Living the dream - the story of Tripura University

Ashes Gupta

Its no big deal to have a dream, but it really matters when a dream that is lived up to culminates in reality. The same is true for Tripura University that has become a Central University just two years back. The aspirations of the people of this land locked terrain, devastated till recently with warring militant factions, and the government, had been quite modest- a higher seat of learning that would not smack of non-academic interests and motives. It was like looking for a respite from the madding crowd’s ignoble strife. Thanks to the UPA Government that answered this long standing demand of a region and its people who always complained of neglect and deprivation, the State University is now a Central University.

However, that was only the beginning of a journey. Being used to running on a not so generous state allocation, for the new Central University it was one gigantic leap to a state where every demand for infrastructural expansion, recruitment of new faculties, opening of new courses et al was bound to  be met. The requirement was for a leader with a proper understanding of the unique facets that this small hilly Northeastern state had to offer and a commensurable vision for the future. The choice obviously could not be better than an experienced local who had, on the one hand, a long-standing experience of being within this system, and simultaneously having exposure to the national and international academic scenario with a ‘daring to dream big’ attitude. Prof. Arunaday Saha, was the obvious choice. Being the first Vice Chancellor of this Central University and that too a local, the pressure on him has been very high and expectations have been skyrocketing. One thing that needs to be understood at this stage is that money might be flowing in but utilisation of these funds requires time. Moreover, as a central university, Tripura University is still in its infancy and the work culture of this erstwhile state university tends to remain slow moving and relaxed. Despite severe criticism and frequent opposition, Prof Saha continues to remain unflinching in his goal, thanks to him. As a seasoned economist the first step he took was to see that superfluity in expenditure was controlled because he knew very well that proper utilisation was the only guarantee for an unabated fund flow. It should also be remembered that the geographical remoteness of this terrain automatically increases the time frame required to complete any developmental work, which if taken in any other part of this country could have been done much faster.

If one desires to make a balance sheet of what has been done and what remains, the column of credit will not at all be miniscule. Rather, in all probability, keeping in mind the time that has elapsed after transformation, it is not unlikely that the result could be spontaneous applause for what has been achieved in so little a time. To begin with, three consecutive recruitment drives for faculty positions have been undertaken out of which one has been completed with the result that most of the departments can boast of a new flow of intellect. The UGC high power inspection team had visited the University almost six months back and has graciously agreed to satisfy much of the proposed demands which in itself are comparatively greater than those promised to almost all the other central universities of the region. Efforts are on to beautify the campus in a planned manner. Dredging of a man-made lake, construction of an amphitheatre with a seating capacity  of 3,500, renovation and complete air-conditioning of the present auditorium( which, thanks to  the erstwhile state university authorities, has neither beauty nor utility and can also boast of a unique hexagonal stage with visibility of  the green room from the audience, the only of its kind in the world), construction of a six storied examination building and research scholars’ hostel, extension of the library building, the ladies’ hostel etc. the list is inexhaustive. Moreover, several new PG departments such as Mass Communication and Journalism, Sociology, Music, Fine Arts to name a few shall start functioning from this very academic session.

Organisation of seminars, symposiums, conferences and workshops have become a regular feature now being encouraged by the authority financially and otherwise. The teachers are being motivated to take up research projects, venture out beyond the state and country to participate in seminars etc. and to make their expertise available for consultancy with the idea of greater networking between the world academia. If this gives the impression of a prevailing one-way traffic then it is wrong for the departments to have been given total liberty to invite resource persons from other parts of the country as per their requirements. That the university is not just a place for teaching-learning but also for research becomes evident from the fact that upgradation of laboratories, departments and library facilities have been given top priority by the present authority. The introduction of semester system of examination with CGPA grading system at the postgraduate level and the Part I, Part II and Part III at the undergraduate level with timely publication of all results have not only increased efficiency of the system but have also served as CBMs( Confidence Building Measures) among the students and parents through enhanced credibility. Conduction of Research Eligibility Test (RET) for PhD for two successive years now has led to greater transparency and accuracy in selection of candidates. Provision of a monthly allowance of Rs.5000/- for fulltime PhD scholars have increased enthusiasm and interest in research. However, the greatest relief for parents and students came when fees for self-financing courses such as BBA, BCA, MBA, MCA etc. were slashed making them affordable for the meritorious and the deserving irrespective of their financial status, a very pro-people decision indeed.

Let’s now step on the time machine for a journey into future. The seatbelt fastening sign is on and in this virtual journey the only risk is that of being far-fetched and unrealistic ignoring practical constraints. As the present swishes backwards we land up in a beautiful green space with landscaped architecture buzzing with academic activity. The ambience is not that of an institution where academics are an imposed disciplinarian affair. Rather it is that of a cozy workaholism, and the place is our very own Tripura University just ten years down the line. And believe me it is not impossible at all. All that has to be done is to keep up the momentum set in today, to strive relentlessly towards perfection and to harbour the courage to dream big since whatever has been achieved till date is all because of a dream and the grit to live up to that. Its time to sign off with the words of a John Lennon lyric - “I (read ‘we’) have a dream”.