NK Choudhary

Patna University senior economics teacher N.K. Choudhary took over as principal of Patna College on Thursday and vowed to remove lawlessness from the institute on the first day itself.

Elated over his appointment as principal of his alma mater, he said: “The institution is like my mother and it is a privilege for any child to serve his or her mother for even a day.”

Choudhary was a student of Patna College from 1964-68. Though serving as a teacher at Patna University since 1972, he had never taught at Patna College so far. Throughout his career, he had taught in the varsity’s postgraduate department. After becoming the principal, he announced he would start teaching at his alma mater.

Talking to The Telegraph after his appointment as the principal, Choudhary said: “The college has certain objectives like imparting quality education to students. The college should open and close on time so that students become disciplined.”

The senior economics teacher, who is also the dean, faculty of social science, talked about modernisation of the library, holding seminars and symposiums for the benefit of students.

The biggest challenge for the new principal is to maintain law and order on campus. The institution, in the past few months, has witnessed regular clashes between students and outsiders. During one such fight in December 2013, a bomb exploded. The Patna College administration had then carried out an eviction drive. The police and college administration also recovered many objectionable items such as liquor bottles, iron rods, hockey sticks and even explosive materials.

Choudhary said: “I need the co-operation of everyone such as students, teachers and employees to maintain law and order in the college.” He also talked about meeting students and added that he would prefer to stay in hostels to maintain law and order and get associated with students.

Patna College was established in 1863 and is the oldest in eastern India next only to Presidency College, Calcutta. On if he would bat for Patna College getting the university status on the lines of Presidency College and Cuttack’s Ravenshaw University, he said: “I have come to know that the college administration has prepared a draft proposal with a demand to accord Patna College university status. I will look into the matter. However, I am not in favour of de-linking Patna College from Patna University. “