Reviving the Legacy of Bajali College: A Community's Emotional Appeal
The Historical Significance of Bajali College
Patacharkuchi, Dec 3: The rich history of Bajali College continues to evoke strong feelings among the residents of the Bajali area. Founded in 1955 in a simple room in Pathsala, the college was established through the dedicated efforts and financial support of the local farming community, becoming a source of pride and inspiration for many students over the years.
The college was literally built on the hard work and resources of local farmers, who sold their agricultural products to finance its initial development. Over the decades, Bajali College emerged as a vital institution for higher education in Assam, significantly impacting the academic landscape and shaping the futures of countless individuals.
Yet, this proud legacy now feels like a distant memory.
Transition to Bhattadev University
In 2017, during the administration of then Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Bajali College was transformed into Bhattadev University through the Bhattadev University Act, 2017. This change was celebrated as a significant achievement for the Bajali community. The first vice chancellor took office on June 24, 2019, with hopes that the college's legacy would thrive within the university framework.
However, the situation shifted when the new Bhattadev University campus was established at Medhikuchi in the newly created Bhawanipur-Sarbhog constituency. As soon as this new facility became operational, the expansive 52-bigha campus of the original Bajali College in Pathsala began to face an uncertain future.
The relocation of the university has left Pathsala, once a prominent educational center in Assam, without a single fully operational degree college. This has led to significant academic challenges for students in the area, resulting in growing frustration not only in Pathsala but throughout Bajali. Consequently, there has been a renewed public demand for the reinstatement of Bajali College at its original location.
Community Calls for Restoration
Recently, the calls for the revival of Bajali College have intensified. Various local organizations and residents have urged for the restoration of the institution while allowing Bhattadev University to operate independently at its new site.
In response to these sentiments, a delegation led by Patacharkuchi MLA and Cabinet Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass, along with members of the Pathsala Bazaar Committee and local intellectuals, met with Assam’s Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu on November 29 at the Assam Legislative Assembly. They advocated for the recognition of the historic Bajali College as a constituent college under Bhattadev University.
Notable representatives from the region, including Assam Saurav awardee Krishna Roy, retired principal Murari Mohan Dutta, and AASU leader Parsha Patgiri, emphasized the emotional and academic significance of Bajali College during their discussions with the Education Minister.
Minister's Assurance and Future Plans
Dr. Pegu assured the delegation that he would thoroughly review the matter and expressed his intention to visit Bajali for discussions with the vice chancellor and the university management committee, along with local stakeholders.
For the Bajali community, this demand transcends administrative concerns; it is deeply rooted in their emotional connection to the college, which symbolizes their pride, identity, and long-standing commitment to educational advancement in the region.
Meanwhile, Dr. Dhanpati Deka, the current vice chancellor of Bhattadev University, stated that the former Bajali College will continue to operate as the old campus of the university. He mentioned that the transition to the new site will occur gradually, with the old campus being utilized in the future, particularly for the Arts stream.