Convocation Addresses of the Universities of Bombay and Madras/Part 1/Sir W. R. Fitzgerald, G.C.S.I., D.C.L.
SEVENTH CONVOCATION.
(By His Excellency Sir W. R. Fitzgerald, G.C.S.I., D.C.L.)
Mr. Vice-Chancellor, and Gentlemen of the Senate,—To all of us, I think, Progress of Bombay University. who have listened to the very complete and clear report just read by the Registrar, the account that he has given us of the progress and of the prospect of this University must be highly satisfactory; and to most of you, gentlemen, who have attended previous Convocations, it must be a source of gratification to find that the progress established in former years has not only not been lost, but that the University continues in the same onward and steady march of success that has called for congratulation hitherto.
For myself, gentlemen, a devoted son of one of our ancient Value of University Education. Universities—who look back to her still at a great distance of time, and in this distant country, with an affection and attachment that as many of you as are University men can well understand, and to whom the recollections of her are forcibly and yet pleasurably recalled by the proceedings of this day—it is a source of great gratification to find myself privileged to be present amongst you on this occasion. From the first moment of my entering into the exciting contests of public and parliamentary life—in the performance of public functions, in the hours of business, and in the moments of relaxation, I have never ceased to feel the value of a University education. And that not because it is merely the completion and the complement of that course in which a man obtains the knowledge which is power, but because that knowledge is obtained accompanied by all the refining influences which an academic life is so calculated to exert. And I rejoice to believe that here in this distant land this young University is fulfilling all those noble functions which for centuries past the sister ancient Universities of our own land have so efficiently discharged.
There are some points in the report which has been read to us upon which I wish, with your permission, to make a few passing observations. High standard of the Matriculation And, first,—it may be a remark that has been made by my predecessor and by many of you before, but it is that which has very forcibly struck my own mind, and therefore I desire to draw attention to it—I rejoice to find that the University is firm in maintaining the high standard it established for the matriculation examination. It may be a matter of regret that more candidates did not succeed in obtaining admission within our walls;—I think only one-third or less of those who presented themselves have succeeded, according to the report, in the matriculation examination; but still I am glad the severity of the matriculation test is so strictly preserved. The importance of it is obvious. If the matriculation test is lowered, and the standard of the after examinations is maintained, it is obvious that it will only lead to the failure of a greater number in the more important examinations,—lead to the disappointment of the students, and the discredit of the University. But if after such an experience it were to result that the standard of the after examinations was lowered, then the value of the University distinction would be lost, and the influence of the University would be impaired. And not only this, but it must be recollected that the maintenance of a high standard in the matriculation examinations has an important effect upon general education throughout the country. The schools from which the students are drawn are compelled by this circumstance to maintain a high standard; and thus it is that indirectly, by maintaining the severity of the matriculation test, the University establishes a higher standard of education for those whose means and prospects do not lead them to aspire to a University training. I hope, therefore, that in future, as hitherto, the University will be firm in maintaining the strictness and severity of the matriculation test.
There has lately been somewhat of a controversy between my honourable and valued friend the Vice-Chancellor and an official on the other side of India with reference to the merits of the systems pursued in the three Universities of India. The superiority of the Bombay University. I am not going to enter at all into a comparison of those systems, or of the merits or distinctions of the three Universities. I will only say that I am amply and fully satisfied with the statement which the Vice- Chancellor has made as to the position and the merits of the University of Bombay. But there is one thing that he brings to notice which is peculiar to this University, and which I hope this University will be firm in maintaining; and that is, that whereas in the other Universities the examinations are not conducted solely at the head-quarters of the University, but at various towns and other places throughout the country, and are conducted by means only of written papers without any oral examination, that in the case of the Bombay University, over and above an examination upon paper upon fixed subjects, there is also a probing and searching oral examination which must test the merits of the candidates, all of whom have to appear for their examination in Bombay. This, too, I hope will be maintained. It gives to you, gentlemen (turning to the new graduates), to whom I have had the pleasure to-day of presenting the certificates of the degrees you have obtained,—it gives you the power of saying to all who see that certificate in your possession,—"I not only have obtained a degree which shows that I have acquired a certain amount of knowledge, but that certificate has been given to me after a more searching and a more difficult test than that which is applied by any other University in India.
Well, Sir, there was another point which struck me in the report which the Registrar has just read, Candidates for the Matriculation. and I think it is one which ought to give us all unmixed satisfaction; and that is, that in the list of those whom he has read out to us as having successfully passed the matriculation examination, we find that there is not a part of this Presidency—that there is scarcely a district—which has not sent up its successful candidates to represent it within the walls of the University. It might well be expected that in a young University like this the candidates would be almost exclusively drawn either from this city or from the centres of education throughout the country; but instead of that we find by that list which the Registrar read, as I have said, that there is not a district of this Presidency from north to south, from east to west, which is not represented in it. And it shows to us this, that a sense of the value of a University education is not confined only to those who are brought into communion with the professors and teachers connected with the University, but that it has taken wide root throughout the Presidency, and is felt by every class of the people.
It is a matter of congratulation, I think, that what may be pointed out particularly in the report which has been read to us is the number who have succeeded in obtaining degrees in the Faculty of Arts. Now, that implies a more general and a more liberal, a more enlightened course of studies, than that which probably has been followed by those who have obtained degrees in special faculties. There is a wider extent of learning, a wider field of study required for a degree in Arts than that which necessarily would be required for the degree of L.M., and I think it is a matter of congratulation that the great success which has been manifested in the examinations, has attended those who have sought to graduate in Arts.
It is a matter of congratulation, too, that large success has attended the examination in Law, The Examination in Law. because the University examination in Law is not an examination in the knowledge which qualifies a man to be a successful practitioner,—it is not a knowledge of cases and decisions and practice—it is a knowledge of the principles of law and jurisprudence; it is a knowledge of the history of law; and so, is of infinite value in this country in particular. And I'll tell you why. The British Government has been engaged in introducing into this country a fixed code of law which applies to many of the relations of life. It requires here for the due administration of law—for an enlightened view of law as it ought to be administered in this country—a knowledge of the ancient laws as applying to inheritance, to property, to succession, to marriage, to religion, and to many other subjects of that kind; and it is a great satisfaction to find that there are young men who seek to distinguish themselves not only with a view to success in their professions, but also to obtain that wider and more enlightened view of law which will make a successful prosecution of their profession hereafter most valuable. It is to be regretted, as regards the degree in Medicine and the degree in Civil Engineering, Medicine and Engineering that equal success has not attended the students who have desired to graduate. But still it is a satisfaction to find that there are young men now seeking degrees in these faculties, and I will tell you why. I believe there is nothing more important than the influence which the University is day by day exercising amongst us in teaching the rising generation here not to look to Government employ only, not to look to the interests of patrons or to the favour of the "Sircar," but to know that they have always before them an independent career in honourable professions,—that they have equal honours, if not greater, to attain by means of their own exertions,—feeling sure as I do that such a result,—a desire amongst the enlightened native youth of this country to pursue liberal professions here—would tend as much to secure good and enlightened Government, that would render the people happy and contented, as any exertions on the part of those who are concerned in the administration.
There are several other points, Mr. Vice-Chancellor, which I should desire to draw attention to, but I feel I am trespassing too long upon your time. Benefactors of the University I cannot, however, refrain before I sit down from alluding to that letter which you read just before I commenced my address to this Senate, and from which we learn that Mr. Cowasjee Jehangier, one of the most enlightened citizens in this city, who has been always amongst the first to promote the highest interests of his people, the highest interests of society here, and to promote the best interests of this University in particular, as he was amongst the first, is now the very latest benefactor of the University of Bombay. And I do not think that there is anything which is more pleasing, in looking back to the past history of this University, than to find that alike in times of prosperity as in times when prosperity is past, there are enlightened men amongst the native community of this country who, feeling and knowing the duty they owe to society, are desiring to dis^charge that duty by nobly supporting this most valuable institution. I see near me a friend and colleague of my own, who himself must feel the greatest pleasure in a portion of that report which refers to a Travelling Fellowship established by him—I mean Mr. Munguldass Nathoobhoy. It must be a satisfaction to him to find that the first person who has obtained the Travelling Fellowship which his munificence has established, has distinguished himself by attaining the honour of the membership of the College of Physicians and the membership of the College of Surgeons of London, has in open competition obtained admission to the Medical Service of this Government, and is now pursuing those studies which will lead him hereafter to a distinguished career. I do not think that there is any other point which I desire particularly now to press upon your attention, but I cannot refrain from expressing the pleasure I feel at the interest which is taken in the success of the University, as manifested by the crowd that surrounds me in this room, of all classes of the community.
There has been, as we have seen in the journals, a considerable discussion going on for some time as to the respective merits of Native and European rule in this country. Merits of English rule. I do not desire to enter into that point. I believe we have given to this country a certainty of administration of justice, a certainty of the tenure of property, and the knowledge that all are equal in the eyes of the law. And by the institution of a University such as this, we are conferring benefits, not perhaps so direct and tangible, but I think not the less valuable and important. We are teaching the youth of this country not to value knowledge only for the power and the success it brings, but for the self-improvement it gives the student,—teaching him to value knowledge for itself. We teach him, further, that it is his duty, by cultivating the highest qualities which God has given him, to fit himself to fulfil his highest duties, and in doing this I am sure we confer upon this country benefits even more extensive or more important, or at least equally important, with those institutions which secure to all the benefits of a settled and enlightened Goverment.
EIGHTH CONVOCATION.
(By Sir Wm. Robert Seymour Vesey Fitzgerald, G.C.S.I., D.L.)
Mr. Vice-Chancellor, and Gentlemen of the Senate,—You referred, Mr. Registrar, in the report you have just read, Interest in the University. to the occasion on which I lately met the members of the University; and a deeply interesting and important occasion that was. To-day I meet you again at an assembly of a more ordinary character, of which each year will bring us the anniversary; but I congratulate you, Mr. Vice-Chancellor, and you, Gentlemen of the Senate, that to-day I see around me, even on this more ordinary occasion, an assemblage as numerous and as important as that which graced the ceremony the other day, in which, from its novelty, so many were likely to take part, and in which, from the presence of the nobleman who is about to undertake the government of this great country, there was no doubt considerable interest and curiosity. But the presence, Sir, of so many upon this, as I have said, more ordinary occasion, shows that not only those who are connected with Government and with the administration of affairs in this country—not only those who retain a cherished recollection of academic life, here, far away from the seats where they passed that life—not only those who take an interest in University affairs, because friends of their own, near relatives perhaps, have been connected with the University, and have won in youth the prizes which, after long years of active life and toil, believe me, are most highly cherished to-day—that not only all those take an interest in the proceedings of this University; but I also see around me many of our native fellow-countrymen who themselves probably,—nay, certainly—had not the advantages of an University education, and their presence shows that the interest in the proceedings and prosperity of this University has taken deep root. And I trust that that interest will day by day increase. There are several points, Mr, Vice-Chancellor, in the report that has just been read, which, I think, are highly gratifying and deserving of notice. In the first place I must congratulate the University upon that which is a proof of its steady growth and prosperity. This year we have upwards of 600 candidates for Matriculation; Matriculation. last year we had only a few—above 400—that is to say, that there is this great increase in the desire of the Native youth of all castes and creeds to attain University distinction, that in twelve short months the number of candidates for her honours has increased by 50 per cent. There is another point, Sir, which I think is also of interest. When I addressed this Senate last year I congratulated them that there were candidates for Matriculation appearing before them for examination, coming from every part of the presidency—that from north and south, from east and west, the youth knocked for admission at the doors of the University. But this year we have seen a still greater proof of the growing influence of the University, because I observe amongst those who have applied for Matriculation in this University two from Indore, from the territory of His Highness the Holkar, and also that there are two who became members of this University from Central India. This shows that the influence of this University will not be confined to this presidency, but will spread far and wide, and shed its light over the provinces that are contiguous to our own There is another fact to which I would draw attention, in which I myself take particular interest, and that is that this year we have admitted to a degree in engineering, Importance of Engineering. for engineering acquirements, a member of the Poona Engineering College. Last year I ventured to impress on the young members of this University—and I desire to impress it upon them again—that there is no career which will more certainly enable them to be of use to their country—no career in which it is more certain that they will attain honour and distinction—than that of civil engineering. At present, unfortunately, among those who conduct the engineering works in this country, there are not many who are natives; but I would remind you that you live in a country which is studded with the remains of the most magnificent architecture—that you live in a country where there are the remains of vast works of irrigation and works of public utility—that these were carried on by your forefathers long before they had the advantage of that education which is now vouchsafed to you; and I ask you, will you not advance in the same course, will you not avail yourselves of the opportunities that are offered to you, and thus qualify yourselves for entering into the service of the State, which is bent upon promoting, as far as its means will allow, all those works that shall increase the wealth, the happiness, and the prosperity of the country? A munificient act. Mr. Vice-Chancellor, you have referred to a munificent act on the part of a distinguished member of our Senate. Those who know him and who know his family will, I am sure, not be surprised that he has again come forward to extend this munificent liberality to the University: and I feel I should be wanting in my duty, Mr. Sassoon, if I did not publicly tender to you my acknowledgments on behalf of the University. In the course of your report, Mr. Registrar, you referred to the services of Sir Alexander Grant. I am sure that there is no friend of the University, that there is no friend of the youth of this country, that there is no friend of India, who will not feel that we sustained a very great loss by the retiring of Sir Alexander Grant. Services of Sir Alexander Grant. He has returned home to undertake new duties, and in them I do not doubt he will earn for himself as much distinction as he earned here in India in the cause of education; and I am sure that it will be a gratification to every friend of this University to know that, although removed far from us, although he has now to take charge of another academic institution, he yet continues to feel the deepest interest in all that concerns education in this country, and in this University in particular, and that I have reason to know that lie is exerting all the influence lie possesses to encourage the Government at home to lend that fostering aid to the educational cause in this country which, during his residence here, he never failed to impress upon every one around him. I do not know, Mr. Vice-Chancellor, that there is much more in the report for me to notice; but 1 would desire to say that I, for my part, am equally desirous to give encouragement to the youth of this University, and I propose, Sir, with your permission, in future years to give a gold medal, for which an examination shall be held under such rules and regulations as you and the Senate may deem fit, The Chancellor's Medal. only hoping that, as at the Universities at home the Chancellor's Medal is considered about the highest honour the graduates of the University can obtain, so in this University like-wise, not only during my time, but during the time of those who succeed me, the obtaining of the Chancellor's Medal may be an object of ambition to every junior member of this University.
And now let me say one word to the younger members of this University. I have tried to impress upon you the importance of One particular branch of study in this University; University life, its influence and its end. but i beg even those who are not intending to pursue this particular study—I beg you to consider what are the duties that being members of the University imposes upon you. I would have you to regard the University not merely as an institution where you can obtain knowledge and distinction. Believe me. University life has a higher influence and higher ends. Knowledge is not only power, but knowledge produces refinement of mind and feeling. It is impossible to become acquainted with all that is great and noble amongst the great men whose works you will study, who being dead yet speak—it is impossible for you to become acquainted with what is great and refining in literature, without also being raised in tone of character, and coming to feel what is great, what is noble in heart. And I would have you to cherish the honour and the reputation of your University. Those who are around me who are acquainted with what the effects of academic life are at home, those who have had the advantage of acadmic education, know that wherever they may meet, in whatever clime they may be brought together, the members of a University at once sympathize with each other. They have a pride in the distinction earned by those with whom they have been at the University, and long after they have left the University there remains a noble rivalry in the after-pursuits of life, which is the very best and highest stimulus to exertion. And I would have you all feel the same. It is not only—in the words I addressed to each one of those who received at my hands a degree this day—it is nob only that they are in their life and conversation to be worthy of the distinction that they have now earned, but I would ask you, in the interests of the University, in the pride you take in her, continue the same desire to learn distinction: and I pray that your after-life may reflect lustre, may reflect credit, on the University with which you are connected. I ask you all to join with me in wishing "Floreat Academia."
NINTH CONVOCATION.
(By Rev. John Wilson, D.D., F.R.S.)
Gentlemen of the Senate,—I am sure we all deeply regret the absence on this occasion of our Governor, the Right Honourable Sir Seymour Fitzgerald, our Chancellor. The deep interest which His Excellency takes in the prosperity of the University; his ready, eloquent, and effective advocacy of its claims; and the encouragement which he gives to it in various ways, we most highly appreciate. We all deeply sympathise with the object of his absence, that of welcoming, along with our distinguished Welcome to the Duke of Cannaught. Viceroy, the Earl Mayo, and the other magnates of this great country, the second son of our most Gracious and Illustrious Queen Victoria to the shores of India. We ourselves (I venture to speak not only for this large assembly, but for the whole of the West of India) most cordially join in that welcome. We, the dwellers on "Cambay's strand," unite our most cordial felicitations with those of our fellow-subjects sojourning near "Ganges' golden wave" on the arrival, in this distant land, of our Sailor Prince, who is gracefully carrying the expression of the imperial and personal interest of her Majesty in all her subjects to the remotest places of the globe. We go further than this, and humbly beg His Royal Highness to spare as much time as he conveniently can for this most populous and rapidly growing
city, with its numerous and diversified tribes and tongues congregated together, with its capacious and beautiful harbour, with a commerce the most valuable of the "Greater Britain," needing the protection of the Royal Navy, with most curious and instructive antiquities within easy reach, some of which extend back beyond the Christian era, and with the most picturesque and sublime scenery in its neighbouring isles, hills, and mountains.