It is no mean feat for an academic institution to produce the first woman graduate of the former British empire. Bethune College in Calcutta has this distinction. The institution, which is the first women’s college in India, has come a long way since it was first established in 1879. “With close to 1,000 students, we are a reasonably large college with a very high academic standard,” says Monimala Das, the principal of Bethune College. “The objective of this place is to mould a complete woman rather than a graduate,” she says.

Many famous academicians have been associated with the college. Among the notable lecturers of the college have been poets like Kamini Sen and Kamini Ray, and the academic luminary Sushobhan Sarkar. Many students of the college have topped merit lists and have won medals and honours from Calcutta University. “In 2005, one of our students ranked first class first in the BSc (honours) course in zoology,” reveals Sharmistha Banik, senior lecturer in zoology. She says that students imbibe the inspirational ambience and go on to achieve not only academic excellence but also distinction as responsible citizens.

On the menu

The college presently offers 14 honours subjects at the bachelors level and two subjects at the masters level. The college is renowned for its economics, mathematics, psychology, zoology and botany departments. “We are also one of the few colleges that offer bachelors course in Sanskrit,” says Das. Entrance tests are held for admission to honours courses in English and botany. For the rest of the subjects, admission is offered on the basis of marks obtained with an average cutoff of 60 to 65 per cent. The college has 20 postgraduate seats.

Value for money

The tuition fees are extremely low — Rs 170 per month for BA (honours) courses and Rs 160 per month for MSc courses. The college provides 22 per cent reservation for scheduled caste students in honours courses. It also makes arrangements for stipends on the grounds of merit and financial need. The Bimala Charan law stipend and the Ramjitendra Ghosh memorial stipend are awarded to needy students.

Bethune College has a large computerised library, with over 80,000 books. “There are Internet facilities and we are upgrading our computer systems,” reveals Das. The college also arranges excursions for botany and zoology students.

“I have admired the non-political orientation of the college,” says Doel Ghosh, general secretary of the students’ union. The students’ union encourages students to do social service. Students feel that the college stands out on its own merit, irrespective of its gender status. “This college produces more humanists than feminists,” says Rema Bose, a psychology (honours) student.

Bethune has no hostel and few sports facilities. “We acknowledge that these areas need attention but we have space restrictions at present. We hope to start a satellite campus in the future,” says Das.

Foreign link

Bethune students have traversed long distances to study in prestigious universities abroad. The college offers special English courses for students who need to brush up their language skills. It also offers placement and counselling services.

“In our courses, we emphasise the importance of interdisciplinary study. We have been awarded the A-grade status by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council,” says Debjani Sinha Roy, senior lecturer of botany.

“In short, this college is like a breath of fresh air,” principal Das signs off.

Vital Statistics

What is It? A women’s college under the University of Calcutta.

Who’s The Boss? Monimala Das is the principal.

Number of students 950.

What is offered? Fourteen honours subjects at the bachelors level and two at the masters level.

What is the tuition fee? Rs 160 to Rs 170 per month

Where is it located? 181 Bidhan Sarani, Calcutta-700006. Telephone: 22411731
E-mail : bethunecollege@vsnl.net Website: www.bethunecollege.ac.in

Shubhobroto Ghosh

OLD MEMORIES

Sharmila Banerji, economics professor, University of Calcutta, reminisces

I studied economics honours at Bethune College from 1973 to 1976. The college made me aware of the social importance of being a teacher. Understanding that education and examination are not synonymous was one of the important lessons during my time spent at Bethune College.

The college has always had a modern outlook that is manifest in its history. It has played a pioneering role in women’s education in the country. I realised the value of involving myself in social welfare and took part in projects to help the weaker sections of society.

I appreciated the fact that the college was a product of the Bengal Renaissance and could also appreciate the impact of the Brahmo Samaj on the institution. It would be fair to say that the college has motivated me to be a teacher.

As told to Shubhobroto Ghosh