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Time of India

Legacy of learning: SP Jain College turns 75

Sasaram: Academics, social activists and prominent citizens gathered in the historic city of Sasaram to celebrate the platinum jubilee of Shanti Prasad Jain Mahavidyalaya, an institution that has served as a cornerstone of higher education in the region for the past 75 years. The college authorities dedicated a memorial in honour of the late Shanti Prasad Jain, a renowned industrialist and philanthropist who was chairman of The Times of India, and recalled his contributions to the field of education. A new administrative building was also inaugurated and a special logo unveiled to mark the occasion. The institute was initially set up in 1948 under the name of Sasaram College by a group of social activists. However, it soon faced a severe financial crisis and was on the verge of closure when Acharya Vinoba Bhave, architect of the Bhoodan movement, requested Jain to help the college. A generous contribution from Jain helped revive the college and it was renamed Shanti Prasad Jain Mahavidyalaya in 1950. College principal Navin Kumar said it was the only institute in the region to have secured an NAAC grade. "The college hosts IGNOU and Nalanda Open University study centres, along with a pre-examination training centre," he said. Around 14,000 students are currently enrolled in regular courses in 14 subjects and nine PG courses. The college also offers three vocational courses and has a BEd programme. Thousands who have passed out from the college are now serving in various fields, with the training centre playing a vital role in helping aspirants, particularly from OBC and EBC communities, prepare for competitive examinations. Shailendra Kumar Chaturvedi, vice-chancellor of Veer Kunwar Singh University, Ara, praised Jain's contribution. "While he built a network of industries, he also gave top priority to the education sector," said Chaturvedi, adding that the college had consistently worked to spread education in the region at a time when independent India was trying to stand on its feet. "Jain's efforts not only checked large-scale migration but also spread the light of knowledge in the entire south-western region," said historian Ram Prakash Sharma. The Jain family's contributions to the field of education in the region don't end there. They also established two schools exclusively for girls, which are still functional – Srimati Rama Jain Girls' High School, Sasaram, founded in 1950, and Rama Rani Jain Girls' High School, Dehri, established in 1957. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !