The Banaras Hindu University or BHU is an
internationally reputed University and is situated in Varanasi. The
great nationalist leader, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, founded the
Banaras Hindu University in the year 1916. Dr Annie Besant also played
an important role in the formation of the BHU. The Banaras Hindu
University played an important role in the Indian independence movement.
Over a period of time, it has developed into one of the greatest centers
of learning in India. The BHU has produced many great freedom fighters
and Nation builders. It has immensely contributed to the progress of the
nation through a large number of renowned scholars, artists and
scientists.
The Banaras Hindu University has a sprawling campus, spanning across
1300 acres. It has well maintained roads (crossing each other at right
angle), extensive greenery, a temple, an airstrip and buildings, which
are an architectural delight. There is another campus of the Banaras
Hindu University at Barkachha, in Mirzapur district, covering an area of
2700 acres. The BHU comprises of 3 Institutes, 14 Faculties, 124
Departments, 4 Interdisciplinary Centers and 3 Constituent Schools,
spanning a vast rang of subjects pertaining to all branches of
humanities, social sciences, science, technology, medicine, fine arts
and performing arts.
Banaras Hindu University also has 6 centers of advanced studies, 10
Departments under Special Assistance Programme and a large number of
specialized Research Centers. There are four Degree Colleges in Varanasi
that are affiliated to the BHU. The Bharat Kala Bhavan, an art and
archaeological museum, is a treasure trove of rare collections. The
Banaras Hindu University also has a medical college (Institute of
Medical Sciences) and an engineering institute (Institute of
Technology). Sir Sundar Lal Hospital (having a capacity of 927 beds) is
equipped with all the modern amenities and caters to the medical needs
of a large population. The University also provides for a well-developed
sports infrastructure. BHU has wide range of facilities for sports and
hobbies. It has large playgrounds, a big auditorium, a flying club and
many other services and utilities like Printing Press, Publication Cell,
Fruit Preservation Center, subsidized Canteens, Employment and
information Bureau, Security, etc.
The Banaras Hindu University consists of about 15000 students, coming
from to all streams of life, castes, religions and races. It has about
2000 teachers and nearly 5000 non-teaching staff. Another important
feature of the BHU is the number of foreign students. A large number of
students come from the U.S.A., Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, etc.
