HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, March 2: Bodoland University celebrated its 17th Foundation Day at the university complex in Kokrajhar recently, coinciding with the nationwide observance of National Science Day 2026.
The programme brought together founding members, former Vice Chancellors, academicians, researchers, students and distinguished guests to mark the university’s journey of growth and to promote scientific awareness in the region.
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The university is regarded as a premier higher educational institution in the Bodoland Territorial Region and Lower Assam.
The celebration began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and rendition of the University Anthem, followed by the inauguration of exhibitions featuring models, posters, quiz and speech competitions by Vice Chancellor Prof BL Ahuja.
The event was attended by Rector Prof Jatin Sarmah, Registrar Dr Prahlad Basumatary and Academic Registrar Dr Manjil Basumatary, along with faculty members, college teachers and students.
Among the special invitees were former Assam minister and founding member of the university Pramila Rani Brahma, Chairman of the Pollution Control Board Assam Dr Arup Kumar Misra, former president of Bodo Sahitya Sabha Dr Kameswar Brahma, and several former Vice Chancellors and senior academicians associated with the university and Gauhati University Kokrajhar Campus.
In his address, Prof Ahuja highlighted the university’s progress over the past seventeen years, emphasising achievements in academics, research and community engagement.
Referring to National Science Day, he spoke about the historic discovery of the Raman Effect by Nobel Laureate CV Raman and underlined the importance of science and its application in everyday life, as well as the need to promote scientific temper among students and the public.
A special lecture-cum-interaction session was delivered earlier on February 27 by Prof M Rafiqul Awal, also known as Acharya Adibandhu, former Kerr-McGee Professor of Petroleum Engineering at Texas Tech University, USA.
Students from various schools, colleges, technical institutions and the university participated in competitions, displaying 61 posters and 19 models, while 11 quiz teams and 12 students took part in the speech competition.
This year’s theme, “Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat,” highlighted the contributions of women scientists to nation-building and inclusive scientific development.
Notably, all organising sub-committee coordinators were women faculty members, reflecting the spirit of the theme.
The programme also featured speeches on the significance of the university’s 17-year journey and the role of science and technology in addressing contemporary challenges and fostering sustainable development.
The celebration concluded with the felicitation of distinguished faculty members, research scholars and meritorious students for their outstanding academic and research contributions.
