Eyecatchers-26 : 'University of Madras Completes 150 Years' - Education Express, Supp. to The New Indian Express

150 GLORIOUS YEARS by Sharada Narayanan

The University of Madras campus in Chepauk wears a new look. There is more activity, and the rains have added more sheen to the buildings. There is not a trace of it wearing out with 150 years of usage. And to top it all, there are plans to have a new building with 2.5 lakh sq.ft space within the campus. If anything, the university only seems to be getting younger!

Madras University was established on September 5, 1857, based on the London University model, as there was a need for "creating a properly articulated system of education from the primary school to the University" in Madras Presidency. Today, it offers courses in over 70 departments and has linkages with 41 universities across 17 countries.

The university has taken this opportunity to indulge in community service measures. It had adopted 100 slums and 50 villages in Chennai, Kancheepuram and Thiruvallur and will provide for their educational, economical, social and health requirements.

(Excerpt from Education Express, Supp. to The New Indian Express, Madurai, Aug.31, 2007)