In the hustle and bustle of life, one rarely pays attention to the myriad of treasures that one passes by regularly. The St. Stephen’s college campus is a treasure trove with many such unexplored places that await the attention of the junior members of the college. Here are six of these precious places that you should definitely visit and spend some time at:
1. Chair Circle
This aesthetic sitting area on the chapel walkway provides students with a peaceful retreat from the hubbub of academic life. The presence of greenery, comfortable seating, and aesthetically pleasant surroundings contribute to a positive mental state and encourage students to think outside the box, brainstorm, and engage in artistic pursuits. They add character and charm to the college grounds, making the campus an attractive place to study and spend time.
2. ANGA Tree Tent
Nestled in front of the Allnutt North Gentlemen Association residence block, you'll discover this picturesque photo spot ( some call it a tent house, others call it a manger). It's a place of peace and tranquility, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The creeping vines contribute to its enigmatic allure. As for the structure itself, it's a canvas for diverse interpretations. Some may perceive it as a woman, others as a ghostly presence, and still, there are those who see it as a mountain. The beauty lies in the multitude of perspectives it inspires. So don't miss out on visiting this enchanting spot and becoming enveloped in the sheer beauty of nature.
3. Hiking Wall
The hiking wall or the Eshwaran Bharatan Memorial Wall is unique to St Stephen’s and something every Stephanian is proud of. Located outside the college gymnasium and located between some tall and green trees the hiking wall provides for an adventure within college. Home to the St Stephen’s Hiking Club, this intimidating-looking structure has provided many fun and adventurous evenings within the college. It has been the destination for new bonds to form and old ones to flourish. With climbs organized everyday at this venue, the college hiking wall provides for a platform to cultivate a sense of competition along with that of thrill. In partnership with the college hiking club, there is an assurance of safety as well as enjoyment at this gem of the college.
4. Corona Wall
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when one says Science Dhaba? The food? The gazebo? Not the Corona Wall, right? One of the walls of the Science Dhaba is aptly called the ‘Corona Wall’. During the lockdown, a group of students were stuck on campus with no means to go back home and so, they decided to paint this wall. The wall aesthetically covers the various aspects of college life, from the dogs and monkeys on campus to the various sports played. The students, along with the teachers on campus, have signed their names. Do give this wall a visit!
5. Art Gallery
Wait. Do we have an art gallery on our campus? Sadly, the Art Gallery beside Room AS3 goes unnoticed by most people due to its location, locked behind the red and blue chambers away from easy sight. But one can go inside through the doorway in the AS3 room. This newly constructed area is different from the usual architecture of the buildings in college and may not be filled with drawings and paintings all the time but the calmness and serenity of the space which is also built in a way that the old huge tree is preserved enhances its tranquility. A perfect picture spot with its natural essence and white aesthetics!
6. Founder’s Grave
St. Stephens College goes back decades and started with a college of three teachers and five students and its principal, Sir Allnut who also taught Logic and Literature. Interestingly Sir Allnutt rode about Delhi on a tricycle whilst assuming other important roles such as the Head of the Cambridge Mission from 1899-1917 and the Canon of Lahore from 1910. Some of his most cherished roles were the revival of Sanskrit in the College and being behind the first and impactful batch of the college with BA and postgraduate students.
Sir Allnutt died on 7th December, 1917 and his death anniversary is still commemorated as the Founder’s Day of the college. He was buried at the Thompson Road Cemetery (now the Delhi Railway Station marshaling yard) and his remains were subsequently reinterred in the College Chapel on 1 May 1979. Today, that Founder's Stone behind the most central and important location in College, which is the College Chapel represents the foundation of St. Stephen’s college and his prominent legacy which will be carried on for generations to come.
So as you navigate your life in college, do not forget to explore this wonderful space which has multiple secrets to unveil and many stories to tell.