Forman Christian College, chartered university in Lahore, Pakistan. Named after its founder, Dr. Charles William Forman, it is ranked among the best institutions of higher education in Punjab (Pakistan), as measured by the examination scores of the regional education board (Board of Intermediate & Secondary Education, Lahore).
History
Forman Christian College is one of the oldest and highest ranking colleges of South Asia, founded by Dr. Charles William Forman who arrived in India in 1847 and, two years later, settled in Lahore (now in Pakistan). He was the founder of the Rang Mahal School, Lahore which was the first Anglo-vernacular school in the Punjab (north west India). This school added a college department in 1865 which was later known as Forman Christian College. Dr. Forman was very influential in developing the educational system of Punjab.
One of Forman's faculty members, Prof. Arthur Compton, conducted the bulk of his research on cosmic rays at FCC for which he received the Nobel Prize in 1927. One of Professor Compton's former students Professor Piara Singh Gill taught at the College as Lecturer in Physics between 1940-47. Two distinguished alumni, Dr. Sir S. S. Bhatnagar and Dr. Bashir Ahmad, laid the foundation for scientific & industrial research in both parts of the Sub-Continent by establishing ICSIR and PCSIR respectively.
The first two Science Graduates of FC College were also the first Science Graduates of the University of the Punjab (1900-02). In this way FC College was the first to establish, in this part of the Sub-Continent: Departments of Biology (1898), Greek, Latin & Hebrew Languages (1895-96), Industrial Chemistry (1917), Geography (1924), setting up the Experimental Psychology Laboratory; introducing the Tutorial System (1908); appointing Deans of the Faculties; introducing co-educational system (1902); and, establishing a Graduates Association (1896).
Achievements
Gold MedalMajor achievements of other Formanites, as the Graduates are called, include:Its illustrious Principal Dr. Sir J. C. R. Ewing was knighted for his memorable services to humanity and education. He also served as Vice Chancellor of the Punjab University for seven years. Principal Dr. C. H. Rice and a faculty member, Dr. Khairat M. Ibne Rasa, became Vice Chancellors of the Punjab University. Justice Sir Mian Abdur Rashid - who was a Formanite and also the first Chief Justice of Pakistan, administered the oath of office to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as the first Governor General.
Accreditation
Forman Christian College has designed its four year Bachelors Degree Program in accordance with the standards for accreditation in the USA. FCC is seeking to gain accreditation through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
