Assam
The centre is set to be inaugurated on November 19, 2024 with a special ceremony that will include distinguished speakers and participants from academia, civil society organisations and government

Guwahati: Assam’s Guwahati-based Girijananda Chowdhury University (GCU) commemorated its second foundation day on Saturday, marking yet another significant milestone in the institute’s rich history.

The day was celebrated with exuberance and vivacity, reflecting the varsity’s remarkable journey thus far, and setting the stage for a promising future.

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The university’s roots can be traced back to the establishment of Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Management and Technology (GIMT) in 2006, followed by the inception of Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (GIPS) in 2007 – the first private-sector pharmaceutical institute in the entire Northeastern region of India.

These institutions – under patronage of the Shrimanta Shankar Academy Society (SSAS) – paved the way for the present-day university and its thriving academic community.

The just two-year-old university today holds the distinction of actively partnering with major academic institutions across the globe through a series of Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs), including Russia’s Mari State University and University of South Africa (UNISA).

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The event commenced with the address by president of SSAS Jasoda Ranjan Das, who accorded a warm welcome to all the attendees.

Noted political scientist and Vice-Chancellor of Gauhati University Prof Nani Gopal Mahanta graced the occasion as the chief guest.

The gathering was further honoured by the presence of GCU Chancellor Prof Jayanta Deka and Vice-Chancellor Prof Kandarpa Das, who eloquently highlighted the varsity’s academic advancements, research initiatives and contributions to the larger community.

The foundation day celebrations began in the morning with a flag-hoisting ceremony, aided with a salute by the NCC cadets, followed by felicitation of the varsity’s cleaning staff in accordance with GCU’s commitment to social justice and equity.

A cultural rally was taken out on the occasion where troupes from different communities showcased their rich cultural heritage, accompanied by a social message awareness rally organised by volunteers of the National Service Scheme (NSS).

Later in the day, the most productive researchers as well as the best employees of the year were awarded in a ceremony for their remarkable performance round the year.

It was followed by a colourful cultural programme celebrating the rich diversity of Assam that went on for the rest of the day.   

A friendly cricket match was also organised between the students and faculty members of the university

In addition, an anti-malarial laboratory was inaugurated on the university campus.

The day ended with the screening of Oscar-winning documentary ‘The Elephant Whisperers’- a meditative exploration of the relationship between indigenous tribes and wildlife.

The foundation day celebrations underscored GCU’s commitment to academic excellence, community engagement and cultural diversity, embodying the spirit of the university.