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Showing posts with label itbhu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label itbhu. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
IIT BHU - IIT Tag for IT-BHU - MEMORIES OF MY ALMA MATER
Parliament has finally passed the Institute of Technology (Amendment) Bill and my alma mater Institute of Technology Banaras Hindu University (ITBHU) will get the IIT tag and may be renamed IIT BHU.
Only time will tell to what extent this change will benefit the institution.
The oldest engineering college in India, Roorkee University too got the IIT tag a few years ago.
ITBHU (then called BENCO) was probably the second oldest engineering college in India and it is the engineering graduates from Roorkee and BHU that not only helped set up the IITs but played a stellar role in the development of India's Infrastructure and Industry.
Roorkee and ITBHU pioneered Engineering Education in India and it would have been befitting if IT-BHU and Roorkee University were made the first IITs the moment India got Independence in 1947.
Someone said that the IIT tag will enhance the “status” of the Institution.
I asked him what he exactly meant, so he explained that the “market value” of the degree will increase.
Yes, today's world is all about “brand image” and that is why “branded” goods are in great demand and sell more - brand value enhances status and hence matters more than utility value.
ITBHU enjoyed a great advantage being a part of BHU which is a unique university, centre of excellence with a great heritage and I trust that the synergy continues.
We are pioneers in a sense, as we belong to the first IIT JEE Batch (1972 - 1977) - the first batch to receive B. Tech. degrees [the earlier batches received the B. Sc. (Engineering) degree - of course it doesn't matter much whether one gets the BE or B.Sc.(Engg) or B. Tech. degree as all are on par].
I wish my alma mater and all members of the IIT BHU family (faculty, students and alumni) the best of success and Godspeed and on this Red Letter Day permit me to post, once again, an “ode” to my alma mater which I wrote a few years ago after an alumni reunion of our batch.
(By the way, this proposal to rename ITBHU as IIT BHU or IIT Varanasi was envisaged quite some time back, many years ago, and has finally borne fruit. I only hope that the change will be for the better and the glorious heritage and traditions of the institution are not forgotten)
MEMORIES OF MY ALMA MATER
By
VIKRAM KARVE
One of my ITBHU classmates told me that soon ITBHU is going to be designated as an IIT.
Well, I have studied at an IIT (IIT Delhi) too, but let me tell you I still cherish fond memories of our Banaras Days, our student life at ITBHU Varanasi, living to our fullest, playing sports, enjoying life, relishing delicious food in delightful company and studying in a truly academic ambience.
Also, we were pioneers of change, the first batch selected through the IIT JEE Entrance Exam, who joined in 1972 and passed out with our B.Tech. degrees in 1977. [Earlier the degree awarded was B.Sc. (Engineering)].
In retrospection, here is my nostalgic piece on my alma mater.
ITBHU [Erstwhile BENCO – Banaras Engineering College]
Institute of Technology
Banaras Hindu University
Varanasi
India
Let’s begin with the college song :
IT BHU Chorus
HAND IN HAND WE GO TOGETHER,
HAND IN HAND WE ARE SINGING ALONG.
SIDE BY SIDE WE FACE THE MUSIC,
WIN OR LOSE WE ALWAYS SING A SONG.
WAVE THE FLAG, WE’LL KEEP IT FLYING,
TILL THE SUN SHINES O’ER THE LAND.
IF THE LUCK IS GOOD WE’LL ALWAYS SHARE THE CHEERS,
IF THE LUCK IS BAD, WE’LL GLADLY BEAR THE TEARS.
TILL THE DAY WE TURN THE CORNER,
WE’LL KEEP ON AS LONG AS WE ARE HAND IN HAND.
IF YOU KEEP ON SMILING AT THE RAINBOW,
YOU WILL NEVER MIND A SHOWER OF RAIN.
KEEP YOUR HEAD ON THE CLOUDS,
DON’T GET LOST IN THE CROWDS.
ALWAYS KEEP THE SONG IN YOUR HEART,
AND SHOUT HIP-HIP HURRAH.
Composed by:
Prof. Charles. A. King
The First Principal of the
Banaras Engineering College (BENCO)
On what basis do you judge an educational institution, especially an Engineering College or a B-School...?
In today’s world there is just one criterion – market value – the starting salaries and campus placement the students get – the more outrageously astronomical the pay packets, and the greater the percentage of lucrative campus placements – the better the institution.
And with the increasing commercialization of education, many institutes blatantly compete, advertise, and focus on these materialistic aspects to attract students – it’s a highly competitive rat race.
I feel the cardinal yardstick for appraising the true merit of an educational institution is the value-addition it instills in its alumni – and I’m not talking of utility and materialistic values alone; but more importantly the inculcation and enhancement of intrinsic and intangible higher values.
The student should feel he or she has changed for the better, professionally and personally; and so should other stakeholders observing the student from the outside be able to discern the value enhancement.
I studied for my B.Tech. Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics Engineering at ITBHU from 1972 to 1977 (first batch IIT JEE) and I experienced the well-rounded value addition I have mentioned above.
Later in life, being academically inclined, I continued studying, and have completed many courses, a Post Graduate Diploma in Management, an Engineering and Technology Post Graduation at a premier IIT (M. Tech. - IIT Delhi) and have worked in multifarious capacities and even taught for many years as a Professor at prestigious academic institutions of higher learning, but I shall always cherish my days at ITBHU the most.
I knew I was a better man, in my entirety, having passed through the portals of ITBHU, and I am sure those scrutinizing me from the outside felt the same way.
ITBHU was amalgamated by integrating three of the country’s oldest and best engineering colleges: BENCO (Banaras Engineering College) – the first in the Orient, and certainly in India, to introduce the disciplines of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, MINMET – the pioneer in Mining and Metallurgy in India, and College of Technology – the first to start Chemical and Ceramic Engineering in India.
Indeed these three institutions pioneered engineering education in India and were the harbingers of industrialization in our country.
Now, like Roorkee, the first Engineering College of India, I understand that they want to rename our celebrated alma mater as an IIT. I really wonder why – maybe in today’s world brand value is more in vogue rather than heritage value.
In my time ITBHU was indeed a center of excellence, an apt institution to study in, and a lovely place to live in.
The vast verdant lush green semi-circular campus at the southern end of Varanasi, the largest university campus I have ever seen, with its pleasant and relaxed atmosphere was ideal for student life.
And being a part of a premier university afforded one a consummate multidisciplinary experience.
It was a delightful and fulfilling experience I will always cherish – learning from erudite and totally dedicated Professors, who were authorities in their fields of specialization, amidst excellent academic facilities and ambience, elaborate labs and workshops, lush green campus, well-designed comfortable hostels, delicious food, expansive sports fields and facilities for all types of sports, the beautiful swimming pool, the unique well-stocked and intellectually inspiring Gaekwad library, and the exquisite temple that added a spiritual dimension to the scholarly ambiance.
One could learn heritage and foreign languages, fine arts, music, indology, philosophy, yoga, pursue hobbies like numismatics – the avenues for learning were mind-boggling.
Many of us learnt music and foreign languages at this sanctum of learning.
We had a truly holistic education and the idyllic environs of BHU helped one develop a philosophical attitude to life.
Like all premier institutes ITBHU was fully residential, which fostered camaraderie and facilitated lifelong friendships amongst the alumni. I can never forget those delightful moments in Dhanrajgiri, Morvi, Vishwakarma, Vishveswarayya and CV Raman hostels, mouthwatering memories of the Lavang Lata and Lassi at Pehelwan’s in Lanka, the Lal Peda opposite Sankat Mochan, Chinese at La Bella in Lanka, and the delicious wholesome cuisine of Banaras, watching movies at the quaint and unique cinema halls, strolling on the holy ghats, and the cycle trips all over Varanasi, Sarnath, and even across the holy and sacred Ganga on the pontoon bridge to watch the Ram Lila at Ramnagar.
We, the batch who passed out in 1977, the first IIT JEE batch, still meet regularly to relive our glorious days.
Way back then, in the 1970s, ITBHU was a wonderful place to study engineering and live one’s formative years in.
I wonder what my dear alma mater is like now...!
VIKRAM KARVE
Only time will tell to what extent this change will benefit the institution.
The oldest engineering college in India, Roorkee University too got the IIT tag a few years ago.
ITBHU (then called BENCO) was probably the second oldest engineering college in India and it is the engineering graduates from Roorkee and BHU that not only helped set up the IITs but played a stellar role in the development of India's Infrastructure and Industry.
Roorkee and ITBHU pioneered Engineering Education in India and it would have been befitting if IT-BHU and Roorkee University were made the first IITs the moment India got Independence in 1947.
Someone said that the IIT tag will enhance the “status” of the Institution.
I asked him what he exactly meant, so he explained that the “market value” of the degree will increase.
Yes, today's world is all about “brand image” and that is why “branded” goods are in great demand and sell more - brand value enhances status and hence matters more than utility value.
ITBHU enjoyed a great advantage being a part of BHU which is a unique university, centre of excellence with a great heritage and I trust that the synergy continues.
We are pioneers in a sense, as we belong to the first IIT JEE Batch (1972 - 1977) - the first batch to receive B. Tech. degrees [the earlier batches received the B. Sc. (Engineering) degree - of course it doesn't matter much whether one gets the BE or B.Sc.(Engg) or B. Tech. degree as all are on par].
I wish my alma mater and all members of the IIT BHU family (faculty, students and alumni) the best of success and Godspeed and on this Red Letter Day permit me to post, once again, an “ode” to my alma mater which I wrote a few years ago after an alumni reunion of our batch.
(By the way, this proposal to rename ITBHU as IIT BHU or IIT Varanasi was envisaged quite some time back, many years ago, and has finally borne fruit. I only hope that the change will be for the better and the glorious heritage and traditions of the institution are not forgotten)
MEMORIES OF MY ALMA MATER
By
VIKRAM KARVE
One of my ITBHU classmates told me that soon ITBHU is going to be designated as an IIT.
Change is inevitable. First it was BENCO, then ITBHU and now IIT.
Also, we were pioneers of change, the first batch selected through the IIT JEE Entrance Exam, who joined in 1972 and passed out with our B.Tech. degrees in 1977. [Earlier the degree awarded was B.Sc. (Engineering)].
In retrospection, here is my nostalgic piece on my alma mater.
ITBHU [Erstwhile BENCO – Banaras Engineering College]
Institute of Technology
Banaras Hindu University
Varanasi
India
Let’s begin with the college song :
IT BHU Chorus
HAND IN HAND WE GO TOGETHER,
HAND IN HAND WE ARE SINGING ALONG.
SIDE BY SIDE WE FACE THE MUSIC,
WIN OR LOSE WE ALWAYS SING A SONG.
WAVE THE FLAG, WE’LL KEEP IT FLYING,
TILL THE SUN SHINES O’ER THE LAND.
IF THE LUCK IS GOOD WE’LL ALWAYS SHARE THE CHEERS,
IF THE LUCK IS BAD, WE’LL GLADLY BEAR THE TEARS.
TILL THE DAY WE TURN THE CORNER,
WE’LL KEEP ON AS LONG AS WE ARE HAND IN HAND.
IF YOU KEEP ON SMILING AT THE RAINBOW,
YOU WILL NEVER MIND A SHOWER OF RAIN.
KEEP YOUR HEAD ON THE CLOUDS,
DON’T GET LOST IN THE CROWDS.
ALWAYS KEEP THE SONG IN YOUR HEART,
AND SHOUT HIP-HIP HURRAH.
Composed by:
Prof. Charles. A. King
The First Principal of the
Banaras Engineering College (BENCO)
On what basis do you judge an educational institution, especially an Engineering College or a B-School...?
In today’s world there is just one criterion – market value – the starting salaries and campus placement the students get – the more outrageously astronomical the pay packets, and the greater the percentage of lucrative campus placements – the better the institution.
And with the increasing commercialization of education, many institutes blatantly compete, advertise, and focus on these materialistic aspects to attract students – it’s a highly competitive rat race.
I feel the cardinal yardstick for appraising the true merit of an educational institution is the value-addition it instills in its alumni – and I’m not talking of utility and materialistic values alone; but more importantly the inculcation and enhancement of intrinsic and intangible higher values.
The student should feel he or she has changed for the better, professionally and personally; and so should other stakeholders observing the student from the outside be able to discern the value enhancement.
I studied for my B.Tech. Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics Engineering at ITBHU from 1972 to 1977 (first batch IIT JEE) and I experienced the well-rounded value addition I have mentioned above.
Later in life, being academically inclined, I continued studying, and have completed many courses, a Post Graduate Diploma in Management, an Engineering and Technology Post Graduation at a premier IIT (M. Tech. - IIT Delhi) and have worked in multifarious capacities and even taught for many years as a Professor at prestigious academic institutions of higher learning, but I shall always cherish my days at ITBHU the most.
I knew I was a better man, in my entirety, having passed through the portals of ITBHU, and I am sure those scrutinizing me from the outside felt the same way.
ITBHU was amalgamated by integrating three of the country’s oldest and best engineering colleges: BENCO (Banaras Engineering College) – the first in the Orient, and certainly in India, to introduce the disciplines of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, MINMET – the pioneer in Mining and Metallurgy in India, and College of Technology – the first to start Chemical and Ceramic Engineering in India.
Indeed these three institutions pioneered engineering education in India and were the harbingers of industrialization in our country.
Now, like Roorkee, the first Engineering College of India, I understand that they want to rename our celebrated alma mater as an IIT. I really wonder why – maybe in today’s world brand value is more in vogue rather than heritage value.
In my time ITBHU was indeed a center of excellence, an apt institution to study in, and a lovely place to live in.
The vast verdant lush green semi-circular campus at the southern end of Varanasi, the largest university campus I have ever seen, with its pleasant and relaxed atmosphere was ideal for student life.
And being a part of a premier university afforded one a consummate multidisciplinary experience.
It was a delightful and fulfilling experience I will always cherish – learning from erudite and totally dedicated Professors, who were authorities in their fields of specialization, amidst excellent academic facilities and ambience, elaborate labs and workshops, lush green campus, well-designed comfortable hostels, delicious food, expansive sports fields and facilities for all types of sports, the beautiful swimming pool, the unique well-stocked and intellectually inspiring Gaekwad library, and the exquisite temple that added a spiritual dimension to the scholarly ambiance.
One could learn heritage and foreign languages, fine arts, music, indology, philosophy, yoga, pursue hobbies like numismatics – the avenues for learning were mind-boggling.
Many of us learnt music and foreign languages at this sanctum of learning.
We had a truly holistic education and the idyllic environs of BHU helped one develop a philosophical attitude to life.
Like all premier institutes ITBHU was fully residential, which fostered camaraderie and facilitated lifelong friendships amongst the alumni. I can never forget those delightful moments in Dhanrajgiri, Morvi, Vishwakarma, Vishveswarayya and CV Raman hostels, mouthwatering memories of the Lavang Lata and Lassi at Pehelwan’s in Lanka, the Lal Peda opposite Sankat Mochan, Chinese at La Bella in Lanka, and the delicious wholesome cuisine of Banaras, watching movies at the quaint and unique cinema halls, strolling on the holy ghats, and the cycle trips all over Varanasi, Sarnath, and even across the holy and sacred Ganga on the pontoon bridge to watch the Ram Lila at Ramnagar.
We, the batch who passed out in 1977, the first IIT JEE batch, still meet regularly to relive our glorious days.
Way back then, in the 1970s, ITBHU was a wonderful place to study engineering and live one’s formative years in.
I wonder what my dear alma mater is like now...!
VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 2012
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
Did you like this post?
I am sure you will like the 27 short stories from my recently published anthology of Short Fiction COCKTAIL
To order your COCKTAIL please click any of the links below:
http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-81910
http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vikram-karve/books/9788191091847.htm
http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/short-stories/cocktail-by-vikram-ka
COCKTAIL ebook
If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the links below:
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925
Foodie Book: Appetite for a Stroll
If your are a Foodie you will like my book of Food Adventures APPETITE FOR A STROLL. Do order a copy from FLIPKART:
http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9
About Vikram Karve
A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories, creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional research papers in journals and edited in-house journals for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.
Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramkarve@sify.com
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
Did you like this post?
I am sure you will like the 27 short stories from my recently published anthology of Short Fiction COCKTAIL
To order your COCKTAIL please click any of the links below:
http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-81910
http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vikram-karve/books/9788191091847.htm
http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/short-stories/cocktail-by-vikram-ka
COCKTAIL ebook
If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the links below:
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925
Foodie Book: Appetite for a Stroll
If your are a Foodie you will like my book of Food Adventures APPETITE FOR A STROLL. Do order a copy from FLIPKART:
http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9
About Vikram Karve
A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories, creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional research papers in journals and edited in-house journals for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.
Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramkarve@sify.com
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
Monday, October 10, 2011
REVOLUTION 2020 - LOVE CORRUPTION AMBITION : Book Review
A Breezy Easy Read with a strong Moral Message
I read Revolution 2020 this morning in one sitting. In my opinion it is Chetan Bhagat's best book. The story is narrated in a simple yet breezy prose style which makes this book a delightful read. Unlike in some of his earlier works where the characters seemed a bit hyped up, in this book the characters are truly lifelike and this lends an air of authenticity to the story.
I am quite familiar with Varanasi (having spent five years in the 1970s studying at ITBHU) and I wish the author had portrayed the settings more comprehensively, especially the students' milieu. In the Banarasi context, Lal Peda rather than Chocolate and Lavang Lata and Lassi at Pehelwan Mithaiwala may have been more apt than Coffee at CCD.
Also the author seems to be a bit squeamish when writing about sex and he pulls his punches in the lovemaking scenes which I wish were more passionate. Maybe the author has written keeping the tastes of prospective readers in view.
The story is topical and has a ring of truth about it. The narration is very well paced, the tempo builds up nicely and you have a very satisfying ending. The author succeeds in putting across his message that ultimately love triumphs and prevails over corruption and ambition.
I liked reading Revolution 2020 - it's an interesting read, got great page turning quality, and will keep you engrossed till the very end. Well, once I started reading it, I found the book unputdownable till the very end and finished it in one sitting.
To sum up - Revolution 2020 is a breezy easy read with a strong moral message.
Get a copy - I am sure you will love reading the book and it is certainly a book you will cherish having on your bookshelves.
Reviewed by VIKRAM KARVE
I read Revolution 2020 this morning in one sitting. In my opinion it is Chetan Bhagat's best book. The story is narrated in a simple yet breezy prose style which makes this book a delightful read. Unlike in some of his earlier works where the characters seemed a bit hyped up, in this book the characters are truly lifelike and this lends an air of authenticity to the story.
I am quite familiar with Varanasi (having spent five years in the 1970s studying at ITBHU) and I wish the author had portrayed the settings more comprehensively, especially the students' milieu. In the Banarasi context, Lal Peda rather than Chocolate and Lavang Lata and Lassi at Pehelwan Mithaiwala may have been more apt than Coffee at CCD.
Also the author seems to be a bit squeamish when writing about sex and he pulls his punches in the lovemaking scenes which I wish were more passionate. Maybe the author has written keeping the tastes of prospective readers in view.
The story is topical and has a ring of truth about it. The narration is very well paced, the tempo builds up nicely and you have a very satisfying ending. The author succeeds in putting across his message that ultimately love triumphs and prevails over corruption and ambition.
I liked reading Revolution 2020 - it's an interesting read, got great page turning quality, and will keep you engrossed till the very end. Well, once I started reading it, I found the book unputdownable till the very end and finished it in one sitting.
To sum up - Revolution 2020 is a breezy easy read with a strong moral message.
Get a copy - I am sure you will love reading the book and it is certainly a book you will cherish having on your bookshelves.
Reviewed by VIKRAM KARVE
Saturday, May 21, 2011
From BENCO to ITBHU to IIT Varanasi
THOSE GLORIOUS DAYS AT ITBHU
MEMORIES OF MY ALMA MATER
By
VIKRAM KARVE
One of my ITBHU classmates told me that soon ITBHU is going to be designated as an IIT.
Well, I have studied at an IIT (IIT Delhi) too, but let me tell you I still cherish fond memories of our Banaras Days, our student life at ITBHU Varanasi, living to our fullest, playing sports, enjoying life, relishing delicious food in delightful company and studying in a truly academic ambience.
Also, we were pioneers of change, the first batch selected through the IIT JEE Entrance Exam, who joined in 1972 and passed out with our B.Tech. degrees in 1977. [Earlier the degree awarded was B.Sc. (Engineering)].
In retrospection, here is my nostalgic piece on my alma mater.
ITBHU [Erstwhile BENCO – Banaras Engineering College]
Institute of Technology
Banaras Hindu University
Varanasi
India
Let’s begin with the college song :
IT BHU Chorus
HAND IN HAND WE GO TOGETHER,
HAND IN HAND WE ARE SINGING ALONG.
SIDE BY SIDE WE FACE THE MUSIC,
WIN OR LOSE WE ALWAYS SING A SONG.
WAVE THE FLAG, WE’LL KEEP IT FLYING,
TILL THE SUN SHINES O’ER THE LAND.
IF THE LUCK IS GOOD WE’LL ALWAYS SHARE THE CHEERS,
IF THE LUCK IS BAD, WE’LL GLADLY BEAR THE TEARS.
TILL THE DAY WE TURN THE CORNER,
WE’LL KEEP ON AS LONG AS WE ARE HAND IN HAND.
IF YOU KEEP ON SMILING AT THE RAINBOW,
YOU WILL NEVER MIND A SHOWER OF RAIN.
KEEP YOUR HEAD ON THE CLOUDS,
DON’T GET LOST IN THE CROWDS.
ALWAYS KEEP THE SONG IN YOUR HEART,
AND SHOUT HIP-HIP HURRAH.
Composed by:
Prof. Charles. A. King
The First Principal of the
Banaras Engineering College (BENCO)
On what basis do you judge an educational institution, especially an Engineering College or a B-School...?
In today’s world there is just one criterion – market value – the starting salaries and campus placement the students get – the more outrageously astronomical the pay packets, and the greater the percentage of lucrative campus placements – the better the institution.
And with the increasing commercialization of education, many institutes blatantly compete, advertise, and focus on these materialistic aspects to attract students – it’s a highly competitive rat race.
I feel the cardinal yardstick for appraising the true merit of an educational institution is the value-addition it instills in its alumni – and I’m not talking of utility and materialistic values alone; but more importantly the inculcation and enhancement of intrinsic and intangible higher values.
The student should feel he or she has changed for the better, professionally and personally; and so should other stakeholders observing the student from the outside be able to discern the value enhancement.
I studied for my B.Tech. Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics Engineering at ITBHU from 1972 to 1977 (first batch IIT JEE) and I experienced the well-rounded value addition I have mentioned above.
Later in life, being academically inclined, I continued studying, and have completed many courses, a Post Graduate Diploma in Management, an Engineering and Technology Post Graduation at a premier IIT (M. Tech. - IIT Delhi) and have worked in multifarious capacities and even taught for many years as a Professor at prestigious academic institutions of higher learning, but I shall always cherish my days at ITBHU the most.
I knew I was a better man, in my entirety, having passed through the portals of ITBHU, and I am sure those scrutinizing me from the outside felt the same way.
ITBHU was amalgamated by integrating three of the country’s oldest and best engineering colleges: BENCO (Banaras Engineering College) – the first in the Orient, and certainly in India, to introduce the disciplines of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, MINMET – the pioneer in Mining and Metallurgy in India, and College of Technology – the first to start Chemical and Ceramic Engineering in India.
Indeed these three institutions pioneered engineering education in India and were the harbingers of industrialization in our country.
Now, like Roorkee, the first Engineering College of India, I understand that they want to rename our celebrated alma mater as an IIT. I wonder why – maybe in today’s world brand value is more in vogue rather than heritage value.
In my time ITBHU was indeed a center of excellence, an apt institution to study in, and a lovely place to live in.
The vast verdant lush green semi-circular campus at the southern end of Varanasi, the largest university campus I have ever seen, with its pleasant and relaxed atmosphere was ideal for student life.
And being a part of a premier university afforded one a consummate multidisciplinary experience.
It was a delightful and fulfilling experience I will always cherish – learning from erudite and totally dedicated Professors, who were authorities in their fields of specialization, amidst excellent academic facilities and ambience, elaborate labs and workshops, lush green campus, well-designed comfortable hostels, delicious food, expansive sports fields and facilities for all types of sports, the beautiful swimming pool, the unique well-stocked and intellectually inspiring Gaekwad library, and the exquisite temple that added a spiritual dimension to the scholarly ambiance.
One could learn heritage and foreign languages, fine arts, music, indology, philosophy, yoga, pursue hobbies like numismatics – the avenues for learning were mind-boggling.
Many of us learnt music and foreign languages at this sanctum of learning.
We had a truly holistic education and the idyllic environs of BHU helped one develop a philosophical attitude to life.
Like all premier institutes ITBHU was fully residential, which fostered camaraderie and facilitated lifelong friendships amongst the alumni. I can never forget those delightful moments in Dhanrajgiri, Morvi, Vishwakarma, Vishveswarayya and CV Raman hostels, mouthwatering memories of the Lavang Lata and Lassi at Pehelwan’s in Lanka, the Lal Peda opposite Sankat Mochan, Chinese at La Bella in Lanka, and the delicious wholesome cuisine of Banaras, watching movies at the quaint and unique cinema halls, strolling on the holy ghats, and the cycle trips all over Varanasi, Sarnath, and even across the holy and sacred Ganga on the pontoon bridge to watch the Ram Lila at Ramnagar.
We, the batch who passed out in 1977, the first IIT JEE batch, still meet regularly to relive our glorious days. (The last meet was in Lonavala in July 2010 and we look forward to the next alumni meet soon in Pune).
Way back then, in the 1970s, ITBHU was a wonderful place to study engineering and live one’s formative years in. I wonder what my dear alma mater is like now...!
MEMORIES OF MY ALMA MATER
By
VIKRAM KARVE
One of my ITBHU classmates told me that soon ITBHU is going to be designated as an IIT.
Change is inevitable. First it was BENCO, then ITBHU and now IIT.
Also, we were pioneers of change, the first batch selected through the IIT JEE Entrance Exam, who joined in 1972 and passed out with our B.Tech. degrees in 1977. [Earlier the degree awarded was B.Sc. (Engineering)].
In retrospection, here is my nostalgic piece on my alma mater.
ITBHU [Erstwhile BENCO – Banaras Engineering College]
Institute of Technology
Banaras Hindu University
Varanasi
India
Let’s begin with the college song :
IT BHU Chorus
HAND IN HAND WE GO TOGETHER,
HAND IN HAND WE ARE SINGING ALONG.
SIDE BY SIDE WE FACE THE MUSIC,
WIN OR LOSE WE ALWAYS SING A SONG.
WAVE THE FLAG, WE’LL KEEP IT FLYING,
TILL THE SUN SHINES O’ER THE LAND.
IF THE LUCK IS GOOD WE’LL ALWAYS SHARE THE CHEERS,
IF THE LUCK IS BAD, WE’LL GLADLY BEAR THE TEARS.
TILL THE DAY WE TURN THE CORNER,
WE’LL KEEP ON AS LONG AS WE ARE HAND IN HAND.
IF YOU KEEP ON SMILING AT THE RAINBOW,
YOU WILL NEVER MIND A SHOWER OF RAIN.
KEEP YOUR HEAD ON THE CLOUDS,
DON’T GET LOST IN THE CROWDS.
ALWAYS KEEP THE SONG IN YOUR HEART,
AND SHOUT HIP-HIP HURRAH.
Composed by:
Prof. Charles. A. King
The First Principal of the
Banaras Engineering College (BENCO)
On what basis do you judge an educational institution, especially an Engineering College or a B-School...?
In today’s world there is just one criterion – market value – the starting salaries and campus placement the students get – the more outrageously astronomical the pay packets, and the greater the percentage of lucrative campus placements – the better the institution.
And with the increasing commercialization of education, many institutes blatantly compete, advertise, and focus on these materialistic aspects to attract students – it’s a highly competitive rat race.
I feel the cardinal yardstick for appraising the true merit of an educational institution is the value-addition it instills in its alumni – and I’m not talking of utility and materialistic values alone; but more importantly the inculcation and enhancement of intrinsic and intangible higher values.
The student should feel he or she has changed for the better, professionally and personally; and so should other stakeholders observing the student from the outside be able to discern the value enhancement.
I studied for my B.Tech. Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics Engineering at ITBHU from 1972 to 1977 (first batch IIT JEE) and I experienced the well-rounded value addition I have mentioned above.
Later in life, being academically inclined, I continued studying, and have completed many courses, a Post Graduate Diploma in Management, an Engineering and Technology Post Graduation at a premier IIT (M. Tech. - IIT Delhi) and have worked in multifarious capacities and even taught for many years as a Professor at prestigious academic institutions of higher learning, but I shall always cherish my days at ITBHU the most.
I knew I was a better man, in my entirety, having passed through the portals of ITBHU, and I am sure those scrutinizing me from the outside felt the same way.
ITBHU was amalgamated by integrating three of the country’s oldest and best engineering colleges: BENCO (Banaras Engineering College) – the first in the Orient, and certainly in India, to introduce the disciplines of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, MINMET – the pioneer in Mining and Metallurgy in India, and College of Technology – the first to start Chemical and Ceramic Engineering in India.
Indeed these three institutions pioneered engineering education in India and were the harbingers of industrialization in our country.
Now, like Roorkee, the first Engineering College of India, I understand that they want to rename our celebrated alma mater as an IIT. I wonder why – maybe in today’s world brand value is more in vogue rather than heritage value.
In my time ITBHU was indeed a center of excellence, an apt institution to study in, and a lovely place to live in.
The vast verdant lush green semi-circular campus at the southern end of Varanasi, the largest university campus I have ever seen, with its pleasant and relaxed atmosphere was ideal for student life.
And being a part of a premier university afforded one a consummate multidisciplinary experience.
It was a delightful and fulfilling experience I will always cherish – learning from erudite and totally dedicated Professors, who were authorities in their fields of specialization, amidst excellent academic facilities and ambience, elaborate labs and workshops, lush green campus, well-designed comfortable hostels, delicious food, expansive sports fields and facilities for all types of sports, the beautiful swimming pool, the unique well-stocked and intellectually inspiring Gaekwad library, and the exquisite temple that added a spiritual dimension to the scholarly ambiance.
One could learn heritage and foreign languages, fine arts, music, indology, philosophy, yoga, pursue hobbies like numismatics – the avenues for learning were mind-boggling.
Many of us learnt music and foreign languages at this sanctum of learning.
We had a truly holistic education and the idyllic environs of BHU helped one develop a philosophical attitude to life.
Like all premier institutes ITBHU was fully residential, which fostered camaraderie and facilitated lifelong friendships amongst the alumni. I can never forget those delightful moments in Dhanrajgiri, Morvi, Vishwakarma, Vishveswarayya and CV Raman hostels, mouthwatering memories of the Lavang Lata and Lassi at Pehelwan’s in Lanka, the Lal Peda opposite Sankat Mochan, Chinese at La Bella in Lanka, and the delicious wholesome cuisine of Banaras, watching movies at the quaint and unique cinema halls, strolling on the holy ghats, and the cycle trips all over Varanasi, Sarnath, and even across the holy and sacred Ganga on the pontoon bridge to watch the Ram Lila at Ramnagar.
We, the batch who passed out in 1977, the first IIT JEE batch, still meet regularly to relive our glorious days. (The last meet was in Lonavala in July 2010 and we look forward to the next alumni meet soon in Pune).
Way back then, in the 1970s, ITBHU was a wonderful place to study engineering and live one’s formative years in. I wonder what my dear alma mater is like now...!
VIKRAM KARVE
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
Did you like this article?
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About Vikram Karve
A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures(2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories, creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional research papers in journals and edited in-house journals for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 14 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.
Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramkarve@sify.com
Fiction Short Stories Book
Foodie Book: Appetite for a Stroll
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
Friday, September 24, 2010
THOSE GLORIOUS DAYS AT ITBHU - MEMORIES OF MY ALMA MATER
THOSE GLORIOUS DAYS AT ITBHU
MEMORIES OF MY ALMA MATER
By
VIKRAM KARVE
One of my ITBHU classmates told me that soon ITBHU is going to be designated as an IIT.
Well, I have studied at an IIT [IIT Delhi] too, but let me tell you I still cherish fond memories of our Banaras Days, our student life at ITBHU Varanasi, living to our fullest, playing sports, enjoying life, relishing delicious food in delightful company and studying in a truly academic ambience.
Also, we were pioneers of change, the first batch selected through the IIT JEE Entrance Exam, who joined in 1972 and passed out with our B.Tech. degrees in 1977. [Earlier the degree awarded was B.Sc. (Engineering)].
In retrospection, here is my nostalgic piece on my alma mater.
ITBHU [Erstwhile BENCO – Banaras Engineering College]
Institute of Technology
Banaras Hindu University
Varanasi
India
Let’s begin with the college song :
IT BHU Chorus
HAND IN HAND WE GO TOGETHER,
HAND IN HAND WE ARE SINGING ALONG.
SIDE BY SIDE WE FACE THE MUSIC,
WIN OR LOSE WE ALWAYS SING A SONG.
WAVE THE FLAG, WE’LL KEEP IT FLYING,
TILL THE SUN SHINES O’ER THE LAND.
IF THE LUCK IS GOOD WE’LL ALWAYS SHARE THE CHEERS,
IF THE LUCK IS BAD, WE’LL GLADLY BEAR THE TEARS.
TILL THE DAY WE TURN THE CORNER,
WE’LL KEEP ON AS LONG AS WE ARE HAND IN HAND.
IF YOU KEEP ON SMILING AT THE RAINBOW,
YOU WILL NEVER MIND A SHOWER OF RAIN.
KEEP YOUR HEAD ON THE CLOUDS,
DON’T GET LOST IN THE CROWDS.
ALWAYS KEEP THE SONG IN YOUR HEART,
AND SHOUT HIP-HIP HURRAH.
Composed by:
Prof. Charles. A. King
The First Principal of the
Banaras Engineering College (BENCO)
On what basis do you judge an educational institution, especially an Engineering College or a B-School...?
In today’s world there is just one criterion – market value – the starting salaries and campus placement the students get – the more outrageously astronomical the pay packets, and the greater the percentage of lucrative campus placements – the better the institution.
And with the increasing commercialization of education, many institutes blatantly compete, advertise, and focus on these materialistic aspects to attract students – it’s a highly competitive rat race.
I feel the cardinal yardstick for appraising the true merit of an educational institution is the value-addition it instills in its alumni – and I’m not talking of utility and materialistic values alone; but more importantly the inculcation and enhancement of intrinsic and intangible higher values.
The student should feel he or she has changed for the better, professionally and personally; and so should other stakeholders observing the student from the outside be able to discern the value enhancement.
I studied for my B.Tech. Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics Engineering at ITBHU from 1972 to 1977 (first batch IIT JEE) and I experienced the well-rounded value addition I have mentioned above.
Later in life, being academically inclined, I continued studying, and have completed many courses, a Post Graduate Diploma in Management, an Engineering and Technology Post Graduation at a premier IIT [M. Tech. - IIT Delhi] and have worked in multifarious capacities and even taught for many years at prestigious academic institutions of higher learning, but I shall always cherish my days at ITBHU the most.
I knew I was a better man, in my entirety, having passed through the portals of ITBHU, and I am sure those scrutinizing me from the outside felt the same way.
ITBHU was amalgamated by integrating three of the country’s oldest and best engineering colleges: BENCO (Banaras Engineering College) – the first in the Orient, and certainly in India, to introduce the disciplines of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, MINMET – the pioneer in Mining and Metallurgy in India, and College of Technology – the first to start Chemical and Ceramic Engineering in India.
Indeed these three institutions pioneered engineering education in India and were the harbingers of industrialization in our country.
Now, like Roorkee, the first Engineering College of India, I understand that they want to rename our celebrated alma mater as an IIT. I wonder why – maybe in today’s world brand value is more in vogue rather than heritage value.
In my time ITBHU was indeed a center of excellence, an apt institution to study in, and a lovely place to live in.
The vast verdant lush green semi-circular campus at the southern end of Varanasi, the largest university campus I have ever seen, with its pleasant and relaxed atmosphere was ideal for student life.
And being a part of a premier university afforded one a consummate multidisciplinary experience.
It was a delightful and fulfilling experience I will always cherish – learning from erudite and totally dedicated Professors, who were authorities in their fields of specialization, amidst excellent academic facilities and ambience, elaborate labs and workshops, lush green campus, well-designed comfortable hostels, delicious food, expansive sports fields and facilities for all types of sports, the beautiful swimming pool, the unique well-stocked and intellectually inspiring Gaekwad library, and the exquisite temple that added a spiritual dimension to the scholarly ambiance.
One could learn heritage and foreign languages, fine arts, music, indology, philosophy, yoga, pursue hobbies like numismatics – the avenues for learning were mind-boggling.
Many of us learnt music and foreign languages at this sanctum of learning.
We had a truly holistic education and the idyllic environs of BHU helped one develop a philosophical attitude to life.
Like all premier institutes ITBHU was fully residential, which fostered camaraderie and facilitated lifelong friendships amongst the alumni. I can never forget those delightful moments in Dhanrajgiri, Morvi, Vishwakarma, Vishveswarayya and CV Raman hostels, mouthwatering memories of the Lavang Lata and Lassi at Pehelwan’s in Lanka, the Lal Peda opposite Sankat Mochan, Chinese at La Bella in Lanka, and the delicious wholesome cuisine of Banaras, watching movies at the quaint and unique cinema halls, strolling on the holy ghats, and the cycle trips all over Varanasi, Sarnath, and even across the holy and sacred Ganga on the pontoon bridge to watch the Ram Lila at Ramnagar.
We, the batch who passed out in 1977, the first IIT JEE batch, still meet regularly to relive our glorious days. (The last meet was in Lonavala in July).
Way back then, in the 1970s, ITBHU was a wonderful place to study engineering and live one’s formative years in. I wonder what my dear alma mater is like now...!
Email: vikramkarve@sify.com
Academic Journal Vikram Karve – http://karvediat.blogspot.com
MEMORIES OF MY ALMA MATER
By
VIKRAM KARVE
One of my ITBHU classmates told me that soon ITBHU is going to be designated as an IIT.
Change is inevitable. First it was BENCO, then ITBHU and now IIT.
Also, we were pioneers of change, the first batch selected through the IIT JEE Entrance Exam, who joined in 1972 and passed out with our B.Tech. degrees in 1977. [Earlier the degree awarded was B.Sc. (Engineering)].
In retrospection, here is my nostalgic piece on my alma mater.
ITBHU [Erstwhile BENCO – Banaras Engineering College]
Institute of Technology
Banaras Hindu University
Varanasi
India
Let’s begin with the college song :
IT BHU Chorus
HAND IN HAND WE GO TOGETHER,
HAND IN HAND WE ARE SINGING ALONG.
SIDE BY SIDE WE FACE THE MUSIC,
WIN OR LOSE WE ALWAYS SING A SONG.
WAVE THE FLAG, WE’LL KEEP IT FLYING,
TILL THE SUN SHINES O’ER THE LAND.
IF THE LUCK IS GOOD WE’LL ALWAYS SHARE THE CHEERS,
IF THE LUCK IS BAD, WE’LL GLADLY BEAR THE TEARS.
TILL THE DAY WE TURN THE CORNER,
WE’LL KEEP ON AS LONG AS WE ARE HAND IN HAND.
IF YOU KEEP ON SMILING AT THE RAINBOW,
YOU WILL NEVER MIND A SHOWER OF RAIN.
KEEP YOUR HEAD ON THE CLOUDS,
DON’T GET LOST IN THE CROWDS.
ALWAYS KEEP THE SONG IN YOUR HEART,
AND SHOUT HIP-HIP HURRAH.
Composed by:
Prof. Charles. A. King
The First Principal of the
Banaras Engineering College (BENCO)
On what basis do you judge an educational institution, especially an Engineering College or a B-School...?
In today’s world there is just one criterion – market value – the starting salaries and campus placement the students get – the more outrageously astronomical the pay packets, and the greater the percentage of lucrative campus placements – the better the institution.
And with the increasing commercialization of education, many institutes blatantly compete, advertise, and focus on these materialistic aspects to attract students – it’s a highly competitive rat race.
I feel the cardinal yardstick for appraising the true merit of an educational institution is the value-addition it instills in its alumni – and I’m not talking of utility and materialistic values alone; but more importantly the inculcation and enhancement of intrinsic and intangible higher values.
The student should feel he or she has changed for the better, professionally and personally; and so should other stakeholders observing the student from the outside be able to discern the value enhancement.
I studied for my B.Tech. Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics Engineering at ITBHU from 1972 to 1977 (first batch IIT JEE) and I experienced the well-rounded value addition I have mentioned above.
Later in life, being academically inclined, I continued studying, and have completed many courses, a Post Graduate Diploma in Management, an Engineering and Technology Post Graduation at a premier IIT [M. Tech. - IIT Delhi] and have worked in multifarious capacities and even taught for many years at prestigious academic institutions of higher learning, but I shall always cherish my days at ITBHU the most.
I knew I was a better man, in my entirety, having passed through the portals of ITBHU, and I am sure those scrutinizing me from the outside felt the same way.
ITBHU was amalgamated by integrating three of the country’s oldest and best engineering colleges: BENCO (Banaras Engineering College) – the first in the Orient, and certainly in India, to introduce the disciplines of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, MINMET – the pioneer in Mining and Metallurgy in India, and College of Technology – the first to start Chemical and Ceramic Engineering in India.
Indeed these three institutions pioneered engineering education in India and were the harbingers of industrialization in our country.
Now, like Roorkee, the first Engineering College of India, I understand that they want to rename our celebrated alma mater as an IIT. I wonder why – maybe in today’s world brand value is more in vogue rather than heritage value.
In my time ITBHU was indeed a center of excellence, an apt institution to study in, and a lovely place to live in.
The vast verdant lush green semi-circular campus at the southern end of Varanasi, the largest university campus I have ever seen, with its pleasant and relaxed atmosphere was ideal for student life.
And being a part of a premier university afforded one a consummate multidisciplinary experience.
It was a delightful and fulfilling experience I will always cherish – learning from erudite and totally dedicated Professors, who were authorities in their fields of specialization, amidst excellent academic facilities and ambience, elaborate labs and workshops, lush green campus, well-designed comfortable hostels, delicious food, expansive sports fields and facilities for all types of sports, the beautiful swimming pool, the unique well-stocked and intellectually inspiring Gaekwad library, and the exquisite temple that added a spiritual dimension to the scholarly ambiance.
One could learn heritage and foreign languages, fine arts, music, indology, philosophy, yoga, pursue hobbies like numismatics – the avenues for learning were mind-boggling.
Many of us learnt music and foreign languages at this sanctum of learning.
We had a truly holistic education and the idyllic environs of BHU helped one develop a philosophical attitude to life.
Like all premier institutes ITBHU was fully residential, which fostered camaraderie and facilitated lifelong friendships amongst the alumni. I can never forget those delightful moments in Dhanrajgiri, Morvi, Vishwakarma, Vishveswarayya and CV Raman hostels, mouthwatering memories of the Lavang Lata and Lassi at Pehelwan’s in Lanka, the Lal Peda opposite Sankat Mochan, Chinese at La Bella in Lanka, and the delicious wholesome cuisine of Banaras, watching movies at the quaint and unique cinema halls, strolling on the holy ghats, and the cycle trips all over Varanasi, Sarnath, and even across the holy and sacred Ganga on the pontoon bridge to watch the Ram Lila at Ramnagar.
We, the batch who passed out in 1977, the first IIT JEE batch, still meet regularly to relive our glorious days. (The last meet was in Lonavala in July).
Way back then, in the 1970s, ITBHU was a wonderful place to study engineering and live one’s formative years in. I wonder what my dear alma mater is like now...!
VIKRAM KARVE
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
VIKRAM KARVE educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU, The Lawrence School Lovedale, and Bishop's School Pune, is an Electronics and Communications Engineer by profession, a Human Resource Manager and Trainer by occupation, a Teacher by vocation, a Creative Writer by inclination and a Foodie by passion. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles in magazines and journals for many years before the advent of blogging. His delicious foodie blogs have been compiled in a book "Appetite for a Stroll". Vikram lives in Pune with his family and pet Doberman girl Sherry, with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog - http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com
Professional Profile of Vikram Karve - http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Academic Journal Vikram Karve – http://karvediat.blogspot.com
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Lavang Lata
WHOLESOME NOURISHING SUMPTUOUS DELICACY
LAVANG LATA in the Back of the Beyond
By
LAVANG LATA in the Back of the Beyond
By
VIKRAM KARVE
Last week we had an alumni meet and also a class get together and reminisced about our Banaras days - how could we ever forget mothwatering foodie memories of our all time favourite sweet - the delicious Lavang Lata. So here I repost my foodie blog (written three years ago) on searching for Lavang Lata in Pune...
“Heritage Cuisine” – sounds good isn’t it?
You may presume that this pompous term refers to pretentious traditional high-brow cuisine which adorns the tables of the classes!
In my vocabulary “heritage cuisine” is high-falutin gobbledygook for simple staple down-to-earth local street-food relished by the masses. Like Vada Pav (Mumbai’s “Heritage Burger”), or Puneri Misal, or Kulcha Chole, Katchi Dabeli, Bhel, Kathi Kababs, Baida Roti, Malpua – the list is endless.
There is a delicious sweetmeat called “Lavang Lata” which I tasted for the first time and relished piping hot at Pehelwan’s at the end of Lanka near BHU in Varanasi
Later, in the eighties, I came across slightly different versions of Lavang Lata at various eateries, most notably Nathu at Bengali market in New Delhi
But these versions of the Lavang Lata were nowhere close to Pehelwan’s Banarasi Lavang Lata.
But these versions of the Lavang Lata were nowhere close to Pehelwan’s Banarasi Lavang Lata.
Just imagine my surprise, when, during my walk last evening, I chanced upon a delectable Lavang Lata in an out-of-the-way unpretentious sweet shop called ‘Babumosai Bengali Sweets’ tucked away almost in obscurity, way off the beaten track, on Aundh Road, on the way to Khadki in Pune.
Actually I was in search of Rasgullas. (Roshogollas, if you want it spelt that way). Having relocated from a ‘happening’ place like Churchgate in the heart of Mumbai to an obscure “back of the beyond” desolate place somewhere in the jungles on the banks of Mula river between Aundh and Sangvi, craving and wandering desperately in my search for ‘heritage food’, I hit the Aundh road past Spicer College towards Khadki, enjoying a refreshing walk between the expanse of the verdant Botanical Gardens and the foliage of Pune University, when in the first building I encountered on my left, I saw a nondescript signboard “Babumosai Bengali Sweets” (maybe the spelling ought to be ‘Babumoshai’) atop a deserted lackluster sweetshop.
There was no one in the shop and the lifeless atmosphere and uninspiring display almost put me off.
But having come so far, I decided to give it a try and looked at the sweets on display in trays behind a glass counter - Rasgullas, Sandesh, Rajbhog, Gulab Jamuns, Malai Sandwiches - the ubiquitous ‘Bengali Sweets’; and suddenly a man came out carrying a tray of piping hot Lavang Latas, the very sight of which made my mouth water so much that I ordered one immediately.
But having come so far, I decided to give it a try and looked at the sweets on display in trays behind a glass counter - Rasgullas, Sandesh, Rajbhog, Gulab Jamuns, Malai Sandwiches - the ubiquitous ‘Bengali Sweets’; and suddenly a man came out carrying a tray of piping hot Lavang Latas, the very sight of which made my mouth water so much that I ordered one immediately.
I walked outside the shop, stood in the cool evening air, took a small bite of the Lavang Lata, rolled the syrupy hot piece on my eager salivated tongue and closed my eyes in order to enhance my gustatory experience.
I pressed the Lavang Lata upwards with my tongue against the palate, the roof of my mouth, and slowly it disintegrated releasing its heavenly flavour of nutmeg and cardamom. That’s the way you should enjoy Bengali sweetmeats. (Never, Never bite, or swallow and devour these delicacies in a hurry - unless you want to ruin the eating experience...).
Don’t use your teeth... slowly, very slowly, just roll the Lavang Lata on your tongue and lightly press on the roof of your mouth till the delicacy melts releasing its luxurious flavour and divine fragrance into your gustatory and olfactory systems.
And remember, keep your eyes closed, shut yourself to the outside world, focus on your tongue, internalize the experience and transcend to a state of delightful ecstasy, till you feel you are in seventh heaven. That’s the art of eating.
Don’t use your teeth... slowly, very slowly, just roll the Lavang Lata on your tongue and lightly press on the roof of your mouth till the delicacy melts releasing its luxurious flavour and divine fragrance into your gustatory and olfactory systems.
And remember, keep your eyes closed, shut yourself to the outside world, focus on your tongue, internalize the experience and transcend to a state of delightful ecstasy, till you feel you are in seventh heaven. That’s the art of eating.
The Lavang Lata is perfect. Not sickly sweet, but tantalizingly tasty, with the subtle essence of its ingredients and seasoning coming through. The rabri and khoya, the raisins and dry fruits, the crispy sweet crust, the spices and most importantly, the exotic fortifying and stimulating taste of clove. It’s sheer bliss.
The invigorating taste lingers on my tongue for a long long time, as if for eternity.
The invigorating taste lingers on my tongue for a long long time, as if for eternity.
Just writing this is making my mouth water.
And I am going to “Babumosai” this weekend – this time to sample the Rasgullas, maybe the Sandesh – and I’ll tell you all about it right here.
And I am going to “Babumosai” this weekend – this time to sample the Rasgullas, maybe the Sandesh – and I’ll tell you all about it right here.
And I’ll keep writing about all my experiences with “Heritage Cuisine” and the art of eating.
Dear fellow Foodie - do let me know if you enjoyed reading this.
VIKRAM KARVE
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