Patna University, which is celebrating its centenary year, has asked its colleges to organise series of events to mark the varsity's 100 years of inception.

The colleges have been asked to organise seminars, workshops, essay writing contests, debates, painting and photography competitions so that the rich history of the varsity could be highlighted.

The centenary year celebrations in colleges will start from September 16 and will continue till November 28. Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be attending the main event. The Prime Minister's Office has given consent of Modi's participation but the varsity is yet to receive a confirmation on the date.

Since the event will have direct involvement of students they are excited about how to go about it.

Kumar Somesh, a second-year undergraduate physics student, said: "We are excited about the events because this would be the first time when so many programmes will be held at the varsity that would require our participation. Such events explore talents."

Atul Aditya Pandey, a member of the cultural committee constituted by the varsity for the centenary year celebrations, said: "The preliminary round of all the events will be held at the college-level where best students in different categories will be selected followed by inter-college competitions of all the events."

Starting with a function, the varsity will organise a photography exhibition on September 16 at College of Arts and Crafts where photographs of Patna University buildings and its colleges will be displayed.

Randhir Kumar Singh, the Patna University Teachers' Association president and a teacher at Patna College, said: "We have received a letter from the varsity administration about the events we have to organise. As Patna College is the oldest institution under Patna University and the college buildings have been declared heritage sites by the Archaeological Survey of India, the best pictures of college buildings will be displayed at the photography exhibition."

Students have been asked to click photographs of the college buildings and after scrutiny the better ones will be displayed at the exhibition.

Among Patna University buildings, Patna College, Wheeler Senate Hall, Patna Science College and Patna Women's College are considered architecture marvel.

A Dutch company used the Patna College building in storing opium in the 17th century. It was later converted to Patna College in 1863.

Singh said: "Not only college buildings, even Patna College hostels such as Minto and Jackson are hundred years old. The pictures of these buildings will be displayed at the photography exhibition."

While the photography exhibition will be held on September 16, a musical concert will be held on September 18 and 19 at Magadh Mahila College.

The events will commence once again on October 9 with the debate competition and on October 11 there will be an elocution and science exhibition. All three events will be held at Patna Science College. Similarly, there will be essay writing, drama Nukkad Natak, quiz, painting and other events at the colleges.#