Muzaffarpur/Varanasi: A convergence of cultural, national and academic milestones was marked on Friday as Basant Panchami, Parakram Diwas and the 110th foundation day of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) were observed across parts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
The day’s events highlighted the link between the pursuit of knowledge and public service, drawing on both spiritual tradition and nationalist history. In a message issued by his office, Prof Dinesh Chandra Rai, vice-chancellor of BR Ambedkar Bihar University (BRABU) and a senior professor at BHU, extended greetings to students and the wider public.
Prof Rai described the occasion as a symbolic meeting of wisdom and courage, invoking the blessings of Goddess Saraswati alongside the legacy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, whose birth anniversary is observed as Parakram Diwas. He urged young people to draw inspiration from both intellectual discipline and moral strength, and expressed hope that the spirit of renewal associated with Basant Panchami would help strengthen research and innovation in Bihar’s universities.
Later in the day, Prof Rai attended the Rajat Jayanti and Samman Samaroh organised in Varanasi by the Shree Baba Kashi Vishwanath Seva Samiti to mark 25 years of its social work. Addressing the gathering, he praised the organisation’s long-standing service to pilgrims and highlighted what he described as its commitment to public welfare. He also commended the leadership of the Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor, Manoj Sinha, for embodying values of service and nation-building.
Reflecting on BHU’s legacy, Prof Rai paid tribute to its founder, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, noting that the university’s establishment in 1916 had played a significant role in India’s intellectual and national awakening. He said the institution continued to serve as a model for academic excellence for universities such as BRABU.
Several senior academics joined in extending Basant Panchami greetings, including BRABU proctor Prof BS Rai, LS College principal Prof Kanupriya, and faculty members Prof TK Dey, Prof Rajeev Kumar, Dr Shartendu Shekhar and Dr Navin Kumar.
