Assam University, Silchar, Assam

Assam University

The well known and acclaimed Assam University is the teaching cum affiliating university that was established in the year 1994. The university campus is situated at Durgakona which is about 20 kilometers away from Silchar.

Located at the south of Assam, the Assam University shares the borders with Mizoram, Meghalaya, Bangladesh, Nagaland and Manipur. Assam University is spread on a wide area of 600 acres. The university has nine different schools offering courses in distinct fields of study that can include Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Humanities, Information Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Languages, Technology and Management Studies as well as Humanities. Under the nine schools, there are twenty nine different departments.

The faculty imparting knowledge to the aspiring students are drawn from various departments from all over the country thus giving the university a multidisciplinary approach towards the higher education.     

There are numerous facilities made available for the students so that there are no inconveniences faced by those coming from other parts of the country. Some of the basic facilities that can include computer centre, hostels, library, scientific equipments and transportation are made available for the students.

Earlier the hostel facility was not offered for the students but now there are accommodations for research scholars or students. There is one hostel each for boys and girls. Other than the hostels that are offered by Assam University, there are other privately owned hostels in the nearby areas of Dwarbond and Irongmara for the comfort of University students.

The computer centre inside the university campus is meant for the use both by the faculty of the departments as well as by the students.

Since the distance between Silchar and University is quite high, there is transport facility made available for the students. Keeping in mind the convenience of the students, there are two buses for the students that carries the students from Silchar to Campus and back to Silchar.  

Assam University’s decision prepared ground for student unrest

SILCHAR, Sept 10: Irresponsible and indecisive moves by the Assam University authority has virtually prepared a ground for student unrest in this premier institution. ABVP had already staged a dharna and road blockade twice in front of the University entrance demanding student body elections to be conducted before pujas, as announced, and subsequently postponed by the University authority.

Sources said, on Wednesday, ABVP cadres also burnt the effigy of vice chancellor Prof Tapodhir Bhattacharjee. It is to be noted that the University authority had earlier declared that direct election of the students’ union would be held on September 10, but, due to some unknown reason they subsequently retracted from the decision arguing that formal approval for holding election from the Ministry of Human Resources Development had not yet been received.

On this, the ABVP countered explanation questioning how come the University authority could declare the election date without formal approval from the concerned ministry, as claimed by the University. Dr Alok Sen, the acting Registrar, had reportedly admitted that it was their fault. But, sources indicated that the University authority had actually bowed down to the NSUI, the student wing of the Congress.

University authority, however, assured that the election would be held after the puja vacation. But ABVP countered that after the puja vacations, students would not be able to attend the election as they would be busy for their exams. ABVP suspected that the NSUI might take the advantage of the situation to get their candidates elected.

Meanwhile, NSUI in a press statement bounced backed with the allegation that the ABVP, with vested interest, is planning to vitiate the academic environment of the University. NSUI district president Mehboob Ahmed Barbhuiya claimed, the ABVP has no organizational base in the University as they had failed to form an unit in the university.

Welcoming the University’s decision to hold direct election for the first time, the NSUI leaders said they demanded creation of three additional posts for smoothening student participation. NSUI had sought the intervention of the district administration apprehending that the ABVP has allegedly hired some outsiders to create law and order situation inside the University campus. THE SENTINEL

National conference on biodiversity research at Assam University

National conference on biodiversity research

Correspondent
SILCHAR, March 22 – A three-day national conference on recent trends of biodiversity research was organised by Department of Life Sciences, Assam University, Silchar at Bipin Chandra Paul auditorium recently.

In the welcome address, Dr Manabendra Dutta Choudhury, Associate Professor said that many researches have taken place in the entire north east to boost diversity. For this reason University Grants Commission has sanctioned Special Assistance programme to this department. This has provided ample opportunity to conduct researches in the relevant subject.

In his presidential address, Prof Bhattacharjee said that this university is proud to have such talents for the workshop. He further said that this conference would have meaningful contribution from various learned experts from the field of biodiversity studies and allied subjects as well as development agencies. Thereby the conference would prove to be beneficial for the teachers and students of the department to a great extent. This conference is indeed timely because it aims at enriching us with meaningful inputs on the development issues in which academicians have legitimate share as well as participation, he said.

Prof GD Sharma, Pro VC and chairman of Organising Committee said that since north east is one of the hot spots of biodiversity of the world and so it is very pertinent that various issues related to biodiversity be discussed in this workshop This national conference has also provided the platform to Assam University for creating the interactive forum of academic collaboration for further researches in the field of Biodiversity.

Prof Gautam Biswas, Pro VC, Humanities and Allied Discipline, said that this type of conference which brings the researches of north east India to the mainstream national research scenario will be of immense importance. Dr PK Hazra, ex-chairman of Botanical Survey of India as guest of honour said that the biodiversity of our country has suffered a huge loss due to global climate change and over-exploitation of natural resources. This workshop will definitely add input in the relevant field. In the programme a souvenir cum abstract was also released. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Assam University conferred D Li degree to Dr Bhupen Hazarika

Higher education system must empower our youth: Kakodkar

SILCHAR, Feb 20 – “Our higher education system must empower our youth to feel confident about addressing the issues of development based on scientific and innovative inputs, tailored to the needs of our society,” Dr Anil Kakodkar, chairman, Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, Govt of India said as a chief guest in the Xth Assam University convocation. Governor Shiv Charan Mathur was also present on the occasion as the guest of honour, .

Dr Kakodkar said that convocation in a solemn occasion in the annual calendar of an institution of learning. It is a memorable milestone in the career span of a student, his or her mentors and everyone connected with the pursuit of knowledge in the university.

He further said that education is a route to enlightenment and a tool for empowerment. If carried out effectively education can transform our youth into a huge “human capital”, and make India one of the most powerful nations of the world.

Mr Kakodkar hoped that one should maintain a sprit of trust while raising higher contribution in whatever way one can to the society and the country, the institution.

In the presidential address, Prof Topadhir Bhattacharrjee, VC, Assam Varsity said that the university believes in team work and participatory management. The university strength is our faith in togetherness by duty of which it has recently been able to compete the networking in the major portioned of the campus. With the sustain effort, the university set in to motion several construction project under OBC grant and more than 70 teaching and 20 non-teaching posts have been added.

As the guest of honour, Shiv Charan Mathur said that education never ends One gets educated every day and continues to learn till the end comes. He felt proud that this country has that honour of having scientists like Archarjee JC Bose Prof M Saha, Prof V Raman, Dr H Bhava, Dr B Sarabhai, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Prof JV Narlikar and other numerous scientists who have made a name in their own sphere of work and made the country proud.

In the convocation, Dr Bhupen Hazarika, Dr S Parsuraman and Chittotosh Mukerjee were conferred D Li degree, and S Hussein and PR Sarup were conferred D SC degree. source: assam tribune

Convocation of Assam University today

SILCHAR, Feb 15: The 10th Convocation of Assam University would be held on February 16 (Monday) at Netaji Auditorium which would begin at 10 am. Dr Anil Kakodkar, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, GOI, will be the chief guest and deliver the convocation address. Shiv Charan Mathur, Governor of Asom and Chief Rector of the University, will be the guest of honour.

Dr Bhupen Hazarika, doyen of music of Assam, Dr S Parshuraman, Director of Mumbai TISS and former Chief Justice of Mumbai and Kolkata High Court would be honoured with D Lit degrees. S Hussain, Vice Chancellor of Hyderabad University and P R Swarup, Director General of CIUDC, New Delhi would be awarded D.Sc degrees. Prof Dr Tapodhir Bhattacharjee, Vice Chancellor, Assam University, will preside over the convocation. source: the sentinel assam

Assam University foundation day

Foundation day: The 16th foundation day of Assam University was observed on January 21, 2009. The flag of the university was hoisted by Prof Tapodjir Bhattacharjee, Vice Chancellor, Assam University. On the occasion ex-vice-chancellor of North Eastern Hill University, Prof Mrinal Miri was present as the chief guest.

In the foundation day lecture, Prof Mrinal Miri spoke about the value of education. There is a great role of teachers, non-teaching staff and students in the socio-economic development. Higher education has a greater impact in the process of globalization.

In his presidential address, Prof Tapodhir Bhattacharjee said it was definitely a red letter day for the whole Assam University community. He assured that in the coming years the development will be in real sense of the term. Prof Bhattacharjee sought cooperation from each and every corner of the society in the development of the university.

The Assam University journal and newsletters was released on the occasion by the chief guest. Besides this, a book on development strategy for Barak Valley by JB Bhattacharjee was also released. University Ratna Award was also conferred on three non-teaching staff, Ajoy Paul, B Shing and Samar Seal Sharma. Two new buildings were also inaugurated by the chief guest. Lastly the programme ended with of cultural programme.

Silchar bandh: The ten hour Silchar bandh called by the All Cachar Karimganj Hailakandi Students Association (ACKHSA) from 5 am to 3 pm on January 27, evoked good response in Silchar town.

The bandh was only restricted to the municipal area. Though a number of ACKSHA activists including top leaders, were held by the police in different places, the bandh was generally peaceful. source: assam tribune

Assam University celebrates foundation day

CORRESPONDENT
SILCHAR, Jan 25 – The Assam University celebrated its 15th foundation day on January 21.

Professor Tapodhir Bhattacharjee, Vice Chancellor hoisted the university flag on the occasion, while Professor Bhusan Bhattacharjee, the founder Vice Chancellor, was the chief guest. This was followed by a ‘kabi sanmelan’ and a recitation programme where the Vice Chancellor took part actively.

Addressing the University fraternity, Professor Jayanta Bhushan Bhattacharjee said that the University has reached another milestone today. But improved teaching standards would be a further step towards its development.

In another addressal, Professor Tapodhir Bhattacharjee assured the people to take sure and certain steps for the development of Assam University. He said that the foundation day was a red letter day for him as well as the University. He urged everyone to cooperate with him.

Eminent poets like Chabbi Gupta, Subir Kar and others were also present in the occasion. source: assam tribune

Assam University on way to academic excellence

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Assam University on way to academic excellence

: Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Jan 20: “Assam University during the past two years has streamlined the academic sector and re–invoked its fundamental commitment towards the intelligentsia of the region and the academic aspirations of the students and researchers in sciences, social sciences, humanities and fine arts”, pointed out vice-chancellor Dr Tapodhir Bhattacharya while talking to media persons on the eve of the 16th Foundation Day of the University in the conference hall of the University at Dargakoona, 18 kms from here.

He shared with the journalists how this University has made rapid strides in building up academic infrastructure for better teaching-learning in order to reach excellence. He revealed that the School of Technology has come up with the opportunity of technical education in the field of information, technology and agricultural engineering.

The department of science has received special assistance programme from the University Grants Commission and is engaged in continuous research in various unexplored sectors of knowledge which he said will be beneficial for the entire scientific community of the country.
He further pointed out that the departments of science, physics and chemistry have been granted facilities for infrastructure of science and technology by the Department of science and technology by the Government of India. The department of bio-technology has also sanctioned bio-informatics centre to the University.

In other departments and integrated courses, the University has opened up vast possibilities of research and knowledge-acquisition. Seminars and conferences at national and international levels are being organized by all the faculties. NAAC assessment recently has brought pride for this centre of education.

Dr Tapodhir Bhattacharya further pointed out that special grants under OBC has been provided by the UGC to create more facilities and opportunities to students.

The University is trying hard to cope up with the professional requisites of students and researchers in terms of MoU and joint programmes with other Universities.
He said all such ideals and approaches are extended to its Diphu Campus.

The vice-chancellor also spoke about the proposed departments during the ninth plan which included earth sciences, electronics, telecommunications, microbiology, library science and school of medical and paramedical sciences.

New centres of studies in the offing are on endangered languages, manuscriptology and folk studies, centre for bio diversity and nature resources conservation and centre for soft matters.
Summing up, he said massive infrastructure upgradation has been taken up for all faculties and departments. source: sentinel assam

Journalist Amit Nag remembered

Correspondent
SILCHAR, Jan 7 – Eminent journalist of Assam and well known ambassador of Barak Valley, Amit Nag was remembered at Silchar Press Club on his 76th birthday.

In this connection a programme named ‘Amit Nag Memorial Award-2008’ was organised at the club premises.

In his presidential address, Atin Das, poet and eminent journalist of Barak Valley said that Amit Nag’s contributions to the journalism of Barak Valley is really remarkable. He took journalism as a mission, not as a profession. Nag’s news was factual, not fabricated. Today’s journalists are not accustomed to such drive. Amit Nag was a honest and courageous journalist.

The Amit Nag Memorial Award was given to Airiddhi Bhattacharjee, who secured first class first position from the Department of Mass Communication, Assam University, Silchar. A citation along with a cash prize of Rs 1,500 was presented to Airiddhi by Purabi Nag, wife of Amit Nag in the presence son Apritam Nag. The president of the Press Club SK Kairi, secretary, Shankar Dey and others dignitaries attended the function. source: assam tribune

International seminar at Assam University Silchar

Correspondent SILCHAR, Dec 2 – A three-day-long international seminar was organised by the Department of Bengali, Assam University, Silchar recently at Bipin Chandra Paul seminar hall. The seminar was on Buddhadev Basu and his contributions to Indian literature and social philosophy.
The seminar was inaugurated by Prof Damayanti Basu by lighting the lamp. The chief guest of the seminar was Prof Shrisendhu Mukherjee whereas Hayat Mamud of Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh and Prof Swapna Devi from Assam University were guests of honour.
In the keynote address, Udhay Naryana Singh, director, Central Institute of Indian Language said that the contribution of Buddhadev Basu to modern Indian literature is indeed remarkable. Basu’s literature basically emphasises how one person can easily travel from one era to another to find a path. He further said that regarding this he also along with Dr Nagarjuna inaugurated a study centre in Hyderabad.

The welcome address was given by Bela Das, HoD, Department of Bengali. The programme was presided over by VC i/c Prof Gautam Biswas. Dr Biswatosh Choudhury, Reader, Bengali dept, Assam University gave vote of thanks. The inaugural song was presented by Sucharita Choudhury, lecturer of Bengali, Cachar College.

Dusty town: The main roads of Silchar town are in a shabby condition. These roads are under repair for a long time. The half repaired road is creating dust which is affecting the people mostly the school children. It has been noticed that in every house one person is suffering from the dust allergy.

The problem has occurred due to the sudden discontinuation of Master Drainage Project. This drainage project is in a half done condition. The main road from Capital Travel to Holy Cross School is being repaired at a very slow progress. Sometimes the roads become so critical that during day time a dusty haze prevails.

The people said that dust is not allowing them to go out from the house. It is also affecting their day to day work. On the other hand, ill-effect of dust is cough which spreads in the houses very quickly. A long queue has been noticed in the chamber of the doctor with such complaints specially of the children.

Sources said that Silchar Municipality Board (SMB) is responsible for watering the road. But SMB is not showing any responsibility regarding this. On the other hand, Sudip Dutta, vice chairman, SMB said the roads are under the PWD. The repairing work is done under this department. The contractors are being paid for watering on the road. However, the public is unaware of this fact. Although for public interest, the SMB provided watering for some days which cost three lakh rupees. But payment is still due. Dutta has regretted the problem faced by the public.source: assam tribune

Assam University marching ahead

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Partha Sarkar SILCHAR, Dec 15 – This is the first time in the North-east and fifth in India that Assam University, Silchar is going to have ST-RADAR on the campus. The ST-RADAR will be configured as an active aperture distributed phase array using state of the art solid state RT modules and digital signal processing techniques, to cover a higher region from 0.5 km to 20 km covering the troposphere slightly beyond the tropopause into the lower stratosphere.A team of scientists comprising 20 members recently visited the campus. The team identified the place where it is to be placed, said Prof Topodhir Bhattacharjee, VC, Assam University at a press conference organised at Silchar Press Club recently. Bhattacharjee said ST-RADAR will be a new extant to Assam University. This will be a paradise for the scientists all over India. To complete ST-RADAR Rs 50 crore has been received.Prof Bhattacharjee said that after joining as Vice Chancellor, his prime motto was to complete Diphu campus. There was dilemma about Diphu campus before Bhattacharjee’s joining as VC. Within few days this problem was solved and Diphu campus was started. Now Diphu campus has six departments.At the time of NAAC assessment, Prof Bhattacharjee formed a dedicated team. The team was instrumental in contributing to the Assam varsity tag of rational stature. The varsity got 285 which was earlier graded as B++. Prof Bhattacharjee emphatically said that except NEHU no other university has got this grade in North East India. The UGC team recently visited the university and showed that some developments are on the way in XI plan. Prof Bhattacharjee said that in the recruitment process more emphasis will be given to teachers. Regarding this he has already approached the UGC. At the same time due emphasis would be laid on employment of non-teaching staff as also setting up an engineering cell. Despite huge ongoing construction on the campus there was earlier no such engineering cell. Prof Bhattacharjee added that the university contributed in terms of socio-economic development. The university was built amidst much trails and tribulations. After a long struggle this university came into being. That’s why it is the dream for the people of Barak Valley. Every department is contributing to the socio-economic development in their own way. Ecology department is developing the surrounding area with ecological development such as rainwater harvesting. source: assam tribune

Beacons of modern art

A stroll around the State Art Gallery in Rabindra Bhawan, where four painters from Assam University, Silchar, held an exhibition titled Why 4 left little scope to ask “whys” but did make one lip a lot of “thank gods”.

Well, thank god that at least contemporary art in Assam is extracting some “wows” when music and theatre draw only dubious “mixed reactions” and cinema is almost missing. Inaugurated by painter-filmmaker Pulak Gogoi on August 27, the exhibition had 30 splendid artworks on display.

Artist Sivan G, who originally hails from Kerala, stood out for his refreshing perspective, with an extensive use of lines and patches, which created a sense of abstraction.The works were striking for the near-absence of human figures.

Of the very few that had human forms, the one titled Imperative Song must be mentioned.
It shows a black girl placed in three different segments, in white, red and yellow attires.
The composition is simply marvellous.

Meghali Goswami, probably the only one from Assam to have earned a PhD in modern art, showed 12 of her paintings — mostly human figures in various moods.
The one titled Perception, showing a human face with different technological elements was arresting. The use of circles and straight lines besides the haunting colour scheme made the work spellbinding.

Nirmal Kanti Roy’s works are a celebration of “openness” amid the chaos of modern life. The common element in all his works is a tree leaf and the dominant hues are green and red.
Another significant aspect of his work is movement, which he creates by means of fantastic curves.

The work titled Lenient Imitation, too, bears the stamp of Roy’s distinct imaginative design and colour sense. Baharul Islam Laskar, like Goswami, concentrates on human form and kicks up a restlessness and disturbance through his lines. source: telegraph india

NAAC team lauds Assam University

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Correspondent SILCHAR, Aug 27 – A peer team of National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) applauded Assam University for its performance recently. The team included four members who were in the university for the assessment and accreditation purpose.The team in the exit meeting expressed satisfaction over the academic progress and achievement of the varsity. In the meeting, a letter was given to Prof Topadhior Bhattacharjee, VC, Assam University in which team’s critical study of the university was included.The team members said that “The university is located in the remote corner of the country. But being in the remote corner, it is still marching ahead. It is certain that due to its geographical location, it may have to face many obstacles. With these obstacles, the university will come to international level, they hoped.The team offered a couple of suggestions for the uplift of the university. They suggested internet connection at all levels, introduction of credit base system, closer rapport with affiliated colleges, centralised administrative function, stress on woman studies, etc.The team also expressed satisfaction at the adherence to guidelines in respect of administration of OBC and minority students.In the valedictory function Prof GD Sharma, Pro VC, S Sengupta, Registrar, Dr Bibhas Dey, Deputy Registrar, Dr Niraranjan Roy, Dr M Dutta Choudhury were present at the function. source: assam tribune

Assam University to form sports board

SATANANDA BHATTACHARJEE Source: Telegraph India Hailakandi, May 20:

Assam University, Silchar has decided to constitute a sports board in the university for the development of sports infrastructure in the three Barak Valley districts. A meeting was organised in this connection on the university campus under the chairmanship of vice-chancellor Tapadhir Bhattacharjee. Officials of the District Sports Associations of Silchar, Hailakandi and Karimganj attended the meeting, while some veteran players were also present.

The speakers urged the university officials to take steps to pave the way for the development of sports infrastructure in various colleges of Barak Valley and the adjoining hill districts. They proposed that the university make provisions for special funds to develop sports infrastructure at educational institutions under Assam University to encourage college students to participate in sports. Retired FIFA referee Mrinal Kanti Roy, sports organiser-cum-veteran athlete Samsul Haque Barbhuiya and the president and secretaries of district sports associations of Hailakandi and Karimganj addressed the meeting.

Mudslide kills five including a pregnant woman in Cachar

- Victims include a pregnant woman engaged by DRDA in earth-cutting Source: Telegraph India


A crowd gathers at the site where the five labourers were killed in a mudslip on Tuesday. A Telegraph picture
Silchar May 20: A pregnant woman filling in for a relative was among five road workers killed in an avalanche on hill they were cutting in a Cachar village this afternoon.

Around 12, villagers of Srinagar, about 5km from Silchar, heard a huge roar followed by wails from the hill where labourers engaged by the Cachar District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) were collecting soil for laying a road to Rajartilla village.

“Suddenly there was a roar, and before we could gauge what was happening, huge mounds of mud, along with loose soil, came rolling down the hillock,” said Amulaya Das, a peasant.
The earth-cutting had begun since morning and by the noon there was a gaping hole in the hill.

All the victims — Bhanu Das, 65, Nanda Das, 48, Sagar Bagti, 28, Raghunath Rabidas, 30, and Soma Bagti, 25 — were working for the DRDA under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.

Soma was five months’ pregnant and was not supposed to report for duty, as her name did not figure on the list of workers for today.
She was included following a last-minute change in the list after one of her relatives, who was also enlisted as a worker in the programme, pleaded for replacement.

Soma’s inconsolable mother kept repeating how she had been looking forward to the birth in the family by end-September.
The two injured, Suhit Malakar and Birbal Malakar, were taken to Silchar Medical College and Hospital in Ghoonger. The expenses were borne by the district administration.

Cachar deputy commissioner Goutam Ganguli said he has ordered monetary relief of Rs 50,000 each to the next of kin of the deceased under the chief minister’s Jibanjyoti scheme.

Policemen were deployed in the village after angry residents threw stones at a few cars and trucks to protest the “mishap”.
A magisterial probe has been ordered into the circumstances leading to the mishap. Cachar DRDA director Naresh Ghosh, who is also an additional deputy commissioner, will conduct the inquiry and submit the report in a week’s time.