University of Madras Enters 170th Year with Month-Long 'Legacy 170' Fete

The University of Madras stepped into its 170th year on Saturday, a day when the rest of the country marked Teachers' Day. The occasion carries a particular resonance for the institution: former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, whose birthday is observed as Teachers' Day, was an alumnus.

To mark the milestone, the university launched "UoM – Legacy 170", a month-long programme of events that will open a wider year of celebrations.

A core committee of roughly 25 members has been constituted to plan the activities. It draws its members from the faculty, non-teaching staff and student leaders across the university's five campuses.

The month's calendar includes UoM – Acumen 170, an e-poster competition highlighting academic milestones; UoM – Triumph 170, cricket and badminton competitions focused on sporting achievements; and UoM – Mosaic 170, featuring dance, music, fine arts and literature for students. Also planned are UoM – Thirai 170, which will invite students to create reels and short videos on the university's legacy for social media, and UoM – Awaken 170, a marathon promoting education for all.

The events will run through the month and culminate in a larger programme that will bring alumni into the fold. Registrar Rita John said the university's alumni network needed strengthening. "Our alumni network is a bit poor, and we'll have to pick it up," she said, adding that such activities make the campus vibrant and would attract more people.

The committee is also drawing up a schedule for the rest of the year, with events planned every month ahead of a gala event next year. Ms. John said the university's history and legacy may not be familiar to current students. Over the coming year, the committee intends to mine the university archives for documents that capture milestone decisions and display them in an exhibition.

To fund the year-long series, the university plans to seek sponsorships and appeal to its alumni.