Amrita Mahotsava: Mahatma Gandhi Memorial College completes 75 years

Schools and colleges play a pivotal role in the development of a town. Educational institutions shape the future of a place by imparting knowledge and enriching its people. This is evident in the history of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) College, Udupi’s first and oldest institution of higher learning. As this education hub now marks its 75th year, here’s a look back at its remarkable journey.

The Origin of the Vision

The year was 1942, during the Quit India Movement. Dr. T.M.A. Pai, a renowned philanthropist, doctor, and banker of Udupi, envisioned revolutionary contributions to education. He founded the Academy of General Education in Manipal, an innovative initiative aligned with Mahatma Gandhi’s constructive programs.

Focusing on alleviating poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and health issues, Dr. Pai worked towards education and skill development. He introduced vocational training for those who had either passed or failed their SSLC exams, laying the groundwork for the current concept of skill development. The Academy established several schools, revitalized existing ones, and introduced opportunities for youth to secure employment or self-employment.

At that time, Udupi and its surroundings only offered education up to SSLC. Students seeking higher education had to travel to Mangalore or distant cities, which was challenging due to poor connectivity and financial constraints. Recognizing this, Dr. Pai resolved to establish a college in Udupi through the Academy of General Education.

Between 1942 and 1949, the project faced several challenges. As Udupi was then part of the Madras Presidency, securing university affiliation and funding proved arduous. Undeterred, Dr. Pai used his personal wealth, including pledging his assets and jewelry, to gather resources. His perseverance, coupled with community support and his faith in Udupi’s Sri Krishna Matha, kept the dream alive. After India’s independence, his determination grew stronger. In 1948, he dedicated the college to Mahatma Gandhi’s memory following Gandhi’s martyrdom.

Establishment of MGM College

Thus, MGM College was established as Udupi’s first college. It was inaugurated on June 27, 1949, by Dr. A.V. Baliga, a freedom fighter and renowned doctor. Initially, classes were conducted in vacant rooms of the Udupi Municipal High School, offering Intermediate Arts courses under the Madras University.

Professor H. Sundar Rao, a distinguished educationist, served as its first principal. The inaugural batch comprised 79 boys and 10 girls, supported by 10 faculty members and seven non-teaching staff. Right from the beginning, the college adopted co-education, offering equal opportunities for both genders—a pioneering step in the country at the time. The institution also gained attention for having two female professors on its initial faculty.

On October 25, 1949, the foundation stone for the current campus at Kunjibettu was laid by Kumaraswami Raja, then Chief Minister of Madras. Dr. Pai, alongside Udupi residents, participated in shramdaan (voluntary labor) to construct the campus, which was inaugurated by the Swamijis of the Ashta Mathas.

Higher Education for Girls

In those days, opportunities for girls to pursue higher education were limited. When the college introduced co-education, Madras University initially opposed admitting female students. Encouraged by Dr. Pai, a student named Shanta took legal action in the Madras High Court and also reached out to prominent leaders like Indira Gandhi and the Governor of Madras. As a result, the policy was revised. T. Nirmala Pai, a student from the first batch, later achieved a gold medal and a university rank, creating history.

Expansion and Growth

The college soon introduced BA courses, followed by BCom and BSc. It expanded its facilities with well-equipped laboratories, a library, and hostels. Extracurricular activities thrived, with cultural events hosted at venues like the Mudduanna Mantapa and Ravindra Mantapa. Students received training in music, theater, Yakshagana, literature, and research.

The tenure of its second principal, Prof. Ku. Shi. Haridas Bhat, saw the establishment of the Govinda Pai Research Center, a regional folk art center, and the Tulu Dictionary Project. Over time, the college adopted new courses to meet modern needs, including computer science.

Initially affiliated with Madras University, MGM College later came under Karnataka University in 1957, Mysore University in 1958, and Mangalore University in 1980. The institution also collaborates with MAHE Manipal for academic and research initiatives.

Quality Education and Placement

Today, MGM College is NAAC accredited with an A+ grade and is in the process of attaining autonomous status from UGC. The institution offers BA, BCom, BSc, BCA, and MSc courses and boasts excellent placement opportunities. The pre-university college offers courses in science, commerce, and arts streams, while the evening college provides BCA, BCom, and BBA programs. Over 3,500 students currently study on the campus.

MGM College stands as a testament to Dr. T.M.A. Pai’s vision and the community’s unwavering support, contributing to Udupi’s legacy of knowledge and progress.

Amrit Mahotsav Highlights

As part of the Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, Shri Satish U. Pai, the president of the college’s governing body, is spearheading the initiatives. A state-of-the-art classroom complex named Amrit Mahotsav Saudha has been constructed in memory of the late Shri T. Mohandas Pai, a former president and alumnus of the college’s first batch. This complex will also house the T. Mohandas Pai Skill Development Institute.

“The inauguration of this building, marking the Amrit Mahotsav year’s milestone, is scheduled for November 29. Over the past year, 75 significant events were organized to commemorate the Mahotsav. The closing ceremony of the Amrit Mahotsav will take place on December 1,” said Prof. Lakshminarayana Karanth, Principal, MGM College, Udupi

Features of the T. Mohandas Pai Memorial Amrit Saudha

The T. Mohandas Pai Memorial Amrit Saudha, constructed within the MGM College campus, boasts cutting-edge facilities and serves as a skill development hub.

• Total area: 33,152 sq. ft.
• Includes a ground floor, three additional floors, and a terrace.
• Facilities include an auditorium, computer labs, boardrooms, principal’s and directors’ offices, and air-conditioned conference halls.

Ground Floor:

The ground floor houses the reception area, offices for the president, principal, and administrative staff, and two classrooms with 100 seating capacity each. There is also a 46-seater boardroom and additional cabins, staircases, and elevators.

First Floor:

The first floor features four classrooms (60-seater capacity) and computer labs with 40-seater capacity.

Second Floor:

This floor includes two classrooms (60-seater capacity), two computer labs (40-seater capacity), director’s cabins, and 12-seater staff rooms.

Third Floor:

The third floor offers facilities like a yoga center, project rooms, two classrooms (60-seater capacity), and a fully air-conditioned auditorium with a 200-seater capacity and double-height ceilings.

Additional Amenities:

• A waste treatment plant (100 KLD).
• Diesel generator (165 kVA).
• Elevator with 15-passenger capacity.
• Fire safety systems and restrooms on every floor.

Amrit Mahotsav Exhibition

As part of the celebrations, an exhibition showcasing recent advancements and research in science, technology, and other disciplines will be held. The event aims to enrich the knowledge of students and the public, fostering critical thinking and creativity.

Inauguration: November 29 at 9:30 AM by Dr. K. Vidyakumari, Deputy Commissioner, Udupi.
Venue: MGM College campus, open to the public until December 1.

Special Features of the Exhibition

• Flight of the Future: Drone demonstrations by National Aerospace Ltd., Bengaluru.
• Anatomy: Human body explorations by Manipal University’s Basic Medical Sciences Department.
• Curiosity Corner: Scientific marvels.
• Pathway to Smarter Generation: Reality programming models.
• Solar Surge: Renewable energy revolution.
• StatComm: Statistical opportunities.
• Humanitas: Ideation and innovation.
• Lingua Fusion: Literature and culture showcase.
• Artist Hub: Creative explorations.
• Tulu Nadu Heritage: A journey from tradition to triumph.
• Commuseum: Echoes of the past and visions of the future.

Event Schedule

November 29, 2024 (Friday):

• 9:00 AM: Inauguration of T. Mohandas Pai Memorial Amrit Saudha by Shri Satish U. Pai.
  Divine Presence: Sri Vidyasagar Teertha Swamiji, Shri Krishnapura Matha.
• 9:30 AM: Exhibition inauguration by Dr. K. Vidya Kumari.
• 12:00 PM: Felicitation of the Governing Body.
• 3:00–5:30 PM: Cultural performances by students.
• 5:30 PM: Yakshagana performance – Veera Vrishasena Kaalaga.

November 30, 2024 (Saturday):

• 8:15 AM: Jyoti Procession led by Sri Sugunendra Teertha Swamiji, Paryaya Sri Puthige Matha.
• 9:00 AM: Grand procession from Gandhi Main School, Udupi, to MGM College.
• 11:30 AM: MGM Nenapu by Prof. M.L. Samaga and C.A. G. Prabhakar Nayak.
• 1:30–5:00 PM: Cultural programs by college students.
• 5:30 PM: Musical concert Oorja by Mumbai-based Vadya Vrunda.

December 1, 2024 (Sunday):

• 9:30–11:00 AM: Cultural programs by students.
• 11:00 AM: Alumni performances.
  Chief Guest: Prof. Prasanna Tantri, Member, NITI Aayog.
• 3:30–5:30 PM: Closing ceremony.
  Divine Presence: Sri Vishwaprasanna Teertha Swamiji, Pejawar Matha, Udupi.
  Chief Guests:
  • Smt. Lakshmi Hebbalkar, Minister for Women and Child Welfare.
  • Shri Kota Srinivas Poojary, MP, Udupi.
  • Shri Yashpal Suvarna, MLA, Udupi.
    Musical Finale: Shri Vidyabhushan and Kumari Medha Hiranmayi from Bengaluru.

All are cordially invited by the MGM College management, staff, students, and alumni.