Vivekananda College Self Study Report NAAC 2015 Vivekananda College Self Study Report NAAC 2015 SELF STUDY REPORT (SSR) for submission to National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) Bangalore, India for 2nd Cycle of Accreditation – 2015 2 Vivekananda College Self Study Report NAAC 2015 3 Vivekananda College Self Study Report NAAC 2015 4 Vivekananda College Self Study Report NAAC 2015 CONTENTS Pages Preface 6 Executive Summary- 8 Post Accreditation (1st Cycle) Acheivements 10 CRITERION-WISE INPUTS Profile of the College 12 • Criterion I : Curricular Aspects 24 • Criterion II : Teaching-Learning and Evaluation 37 • Criterion III : Research, Consultancy and Extension 83 • Criterion IV : Infrastructure and Learning Resources 125 • Criterion V : Student Support and Progression 144 • Criterion VI : Governance, Leadership & Management 161 • Criterion VII : Innovations and Best Practices 192 EVALUATIVE REPORTS OF THE DEPARTMENTS Science • Department of Biochemistry 206 • Department of Botany 214 • Department of Chemistry 234 • Department of Computer Science 250 • Department of Economics 258 • Department of Electronics 274 • Department of Environmental Science 282 • Department of Film Studies 297 • Department of Geography 303 • Department of Mathematics 309 • Department of Physics 316 • Department of Statistics 326 • Department of Zoology 331 Arts • Department of Bengali 358 • Department of English 366 • Department of History 376 • Department of Human Rights 388 • Department of Journalism & Mass Communication 394 • Department of Philosophy 406 • Department of Political Science 415 • Department of Sanskrit 421 • Department of Women Studies 427 Commerce • Department of Commerce 436 Annexure- I:UGC Affliation Certificate 445 Annexure- II:NAAC Peer Team Report & Certificate 446 Annexure- III:List of Publication 451 Annexure- IV:Audited Report 511 Annexure- V: Students’ Evaluation 515 Annexure-VI: Grant Saction Letter of UGC(XII Plan) 524 Annexure-VII: Confirmation Letter from AISHE 525 5 Vivekananda College Self Study Report NAAC 2015 Preface Vivekananda College, situated in the southern fringes of Kolkata metropolis, has earned reputation as one of the premier institutions in the country. Affiliated to the University of Calcutta, the institution runs three streams - Science, Humanities and Commerce in two shifts (Day & Morning), at undergraduate level, serving about 4000 students. 23 subjects are taught in Honours and General courses. The college has recently introduced a self – financed certificate course in Photography. It is really a matter of pride to announce that the college has obtained an approval from the affiliating university for opening post graduate courses in History and Bengali, which are going to be introduced in the next academic session (2016 – 2017). The overall achievement of the college has earned for it the label of the best educational hub for two consecutive years (2013, 2014) in a survey made by Neilson – India Today. Vivekananda College, initially known as the Barisha College, started its journey in realm of Higher Education in 1950. The college was founded under the Dispersal Scheme of the Government of West Bengal, for releasing the pressure of admission due to increasing influx of refugees from earstwhile East Pakistan (presently Bangladesh). It was first housed in Barisha High School, but later in 1953 was shifted to newly built premises, close to the school compound. At that time it was an intermediate college. In June 1956, the college was sponsored by the State Government with its upgradation as a degree college. In the same year, the college secured the UGC affiliation and was brought under the Ministry of Rehabilitation, Government of India. The Government of West Bengal, however, retained control over it. It was at that time, the college was christened as Vivekananda College, after the sacred name of Swami Vivekananda, one of the outstanding pioneers in shaping modern India. Due to rapid increase in number of students, the college faced the problem of scarcity of space and accommodation. Eventually in 1959, the college was shifted to its present spacious premises at Thakurpukur, with an extensive campus area of about 6.17 acres of land. Initially the college buildings were constructed with the capital grants received from Ministry of Rehabilitation, Government of India. 6 Vivekananda College Self Study Report NAAC 2015 The area Thakurpukur is associated with the memory of James Long, a revered humanist, who dedicated his life to the spread of education in this largely Bengali inhabited region, in the later half of 19th century. Remaining true to the hopes and aspirations of the enlightened people of the locality, the establishment of Vivekananda College marked a milestone in the sphere of advancement of learning. The founder Principal Late Sushil Kumar Ray, D.Sc., was a man of outstanding qualities. His profound scholarship blended with administrative acumen, in no time, ameliorated the college as an excellent citadel of learning. Dr. Ray’s honest endeavor was ably supported by Late Bidhu Bhusan Sengupta, social worker and eminent journalist, who graced the chair of the first President of the Governing Body of the college. We take the opportunity to mention that in its early years, the college was blessed to have the services of one of the most outstanding Bengali poets, Late Jibanananda Das, who taught in the department of English (1952 – 53). We remember his contribution with modesty and reverence and pay our homage to this litterateur of excellence. Vivekananda College travelled a long way since 1950 and in course of 65 years, the college has excelled as a centre for learning. Since its inception, the college has been engaging itself in disseminating higher education based on human values. The effort of the institution is not only restricted to classroom teaching, relentless efforts are also taken to make good citizens as well. The issues of social justice, progressive values and equality are held high, which are reflected in every step the college takes. As the college is situated in a semi-urban area, a large number of students come from socially and economically backward sections. The college considers the needs of the underprivileged with care and sympathy. The college publishes its own journal entitled Bodhi, separately in three streams – Science, Humanities & Commerce. It is a unique venture to publish scholarly writings from men of letters. The college upgrades itself in imparting knowledge to the stake holders by using ICT. There are smart class rooms, a seminar hall equipped with LCD projector and a large auditorium. The college has already started the process of installing a solar panel for using renewable energy resources. The college is also going to introduce a system for rain water harvesting. The institution believes in the harmonious development of body, mind and soul and hence whole heartedly encourages the students to take active parts in sport and games, cultural activities and social works. Remaining faithful to the lofty ideals of Swami Vivekananda, the college firmly believes in his words:” Education is the manifestation of perfection already in man”. Thus along with teaching and learning, the college gives priority to the cultivation of human qualities of the learners. Tamoso Ma Jyotirgamoyo (From darkness, lead us to light) is the guiding principle of the institution. 7 Vivekananda College Self Study Report NAAC 2015 `Education for Empowerment’ being the objective, the college has educationally empowered thousands of students over the years and many of them left remarkable impression in the sphere of learning within and outside the country. Self- assessment and self- criticism are continuous processes, which the institution meticulously practices for its improvement. We are placing our Self Study Report for the 2nd cycle for accreditation by the NAAC for evaluation by an external agency. We hope that suggestions of the NAAC peer team will be the guiding force to cope with the changing patterns of the modern education system in a more efficient and effective manner. Executive Summary ( SWOC Analysis): Strength: Overall effort to inculcate progressive ideas with human values. Eco-friendly ambience in the campus. Highly committed and erudite academic staff. Excellent teacher student relationship. Efficient and helpful administrative staff. Dynamic and student friendly management. Airy and well ventilated class rooms. Resourceful library with a spacious reading room. Very well equipped laboratories. Ample scope for sports and games with a Gymnasium as well as a Yoga centre. Cultural activities of both students and staff with active cooperation of Cultural Platform. Research activities under the supervision of Research Guidance Cell. Hygienic and spacious canteen for both students and the staff. Spacious students’ common room. Active Job Training & Placement Cell. A well-disciplined NCC unit. A well-organized NSS unit. Overall Internet access facility. Separate Administrative Block. Adequate supply of purified and cold drinking water connections in several places. Very large playground. A nationalized bank within the college premises. Ramps for physically challenged persons in front of each building. 8 Vivekananda College Self Study Report NAAC 2015 Weakness: Paucity of teaching staff, particularly in the wake of increasing number of students and opening of new subjects. Acute shortage of non-teaching employees and increasing dependence