Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb on Monday called for immediate starting of the second campus of Surya Sen Mahavidyalaya (SSM), saying the new facility is essential to enhance access to quality higher education for students of Siliguri and surrounding areas.
Mr Deb was speaking at the 28th Foundation Day celebrations of the college, where he recalled his long association with Surya Sen Mahavidyalaya since 2011 and his role in mobilising funds from various sources, including the North Bengal Development Department, for developing its infrastructure.
“The area of the second campus, which is 2.99 acres, is sufficient to develop a beautiful and well-equipped institution,” Mr Deb said. “However, due to various reasons, it has not yet started functioning. I urge the college’s principal Dr P K Mishra to take the initiative, and I will also speak to the relevant authorities so that the second campus can start without any delay.”
Highlighting the college’s journey of nearly three decades, Principal Dr Mishra elaborated on how SSM has continuously expanded its facilities, including the establishment of digital classrooms in almost all departments to ensure modern teaching methods and a holistic learning environment. He also outlined future plans inspired by the vision of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, including launching vocational training programmes and global skill development initiatives to prepare students for transformational career opportunities.
Dr Mishra, a recipient of the Dronacharya Award for his contribution to education, emphasised that the second campus will enable SSM to serve a larger student base, further strengthening its position as a hub of higher education in North Bengal.
Deputy Mayor Ranjan Sarkar, SSM Governing Body Member Ranadhish Chowdhury, University Representative Ananya Gupta Roy and other dignitaries were present at the Foundation Day celebrations. On the occasion, teachers, staff and students were also felicitated for their achievements in academics, sports, NCC and NSS activities.
Notably, senior student Bikash Ranjan Dev of the Department of Political Science and his staff member Biswanath Waddedar were honoured with lifetime achievement awards. Several faculty members including Biswajit Bhowmick of the Department of Chemistry were also felicitated for their outstanding contributions to the academic activities of the college.
The ceremony reflected the institution’s commitment to both academic excellence and community building, further cementing its reputation as one of the leading centres of higher education in Siliguri.
