The story of Roorkee Engineering College, alma mater of my father, late Mr. Anirudh Prakash Sharma (1952 batch), begins in the mid-19th century when the British East India Company recognized the need for trained civil engineers to manage irrigation projects in India. This venerable institution, which nurtured the talents of countless engineers, was established in 1847 as the first engineering college in the British Empire outside of England. The foresight of the East India Company in creating this pioneering institution would have far-reaching effects, not only on India's infrastructure but also on the lives of its students, including Mr. Sharma, who would go on to contribute significantly to the field of civil engineering. The college's founding marked the beginning of a legacy of excellence in engineering education, a legacy that Mr. Sharma proudly became a part of when he joined the 1952 batch, carrying forward the tradition of skilled engineers produced by this esteemed institution.
In 1847, the Roorkee College was established as the first engineering institution in the British Empire, outside of England. This pioneering institution was initially focused on training engineers for the Public Works Department, with a primary emphasis on civil engineering.
The college's early years were marked by a strong focus on practical education, with students learning through hands-on experience in surveying, construction, and hydraulics. The institution quickly gained a reputation for producing skilled engineers who could tackle the complex infrastructure challenges faced by the growing British administration in India. As the college's reputation grew, it attracted students from across the Indian subcontinent and even from other parts of the British Empire.
Learning horse riding was mandatory for students at Roorkee Engineering College, a requirement that reflected the practical challenges faced by civil engineers of the era. This unique aspect of the curriculum underscored the college's commitment to producing well-rounded engineers capable of navigating the diverse terrains of India. Students found themselves not only mastering complex engineering principles but also becoming adept equestrians. The necessity of horse riding skills stemmed from the reality that many construction and irrigation projects were located in remote areas with no proper roads. Engineers were expected to inspect these far-flung sites, often traversing rugged landscapes where motorized vehicles couldn't reach. This blend of traditional engineering education with practical skills like horse riding exemplified Roorkee's innovative approach to preparing its graduates for the real-world challenges they would face in their careers, ensuring they could literally and figuratively go the extra mile in their professional duties.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Roorkee Engineering College began to expand its academic offerings. The institution recognized the need for engineers in other fields as India's industrial landscape began to evolve. This led to the introduction of new branches of engineering, including mechanical and electrical engineering. These additions allowed the college to produce a more diverse range of engineers capable of meeting the changing needs of the country.
The post-independence era brought significant changes to Roorkee Engineering College. In 1949, it was elevated to the status of a university, becoming the University of Roorkee. This change allowed the institution to further expand its academic programs and research capabilities. During this period, the university added more engineering branches, including chemical engineering, metallurgy, and electronics engineering. The expansion of academic offerings reflected the growing technological needs of a newly independent India.
As India's economy continued to develop and modernize, Roorkee Engineering College, now the University of Roorkee, kept pace by introducing cutting-edge programs. In the 1980s and 1990s, the institution added computer science and biotechnology to its list of engineering disciplines. These additions ensured that the university remained at the forefront of technological education in India, producing graduates equipped to handle the challenges of an increasingly digital and biotechnology-driven world.
The turn of the millennium brought another significant milestone in the institution's history. In 2001, the University of Roorkee was converted into the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, becoming part of the prestigious IIT system. This transformation further enhanced the institution's reputation and resources, allowing it to expand its research capabilities and international collaborations. As an IIT, the institution continued to add new branches and interdisciplinary programs, reflecting the complex and interconnected nature of modern engineering challenges.
Throughout its evolution, from Roorkee Engineering College to IIT Roorkee, the institution has maintained its commitment to excellence in engineering education. The addition of new branches over the years has been driven by a combination of factors, including technological advancements, changing industrial needs, and national priorities. Today, IIT Roorkee offers a wide range of engineering programs, from traditional disciplines like civil and mechanical engineering to emerging fields like artificial intelligence and nanotechnology. This continuous evolution ensures that the institution remains a key player in shaping India's technological landscape, just as it has done for over 170 years.
