From Dean's Desk:
FACULTY OF ARTS, where ‘Social Engineering’ is crafted.
The confluence of “Aano bhadra krtavo yantu vishwatah”, and crucible of “tangible and intangible heritage”, since 1881(Baroda College) and 1949 (The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda); is now the thriving ewer of Liberal Arts: Asian and European Languages, Literature, Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Studies.
I feel blessed in penning FUTURE’s PAST- the earliest space of Higher Education in Vadodara identified by the Maharaja Sayajirao III himself in the seventh decade of the nineteenth century. The double-domed structure designed by Robert F. Chisholm in Indo-Saracenic style’ speaks of the bygone era. It was the mentoring soul for many generations whether they were Eklavyas or Vyasas, erstwhile Baroda Senate House now known as Premanand Hall has witnessed celebrations, academic discourses and events of varied nature. The E-structure of Baroda College building has heard steps of Sri Aurobindo Ghosh, Acharya Vinoba Bhave, and Shri Rang Avdhoot along with several wizards who had been recipients of Padma awards. Faculty also dwells with Gautam Buddha’s relics discovered from north Gujarat-Dev Ni Mori (1963), Portuguese canon weighing 100 Kilograms obtained in 1982 from Diu, 10 Lakhs of manuscript folios covering 175 years story of management of capital mobility in the Indian Ocean rim, governance, philanthropy, society and culture &c. Today we proudly stand as FACULTY OF ARTS in the classrooms and halls of elegant domed structures and natural environs which has been possible due to the vision of Sayajirao-III “Cooperation is necessary to achieve any worthy end and this readiness to cooperate will not be found in people if they are not educated”.
WE Practice, WE Create and WE Deliver
Intangible Heritage is reflected in several departmental libraries and archives which are a blend of traditional and contemporary technologies (Manuscripts, Digital images and print material). Faculty mentors in 20+ disciplines through 14 departments, specialized inter-disciplinary centres and multi-disciplinary institutes. It has evolved as an excellent destination in higher learning and academic research not only in Western India but is also appreciated in national and international galleria. Doctoral programme enrolment in previous years is testimony to it. Today we aspire to become a stalwart in imparting higher education par excellence in the field of Humanities and Social Sciences; the adoption of ICT tools by teacher and the taught was an opportunity provided by COVID-19 circumstances.
Research profile of the faculty members reflects their innovativeness, analytical strength and critical thinking which is beautifully transmitted among Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree pursuers. Research findings and collaborative projects have given birth to institutions- Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Policy Research and International Studies (AIPRIS), Institute of Leadership & Governance (ILG), Centre for Urban Studies, Centre for Research in Planning and Development, Centre for Canadian Studies, Sri Kalidas Sankalchand Doshi Jain Academy (SKSD), Swami Sivanand Study Centre, Sri Aurobindo Studies Centre, Haribhakti Centre for Historical Research and Studies (HCHRS) and Rabindranath Tagore Chair in Humanities. These initiatives had been possible through generous funding from UGC, Department of Space-ISRO-RESPOND, ICSSR, ICCR, ICPR, ICHR, British Council to quote few and donations from alumnus and citizens. Support under CSR from industry and corporate world is in making.
Beyond classroom is the “Sayaji Literature Festival” hosted by the students of Faculty showcases their talent, skills and gives them a platform to “create”, “share” and “explore”. Excavation training and Excursion opportunity through field-work plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting consciousness towards the environment, tangible and intangible heritage. Seminars, Symposium, Debating Culture, Extension Lectures, Exhibitions, Workshops, Sports, NCC, and NSS groom students towards social responsibility and duties in the making of nation and as global citizens. Organization of Narishastikaran Saptah on the occasion of Navratri in October and April every year is a recent initiative towards constructing academic and cultural dynamics.
Faculty is vibrant because of students coming from all directions, mingling and forming associations is an academic and cultural rainbow.
A line on managerial staff of the faculty is a gratitude as they serve silently and shapes the intellectual world of Faculty of Arts and the Maharaja’s University.
Prof. Adhya B. Saxena (B,Sc. M.A., M.Phil, & Ph.D. in History)
Dean
Faculty of Arts The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda