Centenary of Fergusson College, Pune
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Centenary Series |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | January 2, 1985 |
| Denomination | Rs. 1 |
| Quantity | 1,500,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1010 Stamp Number IN 1076 Yvert et Tellier IN 826 Stanley Gibbons IN 1143 |
| Themes | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Buildings | Schools |
Founded in 1885 by the Deccan Education Society, Fergusson College in Pune stands as a cornerstone of liberal education in India. Named after Sir James Fergusson, the institution has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational and cultural landscape of Maharashtra.
Founders and Notable Figures
- Deccan Education Society (D.E.S.): Established by Indian freedom movement stalwarts like Lokmanya Tilak, Gopal Ganesh Agarkar, Vishnushastri Chiplunkar, and Madhavrao Namjoshi, who were not only leaders but also educators dedicated to fostering a progressive educational system.
- Leadership: Prof. Gopal Ganesh Agarkar served as the Principal from 1892 to 1895, contributing significantly to the college’s early development. The college has also been graced by the presence of luminaries like Maharshi Dhonde Keshav Karve, who taught here.
Visits by Distinguished Personalities
- Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru: Both visited Fergusson College, acknowledging its contributions to education and its role in nurturing future leaders. Gandhi praised the college during its Golden Jubilee in 1935 for its noble service to education.
Alumni and Contributions
- Prominent Alumni: The college boasts an illustrious alumni base including Veer Savarkar, Acharya Kripalani, Ram Ganesh Gadkari, Kakasaheb Kalelkar, and others who have made significant contributions in various spheres of life.
- Educational Excellence: Fergusson College offers a comprehensive education to nearly 3500 undergraduate and postgraduate students in natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. It houses well-equipped laboratories, a vast library, a botanical garden, and modern facilities for academic and extracurricular activities.
Campus and Facilities
- Scenic Campus: Spread over 50 acres, the campus features imposing Gothic architecture, reflecting its rich history and commitment to academic excellence.
- Facilities: Includes a library with over 2,00,000 books, botanical gardens, playgrounds, an ancient auditorium, amphitheater, and residential accommodation for students and staff, fostering a conducive environment for holistic development.
Educational Philosophy
- Integrated Personality Development: Fergusson College emphasizes the holistic development of its students, focusing on character formation, values, and commitments. It encourages participation in cultural, literary, and sports activities, as well as initiatives like N.C.C. and N.S.S.
Conclusion
The commemorative postage stamp issued by the Indian Posts & Telegraphs Department marks the centenary of Fergusson College, celebrating its legacy of educational excellence, holistic development, and contributions to Indian society. It honors the visionaries and educators who laid its foundation and the countless students and alumni who have walked its halls, shaping the future of India.
This stamp serves as a tribute to Fergusson College’s enduring commitment to education and its role in nurturing generations of leaders and thinkers in India.