CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The Foundation Day of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Makanpuram campus in Bishankhedi. The first Foundation Day ceremony was graced by the presence of Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, the first Registrar of the university and currently the Member Secretary of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. The event was presided over by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. K.G. Suresh.
On this occasion, a tree plantation drive was conducted, and the Srinivasa Ramanujan Auditorium of the Department of Computer Applications was inaugurated. Additionally, the Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Auditorium witnessed the launch of journals “Vikalp,” “Media Mimansa,” and “APR,” which were unveiled by Prof. Suresh and Dr. Joshi. Earlier in the day, a portrait of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was also unveiled at the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Transit Hostel.
In the main event held at the Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Auditorium, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Suresh remarked that the 34-year journey of the university has been one of struggle. He recalled that when the university was established in 1990, it started with just two rooms, but today, inspired by the legacy of Dada Makhanlal, the university boasts a grand 50-acre Makanpuram campus. Prof. Suresh noted that just as every individual celebrates a birthday, the university too celebrates its Foundation Day, having been recognized as a university by the University Grants Commission on August 16, 1990. He highlighted that over 150,000 students are currently enrolled across 1,600 study centers and five campuses. He also emphasized the university’s initiatives in bringing computer education to rural areas, driven by its own innovative efforts.
Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi expressed that this was an emotional moment for him, likening his connection to the university to that of an umbilical cord and referring to it as his maternal home. He shared various bittersweet experiences from the university’s establishment to the present day and praised the university for conducting exams on time and promptly announcing results. Dr. Joshi also addressed the students, sharing his thoughts with them.