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PM Modi Launches Book Narrating 100-year Journey of Delhi University

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a captivating coffee-table book titled "Aura University of Delhi at 100" during the grand finale of Delhi University's centenary celebrations
By Jitendra Jangid Jul 1, 2023, 18:44 IST
A coffee-table book narrating the 100-year-old journey of Delhi University through text, data, maps, infographics, and photographs was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. The prime minister launched the book ’Aura University of Delhi at 100’ at the valedictory ceremony of the varsity’s centenary celebrations here. The book discusses the important milestones, changes, and growth that the university has witnessed since its inception. The University of Delhi was established in 1922 and turned 100 years in 2022. In the 216-page book, DU professor Anu Kapur analysed numerous documents related to Delhi University, including minutes of Academic Council meetings, speeches of the formers Vice Chancellor, and news articles over several years to prepare a pictorial biography of the varsity. It is an honour that the book was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is a coffee-table book published by the University of Delhi, a visibly delighted Kapur told PTI. Kapur, a professor of geography at the university, said DU Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh saw her work worthy to be part of the centenary celebrations. ”The narrative of the book picks the important, different and interesting events of the University of Delhi. The choice is subjective yet an attempt is made to cover a wide canvas, the 64-year-old professor said. In the book, the author sheds light not only on the infrastructural growth of the university but also on how it evolved over the years. The book categorises the important events of 100 years into four phases, each spanning 25 years. Interestingly, these periods are watersheds of the evolving focus of the University of Delhi. In the first 25 years from 1922 to 1947, the university searches for its home and sets its academic moorings. From 1948 to 1972, DU plays a crucial role and responds meaningfully to the partition of India and the challenges of a newly independent country. From 1973 to 1997, it is responding to an array of challenges as the varsity grows in size and expands its boundaries by the time it turns 75. In the fourth phase, from 1998 to 2022, the University of Delhi revisits its past, reinvents its present and lays out a blueprint for the future,” the author noted. For pictures, we tried to access the archives. The university has a rich history, so it took some time to prepare a timeline of events for the book, Kapur said. ’Aura’ will be of value to all those who have studied at this university and those who have wanted to or desire to study here, the author believes. A large gathering of teachers, staff, students and distinguished alumni of the university gathered at the multi-purpose sports complex to attend the closing ceremony of the centenary celebration event. (

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a captivating coffee-table book titled "Aura University of Delhi at 100" during the grand finale of Delhi University's centenary celebrations. The book, encompassing text, data, maps, infographics, and photographs, offers a comprehensive account of the university's century-long journey. Established in 1922, the University of Delhi commemorated its 100th year in 2022.

Spanning 216 pages, the book delves into the significant milestones, transformations, and progress witnessed by the university since its inception. Notably, Professor Anu Kapur, a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Geography at DU, meticulously analyzed an array of documents related to the institution. These included minutes from Academic Council meetings, speeches by former Vice Chancellors, and news articles spanning several years. Through this extensive research, Professor Kapur crafted a captivating visual biography of the university.

Professor Kapur expressed immense honor that the book was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Published by the University of Delhi, "Aura University of Delhi at 100" serves as a remarkable addition to the university's centenary celebrations. Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh recognized the value and significance of Professor Kapur's work, choosing it as an integral part of the commemorative festivities.

The book's narrative selects pivotal, diverse, and captivating events from the University of Delhi's history. While the choices may be subjective, the 64-year-old professor aimed to cover a broad spectrum of experiences. In addition to documenting the university's infrastructural growth, the book sheds light on its evolution over the years. It classifies the noteworthy events of the past century into four distinct phases, each spanning 25 years. These periods serve as pivotal milestones, highlighting the evolving focus of the University of Delhi.

The initial phase, from 1922 to 1947, illustrates the university's quest for a permanent campus and the establishment of its academic foundations. Subsequently, from 1948 to 1972, Delhi University played a pivotal role in responding meaningfully to the partition of India and the challenges faced by the newly independent nation. From 1973 to 1997, the university encountered an array of challenges as it expanded in size and scope, reaching its 75th anniversary. In the final phase, from 1998 to 2022, the University of Delhi revisited its past, reinvented its present, and laid out a visionary blueprint for the future.

Captivating visuals within the book were carefully selected from the university's archives. The comprehensive timeline of events required meticulous research due to the university's rich history. Professor Kapur expressed her belief that "Aura University of Delhi at 100" would hold value for all those who have studied at or aspire to study at this prestigious institution.

The closing ceremony of the centenary celebration witnessed a grand gathering of faculty, staff, students, and esteemed alumni at the multi-purpose sports complex. The event marked a memorable conclusion to Delhi University's remarkable journey of a hundred years.

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