On March 19, 2025, I was on my way to Midnapore from Kolkata to join my new post as Vice-Chancellor of Vidyasagar University. The responsibility I was entrusted with filled me with a sense of challenge. Being a son of the soil, my pulses throbbed as I imagined the life and works of the legendary visionary reformer of the nineteenth century, Pandit Iswarchandra Vidyasagar, in whose memory the institution was betokened. Would I be able to do justice to the mighty spirit of the pioneering social reformer?
Once I entered the varsity portals and met my new family members – the University embraces the spirit of working like a family – I discovered the immense potential the institution had and how avid it was to make the fullest use of it.
It is my great pleasure and opportunity to welcome you to Vidyasagar University. Created as a State University in 1981, the fledgling institution flourished rapidly. First of all, I would like to share my feelings that as the Vice-Chancellor of this University which was established in 1981 in the name of Pandit Iswarchandra Vidyasagar, I have received a very good academic ambience, state-of-the-art level infrastructure for Research & Development, enriched and well-equipped Faculty Members, dedicated Officers & Staff Members, sincere and obedient Students & Scholars at this University. All of them are really the ASETT to this University.
Pandit Iswarchandra Vidyasagar, a legendary figure in the 19th century, whose contribution to every aspect of human civilization, like Social Reform and Education for all with particular emphasis on Women’s Education, showed the way for uplift of the society through quality education, is still relevant in every level from Nursery to University education. I am paying my deep sense of gratitude, regards and pronam to this divine soul on this platform.
Since its inception, the University has committed itself to the gamut of teaching and learning in higher education, with the prime objective of rendering value-based quality education and providing research and extracurricular activities in the best possible manner. All those efforts have been for spreading the benefit of higher education in an environmentally challenged location (drought prone, lateritic soil, degraded forest and extreme climatic conditions) inhabited mostly by poor and marginalised peoples of the society. But this place has a glorious history of playing a pivotal role in the freedom struggle of India. The University has registered its growth both qualitatively and quantitatively in terms of academic development, research outcomes and societal interactive process. The University runs 33 regular PG programmes and 27 Ph.D. programmes. To expand academic opportunities, curricular diversity and to address emerging areas of knowledge, the University has introduced six new postgraduate programmes in 2025, apart from the existing twenty seven. These include Ocean Geomatics with AI, M.Tech. in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence, LL.M., Environmental Science, Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, and Population, Health and Development. The University is going to introduce 3 new programmes from this year (2026) such as M.FSc., Economics with Data Analytics and Electronics with VLSI. These programmes aim to equip students with interdisciplinary knowledge and advanced skills necessary to meet the demands of contemporary society and industry. Apart from the University itself, postgraduate programmes in different subjects have been running in 29 affiliated Colleges under the University (18 State-aided General Degree Colleges, 02 Government General Degree Colleges and 09 Self-financed Colleges). It is pertinent to mention that postgraduate programmes are continuing in 05 affiliated State-aided Autonomous Colleges also. Apart from the existing 4 Inter-disciplinary Centres, namely Centre for Adivasi Studies and Museum, Centre for Environmental Studies, Centre for Life Sciences and Centre for Women’s Studies, the University also boasts of its newly established 4 Centres for Interdisciplinary Research, namely Vidyasagar Centre for Regional Studies, Costal Observatory and Outreach Centre, Biodiversity and Germplasm Conservation Centre and Centre for Translation and Foreign Language Studies. Undergraduate programmes of the University are being imparted in 59 affiliated colleges of which 5 colleges are Autonomous as well as in 13 specialized curriculum-based affiliated colleges across 3 districts (Paschim Medinipur, Purba Medinipur and Jhargram) of West Bengal. Out of these 59 affiliated colleges, 11 colleges have been awarded ‘A’ Grade through NAAC accreditation. The subjects offered in the undergraduate colleges cover the traditional subjects as well as the modern emerging ones. A few professional colleges providing courses in management and social work also belong to this University ecosystem.
Situated in the historic city of Midnapore, Vidyasagar University has a beautiful sprawling and eco-friendly plastic-free campus which houses administrative departments, post-graduate departments for teaching, learning and research, a Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), expanding hostel buildings for both male and female students, residential accommodation for both teaching and administrative staff members, a playground, a student amenity Centre and Extension Centres. The University now boasts of being one of the first smart campuses in West Bengal. In consonance with its vision to be a centre of excellence in the areas of teaching, research and development, Vidyasagar University’s academic structure and Aims and Objectives have been so designed to enhance students’ ability to become highly competent professionals and global players of the future.
The overall achievements of our University give us tremendous confidence and indicate that we are moving in the right direction in consonance with our Vision and Mission and obviously with a firm determination. Our University has been able to champion the spirit of progress in the academic circle of West Bengal and spread the message to other parts of the Country. But this is not the end, it is rather a beginning, and we have to work harder as a team to achieve bigger and higher goals in the fields of higher education and social reconstruction. We have to dedicate ourselves with absolute commitment to make Vidyasagar University one of the pioneering Universities in the field of academic and administrative activities through innovative ideas in Teaching, Research & Development.
Our faculty members have put in outstanding efforts in blending quality research with pedagogic skills. They have made full use of the smart class rooms and have pulled in a substantial amount of research funding throughout the year. Faculties of several departments were felicitated with awards in recognition of their contribution to teaching and research. Their research endeavours have attracted significant grants from funding agencies for the development of pedagogic and research infrastructure in the campus. Our teachers have travelled far and wide on their academic tours in India and abroad. Conferral of the award of D.Lit. and D.Sc. on a regular mode has started.
The National Education Policy (NEP-2020) marks the beginning of a new era. It promotes multidisciplinary education, balancing science and humanities, ethically blending technology with tradition and harmoniously integrating Indian values with modern skills. In concurrence with the recommendations of the Department of Higher Education, Government of West Bengal, Vidyasagar University has successfully implemented new Curriculum and Credit Framework for Undergraduate Programmes (CCFUP) in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) from the academic session 2023-2024. With positive participation and cooperation of the stakeholders, especially the affiliated Colleges, the University has been able to introduce 4-Year Undergraduate programmes from this academic session to facilitate the students at par with other parts of the country. The faculties of the respective subjects are reforming and restructuring the syllabus in accordance with the new Undergraduate Curriculum to strengthen the learning as well as job skill enhancement which is one of the key focus areas of the new education policy of the Government of India. I am glad to pronounce that Vidyasagar University pioneered the implementation of the NEP-2020 curriculum in PG programmes among the State Universities in West Bengal in 2025-2026 academic session and has embraced the spirit of the NEP by focusing on entrepreneurship, innovation, ethics and global thinking among students. In alignment with the vision and guidelines of the NEP-2020, the postgraduate curricula of the University have been comprehensively revised to ensure relevance, interdisciplinarity and contemporary academic standards. As part of this reform, Indian Knowledge System (IKS) has been introduced as a compulsory component for postgraduate students. Furthermore, to honour and disseminate the philosophy and ideals of Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, a compulsory course titled “Life and Philosophy of Vidyasagar” has been introduced for all students of the University.
Eminent academicians and experts have been appointed as Adjunct Professor and Professor of Practice in each Department for advanced research. A large number of Seminars, Symposia, Workshops, Special Lectures including the Nobel Laureate's Lecture Series have been organised.
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have been introduced in postgraduate programmes for all students to enhance digital learning opportunities and to facilitate flexible and blended modes of teaching and learning in the odd semester.
Vidyasagar University has featured within 51 – 100 rank band among the State Public Universities Category and in 151 – 200 rank band among all Universities, as per “National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)–2024” by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Vidyasagar University has secured 30th position in the country, in the Government University Category, as per “India Today Best Universities Ranking 2024” by the India Today Group. Vidyasagar University has featured within 51 – 100 rank band among the State Public Universities Category and 151 – 200 rank band among all Universities, as per “National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)–2025” by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Vidyasagar University has secured 28th position in the country, in the Government University Category, as per “India Today Best Universities Ranking 2025” by the India Today Group. Vidyasagar University has been adjudged as the ‘Best Public University for rendering Holistic Education’ and has been conferred with the Award for Education Eminence 2022 by the News 18 Bangla electronic media. This accomplishment belongs to all members of this University community who have really toiled hard with utmost efficiency to achieve this unique distinction. Apart from this, the NSS Cell of Vidyasagar University has received the State NSS Award from the Government of West Bengal for the 2019-’20 academic session for outstanding performance in the field of community service. Vidyasagar University has featured within 101 to 150 top ranking institutions in the country, in the University Category, as per “National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) – India Ranking 2023” by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It is worth mentioning that Vidyasagar University participated in the India Today Best Universities Ranking for the year 2021-’22 and has secured 31st rank in the ‘All-over Institutes’ category. Apart from these, Vidyasagar University has celebrated the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ (75 Years of Indian Independence) through various academic, social and cultural events throughout the year to commemorate this very significant occasion. Another feather in the cap of Vidyasagar University is the installation of a Sensor Based Continuous Air Quality & Real-time Noise Level Monitoring machine by the West Bengal Pollution Control Board, the first to have been installed by them in West Bengal.
It has been decided to celebrate 26th September as Vidyasagar Divas each year. Starting from 2021, the Vidyasagar Puraskar has been conferred to different distinguished personalities widely recognized in their respective fields. The University has also celebrated 75 years of Indian Independence through various year-long programmes.
Apart from the Wi-Fi enabled Smart Campus with free internet, Vidyasagar University now boasts of having 13 audio-visual Smart e-Classrooms, 82 e-enabled classrooms, RFID based Wi-Fi enabled Library, PWD compliant campus with assistive technologies, Ragging Free campus, scheduled Bus service and shuttle Car service, Placement Cell and Stress Management Cell, Modern Garbage Disposal System in the campus and Subsidized Meals to the postgraduate students. Vidyasagar University is committed to building a clean, green and sustainable campus. The campus has been developed as a plastic-free and tobacco-free zone, with extensive greenery and environmental conservation initiatives.
Vidyasagar University has been actively observing important global awareness days such as World Earth Day, World Environment Day, World Microorganisms Day, World Indigenous Day, World Mangrove Day, International Youth Day, Librarians Day, NSS Day, World No Tobacco Day, International Yoga Day, Santali Bhasa Diwas, National Mathematics Day, National Youth Day, International Mother Language Day, National Science Day, International Women’s Day, among others, through academic discussions, awareness campaigns, plantation drives, cultural programmes, seminars, student participation, and community outreach initiatives. These observances reflect the University’s commitment towards environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, scientific awareness, and the preservation of indigenous culture and knowledge systems.
Through these observances, Vidyasagar University continues to promote ecological responsibility, scientific temperament, inclusivity, and social awareness among students, teachers, researchers, and the larger community.
Medicinal plant gardens such as Charak Udyan and Sushrut Udyan have been developed to preserve traditional medicinal knowledge. The University has also adopted solar energy and other non-conventional energy sources, motion sensor lights, along with rooftop rainwater harvesting systems, surface water management, aquatic reservoirs and solid waste management practices.
Environmental monitoring infrastructure, including a Meteorological Park, Automatic Weather Station, and Air Quality Monitoring Station, has been established. Digital displays provide real-time information on air quality and noise pollution levels. The University’s Nature’s Club, biodiversity documentation initiatives and the digitization of plant resources further strengthen environmental awareness and conservation efforts. In addition, the University has introduced a Master’s Programme in Environmental Science and established a Research Centre for Environmental Studies to promote academic and research activities in environmental sustainability.
It is worthy to mention that the Cine Club of Vidyasagar University has been rejuvenated and has started screening quality films for education and entertainment of one and all. The Nature Club of Vidyasagar University has taken the initiative of rejuvenation of open wasteland of about 5 acres inside the University campus into a productive and eco-friendly fruit orchard coupled with flower gardens. In the course of these developments, however, the entire community of Vidyasagar University is very much concerned about maintaining the ecological health of the campus which is reflected in converting a huge chunk of waste land of about 150 acres to a ‘Green Belt’ with the passage of time with very little emission of atmospheric pollutants, alongside promoting several Green Technology based activities like bioconversion of solid wastes into organic fertilizers, promoting the propagation of pollinators alongside harvesting honey, production of mushroom culture, aquaculture, rain water harvesting, installation of solar panels, maintenance of orchards, maintenance of animal feeding sites etc.
Vidyasagar University has been accredited (4th Cycle) by NAAC with B++ Grade (CGPA of 2.79 on a four point scale). We have excelled in comparison with our previous performance and this result has definitely lifted our spirits to stretch our limits further and to achieve higher targets. The performance of Vidyasagar University has been quite satisfactory and the University is doing consistently well in the NIRF Rankings released by the MHRD. However, we must focus on enhancing the quality of our academic activities in the field of Teaching, Research and Administration to enhance the Peer Perception so that Vidyasagar University may find a significant place in the National Level Assessment systems like NAAC, NIRF etc. in the coming days.
It was indeed a matter of intense joy for all of us when we saw that four faculty members of the University have been recognized among the World’s Top 2% Scientists, highlighting the growing global academic impact of the University. Professor Sankar Kumar Roy, Professor Madhumangal Pal and Professor Rabindranath Jana (Retd.) of the Department of Applied Mathematics and Professor Biswapati Jana of the Department of Computer Science have featured in the World’s Top 2% Scientists released by Stanford University, USA and Elsevier for the year 2025. In the latest Mathematical Science Ranking in India 2025, Professor Madhumangal Pal (National rank 08 & World rank 769) and Professor Manoranjan Maiti (Retd.) (National rank 10 & World rank 872) have made Vidyasagar University proud by their achievements in their discipline.
It is worthy to mention that a team of researchers from the Department of Botany and Forestry has discovered an alternate Madurkathi producing plant called Cyperus Platistylis in lieu of the traditional Cyperus Pangouri plant, in collaboration with the IIT, Kharagpur. This discovery has found a place in the famous Nature Magazine published from London, United Kingdom. Scientists from the Department of Botany & Forestry, jointly with the Botanical Survey of India, have recently discovered and described several new bryophyte (liverwort) species from the forest regions of West Bengal. A newly discovered liverwort species has been named after the doyen of Indian Renaissance, Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar, Solenostoma vidyasagariensis.
MOU has been signed with internationally acclaimed institutions like the Institute of Ethnography and Anthropology under the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Centre for Adivasi Studies and Museum of Vidyasagar University. It is to be mentioned here that this MOU has been signed at the Bengal Global Business Summit, Kolkata and the researchers from both the countries, especially the indigenous and tribal researchers, will benefit greatly from this agreement. Institutional linkages have also been established for carrying out academic collaborations between Vidyasagar University and the University of East Anglia, Norwich, England and Nuremberg University of Music, Germany. Different MOUs with Foreign Universities are under process. A team of delegates from National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan, visited Vidyasagar University for a possible Research Collaboration and Cooperation and Exchange of Faculties and Research Scholars which may promote more effective use of resources and will provide enhanced opportunities in the areas of Skill Based Training, Education and Research.
The Women’s Football Team of Vidyasagar University has emerged as the Champion at the Khelo India University Games 2021 held at Jain University, Bangalore. This is the first time that the Women’s Football Team of our University went on to participate in any tournament and have created history by beating Guru Nanak Dev University, Punjab in the final to clinch the title.
A Mini Indoor Games/Recreation Complex called “P K Banerjee Indoor Games Complex” has been dedicated to the students of Vidyasagar University.
About 28 Campus Interviews were held for students placement and about 134 students got placed (On and Off Campus) during July 2019 to March 2020; about 19 Campus Interviews were held for students’ placement and about 54 students got placed (On and Off Campus) during July 2020 to March 2021; about 29 Campus Interviews were held for students’ placement and about 74 students got placed (On and Off Campus) during July 2021 to April 2022. The students of Vidyasagar University have been placed in Aurigene Discovery Technologies Limited, Bengaluru in the 2021-’22 session. In 2025, about 117 students were placed in different organizations. A list of the organizations that recruited our students is – Azim Premji Foundation, Bayer Private Limited Company, Mumbai, CPF (India) Private Limited (Fish Feed), Force Motors, ICICI Bank, IIT Kharagpur (in different Projects), IFB Agro Industries Limited, New Hope Group, Switz India, Topper Technologies, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Ltd., Bajaj Finance Ltd., Accenture, On-Point Digital Private Ltd., Square Yards Consulting Pvt. Ltd., Flender Drives Pvt. Ltd., Goenka Kachhawa LLP, Novho Careers Pvt. Ltd., Otsuka Pharmaceutical India Pvt. Ltd., Tata Capital Ltd., Bennett Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Neogeo Technologies Private Ltd., Amantya Technologies, Microskill Technologies Private Ltd., Remote Sensing Instruments LLP, Deduce Technologies, iMerit Technology, and Map my India (C E Info Systems Ltd.) to name a few. In addition, many students of the University have secured employment in various government organizations and public sector institutions such as State Bank of India, IDBI Bank, Indian Railways, Canara Bank, Indian Bank, and Punjab National Bank, to name a few. Besides this, students have also obtained employment in several prestigious Central and State Government organizations and institutions, including Anthropological Survey of India, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Institute of Aeronautical Engineering, Hyderabad, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal. A significant number of students have also been employed in various Government and private educational institutions across the country.
The University has a mission to deliver quality education, knowledge and sustainable development in all aspects of human resource and employment generation through conventional and professional activities of life-long learning. As one of the most forward-thinking and creative Universities, Vidyasagar University has launched an Incubation Centre and Start-up ecosystem to nurture creative ideas and technological solutions among students and faculty members. At present, more than 50 incubation projects are underway, including a number of start-up initiatives for development and implementation. With a strong commitment to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Cell has also been created. The cell organized innovative idea competitions for students and research scholars and five innovative projects proposed by faculty members were selected for funding, reflecting the growing culture of entrepreneurship within the campus. To enhance employability and practical competencies among students, a Skill Development Centre has been established. Several new skill-oriented courses have been launched under this initiative to equip students with industry-relevant knowledge and professional capabilities.
The University has established the Centre for Continuing and Adult Education (CCAE) to offer different Certificate, Diploma and Degree courses for the working professionals, students and others with a view to widening their knowledge and skills and to make them eligible for competitive job market. At present, the Centre offers 10 PG programmes. The learning domain includes courses for non-traditional students, non-degree career training, workforce training and formal personal enrichment courses.
The Central Library of Vidyasagar University has undergone significant modernization and expansion to enhance academic resources and accessibility for students and researchers. Several new facilities and services have been introduced, including the establishment of a Braille Corner to support visually impaired students and the creation of a Digitization Centre for archiving rare and valuable books. The Digital Repository has been renovated and an RFID system has been installed to improve library management and security. A special section dedicated to Indian Knowledge Systems has also been established. Additional initiatives include the Best Library User Award, an E-Readers’ Zone and an Open-Air Readers’ Park to promote reading culture on campus. Library services have been further strengthened by extending library hours from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, launching the VU MOPAC Mobile Application for the library catalogue, introducing a Book Bank service for financially disadvantaged students and enabling off-campus access to subscribed e-resources.
The Vidyasagar University Alumni Association (VUAA) is working in close partnership with the University and aims to link the alumni to the institution, develop strategic plans to support the University to achieve its vision, and to enable the institute to add value to all its stakeholders.
In the course of these developments, however, we have not allowed our ecological concerns to diminish for a moment. New green shuttles have started plying varsity stakeholders in and around the campus. Physical transportation has not only become fast but also comfortable. We continue the practice of observing a monthly No-AC day on campus to cut down on the emission rate as an essential step in preserving fresh air levels in the environment. We are waiting for the meteorological station in the campus to report significant changes in the quality of campus air. We have tried our best to support the academic and psychological needs of our students during the stressful times of the Covid-19 pandemic. We have also participated in the disaster management programme of the State Government in the wake of the ravages left behind by the devastating cyclones.
As a Vice-Chancellor of this University I shall try my best to enlighten the young students and motivate them properly to promote the academic environment in all respects for the benefit and uplift of the society. It would be my utmost effort to provide state-of-the-art level facilities to all Faculty Members, Officers, Staff Members, Scholars, Students, and all other Stakeholders of this University within an inspiring academic ambience. Finally, the creation of a new intellectual value and the cultivation of outstanding human resources will be my ultimate goal.
Professor Dipak Kumar Kar
Vice-Chancellor