Foundation day celebrated at Raja Narendra Lal Khan Women’s College
The Statesman | 25 August 2025
The Raja Narendra Lal Khan Women’s College (Autonomous), one of the oldest institutions dedicated to women’s education in West Bengal, marked its 69th Foundation Day on Friday with a series of academic and cultural events that recalled its enduring legacy.
The commemorative programme, held in the Bidhan Chandra Roy Memorial Hall of the college, began with a traditional inaugural session. The occasion also witnessed the release of the annual college magazine Sanhita and the research journal Anudhyan. PhD recipients were felicitated for their academic achievements.
Professor Dr Kajal De, vice-chancellor of Diamond Harbour Women’s University, formally inaugurated the celebrations. Addressing the gathering, she invoked the pioneering spirit of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar in furthering women’s education and remarked that Gope College, as the institution is locally known, continues to uphold that progressive vision.
Midnapore Sub-Divisional Officer, Mrs Madhumita Mukherjee, who graced the event as the chief guest, lauded the college as “a cradle of women’s education” and expressed hope that the empowerment of young women would help eradicate social evils like child marriage.
Other dignitaries present included Dr Jayanta Kishore Nandi, registrar of Vidyasagar University, and KSP Maran Pandian, senior general manager of Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Pvt. Ltd.
Welcoming the guests, Dr Arjun Mukhopadhyay, teacher-in-charge of the college, said that education brings consciousness, and that equipping young women with contemporary knowledge would contribute to the socio-economic uplift of the nation. He emphasised that lessons from nature, combined with the right application of technology, could ensure collective welfare and well-being.
The event, attended by faculty, students, and alumni, reflected the institution’s continued commitment to advancing women’s education in the region and beyond.