Beyond the Years
At the Ranade Institute,a 100-year-old heritage structure stands testimony to the vision of social and political leader Gopal Krishna Gokhale
3 min read
At the Ranade Institute,a 100-year-old heritage structure stands testimony to the vision of social and political leader Gopal Krishna Gokhale
At the Ranade Institute,located off Ferguson College Road,two structures stand in stark contrast. Hidden behind a busy bus-stop and a cover of green is the 100-year-old building. Next to it,a more recent complex stands. Spread about the campus,the chatter of students draw attention. Seated under a tree,a few students talk about cinema with professor Samar Nakhate. For several years,the campus has witnessed a melting pot of thought processes. Journalists,photographers,film-makers ,foreign language experts have emerged from this institute. But amidst the bustle lies another story one that is not as celebrated.
As one walks into the old building,once known as the Ranade Industrial and Economic Institute,a different campus life comes to mind. Gopal Krishna Gokhale had built this building in the memory of his teacher and social reformer Mahadev Govind Rao Ranade. The structure was under the Servants of India Society until the year 1968 after which it was given to the Pune University for a rent of only Rs 15 per year. Milind Gokhale,head of the Servants of India Society,Pune,shares,”Initially,the institute was built to teach industry and economics to students. Gokhale had a vision. He thought that there was a need to understand how industry and technology works and hence he set this up.” Nearby,the Aryabhushan Press flourished. “The press was responsible for printing the first issues of the Kesari newspaper,” says Gokhale.
Behind the structure,the canteen brings one back to the present. Cups of chai and plastic chairs in the backdrop of the stony structure reinforce the contrast. In many ways,the campus is a mix of the old and the new. In the main complex,a marble slab states Poona,1910. In her cabin,Ujjwala Barve,HOD,Department of Communication and Journalism,talks about the Grade II heritage building with a sense of warmth. “It is quite old but in very good shape. We haven’t brought about any changes to it. Of course,there are certain problems with the high ceiling and the material of the walls but that can be dealt with.”
The old architectural influences stand strong the huge archways,the wooden door and window panels. But unlike several heritage structures,this one speaks of a life made stronger by young students who share their dreams between these walls.
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