CHAPTER XV

EDUCATION AND CULTURE

(a)               Historical Background

 

            In ancient days, the state of education in Punjab and its Princely States was very much same as in the rest of the country, so far as the indigenous system of education was concerned. Private or indigenous schools were found in every part of the area. The area of the present district of Fatehgarh Sahib comprises the territories of erstwhile Princely States of Patiala and Nabha except few villages of British territory. In these Princely States, prior to 1860, indigenous system of education was in vogue. Under the indigenous system, pathshalas, chathshalas, dharmshalas and makta bas were run. In the pathshalas, religious education relating to Hindu religion was imparted to the boys of Brahamin community. In the chathshalas or Mahajani reading schools, lande and accounts were  taught to the boys of the trading community. In Gurmukhi schools, Gurmukhi or Punjabi was taught by the Bhai or priest of the gurdwara to the children of the Sikh community and these schools were generally located in dharamshalas\gurdwaras. The maktabas were the vernacular, Persian or Arabic schools for the Muslim boys. These were of two kinds the one where only the Quran was taught, the others where Arabic was taught. Female education was looked upon with disfavour. Girls used to learn kashidas and other needle work, i.e. embroidery, sewing, making gloves, hosiery trouser-string, etc. at home from other women. Women were taught only Gurmukhi, Nagri, Sanskrit or Arabic according to their religion. Only religious books were taught to the girls. In the erstwhile Princely State Patiala, there was no system of State controlled education, prior to the reign of Maharaja Narinder Singh, who opened first State School at Patiala in 1860. In 1870, Maharaja Mohinder Singh created a regularly organized Education Department under a Director assisted by an Inspector. In the same way the Nabha State had no regular system of education. Raja Bharpur Singh made the first attempt to modernize educationand established a school at Nabha in 1863 with two teachers. In the area presently falling a Fatehgarh Sahib a single teacher was opened at Amloh during 1873 and Gurmukhi schools under a Special Superintending Officer were established at Amloh, Salana, Tohra, Bhalwan, Jalan, Khanora and Mangewal in 1886.

After Independence in 1947, the National Government gave priority to the expansion of education with the avowed policy of arranging free and compulsory education. With the formation of PEPSU in 1948, the old system of education remained continued. The PEPSU was merged with Punjab in 1956 and the educational pattern of Punjab became applicable to the areas of present Fatehgarh Sahib District. With this the substantial progress has been made,  the number of educational institution increased rapidly and the Punjab Government took a bold step of provincialising the schools maintained by the local bodies on 1 October 1957. This step was a landmark in the post Independence history of education.  The Compulsory Primary Education Act, 1960, was promulgated from1 April 1961, in the present area of Fatehgarh Sahib District and as a result of its implementation a large number of schools were opened. Education has been made free in all government schools upto middle standard and for girls upto 10+2 standard. To provide facilities of higher education in the area of present Fatehgarh Sahib District, degree colleges have been started at Mandi Gobindgarh and Fatehgarh Sahib. The number of educational institutions in the District as on 30  September 2001 was 597 (3 colleges, 39 senior secondary schools, 49 high schools, 65 middle schools and 406 primary schools.

(b) Literacy and Educational Standards

The literacy figures for the district are available only for 2001 Census as it was formed in 1992. In 2001 the district has 74.10 per cent (78.85 per cent  males and  68.80  per cent females) literates against the State average of 69.95 per cent. The district has the higher percentage of literates than the State average and occupies 7th rank in literacy amongst the districts of Punjab State.

The number of recognized educational institutions during 1993 1995 to 2001 in the Fatehgarh Sahib district is given below:

                                                            (As on 30 September)

               

Type of  institutions

Year                                         

Senior Secondary Schools  (10+2 Pattern)

High Schools/Post Basic schools

Middle Schools/ Senior Basic Schools

Primary Schools/Junior basic Schools

    Boys

    Girls

    Boys

      Girls

    Boys

    Girls

    Boys

           Girls

1992

15

3

45

4

35

-

282

-

1995

18

5

46

2

37

-

401

-

1996

21

6

47

1

45

       -

399

-

1997

23

6

47

1

66

-

416

-

1998

23

6

47

1

66

-

416

-

1999

24

6

45

1

66

 -

408

-

2000

24

6

46

1

66

-

407

-

2001

33

6

48

1

65

-

406

-

                                                      (Statistical Abstracts of Punjab 1992 to 2002)

Educational societies Rendering Services in the Field of Education.- A number of educational societies and philanthropic endowments are rendering valuable service in the field of education in the Fatehgarh Sahib District. A  brief description of theses societies is given below:

 

Sanatan Dharam Sabha.- This sabha is rendering useful service in the field of education in the district. The educational institutions being run by this society in the district during 2000-2001 are; S.D.Girls High School, Bassi Pathana and G.R.S.D.Public School, Mandi Gobindgarh.

 

Singh Sabhas and Other Sikh Societies.-     These societies have played a vital role in the promotion of education in the district. A large number of educational institutions right from middle to the degree level are being run at various places in the district. Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee is playing a keen role in the running of various educational institutions. It is running B.Z.F.S. Khalsa High School, Sirhind, Guru Nanak Dev Public High School, Chunni Kalan, Guru Nanak Public High School, Bassi Pathana, Mata Sundri Public School, Fatehgarh Sahib, Guru Nanak Public High School, Khantmanpur, Guru Teg Bahadur Model High School, Nandpur Kalaur, Guru Hargobind Sahib Khalsa Senior Secondary Public School. Fatehgah Sahib, Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh Sahib and B.B.S.B. Engineering College, Fatehgarh Sahib. Besides, various others public schools are being run  in the district by a number of sikh societies.

 

Educational Trusts.- Besides these societis  several educational trusts are also rendering useful service in the field of education in the district. Ashoka education trust are running two senior secondary schools at Sirhind. Trust Baba Jawala Singh is running a middle school at village Dharonda. Besides, Baba Biram Das Trust and Sarv Hitkari Trust are running two middle schools at village Chanarthal Khurd and at Sirhind, respectively.

 

Women’s Education

The subject of women education as in case of the other parts of the erstwhile Princely States, did not receive much attention in the area presently forming Fatehgarh Sahib District during the early periods and for some time even after the fall of Sirhind and with the establishment of the Princely States. It was not favoured by the parents to send their female wards to the schools. They used to learn reading and writing from the indigenous institutions according to their religion. The progress of female education accelerated only after Independence when Government and voluntary organizations opened a number of schools for girls. The position in this regard in the district excluding the towns was, however, very distressing as there were no schools exclusively for girls upto 30 September 2001. Now, parents have begun to consider the education of their daughters as important as that of their sons, to get them settled in life. The Compulsory Primary Education Act, 1960 has made it obligatory on parents to send their girls of the age-group of 6 and above to schools. The most important development in the field of education among women was the constitution of the National Committee on Women’s Education in 1958. The committee recommended the provision of free education, co-education at primary and middle stages, institution of merit scholarship and appointment of women teachers in girls schools. The State Government took keen interest in the promotion of education among women as a policy, under the recommendations of the National Committee on Women’s Education, and provided various facilities like free education for girls upto 10+2 level, enrolment drive, provision of financial assistance by way of scholarships, replacement of male teachers working  in girls schools by lady teachers and opening of separate educational institutions for them. Government have also formulated separate schemes for the education of girls of weaker sections of the society. All these factors contributed to the female literacy which stood at 63.55 per cent for the State as a whole and especially to the Fatehgarh Sahib District which is 68.60 per cent. The district ranked sixth in State in female literacy rate as per 2001 Census. More facilities were provided to the girl students and only lady teachers were appointed in girls schools. The changing social order and efforts of various religious societies and voluntary organizations have brought progress in the sphere of women education. In Fatehgarh Sahib District, 2 colleges, 6 senior secondary schools, 1 high school and 1 technical industrial art craft school, exclusively for women were functioning as on 30 September 2001.

As on 30 September 2001, there were 41,705 girl students studying in primary/junior basic schools, middle/senior basic schools, high/ post basic schools and senior secondary schools in the district.

 

Education of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes

 

                Before Independence, hardly any efforts were made in the direction of eradication of mass illiteracy among the Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes. These people were too poor to afford the benefits of education and too backward to alive to its need. There was a tendency to employ young children on odd jobs to supplement the family income. It was after Independence that the Government has introduced various welfare schemes under which these students are provided free books, stipends and scholarships in all the educational institutions. Students getting higher education in law, medical and engineering are given grants for the purchase of costly books. Two zonal coaching centres at Patiala and S.A.S. Nagar are providing free boarding and lodging and free books in order to prepare the Scheduled Castes students for I.A.S., I.P.S. and other allied services.

The financial assistance given to the students belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes studying in the middle, high and senior secondary schools of the district, during 1992-93, 1995-96 to 2001-2002 is given below:

Year

Number of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes

Total amount disbursed      

       (Rs in lakhs)

1992-93

..

                   ..

1995-96

14,555

               16,04,304

1996-97

16,203

               76,83,144

1997-98

15,521

              84,62,087

1998-99

..

               ..

1999-2000

17,268

              25,00,000

2000-2001

17,312

              75,43,823

2001-2002

15,798

              45,27,402

(Source: District Education Officers, Fatehgarh Sahib)

The number of students belonging to Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes studying in different schools in Fatehgarh Sahib District during 2000-2001 is given below:

Type of          Institution

Number of Scheduled Castes Students

Number of Backward Classes Students

Boys

Girls

Total

Boys

Girls

Total

Middle Schools

1,440

1,664

3,104

214

467

681

High Schools

2,304

1,783

4,087

985

786

1,771

Senior Secondary Schools.

1,318

1,270

2,288

682

982

1,664

                                (Source: District Education officer Fatehgarh Sahib)

 

Medium of Instructions

The medium of instructions, in the government schools in the district is Punjabi since 1969, but the privately managed schools have been given the option to retain Punjabi or Hindi as the medium of instructions, which opt Hindi as medium of instructions are required to teach Punjabi as a compulsory language. The Sachar Formula of 1949 on medium of instructions in schools was replaced on 2 July 1969, by a three language Formula under which Punjabi was made the first compulsory language as medium of instructions in government schools at all levels. Besides, Hindi was made compulsory from the third class and English from the sixth class onwards. This formula underwent a further change from April 1998, when English has been introduced as a compulsory language from first class in the State. This solution evolved by the Government has gone a long way in solving the language problems in the State. It has ensured compulsory instructions in Punjabi in all the schools and has enabled the Hindi medium schools to continue teaching through that medium and, as such, the entire school going population in the State has become conversant with both the languages as also with English.

Educational Set-up.- The most of the present area of the Fatehgarh Sahib District prior to 1956 was part of PEPSU. After the merger of PEPSU with Punjab the education system in the new State was changed on 8 May 1963 when the District Education Officer was made over all incharge of educational activities upto high and higher secondary schools level in the district. Again on 1 April 1978 the primary wing was separated and the District Education Officer (Primary) was made incharge of the Primary Education. Now the District Education Officer (Secondary) Fatehgarh Sahib is controlling and supervising all middle, high and senior secondary schools in the district. He functions under the control of the Director of Public Instructions (Secondary), Punjab. The District Education Officer (Primary) Fatehgarh Sahib functions under the administrative control of Director of Public Instructions (Primary). He is assisted by 1 Deputy District Education Officer, 6 Block Education Officers, 6 Senior Assistants, 4 Clerks, 1 Stenotypist and Class IV staff.

(c) General Education

Pre-Primary Schools.- At present, the general academic education has been divided into six stages. These are: pre-primary, primary, middle, high, senior secondary and college level. The pre-primary schools are only the beginning of the schooling and teach the students only with play way methods, the primary schools consists of standards (class) 1 to V, the middle schools standards VI to VIII, the high schools standards IX to X and the senior secondary schools standard XI and XII. The colleges offer XI and XII and degree courses. A systematic pre-primary education is of recent origin, it promotes physical, intellectual, mental and emotional growth of the children between the age group of 3-6 years. Education is imparted through play way activities of Kinder Garten and Montessori Methods. Most of these schools are run by the private organisations as preparatory schools and feeder schools to main public schools. The aim of this education is to create a healthy social environment in which the child may develop his physique and intellect. The main object of such education at this stage is to provide healthy conditions for the young children and to give them social experience. Some voluntary organizations and individuals have started private schools to meet the requirements of small children. As on 31 March 2001,  369 Aanganwari centres were also run by Director, Social Security,  Women and Child Development, Punjab with cooperation of mahila mandals and panchayats.

Primary and Basic Schools.- After Independence the curriculum of primary education was modified and made life and vocational oriented. This system is known as basic education. A scheme for compulsory primary education was taken up in the country after 1947 on an experimental basis. But in Punjab State the course of free and compulsory primary education was started in the State during the Third Five Year Plan (1961-66) for the age group of 6-7 years in 1961-62, extended to the age group of 7-8 years in 1962-63 to that of 8-9 years in 1963-64 to that of 9-10 years in 1964-65 and to that of 10-11 years in 1965-66. Special incentives such as supply of free text  books and mid-day meals are provided to the children belonging to weaker sections of the society. The National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education launched  by Government of India on 15 August 1995 has been implemented in the State as well as in the Fatehgarh Sahib District. It has been aimed at increasing enrolment, reducing drop out rate and enhancing the nutritional health status of students in primary classes.

Since the enactment of the Primary Education Act, 1961 and also according to the objectives of successive Five Year Plans to achieve the constitutional obligation of  Universalization of Elementary Education, the Punjab Government have been making efforts to achieve this goal by getting entire children of age group of 6-11 years enrolled. The growth of primary education in the district can be seen from the fact that the number of primary schools increased to almost double in the last decade. At the time of formation of the district in 1992 there were 282 primary schools with a total strength of 46,938 students (25,026 boys, 21,912 girls). By 2001, the number of primary schools increased to 406 with the strength of pupils to 42,185 (21,993 boys and 20,190 girls). The number of teachers in these schools in the district as on 30 September 2001 was 850 (391 males and 459 females)

Secondary Schools.- No steps were taken to introduce secondary education by the rulers of the Princely States or any other agency till 1889 when a middle school was established under new education system by the then Maharaja of Patiala in the area of present Fatehgarh Sahib District. The development of secondary education, has been speculator after the formation of PEPSU in 1948 and the introduction of the regional languages as the medium of instruction in secondary schools. After the merger of PEPSU with Punjab State in 1956 the Government introduced free education and other educational concessions to the students of secondary classes. The increase in the number of students in primary schools due to the introduction of free and compulsory education has also encouraged the enrolment  drive in the middle, high and senior secondary schools. To attract more children of the age group of 11-14 and 14-17 years to these schools, new schools have been opened within short distances. Besides, some new subjects such as music and dancing, home science and agriculture has been introduced in various government schools, vocational courses have also been introduced so that the students may also become vocationally sound.

 Since the formation of Fatehgarh Sahib District in 1992 the number of senior secondary schools and middles schools almost doubled but in case of high schools it remained static. During 1992 there were 35 middle (co-education), 49 high (45 boys 4 girls) and 18 senior secondary schools (15 boys and 3 girls) with 3,966 (2,268 boys and 1,698 girls), 19,967 ( 11,411 boys and 8,556 girls) and 15,206 (8830 boys and 6376 girls) students, respectively. The number of these schools increased to  65 middle schools (Co-education)), 49 high schools (48 boys and 1girls), and 39 senior secondary schools (33 boys and 6 girls). The total number of students studying in middle, high and senior secondary schools were 6258 (3,312 boys and 2,946 girls), 14,495 (8,189 boys and 6,306 girls), 25,985 (12,711 boys and 13,274 girls) students respectively. The total number of teachers in the middle, high and senior secondary schools in the district as on 30 September 2001 were 478 (193 males and 185 females), 604 (302 males and 302 females) and 1,068 (527 males and 541 females), respectively.

Besides, the above schools, there are certain schools in large villages and towns of the district, recognised by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi, which follow the syllabus of CBSE. The medium of instructions in these schools is English from the Ist standard. The Department of Education of the Government of Punjab does not exercise academic or administrative control over these schools. 

Introduction of Plus 2 system of Education.- In order to implement the National Policy of Education, 10+2+3 (10 years high school +2 years senior secondary course +3 years college studies) system of education has been introduced in the State in 1986. Senior Secondary Course (Plus Two System) has been introduced in the Punjab State in 1986 by merging the 11th standard of higher secondary schools and the Pre-University course of colleges making its duration for two years. Hitherto the 11 years study of higher secondary schools was reduced to 10 years upto high school level and the Pre-university courses in the colleges were abolished. The two year senior secondary education forms a sandwich course between secondary education (school education) and degree courses (college education). The first year is called XI standard or +1 and second year is called XII standard or +2. To implement this policy all the higher secondary schools in the district were converted into senior secondary schools and to extend this facility to rural areas the selected high schools have been upgraded by the Government. Now all the colleges and senior secondary schools are imparting instructions upto 10+2 classes in the district. These are affiliated with the Punjab School Education Board, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali). The number of schools brought under this scheme in the district upto 30 September 2001 was 39.

 

Higher Education

 

The history of higher educational institutions in the present area of Fatehgarh Sahib District begins with the establishment of Mata Gujari College at Fatehgarh Sahib in 1959 which now flourished as a Post Graduate College. Till 1968 the area of present district had only one college when one more college for women was started at Mandi Gobindgarh. As on 30 September 2001 there were 3 Colleges in the district. All these institutions are affiliated to Punjabi University, Patiala. The colleges functioning in the district, as on 30 September 2001 are briefly described as under:

 

Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh Sahib.- This college was established to commemorate the memory of Mata Gujari, the mother of Guru Gobind Singh at Fatehgarh Sahib in 1959 and was taken over by Shiromoni Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee, Amritsar in 1964. The college has a spacious campus with magnificent buildings and having a separate Girls Wing for the girl students. The college offers instructions in 10+2 (Science and Commerce), three Year Degree Course (Arts, Science and Commerce) and M. A. in Economics. Besides, it conducts BCA, PGDCA, MCA and MBA courses. The college has a well-stocked library. There are a number of cultural and literary societies functioning in the college. Training in NCC and NSS is also given. It also provides facilities for athletics and games. The college brings out its magazine “Fatehgarh” annually.

The number of students on the rolls of the college, during 2000-2001 was  1686 (1,006 boys and 680 girls).

 

   J. L. N. College for Women, Mandi Gobindgarh.- This college was established as a private college in July 1968 by the Municipal Committee, Mandi Gobindgarh and was taken over by the Punjab Government in March 1976. The college has a hostel, a  well stocked library, reading room, a dispensary and residential accommodation for staff members.

The college offers instructions in 10+2 classes (Humanities) and Three Year Degree course in Arts. The college also provides training in NCC and NSS. A number of cultural and literary societies function in the college to promote healthy growth of personality among the girl students. It brings out its magazine ‘Gyanakshu’ once a year. With the help of Government of Punjab the  Tata Infotech Company has started computer courses in  the colleges for girl students in December 2001. Girls are attaining advance computer courses training in the college.

The number of students on the rolls of the college, during 2000-2001 was 602.

 

Gobindgarh Public College Mandi Gobindgarh.- This college was established, by Gobindgarh Educational and Social Welfare Trust, Mandi Gobindgarh in May 1995. The college imparts instructions in Arts and Commerce upto degree level. A number of literary and cultural societies function in the College. Training in NSS is also provided in the college.  It  brings out its magazine viz. Virtuous once a year.

The number of students on the rolls of the college, during 2000-2001 was 460 (362 boys and 98 girls).

 

 

 

(d) Professional and Technical Education

 

Teacher’s Training

 

 Teacher’s Training has become essential with the changing scenario in the education system. Unless proper training is provided to the teachers, they will be failing in doing justice in teaching. For this purpose teachers training institutions have been established in the districts of the State.

            A brief account of the training institutions functioning in the Fatehgarh Sahib District has been given below :

 

            District Institute of Education and  Training Fatehgarh Sahib.- It was established on 16 July 1999, by Punjab Government to provide Elementary Teachers Training of two years duration. The students are imparted training in Pre-Service Teacher’s Education (PSTE), Innovation and Coordination (IFIC), Planning and Management (PM), Educational Technology (ET), Curriculum Material Development and Evaluation (CMDE), Work Experience (WE) and District Resource Unit (DRU). Through these courses teachers are trained to teach with latest techniques and new methods of teaching.

            The number of students on the rolls of the institution as on 31 March 2001 was 100.

 

Technical Education

 An attempt to provide technical education in present area of Fatehgarh Sahib was made with the establishment of Industrial Training Institute at Bassi Pathana in August 1963. Later on the Industrial Training School for Girls, Sirhind was merged with it and made girls section of it. Now it offers training in the trades such as: Welders, Turners, Fitters, Machinists, Electricians, Electronics, Motor Mechanics, Mechanic Instruments, Mechanic Radio, T.V., Wireman, Stenography English and Punjabi, Carpenter, Tractor Mechanic, Computer Operator & Processing Assistants, Tailoring and Cutting and Embroidery.

The spread of technical education in the district on modern lines is of recent origin. At present there are one Engineering College, one National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology and an Institute of Management and Computer Science. A brief account of these institutions is given below :

 

Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Engineering College, Fatehgarh Sahib.- This college was established in 1993 by Baba Banda  Singh Bahadur Education Trust formed under the patronages of Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandak Committee, Amritsar with the approval of the Government of Punjab. The college have magnificent campus and spread over 175 acres  with two beautiful administrative and teaching blocks, well-equipped laboratories, workshops, well-stocked library, three hostels, two for boys one for girls and well-maintained play grounds and lawns. The mission of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Engineering College is to achieve excellence in technical education through innovations in teaching technology, develop close industry-institute interaction, cultivate entrepreneurship, encourage research of development. The college is remained affiliated to Punjabi University, Patiala till 1997. With the establishment of  Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, the college is now affiliated to it since 1997-98 academic session. The college started with B.Tech. programme in Computer Science, Engineering in Electronics and Communication Engineering and Mechanical Engineering with intake of 30 students in each. In the year 1997, the intake was increased to 60 students  in each discipline. The intake has further increased to 90 students each in Computer Science & Engineering and Electronics and Communication Engineering from 2001-2002. A new discipline of B.Tech in Information and Technology with intake of 60 students has also been introduced from the session 2001-2002.  It brings out its magazine “Fateh” annually.

            The number of students on the rolls of this institute during 2000-2001 was 666 (boys 556 and girls 110).

             

            National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology, Mandi Gobindgarh.- The institution was set up by the Ministry of Steel, Government of India as a registered society on 18 August 1957 under the Chairmanship of Development Commissioner for Iron & Steel for the human resource development and technology upgradation of the secondary steel sector. Initially it was established at Chandigarh and later on it was shifted to the premises of I.D.C. building, Mandi Gobindgarh in April 1989. In 1997, the institution has been shifted to its own campus spread over 6 acres. It consists of an Administrative Block, Technical Block having different laboratories and lecture halls. Besides it has hostel facility and staff quarters.  It has documentation centre, library which is fully equipped with latest technical journals and books relating to steel sector. The institute has two Regional Centres located at Kolkata and Nagpur. The National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology has been set up as a nodal agency to help the industry for specific requirement for the secondary steel sector in providing trained personnel. The areas of secondary steel sector under the preview of the institute are: Electric Arc and Induction Furnace, Ladle Refining, Rolling Mills (Hot & Cold), Direct Reduced Iron Units. The institute runs correspondence certificate course in the areas of Steel making Technology and Rolling Technology. Besides, the institute conducts seminars/workshops, refresher courses/ skill up gradation programmes, in-house training on specific needs.

The number of students on the rolls of this institute during 2000-2001 was 75 (41 Rolling Technology and 34 Steel Making Technology).

 

Desh Bhagat Institute of Management and Computer Sciences.- This institution was established in 1999. it prepares  students for Master of Business Administration (MBA), Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA), Bachelor of management and information Technology (BMIT), and Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application (PGDCA). For MBA course, the institution is affiliated to Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar and for other  courses viz. BCA, BMIT, PGDCA, the institution is affiliated to Punjabi University, Patiala.

The number of students on the rolls of the institution during 1999-2000 was 96.

            (e) Medical Education

            Desh Bhagat Ayurvedic College and Hospital is providing medical education to the students in the district. A brief account of this institution is given below:

 

Desh Bhagat Ayurvedic College and Hospital Mandi Gobindgarh.- The institution was established in 1996 and is affiliated to Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot. The institution provides B.A.M.S. (Ayurvedic) degree of five and a half year duration (including intership). The college has departments of shareer rachna; shareer kriya; and swasth uritta; dravyaguna; agadtantra awan vidhi vaidyak; rag avam vikrti vigyan; kaumar bhritya; prasuti avam stri rag; shalakya, kaya chiktsa and panchkarma. It has well-stocked library, hostel and common room for girls students. The college also maintains a herbal garden having 225 varieties of medicinal plants where training in identification of herbs is provided to the students. The intake capacity of the college is 50 students per year. The college brings out its magazine titled ‘PRERNA’ annually.

A well equipped 150 bedded hospital is attached to the college. The hospital has a physio-therapy centre, operation theatre, slimming centre clinical pathological laboratory and also provides X-ray, E.C.G. and ambulance facilities. The hospital provides both indoor and outdoor facilities to the patients.

The number of students on the rolls of the college during 2000-2001 was 200 (88 boys and 112 girls).

 

(f) Physical Education

 

            Physical education was mainly a part of general education. To attain physical fitness right from the early years of schooling, games and physical education have been made compulsory subjects in the middle, high and senior secondary schools since 1974. It aims all-round physical development of the students. It was imparted through physical activity which keeps the body fit. This scheme was functioning well in schools under the supervision of the Head Masters/Principals with the help of the Physical Training Instructors, Director of Physical Education, Lecturer in Physical Education. In the colleges physical education was directed and guided by the Director of Physical  Education. The development of sports in the State is the  responsibility of the Department of Sports, the Punjab State Sports Council and Sports Wing of the Education Department.

            Besides the above, the following schemes under separate departments also promote the cause of physical education in the district:

        1   Promotion of Sports and Games by the State Sports Department

  2   National Fitness Corps sponsored by the Government of India

  3   National Cadet corps

4        Bharat Scouts and Guides

 

 Promotion of Sports and Games.- Games and sports are considered a necessary part of students education and training for life. Keeping in view the importance of sports, the Punjab Government has created the Sports Department in 1961 and appointed players of national and international fame as sports officer. At the district level, this department was under the charge of a District Sports Officer, Fatehgarh Sahib, who was assisted by a number of sports coaches to give  training to the boys and girls. There are three coaching centres for Athletics, Kho Kho and Hockey at Fatehgarh Sahib, Mandi Gobindgarh and Amloh, respectively.

The main functions of the department are to provide facilities in sports to the sports person of colleges, schools, private institutions, etc. according to their requisitions. In general the training is given in the evening once a day in the coaching centre, twice a day in schools and colleges. The department was making strenuous efforts  to promote sports talent in all parts of the State. The department organises tournaments and training camps. The departments awards scholarships to the distinguished players, pension to old age players, besides giving grants for the development of playgrounds.

The following District Sports Associations were functioning in the district during 2000-2001:-

 

District Sports Associations

1  District Athletics Association, Fatehgarh Sahib

2  District Basketball Association, Fatehgarh Sahib

3  District Badminton Association, Fatehgarh Sahib

4  District Boxing Association, Fatehgarh Sahib

5  District Football Association, Fatehgarh Sahib

6  District Fencing Association, Fatehgarh Sahib

7  District Hockey Association, Fatehgarh Sahib

8  District Handball Association, Fatehgarh Sahib

9  District Zudo Association, Fatehgarh Sahib

10  District Kabaddi Association, Fatehgarh Sahib

11  District Kho Kho Association, Fatehgarh Sahib

12  District Table Tenis Association, Fatehgarh Sahib

13  District Weight Lifting Association, Fatehgarh Sahib

14  District Body Building Association, Fatehgarh Sahib

15  District Tug of War Association, Fatehgarh Sahib

 

             National Fitness Corps.- In order to develop character and discipline and to make the children physically fit the National Discipline Scheme is started. The scheme created a new awakening in the field of physical education culminating in the formulation of the National Fitness Corps programme containing a wide scope of physical education. Good points of all schemes relating to physical education were incorporated in the scheme for National Fitness Corps. It aims at developing physical efficiency, toughness, courage, endurance, discipline, patriotic fervour, appreciation for democratic values of life and love for the country among the students. The scheme is recommended by Kunzru Committee by merging the National Discipline Scheme, Auxiliary Cadet Corps and Physical Education. The programme includes exercise tables, drill and marching, lazium, gymnastics and folk dances, major and minor games and relays, track and field events combatives  and  national ideals and good citizenship, practical projects and community singing of the National Anthem and patriotic songs. The scheme was implemented in the district under the Circle Incharge of Sports who functions under the supervision of District Education Officer (Primary).The total strength of students under the scheme in the schools of Fatehgarh Sahib District as on 31 March 2001 was 6,461 (3,232 boys and 3,229 girls).

 

            National Cadet Corps.- In order to develop the qualities of leadership, unity and discipline among the youth, National Cadet Corps is introduced in the educational programme in 1948. After the Chinese Aggressions, it is made compulsory for all the able bodied undergraduate boy students at college level in July 1963. NCC training was imparted regularly during academic session and through out door camps. Later on, a programme, namely NSS (National Service Scheme) has been introduced as an alternative to NCC which is no longer compulsory. The aims of National Cadet Corps are to develop character, comradeship, idea of service and capacity for leadership in youth,  men and women to give service training to young men and women so as to stimulate interest in the defence of the county and to build up a reserve of manpower to enable the armed forces to expand rapidly in national emergency. National Cadet Corps in the Fatehgarh Sahib District was functioning under the jurisdiction of Group Headquarters Patiala.

 

The motto of National Cadet Corps is ‘Unity and Discipline’. The cadets are imparted training in the military subjects, viz., rifle-firing, field craft, foot-drill, civil defence, map reading, etc. Girls are given training in first-aid, operating telephones, telegraphs and wireless. Senior and Junior division cadets are organized into units each commanded by a regular Army Major or an officer of equivalent rank in the Air Force. The cadets also attend annual out–door training camps. The number of students on the rolls in the National Cadet Corps in the Fatehgarh Sahib district as on 31 March 2001 were 105 cadets in senior division and 500 cadets in junior division.

                                                        

Bharat Scouts and Guides.- The Bharat Scouts and Guides Punjab has its State Headquarters at Chandigarh and a training centre at Tara Davi (Shimla Hills). In the Fatehgarh Sahib District, the scheme was being run by the District Education Officer (Primary), Fatehgarh Sahib. It organises scouts and guides rallies, social service camps at  the time of melas (festivals) and gives training to young men and young women in cooking handicrafts, tent-pitching, etc. The training imparted inculcates in the trainees the qualities of self-help, discipline and spirit for good service to all at all times. The boys and girls trained in this movement turned out to be good and useful citizens with broader out-look. They are also taught first-aid. They render service at festivals exhibitions, etc. in maintaining law and order and also render aid to helpless, to the sick and wounded. The total strength of Cubs and Bulbuls in the district as on 31 March 2001 was 1,200 and 300 respectively.

          

(g) Cultivation of Fine Arts

 

There is no such institution in the district.

 

   (h) Oriental School and Colleges

 

No oriental school or college is functioning in the district.

 

     (i) Education for the handicapped

 

There is no such institution in the district which  renders education to the handicapped. 

 

(i) Adult Literacy, Social Measure for the Diffusion of Education and Culture among the Masses

 

           The campaign was started in the Fatehgarh Sahib District on 15 August 1997 with the help of voluntary agencies. In order to mobilize the masses, seminars, workshops, exhibitions and literacy camps are organised at various places in the district. To create interest in the voluntary organizations catchy slogans like ‘ Each One Teach One’ are cited. Mass meetings are organized. Help of print media and audio visual media is also taken to create interest in the public towards education. Literacy melas/fetes, inter school festivals and competitions are organised in the district.

            The main aim of the programme was to impart functional literacy to the target group of 15-35 years. Functional literacy aimed at four objectives viz., achieving self-reliance in literacy and numeracy; awareness building regarding present backward conditions; skill formation to improve socio-economic status and intellectual orientation towards the state welfare ideas, national integration and female emancipation. It helped to increase enrolment in 6-11 years age group and reduction of drop out rate; non-formal education for 15-35 age group and empowerment of 15-35 years target groups which are productive units of the economy.

           On the commencement of the programme 54,320 persons were proposed for learning. The number of persons admitted under the programme was 45,250 out of which 35,843 persons  passed Primer I and II upto 31 March 2001.

 

(j) Cultural and Literary Societies and Periodicals

 

The district has made significant contribution in the field of literature. For the development of rich cultural heritage, cultural and literary societies play an important role in the district. Besides, a number of literary societies a prominent Punjabi literary society at Khamano is functioning in the district and working for the encouragement of budding writers and development of  literature . One District Cultural Society, Fatehgarh Sahib was functioning in the district which came into existence on 23 June 1995. The Deputy Commissioner is President of the society. The membership of the society as on 31 March 2003 was 253. The society organises one function every month at district and Subdivisional level, and in the villages.

 

Periodicals

 

            Information pertaining to periodicals published in the district has been given in chapter XVIII ‘Public Life and  Voluntary Social Service Organisation’.

 

 

(k) Libraries, Museums, etc

 

The library movements is of recent origin in the district. Some attempts were made in the past by some private people, municipalities and schools and colleges in the district to organize libraries in the district. The village library scheme was introduced in 1950 when some panchayats opened libraries and reading rooms. Now all the colleges and main schools, municipalities maintain libraries. Besides, the panchayats of large villages maintain libraries and reading rooms. All these libraries are providing useful service to the people. A brief description regarding the District Library Fatehgarh Sahib is given below :

                                               

The  District Library Fatehgarh Sahib.- After the formation of district the District Library, Fatehgarh Sahib was established on 21 June 1995. It is under the control of D.P.I. (Colleges) Punjab. As on 31 March 2001, it had 20,299 books on its shelves and 1,040 members. It subscribes to 11 daily newspapers and 35 periodicals. It provides free service to its members and plays important role in the spread of education. Reading room services are provided to the general public.

 

            Museums

 

Archaeological Museum, Sanghol, (Fatehgarh Sahib).- The present village of Sanghol lies about 500 metres off the main Chandigarh-Ludhiana road and is spread along the Sanghol-Fatehgarh Sahib road. The museum is repository of find from the ancient site of Sanghol where archaeological explorations and regular excavations were carried out from 1968 to 1990 by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Archaeology & Museums, Punjab. Archaeological Site Museum, Sanghol was shifted to its new building on Chandigarh-Ludhiana road in 1990 and renamed as Archaeological Museum, Sanghol.

            The earliest habitation at the site yielded late Harappan material relating to the period from  c. 2000 BC to c. 1400 BC The number of items displayed in the museum are very fine potteries, terra-cotta beads, figurines, fiance bangles, terra-cotta cakes, beads of precious and semi-precious stones, copper chisels, chart weights, 92 micro beads of gold and coins of different dynasties viz. Kushana period, Kanishka, Huvishka, Vasudeva, Samudra Gupta, etc. A Budhist Stupa and Monastry Complex of Ist  Century BC to Ist Century AD an inscribed lid of a casket Kharosti legend of Ist Century AD with the legend Upaska-Aya Bhadrasya and a broken bare of a casket are also displayed here.

                       

            The most startling discovery from the site was a hoard of 117 pieces of railing pillars (Ist-2nd century AD). These pillars are in the form of 69 pillars,13 coping stones and 35 cross bars. It is for the first time that such a large hoard of sculptures belonging to the Mathura School of Arts, lying in stake have been discovered. The theme of these pillars are female figures in the form of women and tree motifs or depiction of concept of mother and child. Some pillars depict shalabhanjikas, in various forms. The most conspicuous Dohada scene, a well  known art motif of a lady/squeezing water from her hair after bath, a swan tries to swallow the droplets of water mistaking them for pearls are also displayed in the museum-Ornaments of muslim period such as sagiphul, armlet, locket, jhanjar, etc. are also displayed here. Five selected pillars from the sculptures from Sanghol were taken for Display of India to New York later to Paris and Russia.

 

 

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