VC Lawns, which lie in the heart of North Campus, University of Delhi have glorious stories associated with it. Besides the historical backdrop, the building and the associated lawns have an immense cultural significance which makes them even more special.
Established back in 1902, Viceregal Lodge, also known as VC office is a landmark in the University of Delhi (DU). A conglomerate of departments and colleges are found in its vicinity. The VC Lawns have pertinent cultural and historical associations. The VC Lawns has managed to carve a niche in the leaves of modern history.
The Lawns are an archive of history as the arcades of that building are the repository of the time when the Northern Ridge in Delhi served as the British cantonment during the early 20th century. It has also served as a residential area for the imperial rulers. The University of Delhi was established in the year 1922 and subsequently, the estate was handed over to the University in 1933. Presently, it serves as the University of Delhi’s Vice-Chancellor’s office.
The rich historical backdrop of the VC Office and lawns further glorifies it. The building has housed five Viceroys of India. It has also witnessed the historical Gandhi-Irwin Pact. The hidden chambers of the building have served as the dungeons where Shaheed Bhagat Singh was once confined. Eminent personalities like Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi have walked its corridors. The royal architecture of the Viceregal Lodge stands as a testimony to the colonial rule in India. It got renovated and transfigured during the tenure of the former Vice-Chancellor, Deepak Nayyar.
The associated lawns with the office are very popular and lie in the heart of the North Campus. They are easily accessible owing to the several entry gates and are lush with greenery. The lawns give students a space to pursue recreational activities. They are accessible all times for students. The lawns come alive during the evening as people of all age groups take leisurely strolls and enjoy the peace and calm that they offer. A stretch of green grass scattered with palm trees and covered with flowers, in the heart of the Varsity is a sight to behold. It allows people to not only connect with nature but also with their friends and families in a beautiful way. Societies and student-run organisations often use the lawns to hold meetings and to have practises and discussions. The significance of VC Lawns in the life of a student in North Campus is immense. The VC office and lawns will continue to be a definitively influential space in the Varsity for a long, long time.
Now when you are intimated with the facts revolving around the VC office and lawn, take a moment to sense pride to breathe the air around the historic building.
Feature Image Credits – The Hindu
Sandeep Samal