Fazl-e-Umar — Page 306
Fazle Umar 306 of unsuitability. The Settlement Department allotted a dilapidated building on Canal Park, Lahore. All the 60 college students sat in two rows on mats on the floor, facing each other to attend their classes. The room served as a classroom, mosque, as well as a hostel for the night. At last Ta‘limul Islam College moved into a larger but debilitated building of D. A. V. College, in civil lines. Though the building was laid out on a college style, large sums of money were spent on removal of the litter so as to make the rooms habitable. Thou- sands of rupees were spent to purchase necessary laboratory equipment and books. A part of the college building was refurbished to use as a hostel to accommodate 50 residents, eight to a room. R E M A R KA b L E AC A d E M IC P RO G R E S S Despite these difficulties and shortages the number of students rose from 60 to 267 within a year. The library was established with the latest editions of books on every subject. College results were remarkably good. Graduation average for B. A. was 83. 3% compared to 39. 8% of the university. Within a year Ta’limul Islam College stood neck to neck with the topmost colleges in Lahore. Extra curricular activities soon gained momentum. College union, Arabic, eco- nomic, science, photographic, and radio societies were active. Students participated in university officers training core. Ta’limul Islam College students formed 80% of the squadron who presented the guard of honor to the visiting Emperor of Iran. Football, volleyball, badminton and swimming teams won honors for the col- lege. The rowing team was top most in the competition held under Punjab Rowing Association. In a short span of time Ta’limul Islam College attained a respectable place among colleges not only of the city, but also of the region. Under the able guidance of the principal, economic society started publishing a series of booklets under the title