Varanasi: Banaras Hindu University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kunal Dalmia and associated Dalmia group companies for the repair, renovation and development of key facilities on the University campus. The MoU was signed by BHU registrar Rajan Srivastava, and Kunal Dalmia in the presence of Vice-Chancellor Prof Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi on Aug 27.Dalmia, emphasising the importance of ‘responsibility’, said that he considers the contribution a legacy and expressed hope that future generations of his family would continue this tradition.Under the MoU, Dalmia group will undertake renovation and development works at Seth Duli Chand Ji Dalmia Hostel, the east-facing patch of land adjoining Kamaccha in the Central Hindu School (CHS) area, and Savitri Devi Dalmia Vigyan Bhawan. The agreement has been executed for a period of five years, with provision for extension by mutual agreement.The Seth Duli Chand Ji Dalmia Hostel will undergo structural repairs, waterproofing, electrical and toilet repairs and painting. The campus will also be beautified through tree plantation, while a multipurpose court for badminton, pickleball and basketball will be developed.The east-facing area adjoining Kamaccha in CHS will be redeveloped with boundary railings, plantation, fountains and water bodies, along with facilities for cold drinking water during summer and hot water during winter. A multipurpose sports court will also be developed. The area will be named ‘SABO Udyan’. The donors will additionally contribute towards an annual sports tournament, ‘SABO Cup’, including a trophy and prize money, with the details to be finalised by BHU in consultation with the donors.Following the completion of the first two projects, similar structural repair, waterproofing, electrical and toilet repairs and painting will be undertaken at Savitri Devi Dalmia Vigyan Bhawan.Late Laxminiwas Dalmia had donated the Seth Duli Chand Ji Dalmia Hostel to the University in 1973, while Kunal Dalmia and his company had donated the Savitri Devi Dalmia Vigyan Bhawan through an MoU signed in 2004.The structural designs and drawings for the proposed works will be furnished by BHU. The University will also supervise the construction and monitor implementation of the MoU.
