Siliguri mayor Goutam Deb on Monday called for the immediate starting of the second campus of Surya Sen Mahavidyalaya (SSM), saying the new facility is essential to expand access to quality higher education for students of Siliguri and adjoining areas.
Mr Deb was speaking at the 28th Foundation Day celebration of the college, where he recalled his long association with SSM since 2011 and his role in mobilising funds from multiple sources — including the North Bengal Development Department — for its infrastructure growth.
“The area of the second campus, measuring 2.99 acres, is large enough 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 principal of the college, Dr P K Mishra, to take the initiative, and I will also speak to the appropriate authorities so that the second campus can begin operations without delay.”
Highlighting the college’s journey over nearly three decades, Principal Dr Mishra elaborated on how SSM has steadily expanded its facilities, including the installation 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, which include the introduction of vocational training programmes and globally oriented skill development initiatives to prepare students for transformative career opportunities.
Dr Mishra, who has been honoured with the Dronacharya Award for his contributions to education, stressed that the second campus would allow SSM to cater to a larger student base, thereby strengthening its position as a hub of higher education in North Bengal.
The Foundation Day programme, attended by deputy mayor Ranjan Sarkar, SSM governing body member Ranadhish Choudhury, university representative Ananya Gupta Roy and other dignitaries, also saw the felicitation of teachers, staff and students for their achievements in academics, sports, NCC and NSS activities.
Notably, political science department veteran Bikash Ranjan Dev was honoured with a lifetime achievement award, alongside staff member Biswanath Waddeder. Several faculty members, including Biswajit Bhowmik from the chemistry department, were also felicitated for their outstanding contributions to the college’s academic activities.
The celebrations reflected the institution’s commitment to both academic excellence and community-building, reinforcing its reputation as one of Siliguri’s leading centres of higher education.