Education and Universities
There is a very long tradition of educational excellence in the Indian State of Bihar that might possibly date all the way back to the time of Buddha. The area was the site of two ancient and well known universities, but these were destroyed by invading armies in the medieval period.
In the years since Independence, education, like many other aspects of life in Bihar have suffered due to its isolation from the central government. The political leaders of Bihar did not fare well in the years right after independence in the securing of funds and charters, and the result was a serious weakening of the educational infrastructure of the State.
As a result of this many students in Bihar, hungry for education, were forced to leave the state for higher education opportunities. The success of these students in institutions in India, and other parts of the world indicates that despite the poor infrastructure, and lack of proper funding to maintain first rate schools, the children of Bihar are actually learning quite well.
There are still quite a few private schools in Bihar that are not under the control of the government and therefore have fared a little better. These schools are mostly affiliated with various religions such as the schools run by Christian Missionaries and Muslim clerics.
There are twelve universities recognized by the State in Bihar. The major one is Patna University. This school was established in 1917 and is one of the oldest and most prominent universities in India. Among the several colleges attached to the University are a Science College, a Medical College and Hospital, and the Patna Women’s College. The Government manages three different Engineering Colleges in Bihar. There are at least half a dozen Medical Colleges, several Business Management Institutes, and even the Bihar School of Yoga in the town of Munger.
There is no question that education is the key to the future success of the State of Bihar. It was a turning from universal education of the young and the exploitation of them for economic gain that began the downward spiral that has led to the multiple problems of Bihar.
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