Assam down town University observes its 13th Foundation Day today

Digital Desk : Assam down town University located at Panikhaiti, Chandrapur, is one of the leading universities in North East India, promoted by the down town Charity Trust. The multi-disciplinary university was established in the year 2010 to respond to the need for academic excellence at an affordable cost for the people of the North-Eastern region. Twelve years hence, the University has successfully served as the gateway for professional and personal development for students from not only the North Eastern region but also from the rest of India and the neighbouring countries. It offers diploma, graduate, and postgraduate degrees in more than 60 disciplines with the active involvement of more than 250 teaching faculty which comprises an eclectic mix of both dynamic young faculty members, and experienced senior faculty members in all its study programmes. The university has emerged as the leading center of teaching and research offering PhD in different disciplines. Currently, students of 5 different nationalities are residing here for furthering their academic goals.

Today Assam down town University observed its 13th Foundation Day in the presence of its students, officials, faculty members, dignitaries and guests to commemorate the advancement of the past 12 glorious years. The programme commenced at with the Flag Hoisting Ceremony of the university flag by the Dean of Studies, Prof. Bandana Dutta and Honorable Vice Chancellor, AdtU which was followed by the singing of the university anthem. The national anthems of 6 countries, namely, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and South Korea were sung by the students from the respective countries. The Lamp Lighting Ceremony was carried out by all the dignitaries present. The Founder Vice-Chancellor of AdtU, Prof (Dr.) Nandita Choudhury also graced the occasion with her presence. She was felicitated by the Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Dr. Seema Sharma. A Borgeet Recital was held after which the Chief Guest, Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, Education Advisor to the Govt. of Assam, was felicitated by the Hon’ble Chancellor, Dr. N.N. Dutta. Dr. Seema Sharma gave a Welcome address, after which the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. N.C. Talukdar also presented his speech.Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta during his address spoke about the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) and the importance of its implementation. According to him, the new education policy aims to remove the strict compartmentalization of subjects so that students get the liberty to select and study the subjects that they are curious about and want to learn more about, thus aligning with their line of interest. To him, education has 4 main objectives: to know, to do, to be, and to live together. He emphasized that the final outcome of education should be to equip students with basic life skills. He also highlighted the fact that educators, teachers, and faculty have a significant role to play in understanding their students and in providing the tools so that they are able to reach their full potential. He appealed to the academic fraternity to go beyond marks and degrees, and support the all-around development of students so that they are equipped with the tools to face all challenges of life. He described each student as a “Jiban Brixha” (a tree) that has two parts, the root that represents the foundation, and the trunk that represents the mind and body.

An award distribution ceremony took place where the Hon’ble Chancellor, the Chief Guest and the dignitaries present distributed certificates and cash prizes to the awardees under various categories. The top 3 award categories were the Best Researcher Award conferred on Dr. Manash Pratim Pathak (Assistant Professor, Pharmaceutical Science), the Best Teacher in Responding and Executing Task (BTRET) Award presented to Dr. Saikat Sen (Professor, Pharmaceutical Science), and the Best Innovator Award bestowed on Dr. Sunandan Baruah (Dean of Research & Innovation). Several other awards were also distributed namely, Best Faculty of Studies Award, Award for Most Constructive Suggestions/ Maximum Suggestions for AdtU’s All-round development, and Best Supporting Staff Award. The Awards for the Faculty of the Month, Student of the Month, and Alumni of the Month were also presented. Special Appreciation Awards and Gold Coin distribution for 10 years of meritorious service also took place.

The Hon’ble Chancellor, Dr. N.N. Dutta and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. N.C. Talukdar also addressed the audience with encouraging words. A University student delivered a speech on behalf of the students. This was followed by a Cultural Programme comprising dances that displayed the rich cultural heritage of India and the North East. Eventually, the programme winded up by 2 pm with the singing of the State Anthem.