Patna University will build a Shatabdi Dwar (centenary gate) and a Hall of Fame engraved with the names of its toppers over the past 100 years near Wheeler Senate Hall as part of its centenary-year celebrations.

Built in 1917, the university is the country's seventh oldest university. Its centenary-year celebrations are likely to start from the middle of September.

The Prime Minister's Office has expressed consent for the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the centenary-year inaugural function, which is likely to be held sometime in October. The Patna University administration has planned to invite President Ram Nath Kovind for the centenary year concluding celebrations next year.

University vice-chancellor Rash Bihari Prasad Singh said: 'As Patna University is the oldest university of Bihar and the seventh oldest in the country, we have invited the Prime Minister for the main inaugural function. We are waiting for the Prime Minister's Office to intimate us the final dates of the PM's visit.'

Vice-chancellor Singh said the Shatabdi Dwar, which will be 30ftx42ft in height and width, will be located on the eastern side of Wheeler Senate Hall.

Ritesh Kumar Sinha, an official from the Patna University's engineering section, said: 'To be made of grey granite, the Dwar will have a 25ft-wide central gate and two 5ft gates on either of its sides.'

The Dwar will be built with Rs 45 lakh from the Rajya Sabha JDU MP Bashishtha Narayan Singh's Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD).

The varsity administration will also construct a big wall, which will be known as the Hall of Fame. It will house memorials of famous or illustrious individuals chosen by a group of people.

It will also have a list of illustrious alumni of Patna University and of university toppers over the past 100 years.

Sinha said: 'Names of candidates, their year of passing and their respective stream of study and subjects will be engraved in the Hall of Fame. The toppers from 1917 to 2017 will be written at the Hall of Fame<>.'

Ankit Kumar, a geology student at Patna Science College, said: 'The decision of the university administration to engrave the names of the toppers over the past 100 years in the Hall of Fame is a welcome step. It will motivate students to excel in examinations.'

Moreover, Patna University, has asked its constituent colleges to organise a series of programmes to celebrate its centenary year.

The colleges have been asked to hold seminars, workshops, essay-writing contests, debates, painting and photography competitions so that the rich history of the university.