Besant Theosophical College

Besant Theosophical College, established in 1917, it is one of the oldest colleges in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh, India.

Besant Theosophical College
MottoEducation as Service
TypePrivate
Established1917 (1917)
AffiliationSri Venkateswara University
Location
Madanapalle
,
Andhra Pradesh
,
India
CampusRural
Websitebtcollege.org

History

Besant Theosophical College started on 19 July 1915 in Madanapalle and it was affiliated to Madras University. In 1917, when Dr. Annie Besant led the agitation for "Home Rule", this institution, which became a centre of nationalist activities, was obliged to dissociate itself from the Madras University and became part of the newly organized Visva-Bharati University founded by Rabindranath Tagore.[1]

In 1919, Tagore visited the college and during this time translated the lyrics of the Indian national anthem, "Jana Gana Mana", which he had previously written, from Bengali to English. Margaret Cousins (an expert in European music and wife of Irish poet James Cousins, then vice-principal of the college) set down the notation to the national anthem in the college, which is followed only when the song is sung in the original slow rendition style.[2] During Tagore's visit, the Scout Movement and "All India Women Association" were inaugurated at Madanapalle.[3]

In 1923, the college was re-affiliated to Madras University and continued for almost 30 years. After the separation of Andhra State and Madras State, the college was affiliated to Andhra University (1954–1956) and then to Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati.

Noted Alumni

Some of its prominent alumni includes, Kotla Vijaya Bhaskara Reddy, former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh of Union Cabinet Minister.[4]

References
  1. Seshan, K. s s (24 July 2014). "A historic journey". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  2. "National Anthem tune was composed in Madanapalle Besant Theosophical College". Deccan Chronicle. 15 August 2017. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  3. "How our National Anthem was composed and translated into English a century ago, on this day". The Indian Express. 28 February 2019. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  4. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 29 July 2011. Retrieved 5 June 2009.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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