The oldest and greatest University. Review on University of Mumbai

Have you heard of Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies or UDCT or Institute of Distance Education or Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) or Tata Memorial Hospital? Do you know what they have in common? Clue: Do you know of Rajabhai Tower?

Well I am talking of University of Bombay…sorry… actually University of Mumbai from somewhere around teachers day in 1996. Situated in “town side” of Mumbai, midway to both Churchgate (Western Railway) and Mumbai CST (Central Railway), and surrounded by gothic British architectural heritage buildings, facing the grand oval playground, amidst greenery and coconut trees (rarity in Mumbai) is the proud building of our Mumbai University.

It is the oldest. Carbon test on the rocks that make the building will reveal that it is nearly 144 years old (if you are reading this article in 2001). Yes it was established in 1857 upon “Woods Education Despatch”. Since then, the University has rose to meet the competitive and fast paced challenging world of today and is gearing towards the future.

Courses:

Mumbai University began by concentrating its efforts and primary education and undergraduate education but soon took up the task of imparting instructions to post-graduate students. Talk of courses – value-oriented scientific approach through its variety of science streams to greater socially relevant and philosophical approach in the art stream and topping it with the most visible economics and money-matters through the commerce stream. So there is B.Sc., B.E., B.Tech, M.E., M.Sc., M.Tech for scientific people, B.Com, M.Com for commerce people, B.A., M.A. for Arts and BMS, MMS etc for management. But then the university offers so much more than these typical degrees, which we run after. Where do we learn music? (in music schools or under some Pandit XYZ). Where do we learn dance? (Shiamak Davar’s classes). Well our U of M offers certificate courses in music and dance too. There is a Certificate course in Music Appreciation and Music Journalism, A Diploma course in Yoga, too. There are host of such unheard courses like Certificate Course in Parliamentary Procedure, Diploma in Indian Aesthetics, Diploma in Buddhist studies and Vipassana, Diploma in Cosmetics and Perfumary Technology (isn’t that interesting? But how many of us prefer buying the baccarose or cologne over learning about them). There are specialized courses like Diploma in Radiological Physics, Diploma in Medical Radio-Isotope Techniques etc.

The only problem with all that is not many people are aware of the above courses. Parents seem to imbibe only two fields in the minds of their children – Engineering or Medical. Also those who know of these are wary of its benefits and potential to earn moolah.

Colleges:

The University has achieved self-reliance in field of education. The University Department of Chemical Technology is internationally famous for its research in chemistry, is first to receive autonomy. Department of Economics (set up in 1921), Department of Mathematics (set up in 1963) are another premier center that helps us understand monetary economics, industrial and labour economy. Jamnalal Bajaj is a dream college to get into for management studies (for those who couldn’t make it in CAT or even otherwise). It is in list of op 25 colleges in Asia-Pasific region. Then there is V.J.T.I. for engineering disciplines, Narsee Monjee for management, Institute of distance education, and so many others.

To present some figures, the Jurisdiction of University extends significantly beyond Greater Mumbai and districts of Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg. It has nearly 303 colleges affiliated to it. It has academic links with University of Magdeburg, Germany etc.

Is it in bullock-cart age?

Well…if you ask the Ph.D. aspiring candidates you will see that there is amazing levels of bureaucracy. But otherwise, it is gearing up to keep itself abreast with changing times. The University’s connected to the Internet through VSNL and its departments are connected through LAN. Also University has plans to link all its colleges and affiliated colleges. It has System of moderation, bar-coding, coding has been introduced for B.com and LL.B exams. Interactive voice esponse System is introduced at Vidyanagri campus which provides information to students about date of commencement of exams, declaration of results etc. Actually nothing what IIM Calcutta can claim of or we can boast of…but still trying,.… if only Mr. Gates can fund his one-day income.

Contribution to Society:

The U of M with Indian Association has established Electronic Reading Center for the visually handicapped students. The text reading machines enables these students to read books that are not available in Braille.

The UGC has sponsored a scheme laid by department of Civics and Politics for imparting training to socially and economically backward women.

The University has played a major role in development of society i.e. besides imparting education and moral values such as AIDS promotion, Cancer awareness etc.

Problem Areas:

1.Bureaucracy – students have to run from pillar to post or more correctly from their respective colleges to Kalina campus to Fort Campus when it comes to submitting of Thesis or collection of marksheets, certificates etc, after filling up ‘n’ no. of forms. This is discouraging for our brilliant Ph.D aspirants.

2.Lack of awareness of various courses. So Maharashtra is churning only doctors and engineers while other streams are sidelined.

3.Check the SSC and HSC results. The ever increasing no. of students and limited seats is another problem area.

4.The syllabus is quite primitive and doesn’t quite adapt to the changing world. Though autonomous institutions are adapting, yet Electrical Engineers still learn about 8085 microprocessor in 3rd year of engineering i.e till they are a minimum of 19 years of age.

5.Reservation of seats under pretext of religion (this is my view but is debatable)

6.Students study for getting marks. Education is more exam-oriented and people with high % may not necessarily mean intelligent. No one is interested in understanding concepts, its all about getting 60% plus ( to some it is about getting 40% plus).

7.Decreasing population in classrooms and more in private classes – implying lack of faith in college professors. This is a cumulative cycle.

But for all you know, I firmly believe that Mumbai University is the greatest and I attribute my existence in this civilized world to it.