Mr U C Saxena - or simply Papa - travelled the last 23 km on camel back in 1947 to get to campus. Developed all these photos in a high tech lab (by ducking under a table with a blanket draped over it)! Built the windows/doors of Krishna/Gandhi hostels as part of his Mechanical Workshop. Laid the foundations of Shankar/Vyas hostels as part of Civil Engineering labs. Graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1952 and spent his career with the Birlas in Calcutta and Delhi. These are some of his memories as narrated to me (1982–87). Warning: Papa wants you to know that some of his memories - like these photos - have faded. This is to the best of his recollection.

The Nation Builders

As the “official” photographer, Papa had access to a number of the dignitaries who visited this new engineering college of an independent India.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad, first president of India

Dr Rajendra Prasad - first President of India - on a campus visit. This might have been the time when Dr. Prasad requested Mr. G.D. Birla to open a similar institute in Bihar as there was a dire need for higher education in that state. He promised all help from the Bihar and Central government. BIT Messra was launched at the back of this visit.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru

Rear profile of Jawarhar Lal Nehru, first Prime Minister of India, at the Jaipur session of Indian National Congress. Papa was on assignment to report from the event. There was minor commotion one morning at 430 am when Nehruji’s fancy (foreign) suitcase could not be opened. His staff rushed it over to the engineering students camp to get it unlocked. Earlier in the year, Papa had travelled to Delhi to watch the Independence Day speech live in 1947. And fun fact: he has seen or listened to every other prime minister’s Independence Day speech ever since – through August 15, 2023 and counting!

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Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Sardar Patel - first Home Minister of India - on a visit to the campus. This was where he shared that all kingdoms, like the Nizam of Hyderabad, were to become part of the integrated India. A number of stories from my father speak to the excitement of the new India at that time.

Indian Army Chief visiting Birla Engineering College

Indian Army Chief on a visit to the campus accompanied by Prof. Laxminarayan, the first Principal of Birla Engineering College.

Prof. Narliker

Prof. Narliker from Planning Commission, hosting the Indian flag on a visit to Pilani. There was a request to support an engineering college in Anand, Gujarat (BVM - Birla Vishwakarma Mahavidyala)

The Institutionalists

These are invaluable pictures of our very first leaders – who shaped the campus and the institution as we know today.

Prof. V Laxminarayan

Prof V Laxminarayan - first Principal of Birla Engineering College - showing us the ropes :) at the Sports Day celebrations