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From Principal’s Desk
The concept of education, vast and multidimensional, encompasses an expansive range of meanings. Swami Vivekananda's oft-quoted and widely acclaimed definition resonates powerfully: "Education is the manifestation of the perfection already in man." Deep-rooted in our Indian scriptures is the proclamation, "Sa Vidyaya Ya Vimuktaye," emphasizing the transformative power of education. But what does it liberate us from? Education liberates us from the clutches of ignorance, poverty, ill health, superstition, mean-mindedness, all forms of bigotry, and the pervasive evils that impede the progress of human civilization, hindering the creation of a truly magnificent world. Education stands as one of the most fundamental and indispensable needs of human existence. Aristotle aptly declared that it is better to remain unfed than untaught, highlighting the stark contrast between an educated individual and one who lacks knowledge—the distinction between a life lived fully and one spent in mere existence.
India, a land of great splendor and boundless potential, stands at the crossroads of a complex reality. Even after seventy-five years of independence, a vast segment of our population remains ensnared in the chains of ignorance, deprived of the fundamental necessities of life. Widespread poverty continues to cast its dark shadow, with a staggering forty percent of the population languishing below the poverty line. A significant proportion of our people lacks even the most basic literacy skills, accounting for more than half of the world's illiterate population—surpassing the combined illiteracy rates of the entire African continent. The gross enrolment ratio, both at the elementary and higher levels, falls far short of our expectations, and the alarming number of dropouts paints a grim picture. In the realm of higher education, India lags far behind several developing nations, let alone the advanced ones. These challenges persist despite the rhetoric surrounding the Right to Education Act, Education for All initiatives, the Sarvasiksha Abhijaan program, the introduction of midday meals, and the ban on child labor. While progress has been made, much work remains on this arduous journey. In the immortal words of the poet, we have "miles to go" before we reach our desired destination.
Murshidabad district in West Bengal, classified as an educationally backward region by the UGC, exemplifies the profound challenges we confront. In this context, Nagar stands as a testament to the glaring educational deficiencies that plagued the region for far too long. Like numerous other rural areas in West Bengal and across our vast nation, Nagar's roots lie in agrarian traditions, heightening the urgency for higher education. With this noble vision in mind, our college was established in 1998, with a modest enrollment of only 52 students, many of whom were the first in their families to embark on a journey of learning. Over time, the sapling has grown into a magnificent tree, branching out to fulfill the educational aspirations of over 2000 learners from diverse walks of life. This remarkable accomplishment is credited to all who have been directly and indirectly involved in nurturing this sacred institution of learning. Undoubtedly, challenges persist, but we firmly believe in the adage that "tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection." Our extraordinary odyssey on the path of education has commenced, and we wholeheartedly embrace the immortal and indomitable spirit encapsulated in the resounding words "charaibeti charaibet"—a clarion call to march forward with unwavering determination towards a brighter tomorrow.
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