Andhra Pradesh CM approves the renaming of Madanapalle BT college to Annie Besant University

Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy approved the transformation of the Besant Theosophical (BT) college into the Annie Besant University, granting the wishes of the Madanapalle residents.

Tuesday, Rajampet Member of Parliament PV Midhun Reddy and Madanapalle YSRCP Legislator Nawaz Basha met with Chief Minister YS Jagan at his residence in Tadepalli to present the long-standing request of the people to transform BT college into a university.

PV Midhun Reddy informed the Chief minister that the BT college at Madanapalle, which was founded by Dr. Annie Besant in 1915, was one of the oldest colleges established in the Rayalaseema region during the pre-independence era under British rule, with great historical significance as it was at this college that Rabindranath Tagore’s “Jana Gana Mana” lyrics were set to music.

While it is common knowledge that Rabindranath Tagore composed the national anthem in 1911, few are aware that it was translated into English as “The morning song of India” and given a melody on February 28, 1919, during Tagore’s brief stay at the BT college in Madanapalle.

Tagore chose to reside in Madanapalle with the Irish poet James H. Cousins, who was also the then-Principal of the BT college. As a result, Madanapalle gained a coveted position in history.

The Jana Gana Mana, which was previously just a poem, became a national anthem after the principal’s wife, Margaret Cousins, composed a melody for it, which was eventually approved by Rabindranath Tagore.

And on January 24, 1950, two days before India became a republic, the Jana Gana Mana became the national anthem.
After reviewing the petition and the historical significance of the BT college, the chief minister, YS Jagan, immediately gave his sanction to transform it into a university and name it after its founder, Annie Besant.

In an interview with TOI, PV Midhun Reddy hailed the chief minister for granting this long-held wish of the Madanapalle residents.

“The proposal will now go to the state cabinet and to the assembly for the next stage approvals. The state governmentis transforming Madanapalle into an educational hub by sanctioning medical colleges and other premier institutions. Approvals for the establishment of a Kendriya Vidyalaya is also expected soon”, the Rajampet MP asserted.