Biswabrata Goswami
KRISHNAGAR, 2 JAN: With Vedic chants resonating across its academic campus and Rabindranath Tagore’s Anandaloke Mangalaloke setting a reflective tone, Kanyashree University on Friday marked its Foundation Day with a commemorative programme that underscored its growing role as a beacon of women’s education and empowerment in West Bengal’s Nadia district.
Held on 2 January at the University’s Academic Campus in Krishnagar, the event brought together policymakers, academics, writers, administrators and students to reflect on the institution’s journey and reaffirm its founding vision. Minister of Science, Technology and Biotechnology, Government of West Bengal, Ujjwal Biswas, attended the programme as the chief guest.
Among the distinguished guests were Prof. (Dr.) Tapati Chakraborti, Vice-Chancellor of Kanyashree University; Dr. Arpita Chatterjee, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Botany, Barasat College, and Founder Director of IICAT; writer and journalist Dipanwita Ray; noted author Tamal Bandyopadhyay along with several other eminent personalities from academic, administrative and cultural spheres.
Addressing the gathering, Registrar Krishnendu Rakshit stressed the need for deeper student engagement in academic projects, research work and institutional activities. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening research methodology among faculty members and nurturing a more meaningful teacher–student relationship to sustain academic excellence and institutional growth.
In her address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Tapati Chakraborti said Kanyashree University was established in alignment with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s vision of women’s empowerment. She observed that beyond academic instruction, the University plays a vital role in fostering mental development, confidence and self-belief among young women, enabling them to emerge as independent and empowered individuals.
Chief guest Ujjwal Biswas extended New Year greetings to students and faculty and reflected on the significance of Kalpataru Utsav, invoking the ideals and teachings of Swami Vivekananda. Emphasising value-based education, he urged students to grow into responsible citizens guided by ethics and social commitment. The Minister assured that the state government remains steadfast in its support for students, particularly in strengthening infrastructure, education and research facilities.
Writer and journalist Dipanwita Ray spoke on the distinctive identity of Kanyashree University, recalling the launch of the Kanyashree Scheme in 2013 by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. She noted that the scheme, aimed at preventing child marriage, curbing trafficking and promoting women’s economic empowerment, found a natural extension in the establishment of a university dedicated exclusively to women.
Author Tamal Bandyopadhyay reflected on the cultural significance of locating the University in Krishnagar, a town with a rich intellectual and artistic legacy. He emphasised the importance of correct pronunciation and effective use of both Bengali and English, underscoring language as a vital tool of expression and empowerment.
Dr. Arpita Chatterjee, in her remarks, described Kanyashree University as a unique realisation of the Chief Minister’s vision — a university solely for women — calling it a landmark in the field of women’s education in the state.
A key highlight of the programme was the formal release of the University’s Annual Report for the previous academic year, detailing academic achievements, research initiatives and future plans. The celebration concluded with cultural performances by students, including dance, music and recitation, which drew warm appreciation from the audience and added a vibrant note to the Foundation Day observance.
