HYDERABAD: The iconic Arts College is set to get a facelift ahead of the centenary celebrations of Osmania University. Prof. H.Venkateshwarlu, special Officer for the fete, said the administration was likely to allot Rs 10 crore to repair and restore the building to make it last for another century. According to experts, water proofing on the terrace, filling cracks on a few walls and repairs to doors are some of the works planned. They need to get permission from heritage officials before going ahead.
The Arts College is to be the centre of attraction with several activities planned including the March 11 Centenary Run. Built in 1939, after an extensive study of infrastructure within India and abroad. Nizam VII sent experts comprising Syed Ali Raza, an engineer, and Nawab Zain Yar Jung, an architect, abroad to study and suggest a model plan. The group toured Europe, the US, Japan, Egypt and Turkey, and identified Monsieur Jasper, a Belgian architect who prepared plans for the campus buildings.
Nawab Zain Yar Jung executed the plans. Nizam VII laid the foundation stone for the building on July 5, 1934 and inaugurated it on December 4, 1939. It initially housed the offices of the Vice-Chancellor, the library, Law College and College of Commerce. These were shifted to separate buildings in late 60s and early 70s. Undergraduate courses in arts and commerce were discontinued from the college in 1973.
