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PRINCIPAL'S DESK
 Dr. Himadri Bhattacharyya Chakrabarty M.Sc.(CU), M.Tech(CU), |
It is with great pride and honor that I share that Bangabasi College, established in Kolkata in 1887 during the British period, is one of India’s most esteemed and venerable institutions. Our august and erudite founder Acharya Girish Chandra Bose, inspired by Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, incepted this college through his prophetic vision and sacrificial dedication. His efforts led it to blossom into a top-tier, reputed, and illustrious institution. The aim of the founder was twofold: first to cater to the growing demand of higher education among the youth, and second, to nurture the spirit of nationalism in the minds of the young learners under colonial yoke during British governance. The institutional motto, Pranipatena, Pariprasnena, Sevaya aims to instill reverence, spirit of enquiry (passion for knowledge, and wisdom), and the will to serve (service to the nation) among the students. I cherish my role as the Principal of this century old institution which boasts a rich history of nobility, involvement in the patriotic movement, sustainable growth, development and progressive modernization.
This renowned institution having rich historical past, originated from Bangabasi School in 1885. Acharya Girish Chandra Bose founded it in a rented house on Bowbazar Street with six teachers and twelve students. In 1903, the college shifted to its present location at 19, Scott Lane (now Rajkumar Chakraborty Sarani), as it was emerging as an ever-growing institute by the onset of F.A. course, B.A., B.L., and M.A. programs. The institutional academic horizon was broadened with the eventual introduction of the Honours courses on various disciplines. By the 1920’s, it had flourished into a pioneering institute of quality education in Arts and Sciences, staffed by noble and distinguished faculty members. On April 11, 1965, under the UGC phase reduction scheme, three branches were added to the institution: Bangabasi Morning College, Bangabasi Evening College and Bangabasi College of Commerce. Embracing inclusivity, and broadening its perspective, it became co-educational in 1979 and launched its own Commerce Department. A new feather was added in 2005 through the introduction of Post Graduate Studies in Zoology. 1947, the year of India’s independence is marked as the Diamond Jubilee of the college. The celebrations were inaugurated by Chakraborty Rajagopalachari. Upholding its rich tradition of excellence and generations of humanistic education, Bangabasi College had completed its centenary (100 years) in 1987. The college honored notable alumni such as Swami Lokeswarananda (Ramkrishna Mission), Dr. A.P. Mitra (Fellow of Royal Society (UK); Director General of CSIR) in centenary celebration. The college also celebrated its quasqui-centenary celebration (125 years) in 2012.
A prosperous heritage of this eminent institution lies in the dedication of the then students in the freedom movement against British rulers. The founder’s wise, broad and patriotic vision inspired them in the freedom struggle. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the great patriot and revolutionary came to this college to study after leaving the then Hindu College (later Presidency College). Notable figure Jatin Das, who became a martyr in the Lahore conspiracy case, was another eminent freedom fighter who studied here. Alumni like Batukeswar Dutta, Satish Samanta, Harinarayan Chandra, Durgamohan Bhattacharyya, Gobindalal Banerjee and others actively participated in India’s freedom struggle. On 9th August, 1942, many students and teachers were arrested for participating in the Quit India movement – a day still observed as Quit India Day, a unique tradition of our college. It is our distinctive feature, as no other college in India observes this day as a mark of respect.
Our main building constructed during the British era, was declared a Heritage Building by Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) in 2012. It is also another distinctive feature. Currently, we offer 26 subjects across Science, Arts, and Commerce, with all courses now structured as four-year degrees under the National Education Policy (NEP). To address space constraints, the government permitted us in 2019 to use the historic Bangabasi School building as our second campus, located 200 meters away from the main campus. Additionally, we are acquiring a building for a girls’ hostel not far from either campus. All facilities are within walking distance in central Kolkata, reflecting our commitment to academic expansion, thus uplifting the growth of infrastructure, holistic advancement and sustainable development of this century-old institute.
Various types of researches, innovation and infrastructural development were happened obtaining funds from different sources.
Bangabasi College has upgraded and modernized infrastructural facilities along with maintaining the green campus: There are five smart classrooms, ICT facilitated laboratories and classrooms in every department, NSDC- accreditated laboratory (Training Centre) for skill development courses, washrooms for boys, girls at each floor, and washrooms for physically challenged and transgenders. The facilities of CCTV monitoring are there at each floor of both the campuses, canteen, garden area and Tent playground. The green initiatives of the college include vertical and medicinal plant garden (AYUSH UDYAN) in both the campuses and in the tent playground. There is a powerful and active Solar Power System of 40 KVA., which plays a key role in reducing environmental carbon content, thus preserving saving greenery. Enhanced safety protocols (fire extinguishers), sick room with first-aid system, are in place. The college also holds ISO 9001:2015 certification.
Research works are carried out by our faculty members. According to NEP, the students of fourth year undergo their dissertation on research paper for getting their degree Honours with research. Some faculty members, including myself, supervise Ph.D. students. Active researches on Social Science, Biological Science & Computer Science are carried on very effectively. Our college hosts two incubation centers: one housing DST -FIST and DBT-BOOST laboratories with sophisticated, modern equipment for cell culture, anti-microbial activities testing, toxicological impact assessment etc. The other incubation center is the Solar Laboratory, equipped with solar technology. Researches utilize solar data (daily data of power generation, carbon-di-oxide emission, saving plantation), procured from grid-meter. The various methodologies of statistical analysis and Artificial Intelligence are applied on these data to quantify the reduction of carbon emission, contributing to a cleaner, greener and pollution-free environment.
To address the recent trend of declining admission in some subjects, and to keep pace with the modern global workforce, Bangabasi College has introduced industry-aligned skill development courses, including:
These courses provide job-oriented academic exposure parallel to the main B.A., B.Sc., and B.Com. streams, enabling students to find employment or become self-employed after graduation. The curricula of these courses were developed by our efficient and dedicated faculty members following the guidelines of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Some students have secured jobs in different skill sectors or become self-employed. The college has signed various Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with many other institutions, companies, Govt. and non-Govt. organizations to facilitate exchange of views, to acquire knowledge by the students for the enrichment of their skills in different fields. Recently in January, 2025, Bangabasi college received accreditation from National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to be treated as a Training Center of this reputed organization NSDC through Ramakrishna Math, Baghbazar of Ramkrishna Mission. This has become the contemporary achievement and recent milestone (2023-25) of the institution. Our Placement Cell tracks students’ employment and supports entrepreneurship initiatives. Placement tracking is also conducted for NSDC- certified learners.
Bangabasi College’s solar power system not only generates renewable energy, but also opens avenues in various ways resulting a good significant impact:
From the defiant origins of the college challenging colonial education policies to its current role as a skill-development leader imparting state-of-the-art education, Bangabasi College continues to blend humanistic values with 21st century innovation. Its alumni network, spanning academia, science, and public service, stands testament to its enduring mission: empowering minds to transform society. |