Founded in 1973 at Betai, a remote border village of Nadia under Tehatta Sub-Division, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar College has endured for fifty remarkable years, observing and experiencing various historical and societal transformations, all while remaining steadfast as a guiding institution for education. From my position as principal, I am impressed by the activities of the local people who have successfully guided the college to its current prestigious status. I am also thankful to the hon’ble president, Sri Tapas Kumar Saha, and other hon’ble members of the governing body for their constant support and inspiration, which play a very significant role in the academic as well as administrative development of our beloved institution. I feel a mixture of awe and pride to be part of a longstanding tradition that not only helps students excel academically but also encourages their personal growth, leadership skills, and involvement in extracurricular and co-curricular activities. I am privileged to have a committed and proficient team of educators who have consistently been the catalyst for the advancement of the college.
Betai, a remote border village of Nadia, was predominantly covered by dense forests until the 1970s. The majority of the inhabitants in this area are rootless refugees who originated from the region formerly known as East Pakistan. Following the partition in 1947 and the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, these individuals moved to this locality. These homeless individuals demonstrated a sincere desire to provide education for their children, leading them to establish an educational institution after the name of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the key figure of the Indian Constitution.
The college first obtained affiliation from the University of Calcutta, but in 1999, the affiliation was shifted to the newly established Kalyani University. Despite many challenges, the college has consistently remained committed to upholding the highest intellectual standards by maintaining strong academic integrity. The college is dedicated to creating an educational experience that motivates students to perceive critically by fostering analytical and independent thinking. The college was founded with the assistance of local people and their selfless revolution and resistance. Hence, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar College is the result of the revolution and struggle of the common people of this locality.
Currently, the college offers 11 UG (major) subjects under New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, along with a certificate course in “Computer Application." It is also very significant to note that the college has organised various international, national, and state-level seminars, conferences, and special lectures to explore different crucial issues (environmental issues, gender issues, and cultural issues) in our contemporary world. The future vision of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar College lies in the introduction of science streams, vocational curricula, ad-on courses, and business and management courses within a span of two years from now.
As a recognition of our collective effort towards excellence, the college has achieved ‘C’ and ‘B’ grades in two successive NAAC accreditations in 2009 and 2016. The Central Library contains over 21,000 books, spanning from those acquired in the 19th century to the most recent and updated editions. The students have access to a large reading room that is designed to be quiet and encourages them to fully engage in the enriching experience of studying the books and reputed academic journals. Besides, we have separate departmental rooms, a solar energy system, two purified hot and cold water systems, a well-equipped conference hall, an eco-park, a plastic-free campus, and a virtual class room. In the era of the Anthropocene, when human activities are becoming the sole reason for the global environmental crisis, we strongly value the harmonious coexistence between humans and non-humans. Hence, our college is covered with greenery that reconfirms our connection with Mother Nature by dispelling the human-centric worldview of the contemporary world.
The college takes pride in its prestigious alumni association, which includes distinguished individuals from the fields of academia and administration. The alumni association is highly engaged in various activities and regularly arranges meetings to raise funds for college welfare, social welfare initiatives, and cultural events.
As the head of the institution, I observe with amazement the consistent influx of students each year as they grow and develop from inexperienced individuals to strong and capable individuals who not only become independent but also offer assistance and support to others by embracing the philosophy of pluralism. As I gaze upon the crest of the college, I come to understand the profound significance of the concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, which means “The world is one family”. The college has symbolised this concept for all of its students, both past and present, representing a continuous transition from darkness to light.
I am privileged and exceedingly proud to serve and lead the college where I started my career as a lecturer in 2006. My strong passion for education and deep attachment to this academic institution have motivated me to strive for a comprehensive and culturally inclusive educational environment where each individual receives sufficient support and encouragement to achieve their goals. Nevertheless, we maintain a proactive approach and continuously enhance our abilities to provide the community with exceptional education. With the continuous selfless support of the local community, our students, staff, parents, alumni, well-wishers, and benefactors, I am certain that we will thrive, prosper, and make a positive impact on society.
