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A GREAT BHIKSHU IN EDUCATION
The great good fortune that can happen to a college is that a really great manymay adore the chair of its Principal. Such a good fortune in fact existed for this college as
the great personality of Principal P.V Kanal was the life and the soul of this college for a
long period of years. For young minds who came for educational ends in this college, itwas a wonderful opportunity to have their aims and ideals focused in such a savant of
rare spiritual excellence. In this respect the college had become incomparable and that
was decidedly its greatest asset. With his selfless of progress and became a famousinstitution.
It is not a easy matter to give even a brief account of his remarkable services to
the College. This college had its beginnings in h is lofty aspirations for the emancipation
of women through higher education. Taking advantage of his presence in Ferozepur andcounting on his strength above all, the Dev Samaj Managing Council ventured to start the
Dev Samaj College for Women at Ferozepur in 1934. With his blessings, Benevolent
help and guidance the college built healthy traditions from the start and set its feet on the
sure path of progress. He inspired the early youthful workers, to serve, to sacrifice and tolead a higher moral existence. All this made the College atmosphere surcharged with
moral values and no wonder its fragrance began to spread.
He was a very powerful personality and poured his whole being into the task that
he undertook. The College was entrusted to him and he completely identified with it. Hemade it a full-fledge Arts College imparting education upto M.A. Then entirely through
him the teachers Training College flourished &came to occupy a respectable place
among the educational institutions of the complete that it readily spread to all themembers of his family & his admirers. It spread to his worthy wife in the same intense
manner and she became his right hand in all his laudable efforts. She was in the forefront
of all the activities of the College.
Principal P.V Kanal literally rebuilt the College after the floods of 1947, whenMost of the building structure of the College was razed to the ground and the whole
college campus presented a fearful spectacle. The College had a pretty good library, a
neat small building a commodious hostel and a smiling atmosphere all around and all thiswas washed away. Financial resources of the college touched the rock bottoms. Dev
Samaj, the parent body, had its finances completely depleted and had lost all its assets in
Pakistan. No funds, no building, parents of daughters scared away by the idea of the
border town and other innumerable difficulties presented and impossible situation withno solution in sight. Our lion-hearted Babaji, like a true hero did not leave his post of
duty. Had he not at this critical juncture made the question of survival of the college a
matter of life and death for himself, this college and Dev Samaj Girls, High School,Ferozepur, would not have survived and attained the mark of success we see today. We
are a witness to the great reservoir of spiritual energy that the possessed and poured into
the task of rebuilding the college. The fact of the matter is that it is difficult to imaginehow entirely the college lived in his thoughts and what a comfort it brought to him
whenever some good happened to the college.
The college had become a temple and hermitage and he himself was its high
priest. How respectfully with folded hands and wonderfully graceful face every morn he
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walked to his halloed office, graced the chair as the Rishis of the old, shedding over it the
luster of his magnificent personality. The whole college became aglow with his
presence. Serene calm reigned. The students and the staff began to work under his sweetmagical influences. He was an inspired personality and a great inspirer of youth.
Remarkable and unique spiritual influences of Bhagwan Dev Atma had worked a
miracle in his life and made him a creative soul of a high spiritual order and a ture servantof mankind. Most respectfully we offer these inadequate and faltering words of homageat his feet.
The Tribune in its issue dated 18/07/1954 has paid its tribute to Late Principal
P.V.Kanal was one of the master architects of college education in the pre-partition
Punjab. He was a powerful instrument in opening and working a number of colleges indifferent parts of the Punjab. He was to the Dev Samaj what Mahatma Hansraj was to
Arya Samaj in working out inch by inch the magnificent structure of university
education.
The last century has been unique in throwing up a magnificent harvest of great
men & great movements. Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj and Dev Samaj were greatreformative movements of the last century for the social and educational regeneration of
Hindu society. Principal Kanal was one of the top lawyers in Sind when he felt drawn bythe ethico-religious movement of Dev Samaj. In 1917 he gave up his all to be one of the
top builders of the Dev Samaj movement. At Lahore he soon came to be recognized as a
master orator and a great social reformer.
His first great achievement in education field was recorded in 1921 when hebecame instrumental in opening Ram Sukh Dass College, Ferozepur. He worked as its
Principal for eighteen years. His second great effort in college education consisted in
raising dewan hasamal Dev Samaj High School to college status in 1927. in this group ofcolleges, for which he was the chief inspirer and builder, the third is the Dal Chand Jain
College, Ferozepur.
Cantonment opened in 1944 of which he worked as General Secretary. But his
Greatest gift to education is Dev Samaj College for Women, Firozpur City. Thousands ofgirls have been helped to stand on their feet through this institution. Principal Kanal has
been one of the most dynamic forces that pioneered womens education in the Punjab.
His life was a life of dedication and service and in that respect he was in the line
of old Rishis who gave away all and kept back nothing from those who came to them toseek light, knowledge and truth. His doors were open to all, rich and poor, and he
inspired generations of students to high purpose and noble resolve. He was a great
character builder. Those of who had the privilege of sitting at his feet for years know
what remarkable man he was, and how great he was to his students like a father,understanding, forgiving and loving and yet keeping along the right path of stem duty and
discipline. What greater tribute can there be to such a man that he should live in the
hearts of thousands of old students and friends.
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A GREAT ARCHITECT OF THE COLLEGE
Every brick of the buildings in the vast complex of Dev Samaj Institutions atFerozepur, Chandigarh and New Delhi will speak volumes to pay warm homage to the
ever green, sweet and loving memory of their great architect late Principal Dharam Bir Ji.
These buildings bear testimony to the untiring labour that he put in with a spirit of greatdedication and devotion. For all times to come these will serve as living monuments.
The Dev Samaj Girls Higher Secondary School, Ferozepur, bears an imprint of long and
selfless services of Shriman Dharm Bir Jis revered father Shriman Hari Dass Ji fromwhom he took over as Head Master of this famous institution when he died after a brief
illness. Very efficiently and successfully he managed the affairs of the school building
an attractive look and built more rooms to cope with the growing numbers.
When in 1954, revered Principal P.V.Kanal Ji, who founded Dev Samaj Collegefor Women and built its reputation and esteem bit by bit by his endearing dedicational
hard work passed away, Principal Dharambir Ji came up to shoulder the heavy
responsibilities. Although it appeared difficult to fill in the void created by the departure
of the great dynamic and magnetic force the Rishi like respected Baba Ji yet ShriVir Jis benign presence and wise and zealous management did not allow anyone to feel
the change. Revered Principal Dharambir Ji was a committed altruist. He joined
educational service in college as an opportunity, to put in his own words, to serve theyouth who are wealth of the country. He thought he could make the best use of his
aptitude and abilities in the services of fellow human beings by teaching in a college. He
was a gifted teacher. His heart flowed with love for the college students and he wasenthusiastic and unsparing in helping the to develop their best capacities. His own
splendid character was his best sermon for them in their moral development.
He was an illuminated Pandit of Dev Atmas philosophy. He wrote very
beautifully on human relationships and cosmology of nature. He was so most versatile &inspiring speaker. Whenever he spoke, he spoke with a difference.
When war broke out with Pakistan in 1965, the border town of Ferozepur was
almost a battle-field. The civilian population was evacuated. But Shriman Dharam Bir Ji
stuck of his post.
Throughout the war he stayed there. Shells fell in the college compound. Therewas great enemy pressure on the battle front with our gallant defence forces bearing the
brunt of the onslaught. Anything could happen in a situation like this. He could leave
like others, without any danger to his image in the Samaj. None could accuse him ofabandoning the institutions because the situation justified ones leaving rather than
staying. But he stuck to his guns throughout that dangerous period for the safety of the
institution, for his identification with them was complete. Shri Vir Ji had all the sevenessential qualities of an ideal teacher; Industry ability, integrity, geniality, dignity,humility.
Principal Dharam Bir Ji had an elegant personality. Nature had been very liberal
in bestowing him with handsome and striking features, a tall stature, fair complexion and
large shining hazel eyes. He possessed an enviable physique which bettered his yearseven at the age of 68. He had an upright bearing and walked straight and briskly. He
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was very fond of long walks and enjoyed hiking in the hills. Besides bodily
accomplishment, he had other gifts of sharp intelligence, winning manners, sympathetic
temperament and a number of social and spiritual attainments. He was a voracious readerand drank deep at the fountain of knowledge. He had varied tastes covering a vast range
of subjectsscientific discoveries and inventions, biographies of great men and women,
current politics, religious treatises, educational thoughts and what not. His grasp andunderstanding was very quick. The information and knowledge thus acquired was shared
by him with his students, colleagues and friends. He was honoured and respected for his
learned discourses. Whether it as a Rotary Club, an educational seminar, a religiouscongregation, a students meet or a common get-together, Shri Vir Ji was heard with
great appreciation. The American Press praised him for his lectures in various schools,
colleges, universities and even church during his visit to that country. Education and
Theology were his pet topics. Besides intellectual faculties, he had the richness of moraland spiritual attributes. He had developed in him, by the ennobling influences of his
Great illustrious Master Shri Dev Guru Bhagwan and Dev Samaj, sublime and noble
virtues of sympathy for all living and non-living from whom he had ever received any
type of service. He had a tender and soft heart.The students and the servants found in him a true helper who would go out of his
way to remove their difficulty. His heart would melt to see a person in distress. He
world give him succor with all means at his command.
This tenderness and mildness disappeared giving place to undaunted courage andboldness when he was faced by some grave and difficult situation. To safeguard the
interests of his beloved institutions and his students he would run any risk and stood like
a rock. During the two Indo-Pak wars he decided to stick to his post of duty andremained at Ferozepur with his angelic wings outstretched to protect these institutions
here. Bombardment and shelling did not deter him from his resolve.
He has thus left behind many such memories which make us bow to him withdeep feelings of gratitude and respect. His beloved name will go down in the annals ofthis college and in the history of Dev Samaj, as a great benefactor.
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A LIFE CONSECRATED TO THE SERVICE OF DEV SAMAJ
Shriman Vikas Dev Ji is a man apart, much above the ordinary run of men
who are mad after the pursuit of half pennies and bubble reputation. He is a saint
who does not wear the ochre, the very quintessence of asceticism. He is one of
those who shun the flare of lime light. An intrinsically rich man, he needs no suchprops. His modesty and humility are natural. There is an aura of holiness about hisperson.
Shriman Vikas Dev Ji is that grand and formidable personality who with
selfless concern, watches over the sparking complex a Dev Samaj Institutions at
Ferozepur & Moga. He is an erudite scholar and great visionary. Under his
competent stewardship the Dev Samaj college has attained great, towering heights.
He firmly believes that no part of the country should remain untouched by theimpact of Dev Samaj ideals.
Shriman Vikas Dev Ji was born in 1919, and grew up in Tosham, District
Bhawani. His mother died when he was only four years old. He received a bachelors degree with Hindi and Hons in Persian. He started his career in
telecom. It was in the year 1939 when he was enlightened about the philosophy of
Bhagwan Dev Atma by Shri Kaushan Krishan on way to Delhi in Train. He gotdeeply moved by the views and thoughts and joined Dev Samaj as a member in
1941. He made an extraordinary effort to attain the knowledge of the Dev Samaj.
In the year 1953, he became the member of Managing Council, the highest body
of Dev Samaj. He could not abandon his deep devotion to Bhagwan Dev Atma.
He gave up his job in 1954 and devoted himself completely to the preaching of
Dev Samaj.His contributions to Dev Samaj are of great importance. He has edited quite
a number of books on Dev Samaj philosophy. He visited USA in 1985 to preach
the teachings of the Dev Samaj which left great impact on the mind of people over
there. He has also composed a lot of hymns for the samaj which give such a
soothing touch and peace to mind. He has been an editor of the weekly Jeevan
Path since 1966.He is always on the move to serve Dev Samaj Society with the best of his
capabilities. Saintly people do not live for themselves, they live for others,
unmindful of their own miseries, their heart melt at the plight of others. Such is
Shriman Vikas Dev Ji. He says, My father, sister never put any obstacle in the
evolution of my higher life. They never troubled me, or put any obstacles in my
renouncing false religious faith, customs or ceremonies.Shriman Vikas Dev Ji is of the view that Destiny of the Nation depends more on
Spiritual strength than on material wealth. If we are only learnt without being
truly cultured, we become danger to the society.
Shriman Vikas Dev Ji, star of Dev Samaj fraternity, is a true Karamyogi,
always ready for the welfare of down-trodden, forward looking, a selfless crusader
for noble causes, and an Educationist of repute.
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He is rendering his dedicated services to the Dev Samaj for last 55 years. It
speaks volumes for his dynamism and devotion to duty. Under his patronage,
inspiring ideas, varied experiences, progressive ideas, wise direction, this
institution has marched ahead from one milestone to another. He has
revolutionized the Dev Samaj College. He has spread aroma and fragrance of
nobility and sterling virtues both as Karam Yogi and as an idealist. He is a spirit oftotal sacrifice.
Shriman Vikas Dev Ji, a man of rich and varied experience as he is, his
advice is always valued. His mission is to continue serving the Dev Samaj. He is a
Dev Samajist to the core and has concentrated every moment of his life to
enlighten the people around with great teachings of Bhagwan Dev Atma. He is
doing his work with zeal. We wish his dreams reach every mind, every soul so that
everyone should see the humanity, the deity.Shriman Vikas Dev Ji is above the bondage of all forms of low loves of
wealth, prosperity, name, fame, power, position, false pride and ego, and is
enjoying the blessings of peace, calm and harmony in his life.He is a sincere man & hate hypocrisy from the core of his heart. He is
reputed to be a straight forward and honest soul. He is a man of wonderful
resolution. Once arrived at any decision, he sticks to it at any cost. He neverallows idleness on any consideration to thwart or slow him in his carrying out of
the spiritual mission of Bhagwan Dev Atma.
Even at the tender age Shriman Vikas Dev Ji developed several remarkable
goodness producing forces which led him to cherish true reverence for his parents,
teachers and elders and true gratitude for his benefactors.
This pious remarkable man of unconquerable will, whose name shall go
down in the history of Dev Samaj with the deepest and most blessed association ofhaving given to the college the noblest services which no one else could do so. He
is, in fact, the quintessence of a soul that is evolving very high towards the
sublime and establishing itself in the effulgence of the golden traits of
trustworthiness in all his relations.
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AN INTELLECTUAL GIANT
My association with Sh. M.R.Manchanda, Secretary, Dev Samaj College
for Women, Ferozepur City dates back to November 4, 1992 when myself
was appeared for the post of Principal of Dev Samaj College for Women,
Ferozepur City at Dev Samaj Bhawan, Sector 36-B, Chandigarh. I found himreserved, fair and friendly gentle, graceful and soft spoken and a man of rich andvaried experience. From 16th November, 2002(date of joining as a Principal) to till
date I have the proud privileged of serving under him. The way he showered
fatherly affection upon me during this decade composed in my heart an image of
his, which drew me towards him as an magnet draws iron to itself. It would be a
real happiness for all of us to know about this great pillar of Dev Samaj Institution.
Sh. M.R.Manchanda is a renowned Educationist, academician and seasonedintellectual. He is a loyal, dedicated, honest, sincere worker of Dev Samaj and
always in forefront, whenever there is a demand of time. He is not a man of the
world. He has been a crusader all his life for many a noble cause. He is a man ofimpeachable integrity, a relentless fighter, a zealous social reformer. He believed
in simple living and worked through out his life tirelessly. He is well known for
his matchless farsightedness, capacity to take decision, organizational ability anddedication to the great ideas he is wedded to.
Sh. M.R.Manchanda had been a brilliant student. He did his schooling from
A.D.High School, Dharamkot and M.D.A.S.High School at Moga. He graduated
from D.M.College, Moga in 1944. During this period, he bagged many academic
prizes in different faculties. He did his Post Graduation in Political Science and
Hindi.Sh. M.R.Manchanda started his career at the young age of 22 at Dev Samaj
College for Women, Ferozepur City as a Lecturer in Hindi. He taught Hindi &
English classes. He has established his reputation as organizing secretary in
organizing Declamation contests, debates, dramas, variety programmes, cultural
programmes, youth festivals etc. at various levels. He was such a popular lecturer
that even today when the old students visit the college they speak volumes of hisgreatness. This shows his total commitment to the cause of education. Ever
vigilant and a keen observer, he quickly imbibed the commanding knowledge on
different aspects of always equip himself with useful practical knowledge. In
recognition of his outstanding calibre he was put on the various boards and
Universities like Board of Studies, Education Faculty and Language faculty which
speaks of his academic calibre and distinction. After the retirement of Sh.M.R.Manchanda in 1983 as a Principal, the Dev Samaj was in search of a suitable
person who could take Dev Samaj Institution to the heights of its glory. The
natural choice was Sh. M.R.Manchanda. In fact, from that day till date he is
directing the working of all the Dev Samaj Institutions at Ferozepur in the
capacity of Chairman, Secretary, Manager, Member of Managing Committee at
Dev Samaj Institutions at Ferozepur, Moga & Chandigarh. He is not just directing
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but devotes most of his time and energy to the service of the Dev Samaj Institution
at Ferozepur & Moga.
In fact, he looks after the students with paternal care. He shoulders the
burden of multifarious responsibilities with a smile. The glorious heights attained
by Dev Samaj at Ferozepur are an eloquent testimony of heights enviable qualities
of his head n heart. It would be apt here to add how the teachers who workedunder his looked at him. Every bodies agreed that he was a sound administratorand a fine teacher. He showered parental affection on his students.
Sh. M.R.Manchanda is a great protagonist of Hindi language. His love for
Hindi language knew no bounds though he was a staunch advocate of Hindi, he
had an excellent command over the English language as well. He is a well read
person and keeping pace with the latest books and till he has kept in habit of
reading a few page daily before going to bed. In public reclamation, Sh.M.R.Manchanda is par excellence and this aspect of his personality won him many
deep and abiding friendship. His personality fascinates everybody whosoever
come in his contact.Sh. M.R.Manchandas competency as an eminent Educationist is widely
hailed and availed by many social organizations as citizen forum, central co-
operation consumer store ltd., new generation and student welfare committee,
communal harmony committee. He has also been General Secretary and Patron
ofIndian social welfare society.
Endowed with administrative qualities of head n heart and a man of wise
impulse Sh. M.R.Manchanda was elected as the President of Rotary Club at
Ferozepur twice i.e. in the year 1980-81 and 1999-2000. He has also acted as the
Chairman of the intercity meet at Ferozepur. He has got to his credit many awards
and merit certificates given at Rotary Assemblies, Conferences and Distt. Intercitymeets in recognition of his significant contribution and outstanding services to the
history of Good and services to the community. He has been the Editor of Club
Bulletin for many years. He has also acted as resource personnel at many Seminars
and workshops.
Sh. M.R.Manchanda is a staunch Dev Samajist. He has a great respect anddevotion to Bhagwan Dev Atma. As a born optimist, he never believed in stay.
He life is completely devoted to the teachings of Bhagwan Dev Atma. He has
been an instrumental in encouraging the teachings of Bhagwan Dev Atma.
We bank upon his long experience of fifty four years in the field of
education.
His life story ample illustrates that tyranny of circumstances is no bar to theattainment of Prominence in life.
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BEYOND THANKS
I am so completely overwhelmed by the kindness and the rare honour
bestowed on me by the Managing Committee of Dev Samaj College for Women,
Feorzepur City in bringing out the commemorative Souvenir, and presenting me
with the Gold Medal as a memento, on my completion of 10 years as the Principal
of the College. That the Souvenir is being released by such a renowned person asPadam Shree Sri Vijay Kumar Chopra, Chief Editor, Hind Samachar Group ofNewspapers, one of the anchors of modern journalism, is a great privilege indeed.
Its memory will always be cherished by me. The 16th November, 1992 was indeed
a watershed in my career when I joined this prestigious institution holding a pre-
eminent position among the women colleges in the state. The task ahead, I set for
myself, was not only to maintain its high status, but also to lead it to the higher,
and still higher peaks of success and glory.
I still remember the moment on that day in my office when I had a
multiflorous vision of the college which has been defining itself in the varied
projects and numerous activities undertaken over all these years. Its contours arestill projecting in the deepest recesses of my mind waiting, and impelling me no
less, to be delivered into concrete shapes of reality. And this, perhaps, is the most
appropriate occasion to promise and commit to myself that there will be no rest till
the pinnacle of that vision is transcended.
Throughout this decade, the one force that has been driving and sustaining
me in my work is the grace of Bhagwan Dev Atma. The more I began to know
about him and his work, his life-vow, the more I found myself galvanized intoaction. I have been profoundly influenced and inspired by his love of truth, and
unrelenting aversion for untruth; his love of goodness and aversion for evil;
his love of nature, his sense of neatness and beauty, of justice, of discipline;
his feeling of compassion for the suffering of others, of respect and reverence for
elders; and his firm belief and conviction that in the sphere of religion and
education men and women have the same rights, as well as his love to carry out[his] right commitments or promises to the finish. May his light, not just his
words, reach and illumine my soul. May I always be in commune with him,
surrendered in love and devotion at his lotus feet.
It was also my great luck that reaching here I didnt have to start in avacuum. The sound foundations and the requisite infrastructure were available to
me. The college had distinguished and progressive lineage. Right from the time ofReverend Babaji, as the founder Principal of the College Sh. P.V.Kanal was
affectionately and respectfully called by all, through the tenures of the late
Principal Dharam Bir (popularly known as VIR JI) and our dear and dynamic
Sh. M.R.Manchanda, formerly Principal of the college and now the Secretary ofits Management. It is true, constant, unlimited and without boundaries the college
has had such pioneering, talented and enterprising personalities at its helm as do
me proud to have inherited their mantle. My gratitude towards them cannot be
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limited only to the conditions that felicitate my free expressions of love and
respect for them. The traditions and the standards set by them have all along been
guiding me as the light-houses during my professional odyssey.
However, when I go back further and look nostalgically to my teaching
career earlier at S.D.College for Women, Jalandhar City, I experience an
emotional upsurge in my ever abiding reverence for Principal Mrs. Sharda
Cheema, my erstwhile colleagues and, especially, late Sh. Prem Chand Markanda,
the illustrious Secretary of the College Managing Committee. How unreservedly
he helped and supported me in my efforts to learn and grow and realize whatever
potentialities I had in me! I dont think I can ever repay the debt of gratitude I owe
him for all he did for me and my advancement in my career. In fact, it was there,
under his benign influence and patronage, that I got my professional orientation
the ballast that keeps me steady and steadfast through the storms and squalls.
I wish I could bare my heart and soul to reveal how much beholden I am to
Shriman Vikas Dev Ji, Chairman, College Managing Committee for all he hasdone for me and the institution. A father-figure, one of my role models, endowed
with natural humility, unassuming and gentle in manners - extremely tough intaking right and genuine stances, though - totally dedicated to his work, acutely
alert and aware, inspite of his age, blooming in wisdom, he has always stood
actively behind us like a rock through the vicissitudes underlying the progress of
the college. My heart also goes out with grateful thanks and reverence to Smt.
Swadesh Ji Sharma, Secretary, Dev Samaj, Kumari Satyawati Ji, the two Joan of
Arc of Dev Samaj Brotherhood, already canonized in our hearts, infusing all withtheir fiery zeal, and other members of Dev Samaj Council Shriman Girwar Prasad
Ji, Shriman Kailash Chander Ji, for their unflinching support and encouragement
in the performance of my manifold duties. Alongwith them, the vital cooperation
of the local members of the College Management, their active readiness to render
any kind of help and offer valuable advice, whenever requested or called on by me
for the same, cannot be overemphasized. Their deepening faith in my endeavorsand earnestness has been an enormous asset for me all these years.
Behind every successful person, it is often said, there is a woman. In my
case, however, there are my parents whom I see standing at the source of every
success that I have had in my life. The synthesis of the warmth and security of mymothers unconditional love and of the patient and tolerant love of my father, as I
realize now, has been very crucial to my psychic development. In the whisperingsof my conscience I hear their far and near voices, giving my thoughts and
behaviour the needed direction, guiding me on my chosen path, and providing me
moral support in times of crisis. To them, the rulers of my heart, my thousand
bows in love and reverence.
On this commemorative occasion it is but natural that my thoughts go to the
members of my family: my brothers and sister, my late husband and my two sons,
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Prateek and Chandan whom I have loved from the essence of my being and whom,
again, I experience in the essence of my being. With their loving care and concern,
their respect and responsibility, and their knowledge and understanding, they have
not been just my emotional props but my companions, my counsellors and my
confidantsin fact, my alter ego. Words are too inadequate to articulate my
affection and respect for them.
Last but not least, Ild like to express my heartfelt thanks to the celebrated
faculty, the committed non-teaching staff and remarkable students of the college
for their hard and sincere work and their meritorious contributions at their levels,
without which no progress or accomplishments could be possible. I fervently hope
and feel confident that they will continue playing their crucial roles in the days
ahead and win greater honours for the college. I am also grateful to the parents of
my students and appreciate their trust and confidence in me.
Ladies & Gentlemen, The variety and intensity of exposure and experience
I have had as a Principal are enormous. My life has being richly rewarded in thefields of academics, extra-mural activities and public interaction. Destiny has been
kind in enabling me to work hard and achieve what I did. By the grace of mostworshipful founder of Dev Samaj, Bhagwan Dev Atma I have been able to see
each challenge as an opportunity for learning, each thwarting attempt as a chance
to grow and to test myself. I had learnt early in my life never to give up, to fight
back and I continue to do so irrespective of consequences. I never measured the
depth of the whirlpool before plunging into it. But went headlong because my
conscience demanded it.
But now, when I see a growing deterioration of values, not only in the
system, but also in the orientations, a disintegrating decadence, I wonder whatnext? What more? Sometimes it appears so appalling and discouraging! However,
what sustains and keep me hopeful is the potential which exists in the service toachieve, the will to correct, the power to endure and the sacrifice to reform. These
require total self giving, a complete surrender of ones choices.
And I am standing and waiting for the call, for the moment of which I am
hearing the footsteps, not very distant, though. If may be that I row through the
tidal waves into the every receding horizons or, even, find myself in the work that
fulfills, that brings one to oneself of whom am I!
Mrs. Madhu Prashar
Principal
Dev Samaj College for Women
Firozpur City.
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INPIRING TODAYS WOMEN: EXCERPTS FROM CONVERSATION WITH
DR. MADHU PRASHAR,
PRINCIPAL, DEV SAMAJ COLLEGE FOR WOMEN, FEROZEPUR CITY
by :- Ambuj Sharma, Lecturer, Deptt. Of Philosophy
A committed humanitarian, an ideal college principal & educationist, a prolific Indianartist, a living philosopher, a writer, poet, Mrs. Madhu Prashar, the most essential as well
as indispensable ingredient of success of Dev Samaj College for the last decade.
Why almost everybody regarded Mrs. Madhu Prashar as the obvious choice is
quite obvious to those who know how old a head Mrs. Prashar carries on youngshoulders. She is not only sagacious scholar but a great organizer with versatile
personality. She with her artistic and aesthetically philosophical insight has given a new
shape to Dev Samaj College for Women, Ferozepur City.No words could articulate her restless efforts in providing this institution a great
recognition in the whole country. But it is known to very few how she came to
consecrate her life to the service of the Dev Samaj. It is an inspiring and captivating sagawhich deserves to be told from the beginning.
CHILDHOOD
On 12.06.1954 in Belgam (earlier in Maharashtra now in Karnataka) a little girl cameinto this world, who was destined to create history of sorts. She was christened as Madhu,
although she was fondly called Rano by her parents and family members. As a child
she was a bit different from children of the same age group, being more intelligent,
sensible, rational, fearless and sensitive with a heart fond of nature, music and adventure.
She was very popular among her female friends, possessing sharp wit and a great sense ofhumor.
FAMILY BACKGROUND
Mrs. Madhu Prashar inherited all these qualities from her dearest father Major Hari Gopal
Mehta who was a brave soldier of Indian Army. He fought many wars from 1939 to 1946
against Germans, Italians, Japanese and was decorated with the Most Honest PersonAward by British Government. He also participated in J&K war in 1948 for which he was
honoured by the then President Mr. V.V. Giri. He was strongly committed and deeply
devoted to his duty and thus gave tremendous impact to the upbringing of Mrs. Madhu
Prashars grand father Sh. Amrit Lal was also a great freedom fighter who went jailsmany times. Her great great grand father Sh. Sukhanand was the Governor of West
Punjab in the kingdom of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The stories told and support given byher father encouraged her to ste out of the four walls of the house which was unusual forgirl child in those times to build a self dependent career.
SCHOOLING AND COLLEGE
She did her schooling from Jain Parwati High School, Jalandhar till her 10th class. As astudent she was determined that not a single moment that had been brought by her
parents labor should go unrewarded. She was an unusual bright student in her school days
participating in almost every activities, be it debated, dramatics, music or art. She was
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very systematic and organized all her activities very nicely. She always fared well in
studies. She had inborn communicating power and endeared herself not only to her peers
but also to all those who came into her contact.She joined H.M.V. College at Jalandhar after her matriculation. During her
college days there was always a sense of urgency about her. She was almost always on
the run, with never a moment wasted. Very rarely would she give herself the luxury ofspending a few minutes with friends over a Samosa and a soft drink.
Her mother recollects how Mrs. Madhu possessed this tremendous urge to utilize
time, driving maximum benefit not only for herself but also for her friends in theneighborhood as well as in the college. If she had even half an hour of unaccounted time
on her hands, she would either get down to painting or rush off to play electric guitar.
College life was marked by a hectic period of hard work, discipline and regular studies.
She was determined that one day she do something for the upliftment and cause ofwomen education in rural area. What that was going to be was not very clear, but did not
deter her from preparing herself.
In Mrs. Prashars view- she always wanted to do something outstanding as she
never compromised with anything ordinary She never accepted stereotype of gender, asmen for outdoors, women for house holds, tears and scoldings; men for highest education
and women for primary education, women as burden and men as perpetrators of thelineage; women for sacrifice and men for adventure; men as providers and policy makers
and women as acquirers of gold and jewelry. She definitely possesses a prominent streak
of independence and the dogged determination to achieve her objections as a women,
despite the male dominated Indian society.Mrs. Madhus parents however, never looked upon their daughter that orthodox
way: they provided her freedom with higher opportunities of education, sports and
various other activities so that she could lead her life as she wanted to. Madhus fathergave her tremendous support and boundless love till his dying day (January 5, 1975) she
did her Masters in Philosophy from GNDU, Amritsar in 1975 and her M.Phil.
(Philosophy) from the Panjab University, securing first position in the University. Shewas awarded Gold Medal for that. Her Ph.D. thesis is in the final stages stages of
submission.
MARRIED LIFE
After completing her post graduation she got married to a renowned journalist Mr.
Swatantar Sheel, a remarkable man who provided full strength in making her dreams
come true. He supported her in every way. He helped her to continue her studies even
after marriage. He loved and cared about her till his last breath & left her withunforgettable memories of love and encouragement which will always give strength and
support to her in the future.
Mrs. Madhu Prashars elder sister Mrs. Usha Bali fondly reminisces herchildhood days with her. She remembers how famous Madhu was her marriage when
people who came for it did not know or identity it as USHAs marriage, but as
MADHUs sisters marriage. She remembers that was emotional, caring and had deeplove and affection for girls. When she had blessed with her second son she cried I dont
want son I want girls. When she was blessed with her second son she cried I dont want
son I want daughter. Mrs. Usha thinks that it is her immence affection for girls that now
she is the Principal of women institution. She wishes her good luck for the future.
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Mrs. Prashars two sons, Prateek and Chandan, are extremely extraordinary like
her. They both provide active moral and loving support to their mother in carrying out her
Endeavour. Mrs. Madhu always recalls the late night discussions which she used to havesome of the times with them because of her busy schedule. Prateek being the eldest son
took great responsibility of the whole family. He looked after not only his mother but his
younger brother also. He left no stone unturned to provide the best service, affection andcare to the family. When ever he gets free time at his college, he rushes back home
traveling a long distance instead of going for any tours because of his endless affection to
his family. Presently the eldest son is doing engineering from prestigious ThaparEngineering College, Patiala and the youngest son Chander is doing Computer
Engineering from the prestigious Shaheed Bhagat Singh College of Engineering &
Technology, Firozepur.
CAREER
The threshold in the life of Mrs. Madhu Prashar was her appointment as a Lecturer in
Philosophy in the year 1975 at S.D. College for Women, Jalandhar, one of the prestigious
colleges of Punjab. She served that institution for almost 18 years with dedication and
determination. Mrs. Madhu Prashar gratefully recalls how the then secretary Mr. PremChand Markanda, who was a gem of a person, a selfless missionary, sagacious
administrator, noted scholar, committed administrator, a man of vision, true educationistsupported her actions and encouraged her to take for college progress. He acted as a Role
Model for her so early in her career. If today S.D. College for Women, Jalandhar ranks
among the noble edifices of the city Jalandhar, the credit goes to unsparing efforts of Sh.
Prem Chand Markanda. She feels that whatever she is at the present, and whatevercontributions she has made during her career go back to him as a perennial source of
inspiration.
Mrs. Madhu Prashar has been the leading interior decorator of this state.However, her inclination towards the society, especially women education and her
welfare, was so strong that she gave up her well established decoration business and
concentrated on women education with her full heart and soul. Her ambition now was togive uplift and get more & more women highly educated and stable. Her selfless service
soon got her recognition in the whole of state.
Mrs. Madhu Prashar can never forgot the warm unforgettable farewell given byMrs. Sharda Cheema, the then Principal, the management & the staff of S.D. College for
women, Jalandhar which is reproduced here.
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Mrs. Madhu Prashar is always frank, informal and open which require moral
strength and self confidence. She could never think of being secretive and her candid
openness has won her tremendous respect. The teacher and the students hold her in greatesteem. Mrs. Madhu Prashar is a great administrator. The teacher in her has vigorously
alive. In fact teaching is her first love. She possesses analytical mind, and encourages her
students to cultivate the power of thoughts and analysis. She wants them to be alert andnot to accept things passively. She awakens in her students their dormant talent and set
them on the road to successful completion of their studies.
By the standards, Principal Madhu Prashar is one of the busiest woman. Still shefinds time to join the member of the college in their weal and woe. She is always ready to
help any colleague who approaches her for help. She has often said that an ideal principal
is one who is neither opinionated nor petulant, neither spiritless nor petty. No wonder,
she is never tense. She does not lose her presence of mind and nerve, whatever thesituation. Inspite of the heavy work load she carries, she always look fresh, an image of
health, scattering such smiles and radiating such joy around.
Any women with her work so cast, and with her dedication to her work so
complete, cannot find time to wander in the distant meadows of woods. But she is anexception. Not only in providing the college with well laid artistic lawns, covered with
carpets of lush green grass, surrounded on all side by flowers of variegated hues, but alsoin finding time to stroll in these lawns by flower of variegated hue, but also in finding
time to stroll in these lawns by herself under morning and evening stars and her heart
filled with pleasure, if not in the fashion of a Wordsworth, at least in that of Coleridge
who, imprisoned in his time tree bower, reflects Henceforth I shallknow that nature never deserts the wise and pure: No plot so narrow but Nature be there.
Even after taking over as a Principal, Mrs. Madhu Prashar could not resist herself
of playing electric guitar. She abandons herself to the enjoyment of its strains, lettingthem soothe her mind and spirit, tired with the strains and stresses of life. Like all of us
she had her share of these strains and stresses. And she would relax and feel refreshed &
muse over life like a philosopher or a poet grown wise under an impulse from a vernalwood.
Mrs. Madhu Prashar always prefers to swim against the stream. Howsoever
powerful to be the opposing current. In Mrs. Madhu Prashars mothers view, she is adetached administrator. Once she realizes that a certain step is called for in the interest of
the college, no sentimental consideration could prevent her from taking that step,
however stern it might be. She can keep friendship and personal relationship aside and
act in the spirit of detachment. It is her detachment which has made her shrewd judge ofpersons. This shows her total commitment to the cause of education. The tribute paid to
persons. This shows her total commitment to the cause of education. The tribute paid to
her by the management are good enough indicators of her outstanding achievements.Mrs. Madhu Prashar will certainly leave behind a name which will live eternally.
Her work has already immortalized in the college annals.
Mrs. Madhu Prashar can never forget the unending support, encouragement,enthusiasm and cooperation provided by esteemed and respected Shriman Vikas Dev Ji,
Chairman Managing Committee, Dev Samaj College for Women, Firozepur City;
Honble Kumari Satya Wati Ji, Member Managing Council, Dev Samaj ; Respected Mr.
M.R. Manchanda, Secretary, Managing Committee, and all the members of Managing
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Committee, Dev Samaj College for Women, Firozepur City ; Dr. Bhuwan Chandel, Sr.
Professor, Philosophy Department, Panjab University, Chandigarh; last but not least,
Madam is indebted to the college staff, administrative staff and supporting staff for theirinstant cooperation in smooth running of the college.
The self discipline, confidence and competitive spirit of Mrs. Madhu Prashars
remain the same with her as earlier. She is impatient and inclined to buck the system, Itis tough to go against the wave, she says but you reach where nobody else can.
ACHIEVEMENTS AS THE PRINCIPAL OF THE INSTITUTION
The taking of the charge as principal has proved to be a watershed in the history of the
college, which has ever since been and expanding in all the dimensions to emerge as a
pre-eminent, multi-faculty institution of higher education for the women in the country.Once the achievements were made, there was no slackening of the efforts with coming of
Mrs. Madhu Prashar the college has excelled all its previous achievements.The strength of the college as well as resident students has almost doubled during
her tenure from 1992 to 2002. During this period the building activity also received a flip.
The college has got four new centrally air-conditioned, well equipped (one student one
computer facility), computer labs, four new spacious and well equipped science labs,ultra modern language lab, fitted with the latest equipments and teaching aids, four newly
constructed well and artistically furnished home science labs, new constructed and
artistically designed and aesthetically furnished spacious common room for day scholars;35 modern class rooms to cater to the growing number of students, newly constructed
hostel with excellent facility for with excellent facility for 1000 resident students having
well furnished rooms with attached bathrooms, spacious air conditioned common roomsand air conditioned dining hall, a comprehensive shopping complex ; a fly over linked the
college building with new hostel across the main circular road ; one seminar hall, one
conference room, four music rooms, all these were undertaken and completed within arecord time.
During her tenure, Mrs. Madhu Prashar has introduced Post Graduate Courses in
History and Punjabi, Post Graduation Diploma in Computer Application. For caring to
the need of the girls students of firozepur she has also introduced three years degreecourse in Bachelor in Computer Applications, B.Com., B.Sc.(Computer Science), B.Sc.
(Home Science), and also Functional English, Philosophy, Computer Science, Computer
Applications as one of the elective subjects at the under-graduate level.Under her guidance & motivation the students touched great heights in the
academic front. The number of merits positions has been increasing with every passing
year. Students have been winning positions in a row. On the cultural front theachievements are no less remarkable, various societies and committees are formed to
bring out the talent and potentially of students. Students under her stewardship brought
international fame to the college by presenting folk dance Gidha in countries like Dubai,
Switzerland and South Korea.
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Dear Sir/Madam,It is thrilling and gratifying that Dev Samaj College for Women, Firozpur
City has touched the 75th Mile Stone in its triumphant march. It was in the yrear1934 that moved by the suppression of women and with a view to transform asociety through women education, the Dev Samaj started an intermediate collegefor girls. During the 75 yrs of its chequered annals, the college has carved a
distinct place for itself in the field of women education in Northern India. Thecollege is to celebrate this mega event and is to commemorate the 75th
Anniversary of its blazing trail of glory by releasing a befitting Souvenir in themonth of December 2009.
Dev Samaj College, Ferozepur, affiliated to Panjab University, is one of the finest
colleges among the Dev Samaj Constellation and is spread over 32 acres. It has maderapid strides of progress towards achieving the goal of NAAC Accredited A grade
college. Our pursuit of world-class education that began seven decades ago can now be
seen as having come full circle with our present mission and objectives. The College is
marching towards progress and multi-dimensional stature also taking with it the richheritage of our glorious past. From a modest beginning to a scintillating success, Dev
Samaj College has traversed a long way in its journey of evolution as an institution ofdistinction. It is in the race of achieving the award for the College with Potential forExcellence to be awarded by the UGC. The college aims at being recognized as a World
class Centre of Excellence for its value based, qualitative education, comparable with
the best in the world. By 2010, we hope and plan to be among the top colleges in India.The College through its twenty-four academic departments, aims to provide students
with a liberal humanistic education. This liberal humanistic education is drawn from the
rich tradition of philosophy, faith, literature, language, art and culture. The thrust of ouraim and objective is to impart an education that is liberating, enriching and is rooted in
human values, providing holistic growth and cultural pluralism and to empower the
students with communicative, managerial and related skills necessary to boost their
confidence, courage, conviction and entrepreneurship. Dev Samaj College worksproactively towards offering students many opportunities for personal development, as
we understand that employers now look for more than just a degree. They want confident,
organized, multi-skilled and flexible individuals who have problem-solving andindependent decision making capabilities and can both be valuable members and
dynamic leaders of a team. We help them attain this enviable goal!
Dev Samaj College for Women is committed to raise standards of higher education inIndia. For us, offering high quality education is more than just a priority. We believe in
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meeting our ultimate objective of inner richness and excellence through constant
introspection and innovation. Our effort is to facilitate student exchange with our partner
institutions so as to promote cross cultural exchange with a view to further exposing ourstudents to the international arena. Our objective is to create leaders, winners and
trendsetters in a global world -- leaders who inspire a vision, winners who set positive
paradigms of action and trend-setters who have the will and the strength to make a small,but significant difference to the larger cause of humanity.
We earnestly hope that our plans would be materialized with the supportof our worthy patrons and well wishers like you. I may add that the proposedSouvenir will have an attractive advertisement section. The Advertisement tariffwill be as under;
Back Cover Page(Coloured) : 50000 RupeesCover Page Inside(Coloured) : 30000Full Page(Coloured) : 25000Half Page(Coloured) : 15000Quarter Page(Coloured) : 10000
Kindly send your valuable advertisement for the above said Souveniralongwith the photograph, message and Cheque/draft in favour of Principal, Dev
Samaj College for Women, Ferozepur City.
A brief profile of the college is attached.Thanking you in anticipation,
Yours faithfully
Dr.Madhu Prashar
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eSaus D;k ik;k nqfu;k ls] ;g dHkh lkspk ugha] lksprk ;g gwa fd eSa nqfu;k dks D;k nstkaxkA
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rsoj D;k gSa gok ds] ;g rqe ns[krhughaA
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gSa oks]
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vkSj HkkxhjFk dh rjg deZ'khy gSaoks]
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lksprh ;g gwa fd eSa nqfu;k dks D;kns tkaxhA
;g] ,sgn reke t:jh gS ftUnxh ds fy,]fn, tykvks tekus esa jks'kuh ds fy,A
