Gujarat Vidyapith

Gujarat Vidyapith University
Type Public
Established October 18, 1920
Chancellor Elaben Bhatt
Vice-Chancellor Dr. Anamik Shah
Location Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Campus Urban
Affiliations UGC
Website www.gujratvidyapith.org

Coordinates: 23°2′6″N 72°34′6″E / 23.03500°N 72.56833°E / 23.03500; 72.56833 Gujarat Vidyapith is a university located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. It was founded in 1920 by Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement.

Etymology

"Vidyapith", in many languages of India, means University.

Foundation

Jawaharlal Nehru during his visit to Gujarat Vidyapeeth, February 1949

The university was founded on October 18, 1920 as a Rashtriya Vidyapith (National University) by Mahatma Gandhi, who would serve throughout his life as the Kulpati, or chancellor. The purpose of its establishment was to promote educational institutions run by Indians for Indians and outside the financial and governing control of British authorities. The university helped Indian nationalists establish a system of education for all Indians, thus proving the country's independence from British-run institutions, and so de-legitimizing British Raj in India. The foundation of the university was one of the first most important events in the initiative of satyagraha launched by Gandhi as a means to peacefully terminate British rule in India.

The Vidyapith's foundation was emulated by nationalists in Benares, Bombay, Calcutta, Nagpur, Madras and in many cities across India. Answering Gandhi's call to boycott British institutions, influences and goods, many thousands of students and teachers left British colleges to join the Vidyapith. People like Jivatram Kripalani and Nanabhai Bhatt volunteered to teach.

Goal

The institution officially embraced Gandhi's goals as its mission:

Modern university

After India's independence, the Gujarat Vidyapith became a deemed university in 1963, and it is funded and governed by the University Grants Commission, under the Union Ministry for Human Resources Development in New Delhi. Although considerably modernized in its structure and curriculum, the university maintains its commitment to Gandhian ideals, human studies, social service and development work.

Colleges

The colleges and institutions affiliated with the university are:

The university offers a wide range of degrees, including Ph.D programs and doctorate studies. It continues to emphasize social service, Gandhian studies and subjects associated with religion, human studies, culture and public service.

Departments and centres

Gujarat Vidyapith (Hindi)

References

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