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‘On this day, let us celebrate our achievements, honour our past and embrace the boundless potential that lie ahead’, he said on the occasion.
Digital Desk: Cotton University
(erstwhile Cotton College) celebrated 122 glorious years of its existence with
the Foundation Day Programme at its KBR Auditorium here today.
The event flagged off with a welcome
address by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ramesh Chandra Deka who emphasised that Cotton University must serve as a
vibrant hub for research, inter-disciplinary discourse, and nurture a culture
of integrated thinking, creativity and social responsibility. ‘On this day, let
us celebrate our achievements, honour our past and embrace the boundless
potential that lie ahead’, he said on the occasion.
The Governor of Assam and Chancellor
of Cotton University, Gulab Chand Kataria was present at the event as the Chief
Guest. During his address, he credited Manik Chandra Baruah and his
contemporaries who during the British rule played an important role in
mobilising public opinion in favour of establishing Cotton College in Assam .
He said, ‘This institution has produced so many great personalities who have
brought laurels to this region and the country. In this regard, I particularly
acknowledge the teachers who play an important role in moulding the lives of
students.’
The prime attraction of the event was
the ‘Foundation Day Lecture’ which was delivered by distinguished meteorologist
and climatologist, Prof. Bhupendra Nath Goswami. During his address, Goswami
observed that in India as a whole and the Northeast region in particular, the
focus is largely on application research. However, he said that basic research
is of utmost importance and the foundation of any research. Goswami further
spoke on the fossil fuel dependent energy consuming industrial revolution and
how it has led to many climate related problems. ‘It is high time we relook at
our science and technology innovations. The question is- Should we continue
with the same science and technology innovations or should we think
differently?’, he added.
In another significant event of the
celebrations, the Durgeswar Sarma Memorial Award, an annual award instituted in
2017 for the students securing the highest marks in the undergraduate final
examination, was presented to Namrata Nath from the Physics Department. One
faculty member, Dr Arup Kumar Hazarika from the Department of Zoology was
honoured for his excellence in research. Dip Bhuyan, an alumnus of Cotton
University who was recently awarded with Rajat Kamal for his film ‘Manah aru
Manuh’ was also honoured on the occasion. Three student alumni achievers and around
45 students who were able to excel and achieve laurels in academics, sports and
cultural fields were also acknowledged during the event.
Earlier this morning, Assam CM Dr
Himanta Biswa Sarma who also graduated from the institution and served as the Cotton
College Union Society's (CCUS) general secretary during three periods, took to
his twitter handle and wrote, ‘It is an important day for every Cottonian.
Today is the Foundation Day of erstwhile Cotton College and now Cotton
University. As a Cottonian, I recall so many memories at this moment. On the
birthday of Cotton College, my
heartiest wishes to all associated with this institution.’ Education Minister
Dr. Ranoj Pegu also wished the VC, teachers, students and alumni of Cotton
University through his twitter handle.
The foundation day programme was
hosted by faculty members, Dr Sangeeta Barthakur and Dr Sayanika Dutta. The
Registrar, Prof. Diganta Kumar Das offered the formal vote of thanks.
The programme was largely attended by
faculty members, students, officers, non-teaching staff members, alumni, guests
and representatives from the media.
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