The felicitated undergraduate toppers (standing) with the dignitaries at the 86th Foundation Day of Patna Science College on Friday. Picture by Nagendra Kumar Singh

The assurance of a computer laboratory was the best gift Patna Science College could have got on its 86th foundation day on Friday.

Calling for improvement in the institute’s infrastructure, Amarjeet Sinha, principal secretary, education, and one of its alumni, assured that the much-needed computer laboratory would be set up in the college soon.

Recalling his college days between 1976 and 1978, chief guest Sinha said: “During our days, students were very disciplined and focused on studies. Teachers like S.N. Das, Sunil Sharan and B B Tripathi were persons of high calibre. Shortage of teachers in colleges and universities is a matter of great concern. The state government is addressing the problem and has decided to recruit teachers through the public service commission.”

Another alumnus, Hrishikesh Sharan, indirect tax ombudsman, gave valuable tips to students about how to manage their day-to-day activities and set high goals for the future to attain success in life.

The college, for the first time, felicitated 10 toppers, one each from seven regular (traditional) courses and three from vocational courses.

The branchwise undergraduate toppers, awarded gold medals from respective subjects (session 2012-13), were Rohit Singh (physics), Anjali (chemistry), Amit Kumar (botany), Farah Ashique (zoology), Aniket Kumar (geology), Omprakash (mathematics) and Navneet Kumar (statistics). The vocational (self-financing) course students who were felicitated included Khusbu Kumari (bachelor of computer applications), Amrita (environmental sciences) and Niranjan Kumar (biotechnology).

The college administration also invited parents of branch toppers. Aniket Kumar, the undergraduate geology topper, said: “I am very excited about receiving the gold medal from an illustrious alumnus. Though the felicitation is just a token of respect, it is a moment of great pride for us.” Each of the 10 students, felicitated on the occasion, got a medal, certificate and angvastram.

PU vice-chancellor Arun Kumar Sinha said: “It is a proud moment for students to study at Patna Science College.” However, he admitted that the students, teachers and staff had to work hard to restore the lost glory of the institution.

Established in 1927, Patna Science College was initially opened as the science department of Patna University (PU). However, it started functioning independently from 1928. The college boasts of distinguished alumni, including chief minister Nitish Kumar, former deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi, senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Dr C.P. Thakur, chief secretary Ashok Kumar Sinha and director-general of police Abhayanand.