Maharaja Sayaji Rao University of Baroda (Vadodara)
By: David H.
Submitted: 2011-09-30 22:20:23 | Word Count: 595
Vadodara or Baroda as it was formerly known as was the capital of the Gaekwad state. Since its inception, it has been a cultural and historical center and is known for its infrastructural and educational developments.One of the forces behind this transformation was the ruler of the state, Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad, who was a visionary and an able statesman.
He brought about major changes in the basic infrastructure and amenities in his state. Some of his noteworthy contributions are in the field of education, social upliftment of the downtrodden, agricultural reforms, infrastructural development including the network of largest narrow gauge railways throughout his state and also encouragement to fine arts.
[ advertisement ]
The most important contribution of Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad was in the field of education. He was the first Indian Ruler to introduce compulsory and free education in 1906 to all the children, thereby placing his region far ahead of the contemporary British India.
Over the years he took a keen interest in the educational development of his state.His rich collection of books became the basis for today's Central Library of Baroda with a network of libraries in all the towns and villages under his jurisdiction.
With the passing time, Baroda became synonymous with education and all this happened due to the efforts taken by Maharaja Sayaji Rao. On the occasion of his Diamond Jubilee Celebration of his accession to the throne, Maharaja Sayaji Rao set apart a large fund from his personal as well as state assets for the creation of a University at Baroda.The main aim of this initiative was to provide an avenue for the less fortunate students from the rural parts. This idea was taken further ahead by his grandson, Sir Pratap Singh Rao Gaekwad.
Maharaja Sayaji Rao University of Baroda: And thus the Maharaja Sayaji Rao University was established under the aegis of the Sayaji Rao Diamond Jubilee and Memorial Trust which is a prestigious center for higher learning. The idea of opening a University in Baroda was conceived by Dr.Jackson in 1908. It was originally called the Baroda College of Science.
Courses Offered by The University: MSU is a progressive centre for higher learning.The university offers a variety of courses belonging to almost all streams of education. It offers
1. Certificate Course
2. Diploma
3. Bachelors Degree
4. P G Diploma
5. Masters
6. M. Phil
7. Doctoral
Main Facilities Provided by MSU: The University has the latest state-of-the-art facilities for the students and staff which helps them in remaining focused on their academic pursuit for excellence. MSU offers the following facilities and amenities:
1. Library
2. Computer Center
3. Health Center
4. Guest House
5. General Education Center
6. University Press
Departments of MSU: The University strives for an all round development of its students and hence, there are faculties and departments of almost all streams of Education. The concept behind the University was to educate more and more students from the local origins.And that is why the local languages too play an important role in the academics of the University. The following departments are availed by the students:
1. Faculty of Arts
2. Faculty of Science
3. Faculty of Education and Psychology
4. Faculty of Medicine
5. Faculty of Technology & Engineering
6. Faculty of Law
7. Faculty of Fine Arts
8. Faculty of Family and Community Sciences
9. Faculty of Social work
10.Faculty of Performing Arts
11.Faculty of Management Studies
12.Faculty of journalism and Communication
13.Sanskrit Mahavidayalaya
13.Polytechnic
Thus the Maharaja Sayaji Rao University plays a key role in the academic development of the students in Gujarat as well as from other states of the country. MSU caters to over 30,000 students in various faculties.
