CHITTARANJAN COLLEGE : A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE (1967-2024)

Chittaranjan College, was founded in the year 1967, at the initiative of a few dedicated men led by the Late Shri Ranadeb Chowdhury and Late Shri Shyam Lal Mistry who took it upon themselves to establish this Institution of learning and named it Chittaranjan College after one of the most illustrious sons of India, Chittaranjan Das. To the community around, such an Institution is an invaluable social resource, an inspiration for development. To every literate person, an educational institution is like the shining star, the spectrum of which is not confined within a limited area but radiates in all possible directions. Advancement of education would therefore mean progress of civilization, 57 years (1967-2024) of an educational Institution is probably an indicator of such progress.

A focal point in the city’s transport network, Chittaranjan College is situated on Mahatma Gandhi Road, quite close to the world premier iconic seat of learning, University of Calcutta, College Street Campus. It is situated in the heart of the city’s academic area and is quite close to some feeder schools and has travelled a long way to become a renowned institution of higher education today. Behind its success story lies the munificence of the founder members, the constructive role of the trustees and the successive Governing Bodies of the college and above all the contribution, love and sacrifice of generations of students, teachers and non-teaching members of the institution and successive heads of the institution and our esteemed Principal. It is readily accessible from both Howrah and Sealdah Stations.

Presently the college is offering five undergraduate courses of B.A(English Hons, Bengali Hons.), B.A General, B.COM(Hons.) and B.COM (General). The curriculum of these courses is fixed by University of Calcutta from the academic year 2017-18 for B.COM (Hons. & General) and from 2018-19 for B.A(Hons. & General) according to CBCS Curriculum. Presently the college is following the NEP 2020(CCF-2022) as prescribed by the said university. The college is supporting the lower middle class of the society by providing formal education over its 57 years of journey. Along with its formal education many students of this college are actively engaged in various extra and co-curricular activities. With this limited strength, the college is striving to get accredited (NAAC) for the first time. Over the years, the College has consolidated its position as one of the premier institutions in the city, imparting learning in commerce, Computer Science and Humanities.

Some innovative measures were taken to provide more opportunities to students in various fields. Expansion and renovation of the college premises were undertaken and a Reading Room was constructed near the library. The library itself was refurbished with more shelves to accommodate a large number of books, current magazines and journals. A major academic step was the introduction of B.A. with Honours in English, Bengali. Thus the college now has full fledged B.A. Honours and B.A. General courses along with B.Com Honours and B. Com General courses. In order to keep abreast with trends in Information Technology, a fully air-conditioned Computer Room has been constructed for the use of students.

After the retirement of Dr. Nirmalendu Nath, Seniormost teacher in the Department of Bengali, Prof. Nandita Banerjee took the charge as Teacher-in-charge from 1st July 2006 to 22 November 2006 and efficiently ran the college. Dr. Shyamalendu Chatterjee joined our college as Principal on 23rd November, 2006. Dr. Paramita Das took over as Teacher-in-charge from June 13, 2023. Dr. Kana Mani Mukherjee joined the college as Principal on December 22, 2023.Presently the college is of Day Shift(from 11a.m. – 4 a.m.)having approved 6 Associate Professors, 7Assistant Professors, 10 SACT, 1 Full Time Librarian, 7 Non -Teaching staff and 3 Casual Staff.

From the word ‘go’, the dynamism and energy has become apparent during the growth. The College envisaged a vision of expansion wherein new streams of study/subjects were to be made available to the students. The Placement Cell arranged for various campus interviews and several students have already been selected and placed. More faculty members for the various departments of the college were incorporated.

The administration has a positive approach in matter relating to students and encourages students’achievements.Qualified and experienced teachers motivate students, provide counselling and assist the administration in the smooth running of academic affairs. The non-teaching staff of the college is equally supportive and helpful to students. Efforts are on the procure land, building for the further expansion of the college.With this limited strength the college is striving to get accredited (NAAC) for the first time.
We hope to reach new heights under the balanced and bold leadership of present Principal, who believes in ‘Dynamism is the Spirit of Life’.