Visit to DCRUST: an experience to cherish

On 6th February, 2019, 20 members of KMPA got a great opportunity to visit the campus of Dheenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology at Murthal, Sonepat district of Haryana, as the Vice Chancellor’s guests.

This was a rare opportunity for members, led by Biju Jose, General Secretary of KMPA, to see all the modern facilities related to science and technology in the University. Founded in 1986 as an educational institution by the Government of Haryana in memory of Sir Chhotu Ram, it was later upgraded to a University on 6th November, 2006, by a legislative Act. The sprawling 273-acre campus lies between the industrial and commercial belts, extending from Kundli to Panipat.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Rajendrakumar Anayath, an honorary member of KMPA and fondly known as the ‘Print Guru’, himself came down along with the faculty members to give us a hearty reception. After taking over as VC, he has introduced many ingenious ideas and infrastructural developments, keenly supported by the state government in their implementation. We were taken to the Vice Chancellor’s office before having an inter-active round table conference with 10 senior heads of departments.

Some of the things that we were introduced to was mind-boggling. The institute strictly follows a green protocol to make it environment friendly. Each new student admitted was given a sapling to plant and was required to monitor its growth progress on a continuous basis. Another was that the campus was made free of all motorised vehicles on Wednesdays, where all – from the VC to the faculty members, support staff, and  students – had to either walk or use a bicycle. Even the usage of air-conditioners was regulated by a process of cooling the hot air outside, to minimize the load of consumption.

We also got to see a host of modern facilities of the University, which was on par with the best. The Saraswati central library boasts of a huge collection of reference books, journals, e-books, e-journals, thesis and dissertations from top universities, and much more, helping students surpass their own aspirations. Other features we found of great interest was the computer center, the Central Instrumental Laboratory (CIL), and their sporting facilities. All these helping students in academics, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities, ensuring an overall development.

The campus also has a 2-kilometre-long single stretch road, which during an emergency, we learnt, could be used as a runway for military aircraft.

The hospitality accorded to our members was overwhelming to say the least. After our campus visit, we were taken to the guest house, where we were served traditional ‘winter’ Haryanvi delicacies. This is because, Haryana being a state of extreme climates, have separate cuisines for their summer and winter months. Later Dr. Anayath took us to his residence where we were warmly received by his family. We were impressed by the collection of the latest books in his home library. He was also kind to arrange our return conveyance to the Delhi airport.

A trip we will cherish for years to come!