Rama Devi Women’s College

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 23: The higher education department has turned down the request of the Rama Devi Women’s College to sanction Rs 25 lakh for its golden jubilee celebrations on November 30.

The college wants special funds for arranging and hosting a grand event, which will be graced by President Pranab Mukherjee.

“The amount is too high and we have asked them to send a fresh budget with reduced costs,” said a senior official in the higher education department.

The college authorities are gearing up to celebrate the occasion, which is just a week away. “We are doing our best to celebrate 50 years of academic excellence that has played a vital role in providing education to women students across the state,” said principal Chitrangada Samanta Singhar. She, however, refused to comment on the government’s decision to slash funds for the celebrations.

The college proposes to have a seven-feet tall sandstone installation titled “Women Power” on the campus. The job has been assigned to eminent sculptor Raghunath Mohapatra. To depict feminine power, the sculpture shows three women carrying a globe on their heads. The three women are seen in three different Odissi postures.

The President will unveil it during his two-day visit to the state on November 29. He will also participate in the golden jubilee celebrations of the Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya.

“The statue remains very important on our agenda. We had sought suggestions from noted individuals about it but Mohapatra’s design convinced us the most as it represents the power of womanhood,” said Singhar.

The statue will be installed in front of gate number two. The authorities also propose to lay the foundation stone for one more hostel on the occasion.

The college at present has four hostels for 900 students, while another hostel for 100 students is under construction. Two more hostels have been proposed.

“We have sought the participation of the college alumni with ideas and activities. The college has been organising workshops, seminars and exhibitions round the year to mark the golden jubilee celebrations. Many ex-students will be felicitated on the occasion,” the principal said.