AI Generated Summary
- As Government Mohindra College steps into its next chapter, it carries with it not just a history of scholarship and service, but also a promise to remain a beacon of learning in the years to come.
- Initially housed in various havelis across Patiala, the college found its permanent home in 1875 when Lord Northbrook, the then Viceroy of India, laid the foundation stone for its present campus — a 21-acre spread blending Western and Indian architectural styles.
- By 1872, the school was upgraded to a college, and in 1873, its students prepared for the entrance examination of Calcutta University, to which it was soon affiliated.
Government Mohindra College, one of North India’s oldest and most illustrious institutions, has crossed the remarkable milestone of 150 years, a journey steeped in academic excellence, historical significance, and architectural grandeur.
Popularly known as “Mahindra,” the college has nurtured generations of distinguished alumni, including Gian Singh Rarewala, the former chief minister of PEPSU, and a host of leading professionals and public figures.
A Royal Beginning
The institution traces its origins to 1860, when Maharaja Narinder Singh established it as a language school dedicated to Sanskrit, Persian, and Arabic. His successor, Maharaja Mahinder Singh, expanded the vision, setting up a formal education department on June 13, 1870. By 1872, the school was upgraded to a college, and in 1873, its students prepared for the entrance examination of Calcutta University, to which it was soon affiliated.
Initially housed in various havelis across Patiala, the college found its permanent home in 1875 when Lord Northbrook, the then Viceroy of India, laid the foundation stone for its present campus — a 21-acre spread blending Western and Indian architectural styles. Completed at a cost of ₹5 lakh and inaugurated by Lord Ripon in 1884, the building remains a regal landmark of the city.
Resilience in Times of Change
The college played a subtle yet spirited role during India’s freedom movement. Following the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, it observed a complete hartal, defying British sentiment. Its continuity during turbulent times owed much to the vision of its principals, including Atul Kumar Ghosh, Edmund Candler, TL Vaswani, Manmohan Singh, BN Khosla, Teja Singh, Bhagat Singh, and Gursewak Singh.
The Government of India honoured the college’s centenary in 1988 with a commemorative stamp, and another stamp was issued to recognise Principal Vaswani’s contributions to Indian thought and higher education.
Scholars, Leaders, and Luminaries
The college’s teaching fraternity has been as remarkable as its students. English professor KK Mukherjee inspired generations through his scholarship and dramatics, once staging a Shakespeare play that featured Mohammed Munir, who would later become Chief Justice of Pakistan. Other faculty members, like MR Kohli, Pritam Singh, and KL Buddhi Raja, went on to leave their mark in banking, philanthropy, and the civil services.
Post-Independence, several alumni and faculty members rose to prominent positions, including vice-chancellorships at Punjabi University.
Expanding Horizons
Over the decades, the college’s academic offerings have grown steadily. From starting FA classes in 1880 and BA courses in 1887, to introducing postgraduate studies in Mathematics (1912) and Philosophy (1922), Mahindra College has consistently championed rationality and humanistic values. Today, with 7,000–8,000 students, it stands among Punjab’s largest government colleges.
Preserving a Heritage
While the institution’s academic stature remains strong, its heritage architecture now calls for preservation. Until 1930, the college offered free education to all — a legacy of generosity that alumni and patrons are being urged to reciprocate by supporting restoration efforts.
As Government Mohindra College steps into its next chapter, it carries with it not just a history of scholarship and service, but also a promise to remain a beacon of learning in the years to come.
