Guwahati: Girijananda Chowdhury University (GCU), Guwahati, celebrated its fourth Foundation Day on October 17, with Supreme Court judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan highlighting the role of universities in promoting constitutional values, legal awareness and the rule of law.
Justice Bhuyan attended the programme as the chief guest and delivered an address on “Role of a University in Upholding the Rule of Law”.
He said the rule of law is fundamental to a just and democratic society, ensuring equality before the law, accountability of those in authority and protection of individual rights. Emphasising that no individual is above the law, he highlighted the role of courts in safeguarding citizens’ rights.
Justice Bhuyan also underscored the responsibility of universities in fostering legal awareness, critical thinking and respect for constitutional values among students, helping them become responsible citizens.
The event brought together university officials, members of the judiciary, faculty members, students, alumni and former employees. The programme began with the hoisting of the national flag and an NCC salute, followed by the National Anthem, the university anthem and the ceremonial lighting of a lamp.
Addressing the gathering, GCU Vice-Chancellor Kandarpa Das reiterated the university’s founding vision, guided by its motto, “Equity, Empathy and Empowerment”. He said a university’s value lies in the quality of education it provides, the lives it transformes and its contribution to society.
Das highlighted the introduction of six new academic programmes for 2026–27, including integrated law, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Data Science, Psychology, and Medical and Psychiatric Social Work.
He also cited the establishment of the School of Agriculture and Allied Sciences at Tezpur, NBA accreditation for two B.Tech. programmes and Bar Council of India approval for the integrated B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) programme as key developments.
As of October 2026, GCU has 202 faculty members, including 102 Ph.D. holders, and 259 Ph.D. scholars, according to the university. Its research output includes 148 research and review publications, 80 book chapters and 11 patents. The university also reported 78 memoranda of understanding with national partners.
Das called for continued investment in academic quality, research mentoring and institutional collaborations, stressing that future growth should remain rooted in integrity and social responsibility.
President of the Srimanta Sankaradeva Society Jasoda Ranjan Das also addressed the gathering, recalling the vision behind the institution’s establishment and stressing the importance of collective efforts to make it more inclusive and innovative.
The Foundation Day programme also recognised achievements in academics, research, student activities and institutional service through the NSS Best Volunteer Award, Students’ Competition Award, Young Researchers’ Award and Best Employee Award. Sanghamitra Das Bhuyan contributed books to the university’s academic resources.
Two faculty members were recognised for their research contributions. Birina Bhuyan of the Department of Botany documented and formally published the plant species Ophiorrhiza assamensis, found in Northeast India. Anupam Sarma of the School of Pharmacy was recognised among the world’s top 2% of scientists in pharmaceutical sciences, according to the university.
The university also inaugurated a Legal Aid Clinic aimed at promoting legal awareness, access to justice and community engagement.
Students took part in quiz, video-making, photography and wall-painting competitions. Bitopan Anuranjan Choudhury and Kareena Goswami of Physiotherapy won the quiz competition, while Tanmitra Mahanta of Civil Engineering secured first place in video-making. Aryan Deep Singh of B.Tech. won the photography competition, and a team led by Swastika Das of B.Sc. Zoology secured first place in wall painting.
The programme concluded with a gathering of the university community to mark four years of the institution’s development.