CHAPTER-XV

EDUCATION AND CULTURE

v     Historical Background

v     Literacy and Educational Standards

v      General Education

v     University Education

v     Professional and Technical Education

v     Physical Education

v     Cultivation of Fine Arts

v     Oriental Schools and Colleges

v     Education for the Handicapped

v     Adult Literacy, Social Education and Measures for the Diffusion of Culture among the Masses

v     Cultural and Literary Societies

v     Cultural Societies

v     Library Societies

v     Libraries, Museums, etc.

 

(a)       Historical Background

           The district of Patiala comprises the territories of erstwhile princely States of Patiala, Naba and Kalsia, besides some villages from the former British territory. In these princely States, prior to 1860, indigenous system of education was in vogue. Under the indigenous system, pathshalas, chathshalas, dharamshalas and maktabas were on. In the pathshalas, religious education relating to Hindu religion was imparted to the boys of Brahman communit. In the chathshalas or Mahajani reading schools, lande and accounts were taught to the boys of the trading community. In Gurmukhi schools, Gurmukhi of Punjabi was taught by the Bhai or pariest of the gurudwara to the children of the Sikh Community and these schools were generally located in dharamshals/gurudwaras. The maktabas were the vernacular, Persian or Arabic schools for the Muslim boys. There were of two kinds the one where only the Qiram was taught, the other 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 and trouser string, etc. at home from other women. Women were taught only Gurmukhi, Nagri, Sanskrit or Arabic according to the their religion Only religious books were taught to the girls.

           Before the reign of Maharaja Narinder Singh, there was no system of State controlled education in Patiala. The first State school was opened in Patiala itself in 1860. It was liberally equipped and made the central school. Maharaja Mohinder Singh, in 1870, created a regularly organized Educational Department, under a Director assisted by an Inspector. The teachers in the indigenous schools in the town of Patiala were taken into the service of the State. Persian remained the only subject of instruction, and their maktabas became State schools, while existing schools were similarly taken over or new schools were opened at Samana, Bassi Pathana, Mansurpur and Sirhind. In 1871 two Deputy Inspectors were appointed and in the following years, a third was appointed for the supervision of the schools in the capital and in the tahsil of Patiala. In 1872, the Patiala College was affiliated to the Calcutta University and boys were first prepared for its Entrance Examination in 1875. In 1874, the Oriental Section was affiliated to the Punjab University and Maulvi and Prag classes opened under the newly inaugurated University system and it had figured in the list of successful institutions of the Punjab. The success of the school having made it desirable to provide for higher education, a first Arts class was opened in 1880 and a BA classe in 1886. In 1873, a Roorkee class was opened and systematic instruction given to boys for admission to the Overseer and Sub Overseer classes.

           Formerly, the Nabha State had no regular system of education. The first attempt to modernize education in the state was made by Raja Bharpur Singh. In 1863, he established a school in Nabha with one teacher in English and another for Arabic and Persion. In 1873, a new headmaster was appointed to the school, which improved its administration. Primarly school were opened at Dadahur and Amloh. The Naba school was raised to the middle standard in 1880. In 1886, Gurmukhi schools, under a special Superintending Officer, were opened at Jahlan, Dandrala Dhindsa, Alhuraran, Salana and Mangewal. Students first went to the Punjab University from the State in 1885. In 1888, the Nabha School was raised to the status of a high school and its students first appeaed in  the Entrance Examination in 1890. In this year also, a separate cantonment school was opened, in which English, Gurmukhi, Persian and other subjects were taught. In 1893, the Nabha high school was raised to college status, and in 1895 four of its students passed the first Arts Examination. But in 1898, lack of funds compelled its reversion to the high school. In 1892, a female teacher of Gurmukhi was appointed at Nabha to teach girls. On the eve of the formation of PEPSU in 1948, this system of education continue. In 1956, the PEPSU was merged in the Punjab and the educational pattern of Punjab became applicable to the Patiala District.

           After the partition of the country in 1947, the National Government gave priority to the expansion of education with the avowed policy of arranging free and compulsory education. The number of educational institutions increased rapidly and the Punjab Government took a hold step of provincialising the schools maintained by the local bodies on 1 October, 1957. This step was a landmark n the post independence history of education. Education has been made free in all  government schools upto the  middle standard. The Compulsory Primary Education Act, 1960, was promulgated from 1 Paril 1961. In the entire district and as a result of its implementation, a large number of schools were opened. The number of educational institutions in the Patiala District as on 30 September, 1988, included 20 colleges, 40 senior secondary schools (10+2 pattern) higher secondary schools/(old pattern) 187 high schools, 125 middle schools and 1270 primary/junior basic schools.

(b)       Literacy and Educational Standards

           The literacy rate of the district as per 1981 Census was 40.45 per (46.27 for males and 33.70 for females), as compared to 40.86 per cent (47.16 for males and 33.69 for females), of Punjab state. According to the 1971 Census, it was 31.46 per cent (37.9 for males and 23.8 for females), as compared 33.67 per cent (40.4 for males and 25.9 for females), of the Punjab state. The literacy rate, however, showed an increase of 8.99 per cent during 1971-1981 decade. This may be attributed to the opening of more educational institutions especially in the rural areas within short distance. Efforts have also been made for universalisation of primary education by maximum enrolment of students in schools. Balwadis are also being established in the villages under the Bal Vikas Programme. As a result of the State intiative, the numbr of educational institutions rapidly increased in the district.

           The following rable shows the progress of school education in the Patiala District since 1964-65:

Table showing the progress of school education in the Patiala District for the period 1964-65, 1969-70, 1975, 1980, 1985 and 1988

 

Type of Institution

Number of Institutions

1964-65

1969-70

1975*

1980**

1985**

1988**

Boys

Girls

Boys

Girls

Boys

Girls

Boys

Girls

Boys

Girls

Boys

Girls

Primary schools

682

--

706

--

985

--

1270

--

1270

--

1270

--

Middle Schools

52

14

60

13

127

11

134

4

127

4

121

4

High and Higher Secondary Schools Old Pttern, Senior Secondary Schools (10+2 pattern)

46

23

24

17

107

26

153

26

181

26

201

26

Total

780

37

790

30

1219

37

1557

30

1578

30

1592

30

(Statistical Abstracts of Punjab 1967, 1973, 1976, 1981, 1986 and 1989)

*As on 15 June

**As on 30 September

           Educational Societies Rendering Services in the Field of Education- Though the main responsibility for providing the people with educational facilities rests on the State, yet the various educational societies, missions and philanthropic endowments are also rendering valuable service to the people in the field of education in the district. Those important among such societies are mentioned below:

           Shir Sanatan Dharam Sabha-This society is rendering useful service to the people in the field of education in the district. It is a registered body and is running a number of educational institutions in the district. SDSE, Senior Secondary School, Patiala, Atma Ram Kumar Sabha, Senior Secondary School, Patiala, SDKSE  Senior Secondary School, Patiala, SD High School (Boys), Nabha, SD High School (Girls) Nabha, SD Ramlila Pursharthi, Middle School, Nabha and Hindu Seva Samaj Girls High School, Patiala are managed by the Sabha.

           Arya Samaj-The Arya Samaj has been playing a vital role in the field of education. It is running a number of educational institutions upto degree level in the district. Besides two colleges at Rajpura and Patiala, the Arya Samaj is running a large number of high and senior secondary schools at different places in the district.

           Singh Sabha and Other Sikh Societies-These societies have also played a vital role in the promotion of education in the district. A large number of educational institutions are being run by these societies at various places in the district. The most important among these are Khalsa College, Patiala, Mohindra Kanya Mahavidyala, Patiala, BN Khalsa Senior Secondary School, Patiala, Dhudial Khalsa Senior Secondary School, Patiala, Sewak Jatha High School, Patiala and BZFS Khalsa High School, Sirhind.

           Jain Sabha-This society is also rendering useful service to the people in the sphere of education in the district. It is running RS Jain Public High School, Nabha, SS Jain Girls High School, Derabassi and S. Jain Girls High School, Patiala in the district.

           Christian Mission-The Christian missionaries have also done a pioneer work in the field of education in the Patiala District. They are running two schools at Patiala, viz. Lady Fatma Convent High School and Saint Peter Model School. Both are co-educational and English medium institutions.

           Besides the above societies, a number of philanthropic and religious associations are running educational institutions in the district.

           Women’s Education-In the princely States, the education of women remained neglected. 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. In Patiala Town, some Hindu widows taught the girls and women the Gita, Ramayana and Vishnu Sahasarnam. It was only in 1892, when a female teacher was appointed at Nabha to teach the girls. The progress of women education accelerated after Independence and many voluntary organizations opened a number of schools for girls. The Compulsory Elementary Education Act, 1960, made it obligatory on parents to send their girls of the age group of 6 and above to schools.

           After the Independence, female education made rapid progress in the district. The introduction of compulsory primary education also helped much in this respect. More facilities were given to the girl students and only lady teachers were appointed in the girl’s schools. As on 30 September 1988, as many as 80799, 6652, 31185, and 18319 girls students were studying in the primary, middle, high and senior secondary schools, respectively. There were 4 middle schools, 17 high schools and 9 higher secondary schools, for girls in the district on the same date. The college education among women also got impetus in the district. As a result thereof, there are 2 colleges exclusively for women, one each at Patiala and Mandi Gobindgarh in the district.

           Education of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes-Before Independence, very little efforts were made in the direction of eradication of illiteracy among the Scheduled Castes and other Backward Classes. It was only after the Independence that the Government vigorously directed its policy towards raising general level of literacy among these castes.

           The percentage of Scheduled Castes population to total population of the district  according to the 1981 Census was 22.12, as against 26.87 for the State. The literacy rate among Scheduled Castes in the district in 1981 was 20.19 per cent (27.62 for males and 11.54 for females) as against 23.85 per cent (30.96 for males and 15.66 for females) of the State. The students belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes wholw parents’ annual income does not exceed Rs. 6000 are allowed free education upto the MA level. Books free of cost, stipends, and scholarships, exemption from tution fees and reimbursement of examination fee are also given to the students belonging to these castes in all institutions including colleges under the various schemes sponsored by the State and Union Governments. The students belonging to these classes are provided with reservation of seats in professional and technical institutions. To prepare the members of these classes for appearing in competitive examination for the IAS, IPS and other allied services, free board and lodging are provided at the Zonal Coaching Centre, Patiala. Books free of cost are also given to students of medical and engineering classes.

           The financial assistance given to the students belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes in the district, during 1981-82 to 1988 is given below:

Year

Scheduled Castes

Backward Classes

Stipends (Rs)

Number of student benefited

Stidents (Rs)

Number of students benefited

1981-82

701007

10245

1737257

15038

1982-83

985133

10031

1628248

15116

1983-84

715231

10866

2112649

15087

1984-85

989109

11483

1648516

15487

1985-86

1056180

13906

1760300

15720

1986-87

1704540

13410

2425400

16569

1987-88

1708374

15043

2310202

19124

1988-89

1914035

16205

2212033

19445

           (Source: District Education Officer (Secondary) Patiala.

           The number of Scheduled Castes students in different schools in the district, as on 30 September 1988, was as under:

Type of Institution

Number of scheduled castes students

Total

Boys

Girls

Primary/ Junior Basic

51765

29896

21869

Middle/ Senior Basic

2453

1787

666

High/ Post Basic

13136

8859

4277

Senior Secondary Schools (Higher Secondary 10+2) High Secondary (Old pattern)

3688

2208

1480

(Source: District Education Officer (Secondary) Patiala.

           Medium of Instruction- With the view to solving the language problem in the State, the government worked out the Three Language Formula to satisfy all sections of the people, which replaced the Sachar Formula of 1949. Under the Three Language Formula, Punjabi has been made the first language and the medium of instruction in government schools at all levels, while Hindi has been made compulsory from the third class and English from the sixth class. The privately managed schools have been given the option to retain Punjabi or Hindi as medium of instruction. The schools which adopt Hindi as the medium of instruction are required to teach Punjabi as a compulsory language. This solution evolved by the government has gone a long way in solving the language problems in the State. It has ensured compulsory instruction in Punjabi in all the schools and has enabled the Hindi medium schools to continue teaching through that medium and, as such,the entire schools going population in the State has become conversant with both the languages. The status of English language has also been recognized as it is an international language.

           Educational set up- At the district level, the District Education Officer (Secondary), Patiala is controlling and supervising all middle, high and higher secondary schools in the district. He functions under the control of the Director of Public Instructions (Secondary Schools) Punjab, through the Circle Education Officer, Nabha. He is assisted by 2 Deputy District Education Officers, 1 District Science Supervisor, 1 Administrative Officer, 1 Accounts Officer, 1 Section Officer, 3 Superintendents, 1 Guidance Counsellor, 1 Assistant Education Officer (Sports), 11 Assistants, besides Class-III and miscellaneous Class-IV staff. With the separation of primary wing on 1 April 1978, the control of the primary schools has been entrusted to the District Education Officer (Primary), who functions under the administrative control of the Director of Public Instructions (Primary Schools). He is assisted by 1 Deputy District Education Officer,  22 Block Primary Education Officers including one at headquarters, one Superintendent Grade-I , 5 Assistants, besides other Class-III and Class-IV staff.

(c) General Education

           Pre-Primary Schools-Pre primary education caters to the need of children in the age group of 3-6 years. A systematic pre-primary education is of recent origin. It is highly desirable for the physical, emotional and intellectual development of children. The objective of providing facilities for elementary education in all villages with a population of 500 has been achieved, and now efforts are being made to provide these facilities in the villages having smaller population. A number of nursery and model schools (Government and private) are functioning in the district. Lady Circle Supervisors and Block Development Authorities also run nursery schools or balwadies with the cooperation of village Mahila Mandals and Panchayats.

           Primary and Basic Schools-The course of primary education covers children of age group 6-11 years and consists of five classes i.e. I to V class. Free primary education was introduced in the State during the Third Five Year Plan (1961-66) in the age group of 7-8 in 1962-63, 8-9 in 1963-64, 9-10 in 1964-65 and 10-11 in 1965-66. As a step towards free and compulsory universalization of primary education, all revenue villages in the district have been provided with primary schools by 1976-77. Special incentives such as supply of free text books and mid day meals are given to he children belonging to weaker sections of the society.

           The total number of primary/basic primary schools, both government and private in the district as on 30 September 1988 was 1270 with 176482 (95683 boys and 80799 girls) students. The number of teachers in these schools, was 4416 (1717 males and 2699 females) on the same date.

           Secondary Schools-There is an all round expansion in the field of education in the district. The increase in the number of children / scholars in primary schools due to the introduction of compulsory education has engouraged the enrolment drive in the middle, high and higher secondary schools. During the Sixth Five Year Plan (1980-81 to 1984-85), the Central Government laid more emphasis on cent per cent enrolment of children of age group 11-14 years. To meet the urgent demand for high classes, a number of middle schools have been upgraded and few high schools have been opened under the scheme ‘Expansion of Educational Facilities-Age group 14-17’. Physical education has been made a compulsory subject in the schools. Besides, some new subjects such as music and dancing having been introduced in some of the government girl’s high schools.

           At the secondary stage, there were 40 (31 for boys and 9 for girls) senior secondary schools / higher secondary schools, 187 (170 for boys and 17 for girls) high schools and 125 (121 for boys and 4 for girls) middle schools in the district, as on 30 September 1988. The total number of scholars studying in the miadde, high and senior secondary schools / higher secondary schools were 16009 (9357 boys and 6652 girls). 75649 (44469 boys and 31185 girls) and 44385 (26066 boys and 18319 girls), respectively, as on 30 September 1988. The total number of teachers in the middle, high and senior secondary schools / higher secondary schools in the district were 991 (594 males and 397 females), 2993 (1512 males and 1481 females) and 1345 (595 males and 750 females) respectively.

           Higher Education- The origin of the post matric education in the present district of Patiala can be traced back to the seventries of the ninteeth century when Government Mahindra College was established at Patiala. As on 30 September 1988, there were 12 colleges (Arts and Science) and 1 commerce College functioning in the district. In these colleges, instructions upto degree level are imparted. A few of them also run +2 medical and +2 non medical courses, B.Sc. (Home Science) and MA classes.

           All these colleges are affiliated to the Punjabi University, Patiala. A brief account of the various colleges functioning in the district is given below:

1.                                                                           Government Mohindra College, Patiala- It is one of the oldest and leading institutions of Northern India. This college was started as a State school in 1860 by Maharaja Narinder Singh. It was the only degree college between Delhi and Lahore which attracted students from all over the country. It was upgraded to college level and named as Mohindra College. In 1874, it was first affiliated to the Calcutta University and latter on to the Punjab University in 1882. The college provided instruction upto FA and BA Classes were started in 1887. In 1912, MA in Mathematics and Science classes were started. With the establishment of Punjabi University at Patiala in 1962, this college came under its jurisdiction.

At present, the college prepares students for +2 classes (Arts and Science Groups),Three Year Degree Course in Arts and Science and MA in History, Political Science, Punjabi and Hindi and Economics. Honours classes in the subjects of Economics, Political Science and History are also held in the college. Besides, course  in career wing has also been started. Training in National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme is also imparted. Anumber of cultural and literary societies/associations are functioning  in the college. A sports wing has been established by the government in this college. The college possesses extensive play grounds. The college maintains a well stocked library, laboratories, an auditorium , hostel, dispensary, swimming pool and boxing ring. The college brings out annually its magazine named Mohindra.

2.        Government Ripudaman College, Nabha-This college was started in 1946, in the memory of late Maharaja Ripudaman Singh, It is a co-educational institution.

The college provides instructions in +2 classes (Arts and Science), Three Year Degree Courses leading to BA and B.Sc. classes and MA in English, Economics and Political Science. The college also provides training under the National Cadet Corps and ational Service Scheme. A library, a hostel and a dispensary are being maintained by the college. A number of cultural and literary societies / clubs are functioning in the college. It brings out its annual magazine named Lilly.

The number of the students on the rolls of the college, during 1988-89 was 1178.

3.        Government College for Women, Patiala- The college was founded in 1951. It is the only institution of the Punjabi University catering to post graduate studies in Fine Arts, Dance, M.Sc. Foods and Nutrition and Diploma in Dietetics. The college provides courses in +2 classes (Fine Arts and Humanities Group), Three Year Degree Course (Arts), MA in Music and Fine Arts, M.Sc. Foods and Nutrition and Diploma in Dietetics. The college has a hostel, a library and swimming pool. A number of associations and Vidiyarthi Council, and Sports Wing are functioning in the college. Shivam Sundram is the title of the magazine which the college brings out annually.

In 1988-89, the number of students on the rolls of the college was 1884.

1.                Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh Sahib (Sirhind)-This college was established in 1959. It prepares students for +2 classes (Humanities and Science Groups), Three Year Degree Course in Science and Arts faculties and MA in Economics. Training in National Cadet Corps and the National Service Scheme is also given. A number of societies and clubs are functioning in the collage. The college has a well stocked library, a hostel, play grounds and canteen. The collage brings out annually a magazine named Fatehgarh.

The number of students on the rolls of the collage during 1988-89 was 740.

4.        General Shivdev Singh, Diwan Gurbachan Singh Khalsa College, Patiala-The college was started in 1960 in Gurudwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib by the Khalsa College Council. It was shifted to its present premises in 1973.

The college prepares students for the +2 classes (Humanities and Science Groups) and Three Year Degree Course in Science and Arts faculties. Training in National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme is also provided. A number of cultural and literary societies are also functioning in the college. It has produced sports men and women of National and International levels. In Cycling, 5 students of this college represented India in 1970 Asian Games. In Hockey, the girl students of this college represented India in the Moscow Olympics 1980. the college brings out its magazine The Patiala annually.

The number of students on the rolls of the college, during 1988-89 was 278.

           6.        Government Kirti College, Nial Pattran (Patiala)-  This college was established in July 1968, as a private college and was affiliated to the Punjab University, Chandigarh. It was taken over by the State Government in September 1974 and renamed accordingly. It came under the jurisdiction of Punjabi University, Patiala in 1969. The college prepares students for +2 classes and the Three Year Degree Course in Arts faculties. Training in the National Cadet Corps and the National Service Scheme is also given. A number of literary and cultural societies function in the collage. The college also brings out annually a magazine named Ranghun.

           In 1988-89, here were 262 students on the rolls of the college.

           7.        JLN College for Women, Mandi Gobindgarh- This college was established in July 1968 by the Municipal Committee, Mandi Gobindgarh. It was taken over by the State Government in March, 1976.

           The college offers instruction in +2 classes (Humanities) and Three Year Degree Course in B.A. The college also provides training in National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme.The college has a hostel, a library, reading room, a dispensary and residential accommodation for staff members. 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.

           The number of students on the rolle of the college, during 1988-89 was 249.

8.        Gurmat College, Patiala- The college was started in 1968 to promote the study of religion, culture, and civilization. It is the only institution for the teaching and research of religious education in the country. It imparts instructions in comparative study of religions leading to MA Degree.

The college has a library, named as Gurmat Library, having 10000 books on different religions for research and study. It has a hostel only for boys. The college has 20 seats only. Every student is granted a scholarship of Rs. 250 per month by the management of Guru Nanak foundation, New Delhi.

The number of students on the rolles of the college, during 1988-89 was 12.

           9.        Public College, Samana- The Public College, Samana was established in August, 1969. It is a co-educational institution. The college offers instructions in  +2 classes. (Humanities and Commerce Groups), Three Year Degree Course in B.A. and B.Com. and Honours Classes in Punjabi. The college has arrangements for the National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme. In order to develop the talents of the students, a number of cultural and literary societies have been formed in the college. A library and a dispensary are being maintained by it. It is worthwhile to mention here that blood donation camps are regularly held in the college and it has been adjudged first in the Punjabi Unviersity for blood donation. The college brings out its magazine Gian Gost annually.

           The number of students on the rolls fo the college during 1989-89 was 670.

           10.      Patel Memorial National College, Rajpura- The college was established in July 1966. It imparts instructions in +2 classes (Arts, Science and Commerce), Three Year Degree Course in B.A. and B.Com.

           The college has well equipped science laboratories and a library. It has arrangements for National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme. A number of cultural and literary societies are functioning in the college. The college has extensive play grounds. It brings out its magazine named Unmukt annually.

           The number of students on the rolls fo the college during 1989-89 was 841.

           11.      Multani Mal Modi College, Patiala-This college was founded in July 1967 by Gujjar Mal Modi in the memory of his father Seth Multani Mal Modi, a great philanthropist and patron of education.

           The college imparts education in Humanities, Commerce and Science upto the degree level. It has started M.A. in Hindi from the session 1982-83. A number of cultural and literary societies are functioning in the college. The training in the National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme, is also imparted.The college has arrangements for all games and possesses extensive play grounds. It maintains library, well equipped laboratories, canteen and cycle stand. An important feature of the college is the wall magazine which promotes te creative activity of budding, writers, photographers artists, etc. It brings out its annual magazne named The Luminary.

           The number of students on the rolls fo the college during 1989-89 was 1785.

           12.      Government College, Dera Bassi (Patiala)- This college was established in September, 1974 and its first session was started in July 1975. The college imparts instructions in the +2 classes (Humanitiies and Commercial Groups) and Three Year Degree Course in Arts and Commerce. A number of cultural and literary societies are functioning in the college. Training in National Service Scheme is provided. There is also a Vocational Guidance Bureau functioning in the college. The college brings out its magazine Vidya Pardeep annually.

           The number of students on the rolls fo the college during 1989-89 was 420.

13.      Government Bikram College of Commerce, Patiala- The college was established in 1945 by the the Maharaja of Faridkot in the memory of his father Maharaja Bikram Singh. It was shifted to Patiala in 1955. It is one of the oldest institutions in the field of commerce.

           The college offers instructions in Three Year Degree Course in B.Com. (Pass and Honours) and M.Com Banking. It has a well stocked library, a hostel, play grounds and a dispensary. A number of cultural and literary societies/clubs are functioning in the college. The students are also given training in National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme in the college. The college brings out annually a magazine, named the Bikram.

           The number of students on the rolls fo the college during 1989-89 was 390.

University Education

           Punjabi University, Patiala- The Punjabi University, Patiala was established under the Punjabi University Act, 1961. It was formally inaugurated by Dr. S.Radhakrishanan, the then President of India in June 1961. This University is the first in India to be named after a regional language and the second in the word. It is situated on Patiala Rajpura Road about 7 KM from the Patiala City. Its campus is spread over 316 acres of land having several  buildings like Guru Gobind Singh Bhawan, Guru Tegh Bahadur Hall, Punjabi Bhawan, Central Library, 10 acts and science teaching blocks, 6 hostels (4 for boys and 2 for girls) health center, guest house, faculty club, students’ complex, and residential accommodation for the staff.

           The establishment of Punjabi University was acclaimed as a major landmark in the cultural progress of Punjabi speaking people. One of the foremost tasks it was assigned to promote Punjabi studies, to provide for research in Punjabi Literature, to undertake measures for the development of Punjabi language, and to progressively adopt it as a medium of instruction and examination for as man subject as possible.

           The Punjabi University is the first University is the first University in the country to open a department of religion, viz., Guru Gobind Singh Department of Religious Studies embracing the study of major world religions such as Budhhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, and Sikhism. It is also the first University in the coutry to start imparting instruction though the medium of regional language by correspondence.

           To being with, Punjabi University was established as a residential teaching University and had within its jurisdiction 9 colleges located in Patiala city. This number rose to 54 (1988) after its status was changed to that of residential cum affiliating University in 1969 and colleges in the districts of Rupnagar, Patiala, Sangrur and Bathinda and in Faridkot Tahsil of Faridkot district was affiliated to it.

           In 1962 the University had 6 teaching and 2 research departments, the number rose to 36 teaching and 12 research, correspondence courses and special departments in 1988. In addition, the University has a Regional Centre at Bathinda. Evening classes in Law are conducted in Patiala City. Teaching departments of the University run courses leading to Master’s, and M.Phil degrees; a few of them offer bachelor’s degree courses also. Most of the departments provide research facilities for Ph.D. degree, M.Phil courses in a few subjects are offered through correspondence as well.

           The University has a Zonal IAS Training Centre for the coaching of students of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes for various competitive examinations.

(d) Professional and Technical Education

           Teachers’ Training- The changing trends in education make it necessary to help teachers at all levels of instructions to refresh their knowledge and keep abreast of the latest teaching concepts and practices. With the rising rate of enrolment of pupils between 6 to 11 years, shortage of primary school teachers appeared imminent. To counteract this, the government reopened the unior basic training schools for teachers. In teaching of languages, the significant achievement  of the Education Department, during1974-75 , was the starting of O.T. Classes (Hindi and Punjabi) in the Government Colleges of Education at Patiala, Jalandhar and Faridkot. The Government have taken concrete stepsto rationalize the system of education so that educated people may find better employment. The State Bureau of Educational and Vocational Guidance has organized oriented and guidance courses for masters and counsellers. Guidance weeks are organized in Patiala, Jalandhar and Amritsar districts. In addition to providing kits to primary and middle schools, the State Institute of Science Education has also organized in service courses for primary and middle school teachers at district and State level. Basic sciences have been introduced progressively in more primary and middle schools. The Education Department supplements the efforts of the Punjab Agricultural University in its own way by introduction of this subject at the school stage. Selected teachers are annually deputed to undergo intensive courses in agriculture at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. There is only one college providing teachers’ training in the district, namely Government College of Education, Patiala. A brief account of this college is given below:

           Government College of Education, Patiala- Government College of Education (originally State College of Education), Patiala was established by the PEPSU Government in 1955. The foundation stone of its building was laid by the then Chief Minister of PEPSU and first session of the college was inaugurated on 28 September 1956.

           In the beginning, various courses such as B.T/ B.Ed. M.Ed., JBT, O.T. (Punjabi, Hindi and Sanskirt) and Diploma in Arts and Craft were started in the college. The dream of the PEPSU Government to develop the college into a University was shattered after the merger of PEPSU with Punjab on 1 November 1956. M.Ed. (Evening) classes were also started in 1964, but were discontinued after 3 years. JBT Courses was discontinued in 1970 and O.T. in 1978. Similarly, the number of seats of B.Ed. course was also slashed down to 150. The college got further shrunken when its building was divided and given to in service training center and Government Bikram College of Commerce. A number of cultural association/clubs are functioning in the college.

           The college has a library, two hostels (one for boys and one for girls) and vast play grounds. The Education Record is the title of the magazine which the college brings out annually.

           The number of students on the rolls of the college during 1988-89 was 182 and 21 in B.Ed. and M.Ed. respectively.

           Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru State Institute of Rule Development, Nabha- This institute was started under the name of Gram Sewak Training Centre in 1952 to impart training to the multipurpose workers, i.e. village level workers working at village level. It was upgraded in April 1987 and renamed Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru State Institute of Rural Development to cater to the training needs of higher officers related to rural development.

           In order to train the Gram Sevikas prior to joining their duties in the field and other associate women workers, the Home Economics Wing was established in the center in 1955. A workshop wing was added in 1957 to train rural youths in various professional skills like carpentary, blacksmithy, rural electrification farm mechanic, etc. Two training courses have been conducted for the newly recruited Block Development and Panchayat Officers under the job training course.

           The number of persons trained in the institute under various courses, viz. Block Development and Panchayats Officers, Gram Sewakas and Gram Sevikas during the year 1985-86, 1986,87, 1987-88 and 1988-89 were 561, 465, 497  and 372 respectively.

           College for Physical Education and National Institute of Sports- To provide training facilities in  physical education, a college of physical education was established at Lahore (Pakistan) before partition in 1947. Unfortunately after partition, there was no institution in Northern India to impart training in physical education. To meet the growing need of Physical Education Teachers short term training courses of six months were organized at Tara Devi (Simla Hills).

           Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports, Patiala- Established by the Government of India in 1961, the Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports (NIS), Patiala has been serving the cause of sports in the country. ‘NIS-Sports Headquarters of India’, besides training its own sportsmen, the NIS imparts training to foreign coaches in different sports discipline. It has extensive , well laid out play fields and grounds and a lot of covered accommodation spread over about 250 acres of  land.

           The aim and objects of the institute are; to produce coaches of higher caliber; to help to raise the technical competence of the existing coaches, to serve as center where greatest possible information about sport is concentrated; to render assistance to sport bodies in talent hunt and training of upcoming sportsmen through its Regional Coaching Centres, SNIPES Field Stations and Universities; to polish the National Teams before their participation in international events; to publish literature in the field of sports; to conduct certificate courses for Physical Education teachers, etc. The institute also organizes seminars, conferences, clinics and tournaments, aids Afro-Asian countries in the training of their personnel as choaches; awards scholarships to students studying at secondary stage, college/universities and rural youth proficient in sports. It functions as the Secretariat of Asian Track and Field Coaches Association. Asian Track and Field Statistical Research Centre, Indian Association of Sports, Medicine and Athletic Coaches’ Association of India. The Institute also imparts counsel to ISI and sports manufacturers in standardizing sports equipment and imports specialized equipment not available indigenously; helps Nehru Yuvak Kendras broad-basing sports and implements; Rural Sports Programme on behalf of the Union Ministry of Education and Social Welfare; Organises National Sports Championships for women on behalf of the Department of Sports and runs IAFF coaching course for Asian Coaches.

           The NIS has a cadre of about 1100 coaches which includes several former international and national champions. Most of the coaches in senior grade are trained in USSR, Federal Republic of German and German Democratic Republic. Some of NIS coashes are rendering useful service in countries like Nepal, Mauritius, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Jamaica etc.

           The institute is staffed by highly qualified teachers and coaches. It runs training training courses in Master’s Course (22 Months’duration; July to April), Regular Course** (10 Months’ duration; July to April) and Certificate Course (6 Weeks’ duration; May to June and Refresher Course ( For inseservice coaches). The students found fit after athorough physical and medical examination are admitted in the institute. Candidates from foreign countries are admitted provided they fulfill the requirements for admission.

*At Patiala, courses in Athletics, Basketball, Hockey, Football, Volly-ball, Gymnastic and Wrestling are run.

**Facilities for regular courses are available at NIS, Patiala, for Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Handball, Judo, Table Tennis, Swimming, Basketball, Volleyball, Wrestling and /Weightlifting.

The Institute is residential and the students are required to stay in the hostel. There are separate hostels for men and women students. A new hostel named after hockey wizard Late Maj Dhyan Chand is primarily meant to accommodate the National and International players attending various camps conducted by the NIS. Besides, there is a 240 beded Yadvindra Hostel to accommodate the trainees. The Institute has a health center, canteen and audio visual aids. Scholarships/stipends are awarded by the Central and Punjab Government to students belonging to the Scheduled Castes/Tribes, Backward Classes economically poor and deserving students. NIS has a fine sports library and National Sports Museum.

One year post graduate Diploma Course (post MBBS) in Sports Medicine (DSM) was commenced in September 1986. For this, the faculty of sports science is affiliated with Punjabi University, Patiala. The number of students on the rolls of the NIS Patiala during 1988-89 was 318.

Government College of Physical Education, Patiala-The Punjab Government established a college of Physical Education at Rupnagar in October, 1952. It functioned at Rupnagar from 1952 to 1958 and was shifted to the present site at Patiala in 1958.

           The Government College for Physical Education, Patiala is the only institution of its kind in India, which offers facilities for all levels, from Certificate Course to Masters’ Degree in Physical Education. The college offers instruction in Certificate in Physical Education (C.P.Ed), Bachelor of Physical Education (B.P.Ed) Degree in Physical Education and M.P.Ed. The students are also given training in National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme in the college. The college takes keen interest in providing games and sports facilities to the students. A number of cultural and literary societies are functioning in the college. The college brings out its magazine The Physical Education Journal annually.

           The number of students on the rolls of the collage during 1988-89 was 369 (250 boys and 119 girls).

           Medical Education-As regards facilities for medical education available in the district, there are Government Medical College and Government Ayurvedic College at Patiala. Both are affiliated to the Punjabi University, Patiala. A brief account of these institutions is given below:

           Government Medical College Patiala-The college was started by the PEPSU Government in October 1953. The building of the college is very well designed, keeping in view the modern trends of medical education. It consists of an administrative block and self contained blocks for the departments of Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology and Pharmacology. The college maintains a well stocked library for the use of students and staff members.

           Rejendra Hospital, Patiala with 907 beds was attached to the college in early 1954. The hospital is equipped with all the latet apparatus and instruments to make it fit for imparting clinical teaching to thestudents. Two well designed and spacious and well lighted lecure theatres equipped with arrangements for epidiascopes projections and audio visual aids are provided on the hospital side in addition to four lecture theatres of similar design on college side, one each in the four basic departments. A Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases Hospital with a capacity of 161 beds and primary helath centers at Bhadson, Kauli and Tripuri are attachd with this college for teaching purpose.

           The college is affiliated to Punjab University, Patiala for MBBS, BDS, DOMS, DCH, DGO, DOVD, DA, DLO, DTCD, D.Ortho and Diploma in Pharmacy classes. Facility for Post Graduate Training leading to MD/MH degree, exist in almost basic and clinical subjects as well as for Mech (Plastic Surgery), Post graduate training and research course to the doctors in the employment of the Punjab Government to enable them to cross efficiency in their time scales is also provided in this college.

           There are three hostels, two for boys and one for girls in the collage. In addition to this, there is one hostel in Rajendra Hospital attached to this college, for Interns/House Surgeons. The college has a very spacious auditorium, extensive play ground and an open air theatre. The college has its own gas and water supply.

           The number of students on the rolls of the collage during 1988-89 was 1085.

           Government Ayurvedic College, Patiala- It was in early 1920’s that the then Maharaja of Patiala established an Ayurvedic School at Patiala. This institution became a nucleus of activities in the field of Ayurvedic education and research in India. In 1952, this school was upgraded to an Ayurvedic college and named as Government Ayurvedic College, Patiala. It has gradually developed into a full fledged institution having facilities to impart education at graduate (Pre-Ayurveda leading to BAMS Ayurvedacharya Course) and Post Graduate, MD Ayurveda (Ram Shastra, Bhaishaj Kalpana Sepciality and Dravyaguna Speciality) level. The college is affiliated to the Punjabi University, Patiala.

           An Ayurvedic hospital is attached to this college for imparting clinical training to students. The hospital has adequate indoor and outdor facilities. It has 105 beds to cater to the needs of patients which are treated under different specialities. Training in identification of herbs is provided to the students by the Dravyaguna department where medicines of natural growth are sown in the college grounds and in adjoining areas. Study tours are also arranged to the areas of rich growth. Practical training in preparation of medicines is provided in the Government Central Ayurvedic Pharmacy which is attached to this college. This institution thus aims at providing such a training to the students so as to produce graduates who can disseminate the knowledge of Ayurveda by attaching profound knowledge of Ayurveda. The college has a well equipped library with over ten thousand books. There are two hostels (one each for boys and girls) in the college.

During 1988-89 there were 195 students on the rolls of the collage.

Technical Education-Technical Education plays an important role in the industrial development of the country. With advancement in the field of Science and technology, the general education is required to have distinct technical and scientific base. The district has one institution in this field, viz. Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala. A brief account of this institute is given below:

           Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala- The foundation of Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patial resulted from the keen desire of Late Lala Karam Chand Thaper to establish an engineering institute in his home State. This was accomplished through the Patiala Technical Educational Trust which was formed under his chairmanship in 1955 after negotiations with the former PEPSU State. Classes were first started on 8 October 1956 in a building allotted temporarily by the PEPSU Government. The foundation stone of the Institute on the present site was laid by the then President of India on 9 April1956 and the Institute shifted to the present building in August 1957. The Institute was started with the object of providing technical education at Diploma, Degree and post graduate levels as well as for promoting industrial and scientific research. It has developed to an extent that it has attained the status of an Institution deemed to be a University.

The Institute offers academic programme at the graduate level leading to Bachlor of Engineering (B.E) Degree and the Post graduate level leading to Master of Engineering (M.E) and Master of Computer Applications (MCA) Degree and the Doctor of Philosphy (Ph.D) Degree. The graduate programme currently offered include Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Electrical Communications Engineering, Mechanical Enginering and Industrial Engineering (Ccoperative). The post graduate programmes are in Structural Engineering, Environment Engineering, Power and Machines, Computer Science, Heat Power Engineering and Industrial Engineering.

The Institute is located in a picturesque 250 acre campus on the outskirts of Patiala City. During the past 30 years, the Institute has developeda strong infrastructure for teaching and research in terms of faculty, non teaching staff laboratories, class rooms, library , computer center, computer resources center, hostel for students , swimming pool, auditorium and staff residence.  A number of literary and cultural societies function in the college. It brings out its magazine Thaparian annually.

The number of students on the rolls of this institute during 1988-89 was 83550 and 88 in the B.E., M.E. and MCA respectively.

In addition to above, six Industrial Training Institutes for boys are functioning in the district at Patiala, Banur, Lalru, Rajpura, Nabha and Bassi Pathana and one Industiral Training Institute for girls at Patiala. Besides, three Industrial Training Schools for girls are functioning at Nabha, Derabssi and Sirhind. In these institutes/centers, students are prepared for diploma/certificate courses in civil, mechanical and electrical engineering and various trades/crafts such as welding, carpentary, fitting, turnery, blacksmity, stenography, radio and television mechanic, refrigeration mechanic, electricion, wireman, draftsmanship, etc. The girls students are taught crafts like tailoring, cutting, hand embroidery, machine embroidery, needle work etc.

Detailed particulars of these Industrial Training Institutes / Centres in the Patiala District have been given in Chapter V Industries.

(e) Physical Education

           The main objective of imparting physical education is to make child physically fit, mentally alert and morally sound. In order to improve physical efficiency of the youth, the Punjab State has introduced Physical Education Scheme in all its districts. It has been made a compulsory subject in all the middle and high/higher secondary schools of the State since 1974. Under this scheme, one Physical Training Instructor is attached to each of the middle, high/higher secondary schools for organizing it. In the colleges, physical education is directed and guided by the Director of Physical Education. Special emphasis is given to promote physical education and inculcate the spirit of Sportsmanship by cultivating interest of the youth students in games.  Younger children are taught action songs, motion stories, etc. Government funds are allocated to the schools for purchase of equipment for the games. Schools are also given grants to buy land for the play grounds. The development of sports in the State is the responsibility of the Department of Sorts, the Punjab State Sports Council and the Punjab Panchayati Raj Khed Parishad. To coordinate the activities of these organisatons, an Apex body, viz. Punjab State Ports Development Board has been set up since June 1982.

           Beside the above, the following schemes under separate departments also promote the cause of physical education:

(i)               Promotion of sports and games by the State Sports Deparmtnet

(ii)              National Fitness Corps sponsored by the Government of India

(iii)            National Cadet Corps

(iv)            Bharat Scouts and Guides

(i)       Promotion of Sports and Games- Keeping in view the mportance of sports, the Punjab Government created in 1961 an independent department for the development of sports, called the Sports Department Punjab. The Government appointed players of national and internationa fame as Sports Oficers. At the district level, the department is represented by the District Sports Oficer, Patiala. He is assisted by 8 Sports Officers, 12 Junior Sports Officers, 4 NIS Coaches and other miscellaneous Class-III and Class-IV staff. Besides, there are two sub centers in the district one each at Nabha and Fatehgarh Sahib, which are headed by a Sports Officer and a Junior Sports Officer, respectively.

The main functions of the departments are to provide training facilities in sports to the students and sportsmen of college, schools, private institutions, etc. according to their requisitions. In general, the training is given twize a day in the District Stadium and in schools and colleges. The department is making strenuous efforts to promote sports talent in all part of the State. It conducts off season conditioning camps, and terms are put on special training before their participation in national, inter state and Inter University competitions. The department also awards scholarships to the distinguished players, besides giving grants for the development of play grounds. During 1985-86 1 Footbal, 1 Gymnastic, 1 Volleyball, 1 Basketball, 1 Juddo, 1 Handball, 1 Atheletic, 1 Hockey, 1 Kho Kho, 2 swimming, Coaching Centres were functioning at Patiala. Two Sub Coaching Centres, one each at Nabha and Tatehgarh Sahib are also functioning. Besides, some Coaching Centres are functioning in the schools and colleges in the district to provide choaching to the players. Swimming pools are maintained at Government Mohindra College, Patiala, Thapar Institute of Engineering, Patiala, Government College for Women Patiala, one at Nabha and one by army authorities at Patiala.

The following State and District Sports Associations/ Organisations were functioning in the district during 1985-86:

Punjab Sport Associations

1.        The Punjab Cricket Association, Patiala

2.        The Punjab weight Lifting Association, Patiala

3.        The Punjab Archery Association, Patiala

           4.        The Punjab Cycle Polo Association, Patiala

5.        The Punjab Cycling Association, Patiala

6.                The PEPSU Hockey (Men) Association, Patiala

District Sports Association

1.        The District Athletic Association, Patiala

2.        The District Archery Association, Patiala

3.        The District Badminton Association, Patiala

4.        The District Basketball Association, Patiala

5.        The District Cricket Association, Patiala

6.        The District Cycle Polo Association, Patiala

7.        The District Cycling Association, Patiala

8.        The District Football Association, Patiala

9.        The District Gymnastic Association, Patiala

10.      The District Hockey Association, Patiala

11.      The District Kho Kho Association, Patiala

12.      The District Judo Association, Patiala

13.      The District Lawns Tennis Association, Patiala

14.      The District Swimming Association, Patiala

15.      The District Table Tennis Association, Patiala

16.      The District Wrestling Association, Patiala

17.      The District Weight Lifting Association, Patiala

District Olympic Association Patiala

           This association has been functioning in the district since 1948. It controls all the sports associations in the district. Its objectives are to promote, organize, control and co-ordinate sports and games activities in the district. The Deputy Commissioner, Patiala is the exofficio Present of the Association. The other members of the Association are elected.

           An important function of this Association is to give financial help to the other sports associations. It also organizes tournaments and helps the talent sportsmen / players. It also helps to send the students from both the Government and private institutions to Manali (Himachal Pradesh) for mountaineering training.

           (ii)      National Fitness Corps- It was put into operation in the beginning of 1963, as recommended by the Kunzru Committee, by merging the National Discipline Scheme, Auxiliary Cadet Corps and Physical Education. Earlier National Fitness Corps was known as National Discipline Scheme which was started in 1954. Its main aim is to develop all round personality of the students. The scheme aims at imparting discipline and cultural activities. It inculcates in the students an interest in games. It aims at imparting training among students both boys and girls, in drill, marching, physical exercises, leziam games and relays, track and field events, gymnastic, national integration songs, National Anthem and National Flag, tippri, yoga and cultural activities. These activities inculcate discipline, obedience, patriotism, firmness, steadiness, national integration and self confidence among the students.

The total strength of students under the scheme in the schools in the Patiala District, as on 31 March 1989 was 2,09, 168.

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