By IANS
Kolkata : The Bengal Engineering and Science University (BESU) in Shibpur, near here, is all set to undergo a transformation to make it at par with world class institutions, thanks to the initiative of its global alumni association.
The Global Alumni Association of Bengal Engineering and Science University (GAABESU) is making efforts to ensure that BESU bags the India Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST) and the Institute of National Importance (INI) status in the near future.
"GAABESU has decided to develop an alumni scholarship fund of Rs.500,000 and another Rs.100,000 fund for the admission of economically weaker students. We have seen that many students, despite scoring good marks, could not continue their technical education for lack of financial support. Many of them can't even get admission.
"We took this decision keeping their interests in mind," A. Ghoshal, founder president of GAABESU, told IANS on the sidelines of a conference Thursday.
Apart from building a recreation hall this year, there is a proposal to develop a world-class auditorium inside the campus, he said.
"The second proposal is still in a fluid stage as it requires huge fund," he said, adding that it would require over Rs.100 million to construct a 2,000-seat auditorium.
The association would also prepare an emergency fund for helping BESU students in case of a crisis.
Worldwide connectivity with the Internet would be developed to establish an integrated network with all global alumni and it will also collaborate with different universities abroad, Ghoshal added.
BESU, established in 1856, is currently celebrating its 150th anniversary.
"GAABESU would bring all former graduates and teachers of the 150-year-old technical institution under one umbrella," he added.
"With the contribution of our global alumni, we have initiated helping-in-distress programmes for BESU students here. Once it gets the centre of excellence status it would stop the increasing brain drain from West Bengal," Ghoshal said.