre. The University took its own sweet time and finally today this was initiated. Unfortunately Malladi is no more today having passed away recently. I had a lot of interactions with her when I cane to Hyderabad in 1984.She would organise meetings in her house to discuss gender issues and cook lunch for all the persons attending this. I did not know a word of Telugu but her commitment and energy for the cause of women always drew me to her meetings and we developed a good friendship and rapport . She established shelters for battered women. Her husband RamMurthy was another great person who supported the cause. It was fun talking to them. Now only her son Kamesh is there and I hope we finish this building soon and invite  him to see this

University of Hyderabad in 2015

 Finally we have been able to make a smalland tiny  mark in the world educational system.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/uoh-one-of-the-worlds-best-varsities/article7178948.ece

Farewell 2015

 Farewells and welcomes are such interestings times in the University and it looks as if it was only yesterday that the youngsters welcomed the seniors and now on 11th April I was invited to the farewell function of the juniors.I have seen these functions change over a period of time from 1984 when students would serve tea and snacks and then cold drink.Now we have elaborate dinners and cultural programmes and a DJ Night after the faculty leave for the night.I have seen a growing friendship and bond between boys and girls and feel very happy.Reminds me of our farewell way back in 1976 when many of our students would not have been born.It was a very seggregated society and girls did not mix easily with boys except a few may be two or three.

This year the juniors have been very imaginative and started a rolling trophy to be given to the class that won the cricket match.The trophy was designed like a world cup and I felt happy handing it over.It was a time of fun, frolick and I felt very happy to see all junior MA.senior MA MPhil and Ph.D's interacting in a great friendship.There is a lot of talent among our students be it singing, dance or drama.An enjoyable evening.

Rita Bahuguna

 On the second day of the seminar on 13th March, 2015, I was very happy ro meet an old friend .When I joined the University of Allhabad in 1978, Rita Baguguna joshi was in the same department and since she was also in Medieval hisrory we hit it off very well.Her house was close to my house and often I would travel to the Universiry in her fiat.We were both doing our Ph.d and traveled to Aligarh together and spent some lovely time going around the library, sharing our joys and frustrations.After I left and came to Hyderabad she went into politics, became a Mayor, and is currently the spokesperson for Congress.It was fun connecting with her after ages. As I post this today Rita bahuguna is an MP from BJP and has established herself well in politics.

With Ashima

 On the third day in Lucknow on 13th March, 2015, I met my old friend Ashima and spent time with her.She is now the Director of the Railway Training institute .It was fun spending time with her granddaughter and going around Lucknow.

Isableela Thoburn, IT College

On 12th March, 2015, attended the two day   National seminar in one of the first women's college Isableela Thoburn popularly known as IT college started in 1875 in Lucknow.Its a beautiful College with a Colonial structure and furniture.The popularity of the college can be gauged from the fact that the cross-section of road adjacent to the college is commonly known as the “IT Chauraha”.There were no avenues for higher education for girls in Lucknow during the reign of Nawabs. The need for extensive higher education gained weight and the Lucknow Women’s College was established on 12th July 1886. Later, it came to be known as the Isabella Thoburn College. All the courses of the college were affiliated to the Calcutta University with Fine Arts (F.A.) being the most popular. In 1894, the college earned the affiliation from the Allahabad University.The institute has been named after its founder Isabella Thoburn who was an American Missionary. She worked tirelessly for the establishment and progress of the college for 31 years. in the year 1901, she passed away following a prolonged illness.Ms. Florence Nichols came to Lucknow in 1921 to handle the administration of the institute in order to provide top level higher education to the girls in Lucknow. I felt happy coming back to the Indo gangetic plain besides meeting many old friends.The College was set up in 1886 for girls and then some portions were added in 1922.The buidings are very Colonial and so is the furniture.

Holi celebrations, 2015

On 6th March, 2015, celebrated Holi the Indian festival of colours.  Happy Holi to every one .