Explore a comprehensive overview of Bhattadev University, Bajali, covering its history, academic excellence, infrastructure, objectives, and contributions to higher education in Assam. Learn about its transformative journey and key milestones.
Credit: Bhattadev University (Official website)
Bhattadev University, Bajali
Establishment and Historical Significance
Bhattadev University, Bajali was established on June 24, 2019, symbolizing the realization of a long-cherished aspiration of the people of Bajali sub-division. The University began its journey with Prof. Birinchi Kumar Das taking over as its first Vice-Chancellor. It evolved from the prestigious Bajali College, a renowned institution with a legacy of over six decades. Bhattadev University was formally constituted under the Bhattadev University Act, 2017, which received the assent of the Governor on October 16, 2017.
Naming and Legacy of Bhattadev
The University is named after Baikunthanath Bhagavat Bhattacharya, popularly known as Bhattadev, a distinguished scholar who is considered the father of Assamese prose. Bhattadev’s profound expertise in Sanskrit grammar and literature, as well as a deep understanding of the Srimad Bhagavata Purana, earned him the title of Bhagavat Bhattacharya.
Bajali College: Foundation of Excellence
Bajali College, the predecessor of Bhattadev University, exemplified the vision and dedication of the eminent personalities of Bajali and the sacrifices of the local agricultural community. The college was established with the proceeds from the sale of rice by the locals. Bajali College rose to prominence from its humble beginnings in 1955 under the leadership of eminent scholar Kameshwar Das, who obtained a first division in MSc from the University of Calcutta. It became one of the finest institutions for science education in Assam.
Academic Achievements of Bajali College
The college started postgraduate courses in Geography and Zoology in the 1980s, with the Department of Geography being the second oldest postgraduate programme in Assam after the Gauhati University. Bajali College’s pursuit of academic excellence was further recognised when it was accredited with an “A” grade by NAAC in its second assessment cycle in 2016.
Changes in Bhattadev University
Since attaining university status, Bhattadev University has continued its commitment to academic excellence. In its inaugural year, it introduced a postgraduate programme in Physics, complementing the existing postgraduate courses in Mathematics, Assamese, Zoology and Geography inherited from Bajali College.
Aspirations and Future Vision
Under the leadership of Prof. Birinchi Kumar Das, Bhattadev University has taken several initiatives to establish itself as a leading institution. It aspires to stand at par with prestigious institutions like Guwahati University, Tezpur University and IIT Guwahati, cementing its place among the prestigious universities of India.
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Mission
To be an institution of higher learning committed to research while engaging deeply in undergraduate education.
To allow students to choose what they will study and to explore new areas of interest by following the path of liberal arts education, which will enable learners to experience the rigor of specialization.
To encourage multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary studies by establishing new departments and focusing institutional attention on areas of contemporary relevance.
To carry out research activities focusing on locally relevant sustainable development goals while becoming a responsible partner of regional, national and global efforts.
To pursue excellence in all areas of engagement so that we can position ourselves as a custodian of our culture and a channel of communication with the world.
Library and Information Resources
Central Library: The Hub of Knowledge
Bhattadeva University has a central, well-equipped library that is essential to the university’s mission to achieve excellence in higher education and research. The library has a comprehensive collection of books in various disciplines, including humanities, science, technology, and commerce.
Extensive Collection
The library’s vast collection is considered to be one of the finest in the state, especially among undergraduate colleges with postgraduate departments such as Zoology, Geography, and Assamese. Apart from textbooks and reference books, the library has a wide range of magazines, journals, popular magazines, and daily newspapers, which are readily available to all students and teachers.
Departmental Libraries
Apart from the central library, individual departments maintain well-stocked libraries, which provide students and teachers convenient access to subject-specific resources.
The library is committed to promoting a reading culture among students. By encouraging healthy reading habits, the library plays a vital role in shaping the academic and professional careers of students. It serves much more than a simple book-lending center, acting as the cornerstone of intellectual development at Bhattadev University.
Campus of Bhattadev University
Location
Bhattadev University is located in the Pathsala town area of Barpeta district of Assam, India, with geographical coordinates of 91.187° longitude and 26.543956° latitude. The campus is strategically surrounded by the following:
- North: Krishna Kanta Handique Junior College
- North-East: Bajali Higher Secondary School
- South: Bishanla
- South-West: Laxmi Mandir & Saraswati Paying Guest
- East: Hotel Guest
- West: Pathsala Town Committee House
Campus Overview
The University is spread over 16 acres, with a wide range of resources and infrastructure to cater to the academic, residential and extra-curricular needs of its students and faculty.
Academic Buildings and Facilities
- Two Arts Buildings
- One three-storey Science Building
- One three storey New Academic Building
- Library cum Information Technology Centre (Central Library, Bio-Tech Hub, PG Classes, Conference Hall, Digital Classroom)
Residential and Student Amenities
– One Boys’ Hostel
– Three Girls’ Hostels
– Non-Resident Students’ Centre
– Hostel Superintendents’ Quarters
– Principal’s Quarters (from erstwhile Bajli College)
Sports and Recreation
- One Playground
- One Fish Farming Pond
- One Volleyball Court
- One Tennis Court
- One Basketball Court
- One Gymnasium Hall
Special Areas
- One Auditorium
- Botanical Garden
- Floriculture Garden
Study Centres
- IGNOU Study Centre
- IDOL Study Centre
Technology and Connectivity
- Computational Laboratory
- DBT Sponsored Institutional Level Bio-Tech Hub
- 4 Smart Classrooms
- Computer facilities for all departments, University Office and Central Library
- Intercom facilities for all departments and hostels
- CCTV surveillance in the campus
Utilities and Facilities
- Two bicycle stands
- University Canteen
- University Health Centre
- University Post Office
- Two D.G. Power Plants
- Central Drinking Water Plant-I (30,000 litres capacity)
- Drinking Water Plant-II (sponsored by Alumni Society)
Departmental Facilities
- Departmental Museums in the Departments of Zoology and Geography
- Seminar Rooms and Libraries in each Department
The campus of Bhattdev University is testimony to its dedication to fostering a holistic educational environment.
Bhattadev University: Data in Brief
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Establishment | Founded on June 24, 2019, under the Bhattadev University Act, 2017. |
| Historical Background | Evolved from Bajali College, established in 1955, known for its excellence in science and postgraduate programs. |
| Naming and Legacy | Named after Bhattadev (Baikunthanath Bhagavat Bhattacharya), a scholar and the father of Assamese prose. |
| Mission and Objectives | Promotes research, liberal arts education, interdisciplinary studies, and sustainable development while preserving Assamese culture and engaging globally. |
| Academic Excellence | Offers postgraduate programs in Mathematics, Assamese, Zoology, Geography, and Physics. NAAC accredited with an “A” grade in 2016. |
| Library Resources | Central library with a vast collection across disciplines; departmental libraries with subject-specific resources. |
| Campus Location | Located in Pathsala town, Barpeta district, Assam (91.187° longitude, 26.543956° latitude). |
| Campus Size | Spread over 16 acres, surrounded by educational institutions, residential facilities, and commercial areas. |
| Academic Infrastructure | Two arts buildings, a three-story science building, a new academic building, library cum IT center, and four smart classrooms. |
| Residential Facilities | One boys’ hostel, three girls’ hostels, non-resident students’ center, hostel superintendents’ quarters, and principal’s quarters (from Bajali College). |
| Sports and Recreation | Playground, volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts, gymnasium, fish farming pond, botanical garden, and floriculture garden. |
| Technology and Connectivity | Computational lab, DBT-sponsored Bio-Tech Hub, CCTV surveillance, intercom, and computer facilities for all departments. |
| Utilities and Services | Health center, canteen, post office, two DG power plants, 30,000-liter drinking water plant, bicycle stands, and seminar rooms in each department. |
| Special Features | Departmental museums in Zoology and Geography, IGNOU and IDOL study centers, and a central auditorium. |
Bhattdev University: FAQs
1. When was Bhattdev University established and what is its historical significance?
Bhattadev University was established on June 24, 2019. It realised the long-standing aspiration of the people of Bajali sub-division. The university was created under the Bhattdev University Act, 2017, which received the assent of the Governor on October 16, 2017. Bhattdev University evolved from Bajali College, an institution with a legacy of over six decades, known for its academic excellence in Assam.
2. Why is the university named Bhattdev University?
The university is named after Baikunthanath Bhagavat Bhattacharya, popularly known as Bhattdev. He is considered the father of Assamese prose due to his literary contributions and mastery of Sanskrit grammar. His profound understanding of the Srimad Bhagavata Purana and commitment to education made his legacy apt for the institution.
3. What was the role of Bajali College in the establishment of Bhattadev University?
Bajali College, established in 1955, laid the foundation for Bhattadev University. It began with contributions from the local agricultural community and played a key role in promoting science and postgraduate education in Assam. The college’s reputation for academic excellence, including an “A” grade accreditation from NAAC in 2016, paved the way for its transformation into Bhattadev University.
4. What are the main objectives of Bhattadev University?
Bhattadev University aims to:
- Promote high-quality research and liberal arts education.
- Promote multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary studies by creating new departments.
- Focus on sustainable development goals relevant to the region.
- Preserve Assamese culture while engaging in global academic discourse.
- To achieve excellence in teaching, research and institutional development.
5. What academic programmes does Bhattdev University offer?
Bhattdev University offers postgraduate programmes in mathematics, Assamese, zoology, geography and physics. These programmes were inherited from Bajali College, which had a rich legacy in higher education. The university also plans to expand its offerings with multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary programmes.
6. What makes the university’s library resources unique?
The central library of Bhattdev University is a hub of knowledge with a wide collection in various subjects including humanities, science, technology and commerce. Additionally, departmental libraries provide subject-specific resources. The library also promotes reading habits among students, making it an essential resource for academic and intellectual development.
7. Where is Bhattadev University located, and what is around its campus?
Bhattadev University is located at 91.187° longitude and 26.543956° latitude in Pathsala town of Barpeta district, Assam. The campus is surrounded by:
- Krishna Kanta Handique Junior College to the north.
- Bajali Higher Secondary School to the north-east.
- Bishanla to the south.
- Lakshmi Mandir and Saraswati Paying Guest to the south-west.
- Hotel Atithya to the east.
- Pathsala Town Committee House to the west.
8. How big is the Bhattadev University campus?
The university campus is spread over 16 acres. It includes academic buildings, hostels, sports facilities, gardens and utility services, creating a comprehensive environment for education, research and recreation.
9. What are the main infrastructure and academic facilities at Bhattadev University?
The campus includes:
- Two art buildings.
- A three-storey science building.
- A new academic building with state-of-the-art classrooms.
- A library cum information technology centre housing a bio-tech hub, postgraduate classrooms and a digital conference hall.
10. What residential facilities are available for students and faculty?
Bhattdev University provides:
- A boys’ hostel.
- Three girls’ hostels.
- A non-resident student centre.
- Quarters for hostel superintendents and principals.
These facilities ensure a comfortable living environment for students and staff.
11. What recreational and sports facilities are available on campus?
The university emphasises holistic development through a variety of facilities, including:
- A playground.
- Volleyball, tennis and basketball courts.
- A gymnasium hall.
- A fish farming pond, a botanical garden, and a floriculture garden.
12. How does Bhattadev University promote technology and connectivity?
The campus has the following facilities:
A computational laboratory.
A bio-tech hub sponsored by DBT.
Four smart classrooms.
Intercom facilities for all departments and hostels.
CCTV surveillance for security and efficiency.
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