PRAYAGRAJ, Sept. 24 -- Allahabad University (AU) marked its 138th Foundation Day on Tuesday with a grand celebration held at the Senate Hall on the university campus. The event commenced with a ceremonial lamp lighting by vice-chancellor Prof Sangita Srivastava, accompanied by Justice MC Tripathi of the Allahabad High Court and other dignitaries. The university anthem was performed following the inauguration. A key highlight was the conferment of a Honorary PhD degree upon celebrated folk singer Malini Awasthi by Prof Srivastava, recognizing her efforts in promoting Indian folk culture internationally. In her address, Prof Srivastava extended heartfelt greetings to faculty and staff, reflecting on the historic journey of the university. She recalled the university's founding amidst the growth of Prayagraj city and paid tribute to the luminaries who shaped its legacy. Highlighting notable alumni, she mentioned that the university has produced several Prime Ministers, Presidents, Chief Ministers, central ministers, and distinguished judges who have significantly contributed to the nation's leadership. Prof Srivastava emphasized recent milestones, including the appointment of 370 faculty and 611 non-teaching staff, the restoration of discipline, infrastructure development, and revival of the alumni association. She highlighted the full implementation of the new national education policy with a four-year degree program and the university's rise in the NIRF rankings. She stated that currently, students from 26 states of India-including Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Delhi, Gujarat, and Odisha-are studying at Allahabad University. The event was hosted by Prof Jaya Kapoor and Shailesh Gautam, with the latter reciting a poem dedicated to daughters. The ceremony saw participation from the university's deans, faculty heads, teachers, officials and staff members....