Principal Bhagwan Dass (Late)

Alumni Recalls - DAV College Ambala: Extra classes for ‘good boys’

Ashok Baweja, 63, who did his graduation in medical sciences at this college till 1974, has a viewpoint tinged with nostalgia. “Most of us came from humble backgrounds, and our teachers knew it well, especially, college principal Bhagwan Das, vice-principal Vidya Sagar, professor Khurana and professor Goomber. I feel proud when I tell people (including my own grand children) how teachers helped us financially throughout our studies, even after college days,” he says.

“Our teachers ran one-hour special ‘Good Boy Classes’ after school hours — free. There was no concept of tuitions in those days,” he adds.

Excerpt from by Rajesh Moudgil dated AUG 06, 2018

DAV College, Ambala: Teachers helped in the construction of College Building

Professor Khanna recalls that the then principal Bhagwan Das and other teachers including Vidya Sagar, LC Dhawan and Triloki Nath encouraged students to undertake construction work required as the college grew. “During my graduation, our hostel, at 250 rooms, was the biggest in the region. We used to take pride in telling people that a large number of students (including me), the principal and teachers had worked for the college, carrying construction tools to build the college,” he adds.

Excerpts from online post dated AUG 06, 2018

Sohan Lal DAV College Ambala City remembers Late Principal Bhagwan Dass ji on their website saying:

"He was a saintly Administrator. He was having dual charge of this college as well as DAV College, Ambala City as Principal."

https://sldaveducation.org/about-us/history/lala-bhagwan-dass-1954-1955/

Lala Bhagwan Dass (1954-1955)Sohan Lal DAV College He was a saintly Administrator. He was having dual charge of this college as well as DAV College, Ambala City […]

Another piece of history - 14 March 1965

In 1943, our country had to face a big challenge – the severe draught in Bengal. He went to Calcutta to participate in relief measures for thousands of draught hit people and lived there for more than 6 months. People started dying and epidemic was spreading. He distributed meals and clothes to about 12000 people daily. He performed his duties very well.

1. Founder Principal Dayanand Law College at Solapur.
2. Founder Principal of D.A.V. College at Chandigarh.
3. Founder Principal of D.A.V. College at Kangra (HP).
Sh. Bhagwan Dass was born on 7-2-1917 in a sleepy village in Distt. Jalandhar (now Hoshiarpur). He lost his mother when he was just 2 years old. His father late Sh. Gurditta Ram was a Junior Engineer in PWD during British days. There was no school in the village so he had to walk about 2 Km to reach the school . He was an exceptionally brilliant student through out his school and college days. He was blessed with an iron will and was highly disciplined. He completed his matriculation only at the age of 15 years. He won scholarships and stood first in Mathematics B.A. (Hons.) at the age of 19 years in the then Panjab University which comprised of today’s Pakistan, Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. Again in M.A. Math. (hons) he stood first class first. He was awarded Gold Medal in 1937.

towards fellow is and above all !!

This certificate presented to Principal Bhagwan Dass Ji by St. John Ambulance Association dated 25/09/1972 bears testimony to that.

Two books co-authored by Principal Bhagwan Dass ji

Found these in the archives of College, Ambala. Grateful to the current Principal Dr. M. R. Gupta & the librarian Mr. Sharma for their kind gesture !!

November, 1964: The Dayanand College, Solapur students gave 3 certificates to Principal Bhagwan Dass. 1. All students are happy with you. 2. You symbolise Gian, Dharma and aimful life. 3. You are our best guide.