Bahona College began its two-day Diamond Jubilee concluding celebrations on Saturday, bringing together students, alumni, retired faculty members and other well-wishers to commemorate the institution’s history and achievements.
The programme opened with the lighting of the Diamond Jubilee Knowledge Lamp by Governing Body president Dr Munindra Konwar, followed by the hoisting of the main flag by Celebration Committee president Ananta Kumar Barua. Sixty flags were hoisted by Principal Dr Sumbit Chaliha and people associated with the college’s establishment, including educationists, senior alumni and local personalities.
Tributes were paid to departed members of the college fraternity and the institution’s founders. Acting Principal Shakuntala Devi offered floral tributes to the departed, while retired professor Niti Patra paid homage to the three visionaries associated with the college. Former Students’ Union general secretary Dibakar Saikia lit a lamp at the martyrs’ memorial. Retired Vice-Principal Purnima Dutta paid tribute at the tomb of founding Principal Ram Kumar Barua, while retired professors Chandra Prasad Bora and Arunima Barua honoured late Principal Rajendra Nath Dutta’s statue.
Teok MLA Bikash Saikia inaugurated the second-floor entrance of the newly constructed Science Building, built with college funds, and a guest waiting shed named after founding secretary Deorajuddin Ahmed. He also laid the foundation stone for a digital classroom to be funded through the MLA Local Area Development Fund, expressing hope that construction would be completed soon.
Saikia said gatherings involving current students and former students brought joy and pride to alumni while inspiring those still studying at the institution.
The college’s second entrance gate, built with contributions from the Bahona College Alumni Association, was inaugurated by physician and alumnus Dr Prafulla Kumar Nath. Dr Kartik Neog, director of the Central Muga Eri Research and Training Institute, inaugurated an exhibition, while senior police officer Shubrajyoti Bora inaugurated a cultural procession that drew the attention of local residents.
The day also featured a gathering of retired teachers, employees and former students. The meeting, chaired by retired acting principal Priti Bordoloi, was inaugurated by Dr Anil Saikia, retired principal of Moran College.
The celebrations will continue on Sunday, with members of the college community expected to join the commemorations.
