The Delhi University was established in 1922 by an act of the then Central Legislative Assembly. Source: Facebook
Delhi University plans to invite either the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind or Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the unveiling of its commemorative stamp and coin as part of its year-long centenary celebrations beginning May 1.
“Since it will be the celebration of a huge milestone, there are plans to have either the President or the Prime Minister unveil the commemorative stamp and coin,” one of the sources said.
The university will be releasing a commemorative stamp, coin and a coffee table book on the occasion. The idea of a commemorative stamp and coin was first floated by Delhi University faculty member Amarjiva Lochan.
Last year in September, Lochan, who is the joint-dean of international relations at DU, thought of applying to India Post for a commemorative stamp.
According to guidelines for commemorative stamps, proposals should be sent at least two years in advance in the prescribed format for consideration by the Philatelic Advisory Committee (PAC) and approval by the competent authority.
“The rider was that for getting a commemorative stamp, one has to apply two years in advance and we had only nine months left since the university will begin its centenary celebrations from May 1 this year,” Lochan said.
Lochan came to know that one could get a waiver on the two-year rule and wrote to the department concerned, met several officials, visited the ministry nearly 25 times before the relaxation was finally granted. Lochan informed vice-chancellor Yogesh Singh of the waiver granted on the proposal.
“Three days later, he held a meeting with around 40-50 people to discuss plans for the centenary celebrations and I was a part of that meeting. Suggestions were given for having a commemorative stamp and then the VC told them that I had already begun the process,” he said.
Lochan is also the co-convener of the centenary celebrations committee.
DU has planned celebrations for the year and the plan includes commemorations and long term plans for DU that includes the construction of hostels, new buildings and introducing new courses.
On the occasion, DU has announced that DU students who dropped-out from the university would be given a “centenary chance” to complete their studies and get their degrees.