Portray the performance of the Institution in one area
distinctive to its priority and thrust:
In 2013, the region we serve was shrouded in educational
darkness that shrouded the region. Access to education was scarce, and the
desire for higher learning was almost non-existent. The socio-economic
conditions were far from favorable, posing significant obstacles for
students, particularly those belonging to the Scheduled Tribe (ST)
community, in pursuing higher education beyond their isolated communities.
A momentous turning point came when the Honorable Chief Minister, Mamata
Bandopadhyay, graced the remote area with her presence. Witnessing
firsthand the isolation and struggles faced by the ST community, she
realized the urgent need to uplift and empower these marginalized
students. Nature had entrusted them with the preservation of a cultural
heritage that existed long before the Aryan invasion, and yet, despite 73
years of Republic Day celebrations, they were still denied of the
opportunities for higher education, with almost 80% of seats reserved for
ST students in prestigious institutions like IITs remaining vacant.
Economic and geographical barriers had deprived them of realizing their
dreams of pursuing higher studies.
Fate had chosen our college to serve this underserved community, and we
embraced the noble mission of igniting the flame of education and
empowerment within ST students, against all odds. The initial challenge
was to instill in them the profound significance of higher education. Our
dedicated teachers formed groups and ventured into neighboring villages,
knocking on doors to kindle hope and make the students realize that
education held the key to unlocking their true potential.
However, we were not without our share of difficulties. One major hurdle
was the scarcity of faculty members in the Santali department.
Nevertheless, during the critical period until the first quarter of 2019,
Mr. Baidyanath Hansda emerged as an extraordinary force, shouldering the
herculean responsibility of single-handedly running the Santali Honours
program and other courses. His unwavering dedication and passion for
educating ST students left an indelible mark, nurturing a love for
learning and the preservation of their cultural roots. In 2019, another
ray of hope dawned upon us as Mr. Sunil Saren, an individual whose
dedication matched that of Baidyanath Hansda, joined our college as an
Assistant Professor of Santali. His arrival brought a transformative
moment for the ST students, seamlessly integrating into our mission of
empowerment and upliftment.
Yet, one significant challenge persisted – the feeling of detachment that
ST students experienced towards the college. We devised a strategy to
create an inclusive and nurturing environment to address this. Embracing
their local culture, we integrated traditional festivals like Karam Puja
and Baha into our annual celebrations. The graceful "Pata Dance" became a
symbol of unity as students took the lead in practicing and celebrating
their own cultural heritage with unwavering enthusiasm. This infusion of
pride bridged the gap, transforming the college into a second home where
ST students felt a profound sense of ownership and belonging.
However, the most formidable barrier was the dire economic condition
plaguing the community. To alleviate their financial burdens, our
scholarship committee worked tirelessly, securing government and private
scholarships to ensure that no deserving student was left behind.
Additionally, we made sure that all notices and communications were
available in a trilingual format – Bengali, English, and Santali –
fostering an inclusive environment that celebrated diversity.
Then, the unfortunate unyielding storm of the COVID-19 pandemic struck,
presenting a new challenge. ST students, unaccustomed to technology, faced
uncertainty. But we were determined not to let the pandemic quench their
aspirations. Our teachers embarked on a mission of one-on-one
communication, guiding the students through online platforms like Google
Classroom, Google Meet, and Zoom. Within a matter of days, the students
embraced technology, ensuring that their education sailed smoothly amidst
turbulent seas.
And so, finally, the moment of triumph arrived. ST students from our
college began their journeys to higher education, unlocking doors that
were once closed to them. Their brilliance shone through as many achieved
remarkable ranks in the University Examinations, National Eligibility
Tests for Lectureship and Junior Research Fellow positions, and other
prestigious examinations. The college's annual functions witnessed
esteemed members of the Santhal community gracing the occasion as special
guests, sparking a sense of pride among the local people.
Today, as we stand amidst the inspiring tale of our college's
transformation, we bask in the success of witnessing the glittering dreams
of higher education in the hearts of the children from these villages. In
less than a decade, the once-dimmed light of education now burns brightly
within the ST community. Our college's journey is a testament to the
unyielding power of education and the indomitable spirit of the ST
students, who, against all odds, rose like phoenixes to claim their
rightful place in the world.
In this portrait of inspiration, we take pride not only in our college's
achievements but also in the unwavering dedication of the honorable Chief
Minister, Mamata Bandopadhyay, who envisioned a brighter future for ST
students. This is a story of hope, resilience, and cultural preservation –
a story that inspires generations to come. As we continue on this journey,
we pledge to nurture and empower the ST students, ensuring that their
dreams soar to limitless heights. The triumph of empowering ST students is
a celebration of the human spirit, igniting a flame of inspiration that
will forever illuminate the path toward a better tomorrow
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