Osmania University turns 100 today

The stage is set for the much-awaited centenary celebrations of the prestigious Osmania University (OU) that first threw open its doors to students in 1917. With the centenary song reverberating across the campus, the fete will witness a gathering of over 20,000 people over the three-day event.

Amid tight security, President Pranab Mukherjee will grace the inaugural ceremony as chief guest on Wednesday .A special documentary on the 100 years of the university , created by students of the communication department, will be screened on the occasion. Authorities said the university has received over 2,000 registrations for the opening day .

Apart from revelry , the teaching and non-teaching staff, along with retired professors of the university , also hope to use the opportunity to expand their network during the meet.Every department has organised seminars and workshops as part of the celebrations.

“The centenary celebrations will see nobel laureates, researchers and academicians from across the country coming together at one place. It is a great opportunity for students and teachers to network with them since such a large gathering comprising eminent personalities is a rarity ,“ said P L Vishveshwar Rao, who served as principal of Osmania University Arts College between 2006 and 2009.

On April 27, the university has organised



lectures by eminent Indian scientists which will be followed by a panel discussion on OU's vision the next day . An all India vice-chancellors meet has been scheduled for the final day .

The excitement of being part of the programme was palpable among the university alumni on Tuesday who confessed to being thrilled about meeting old friends, classmates and professors. “It has been over a decade that I graduated from the engineering department. It feels great to visit the university again after so many years only to meet my professors and classmates again,“ said one Srinivasulu, working with a USbased software firm.

Even international students at OU have major plans during and post the event.“There are 32 students from 21 countries who are participating in cultural programmes.Students are planning to hold an international students' day on campus soon to showcase the culture and tradition of their respective countries,“ said G B Reddy , director of foreign relations office in OU. 

Earlier, vice-chancellor of OU held a meeting with student organisations and appealed to them to not disrupt the event. “ Any attempt to disrupt the programmes would be viewed seriously and result in disciplinary action against the concerned including rustication, if necessary ,“ read a press release issued by the varsity on Tuesday.