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TEZPUR: In a significant boost for higher education, Tezpur’s prestigious Darrang College has been conferred autonomous status by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The announcement brought a wave of joy and celebration to the campus, marked by the presence of Sonitpur, Tezpur MP Ranjit Dutta, who joined college faculty, alumni, and students in a felicitation programme for Principal Dr Palashmoni Saikia.
The official recognition letter from UGC’s Joint Secretary Dr R Manoj Kumar was formally received by college authorities on Wednesday evening. In Thursday’s celebration, Dr Saikia was warmly felicitated by the Teachers’ Association, Alumni Association, Employees’ Union, and the Students union. The ceremony, held in the presence of nearly all faculty members, was anchored by Prof Dr Swapnali Kakoti and chaired by Dr Khageshwar Barkakati, retired professor and Governing Body President.
In his address, Dr Saikia expressed heartfelt gratitude, calling the recognition both a proud moment and a validation of the college’s consistent academic efforts. He highlighted the institution’s rich legacy, with more than 5,500 students and 135 faculty members, and laid out an ambitious vision for the future. He announced that several new academic programmes would be launched within the next five years. The college will introduce a Japanese language course beginning this academic year and plans are underway to start postgraduate programmes in all departments within five years. Dr Saikia also revealed the college’s long-term objective of being upgraded to a Deemed University within the next 15 years.
During the event, MP Ranjit Dutta, an alumnus of the 1976 batch, took a nostalgic trip down memory lane as he shared anecdotes from his student life. Recognizing the college’s achievements, he announced a 25 lakh rupees grant from his MP fund for the institution’s development.
During the programme, Tezpur MLA Prithiraj Rava, also a former student, visited the college and extended his congratulations. Others who conveyed their warm wishes included Education Minister Dr Ronoj Pegu, former education minister Brindaban Goswami, AMTRON Vice-Chairman Ritubaran Sharma, Sonitpur DC Ankur Bharali, and ADC (Education) Kavita Kakoti Konwar.
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