Dr. Vishav Bandhu Verma, Head of the Department of History at Apeejay College of Fine Arts, has been honoured with the prestigious “Best Student of the Year” award in the discipline of History at the Annual Function of Shivaji Arts and Commerce College. The recognition celebrates his outstanding academic performance and scholarly dedication following the successful completion of his doctoral studies.
Dr. Verma completed his Ph.D. from Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, a reputed institution known for its contributions to higher education and research. His doctoral thesis, titled “Sikh Rule under Banda Singh Bahadur (1670–1716)”, offers a comprehensive historical analysis of the Sikh polity established under the leadership of Banda Singh Bahadur.
The research presents a detailed study of the historical circumstances surrounding the rise of Banda Singh Bahadur’s rule and its broader significance in Indian history. Dr. Verma’s work examines the administrative structure, military organisation, and governance model developed during this period. His study also highlights the socio-economic reforms and transformations that took place under Banda Singh Bahadur’s leadership, offering fresh insights into the dynamics of early eighteenth-century political developments in northern India.
Through rigorous research and analysis of historical sources, Dr. Verma’s work sheds light on the establishment of an alternative political order that challenged the existing structures of power. The thesis has been appreciated for its scholarly depth and its contribution to understanding the historical evolution of Sikh governance and regional politics.
In addition to receiving the award, Dr. Verma also made a significant academic contribution during the event by presenting a research paper at a One-Day National Seminar organised by the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities of Shivaji Arts and Commerce College. His paper, titled “Aspiration and Reality: India’s Geostrategic Emergence and Socio-Economic Transformation in the Journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047,” explored contemporary themes related to India’s global positioning, development aspirations, and socio-economic transformation.
The presentation attracted considerable appreciation from scholars and participants for its analytical approach and contemporary relevance. Recognising the academic merit of his research, the organisers selected the paper for publication in the college’s research journal “Research Awakening.”
Expressing immense pride in this achievement, Principal Dr. Neerja Dhingra of Apeejay College of Fine Arts congratulated Dr. Verma on this significant milestone. She remarked that such accomplishments reflect dedication to scholarship, intellectual curiosity, and sustained academic effort. She further expressed confidence that Dr. Verma will continue to contribute meaningfully to historical research and enhance the academic reputation of the institution at national and international forums.
Members of the college fraternity also extended their heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Verma, appreciating his scholarly achievements and wishing him continued success in his academic and research pursuits. His accomplishment stands as an inspiring example for students and young researchers, demonstrating how perseverance and commitment to knowledge can lead to significant recognition in the academic world.