Modinagar

Modinagar मोदीनगर
Town
Modi Mandir
Modinagar Location in Uttar Pradesh, India
Coordinates: 28°54′40″N 77°38′05″E / 28.911°N 77.6348°E / 28.911; 77.6348Coordinates: 28°54′40″N 77°38′05″E / 28.911°N 77.6348°E / 28.911; 77.6348
Country	India
State	Uttar Pradesh
District	Ghaziabad
Elevation	219.16 m (719.03 ft)
Population (2001)
• Total	272,918
Languages
• Official	Hindi
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN	201204
Telephone code	01232
Vehicle registration	UP14

Modinagar is a city and a municipal board in Ghaziabad district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Founded in 1933 by Gujarmal Modi, who established the Modi group of industries here along with his brother, Kedar Nath Modi.^[1][2][3] It is approximately 45 kilometres north-east of New Delhi. It is approximately equally distant from Meerut and Ghaziabad because this city is situated at mid-way on Ghaziabad Meerut National Highway No. 58 It is best known as the home of Modi Mills. In recent years, Modinagar has been developed as an educational hub as many new institutions are being established in and around the city due to its location in NCR (National Capital Region).

Location

It lies in Lat. 280 50' north and Long. 770 35' east, 25 km north-east of Ghaziabad on the Delhi-Mussoorie National Highway (NH-58). Parallel to this road runs the Delhi-Saharanpur section of the Northern Railway. A metalled road, going to Hapur, originates from the city. Modinagar Railway station is in between Meerut and Ghaziabad stations. Most of the major express trains as well as all general passenger trains from Delhi to Meerut-Haridwar-Dehradun route stop at this Railway station.

History

Prior to its renaming in the year, 1945, Modinagar was known as Begumabad. Gujarmal Modi, sowed the seeds of development and progress for the town, which was earlier blighted by underdevelopment and lawlessness. 1933 was a watershed year for the erstwhile town of Begumabad, as the first sign of progress and revitalisation was noticed through the construction of a sugar mill. Modi had a grand plan in store for the once decrepit town, as the sugar mill was the first edifice constructed by Mr. Modi, which ushered a wave of growth through commerce and industry while also creating much-needed employment opportunities in and around the region.^[4][5][6]

The end of World War II in the year 1945, allowed the British Government to look back at the tremendous service provided by Mr. Modi’s organisations. To show their appreciation to Mr. Modi, the British Government decided to confer knighthood on Gujarmal Modi. But Mr. Modi earnestly urged the British to confer on him the Indian title of Raja Bahadur, instead. However, that title was generally reserved for big landlords or those who owned a large proportion of village property. Since, Mr. Modi didn’t satisfy either criteria, the British Government decided to name the colony set-up by Mr. Modi as Modinagar to pave the way for him to be conferred the title of Raja Bahadur. Hence, in 1945, Begumabad was officially renamed Modinagar, in honour of Gujarmal Modi and his contribution to the township over the years.^[7]

Gujarmal Modi not only ensured that Modinagar first developed and then thrived as an industrial hub, but he also made sure that the inhabitants of the town received ancillary benefits. Numerous social initiatives in education, public health and welfare were initiated in the town of Modinagar.^[8]

• Multanimal Modi Post-Graduate College
• Multanimal Modi Higher Secondary School
• Modi Science & Commerce College
• Rukmani Modi Mahila Maha Vidyalaya
• Dayawati Modi Public School
• Dayawati Modi Junior High School
• Gayatri Devi Modi Junior High School
• Pramila Devi Modi Junior High School
• Condensed Course of Education for Adult Women
• Dayawati Modi Mahila Shilpa Kala Kendra

Establishments

The present city of Modinagar was established in 1933, by Rai Bahadur Gujarmal Modi, with the establishment of a sugar factory in 1933.^[9] Begumabad village, which contributed about 571 acres (2.31 km²) of its area to the making of this city, is a much older place and is said to have been founded by Nawab Zafar Ali and to have been named Begumabad by a lady of the royal family of Mughals in Delhi when this place passed into her hands.^[10]

Gujarmal Modi established many industries here along with various quarters for workers and officers of Modi mills group. One of the key visionaries in the growth story of Modinagar and its upliftment was Seth R.D (Rameshwar Dayal) Modi who was a leading businessman and set up multiple business in the region. Most of the worker quarters in areas like Govindpuri, Devendrapuri, etc. were constructed for army persons by Indian army of Meerut cantonment. But, when these quarters were built finally, army realised that these are too far from Meerut Cantonment and thus they lease these quarters to Modi group for their workers. These quarters of 5 different types, depending on the status of the personnel: Kothis for highest grade officers, officers colony, managers colony, single room for workers and double room for white collar grade.

Metamorphosis of Modinagar

Earlier, its importance was considerably due to the growth of Modinagar as an industrial city. Sugar, vegetable oil, textiles (including rayon and silk), soap, paints, varnishes, lanterns, glycerine, rubber tyres, cotton yarn, torches, carbon-di-oxide, gas and flour were produced at Modinagar. Modinagar was once considered as a prosperous and economically growing industrial city. After the closure of Modi Group mills in Modinagar around the 1980s, unemployment was at an all-time high. Workers either migrated to their native cities or went in search for work around the Delhi region. Modinagar has changed over the years, from a once-renowned industrial city to now, a well-known educational hub. Many private enggineering, dental, management, para-medical and educational colleges now call Modinagar their home. After the creation of Ghaziabad district in 1975, Modinagar became a Tehsil and new government offices were built. The city thereafter became municipal corporation and developed further.

A temple (built in the early nineteenth century by Rani Bala Bai Sindhia) which was formerly in the village of Begumabad, is now included in the notified area of Modinagar. "Modi Mandir" is the name by which the temple is commonly known as and is located on NH-58 (Delhi- Badrinath National Highway) opposite Modi Bhawan – the erstwhile residence of the Modis.

Education

Of Late the city has transformed from an industrial township to a Major Education Hub. Major educational institutes operating in and around Modinagar are:

Colleges

• ACLBIZ Foundation- Institute of Computer & Vocational Training.(Sonda Road, Modinagar)
• AN tech Computer Education (Begmabad Modinagar)
• Divya Jyoti College of Dental Sciences & Research ^[11]
• Divya Jyoti College of Engineering & Technology^[12]
• Divya Jyoti College of Medical Sciences & Research^[13]
• Divya Jyoti College of Paramedical Sciences
• Center for Management Development (C.M.D),^[14] established in year 1983 for providing Management education
• Dr. K.N. Modi Institute of Engineering and Technology^[15]
• Dr K N Modi Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Research
• KNGD Modi Engineering College (KNGD)
• Modi Science & commerce Inter College was founded in 1942 and was inaugurated by the first Prime Miniter of India- Jawahar Lal Nehru in 1952.^{[citation needed]}
• Modinagar Institute of Technology
• Multani Mal Modi Post graduate Degree College was founded in 1957 and offers post-graduate and Doctorate degrees.The Physics Department of this college has many milestones. Dr. Mukesh Kumar has completed his Ph.D from IIT Roorkee and currently attend the International conference at San Diego, California, USA and give the oral presentation there. Dr. A K Malik has completed his Ph.D from IIT Delhi and going to USA for PDF. Dr. A P Singh has completed his Ph.D from IIT Roorkee and join the department as an Asst. Professor. Dr. Vijay Garg has completed his Ph.D also. Dr. S K Gautam is trying for FIP.
• Rukmani Modi Girls Inter College
• Dayawati Modi Girls Degree College
• S.R.M. University, NCR Campus
• Unique Institute of Management and Technology
• Appin Technology Lab, Opp. De-Meridian Hotel
• Institute of Teacher Education (ITE) Delhi-Meerut Road, Kadrabad, Modinagar
• Institute Of Fine Arts, Opp. State Bank of India (Main Branch), Modinagar^[16]

Schools

Major Schools in the city are

• St.Teresa's Academy
• Chaya Public School, Govindpuri
• Chaya Public School, Raj Chaupla
• Dayawati Modi Public School, Hapur road
• Green Land Academy
• Heritage Academy^[17]
• Modern Academy
• T.R.M. Public School
• Dr.K.N Modi Global School

Places to Visit

Laxmi Narayan Mandir

Modinagar has a famous Temple known as Laxmi Narayan Modi Mandir, also called as "Modi Mandir" by local people which is located in center of the city on National Highway 58, spread over 15.2 acres (62,000 m²) approx, with a built up area of 0.53 acres (2,100 m²) approx.^[18]

Devi Maha Maya Mandir

This is a very old temple of Devi Maha Maya situated in Sikri Khurd, has great religious importance in the region. A fair is organized by the local administration every year on the occasion of the Holy Month of Navaratri where a huge crowd of devotees gather to pray before the goddess who is present there in another incarnation of Maha shakti. The Fair is famous for being the biggest fair for Donkey Trade where a lot of villagers gather to buy or sell their domesticated animals. This place is also having importance due to some incidents during 1857 revolution. During Navratri fair, garlic market is also a major event here.

Market and shopping

Modinagar Markets cater primarily to all the populace of nearby villages. This has led to a profusion of Jewelry and Ready-made garment shops throughout the city. All main markets of city are located along the NH-58 and are easily accessible. Major shopping areas include -

• Dr. K.N. Modi Complex Market, near Punjab National Bank
• EasyDay Shopping Center, Near Bus stand
• Fruit and vegetable wholesale market, Hapur road
• Fruit and vegetable Retail market, Tibra road
• Gandhi Market, Opposite Bus Stand
• Mobile Market, Subhash Bazaar, Opp K.N. Modi Inter College, Adarsh Nagar
• Rukmani Market, Opposite Railway Road
• Upper Bazar, GT Road, Near Bus Stop
• Vishal Mega Mart, Govindpuri
• world famous milk cake

Religion and beliefs

Modinagar is a peaceful and harmonious city. Modinagar has been evident of many devotional activities every year. Hindus form the majority of population, along with Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Christians. Their religious establishments are present in the city:

• Shiv shakti Mandir, Bank Colony.
• Prachin Shiv mandir, Sikri kalan.
• Shiv Shakti Mandir, Adarsh Nagar.
• Kali singh bhuri singh (gram devta), sikri kalan.
• Laxmi Narayan Mandir (Modi Mandir), Opp. Modi Bhawan, Near Sugar Mill.
• Baba Mohanram Mandir, Govindpuri, near new pani ki tanki.
• Kalyaneshwar Shiv Mandir, Multani Pura, Modinagar.
• Jain Mandir, Near tel mill.
• Sai Baba Mandir, Opp Modi Textile.
• Gurudwara Shree Guru Singh Sabha, Gurudwara Road.
• Gurudwara Shree Guru Singh Sabha, Govindpuri.
• Badi Masjid, Begmabad.
• Masjid,Sara Road,Sara Village
• St. Teresa Church, Santpura.
• Buddhist temple, Chuna bhatti.
• Ganesh temple,harmukhpuri
• Bara Shiv Mandir, Kasba Road
• Langrey Baba Mandir, Santpura
• Shyam Mandir(Khatu Naresh),Mahendra Puri
• Sant Shri Asaram Ji Bapu Ashram Bapu Dham, Near Police Fire Station, Niwari Road
• Kali Mandir(Near Gujarmal Modi Yadgar)
• Nagli wale Baba Ka Mandir(Near Kali Mandir)—
• shree Banke Bihari Sewa Samiti, Modinagar+
• Mohan Park...
• Shri Sai Baba Tampil Harmukh puri
• world famous milk cake

Hospitals

Modinagar is also having a great reputation in field of medical facilities. Many qualified MD and MS doctors are providing excellent services in the city, including:

• E.S.I. Hospital (Bada Bima Aspatal)
• Sarawat Hospital
• DJ dental college and Jassar hospital ^[11]
• Sarvodya Hospital
• Dr. Manav Singh (Veterinary Surgeon), Animal and Dog hospital
• Dr. S C Nehra animal hospital
• Dr. S.C. Arya Medical and Research Center
• Jeevan Hospital
• Lok Priya Hospital
• Pyare Lal Hospital
• Ginni Modi Eye hospital
• Tandon Eye Hospital & Pathology Clinic
• Aakash Hospital
• IDST dental college and hospital
• Priyadsarshi hospital
• Modi Hospital Railway Road
• Government Hopital, Govind Puri

Most of the hospitals and medical stores are located near Raj Chaupla.

Restaurant and Hotels

Following is just an indicative list of some restaurants, hotels and Hostels of Modinagar

• Deewan-e-Khas Restaurant, Near Bus Station
• Sapna Hotel & Restaurant, Opp Modi Bhawan
• Raja Sweets & Snacks, Near Modi Mandir
• Hotel Pavilion, CMD Campus
• De-Meridian Hotel and Resorts, Near Suman Cinema.
• Food Plaza Hotel, Opposite Suman Cinema
• Ashoka Hotel
• Jain Sweets & Bakery, Near Main Police station.
• Shivam Hotel & Restaurent, Raj Chopla
• world famous milk cake

Sports & Games

• Name of few players from Modinagar are following:

Judo: Sandeep tomar (Guru),Rahul Sharma, Gaurav Verma
Cricket: VICKY, Rahul Sharma, Amit Kumar
Badminton: Amit Maheshwari
Gymnastic: Sandip Kharb
Athlete: Gaurav Malik, Vishal Deep
Swimming: Vikas Chauhan
Table Tennis: Abhishek Maitrey
Throw Ball: Anurag Gupta
Shot put throw: Yadvendra Vashist
Weightlifting: Vijay sharma
Netball: Avantika Vashistha
Hockey: Ms. Sudha Choudhry

There are few sports fields in Modinagar. The sports committee organize the events at different time in these grounds. The famous sport fields are:
1. Gandhi Stadium
2. MMPG College Sports Ground
3. Modi Inter College Sports Ground
4. Maharishi Dayanand College Ground 5. Ramlila ground, Govindpuri

Agriculture

Modinagar is situated on land famous for agriculture and surrounded with the agriculture fields. The seasonal irrigation here not only been consumed by the local residents but also been supplied across the states. The irrigation of sugarcane is mainly first choice of farmers here. As per the survey in year 2011, Modinager is the one of the top areas in sugarcane, wheat, rice.

Demographics

As per provisional data of 2011 census, Modinagar urban agglomeration had a population of 1,82,811 out of which males were 97,335 and females were 85,476. The literacy rate was 87.03%^[19]

As of 2001 India census,^[20] Modinagar had a population of 112,918. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Modinagar has an average literacy rate of 90% in 2011, much higher than the national average of 73%: male literacy is 95.23%, and female literacy is 84.16%. In Modinagar, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.http://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/103-modinagar.html

References

http://www.acledu.co.in

• Herdeck, Margaret; Gita Piramal (1985). India's industrialists, Volume 1 India's Industrialists. Lynne Rienner. ISBN 0-89410-415-2.  Cite uses deprecated parameters (help)
• Saxena, Aruna (1989). Perspectives in industrial geography: a case study of an industrial city of Uttar Pradesh. Concept Publishing Company. ISBN 81-7022-250-8. 

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Modinagar.

• Modinagar City Website
• Website for Modinagar City Students