Saadhayati Bodhivrukshah:  Vikasitam Jivanam

Imparting Knowledge: Transforming Lives

The institution is located within a radius of 14 km from four established colleges. Thus, it is of paramount importance to understand how our institution was successful in achieving high enrollment in the past years. Here is an account of my development: My Story: From Humble Beginnings to a Centre of Excellence.

I was born on a beautiful day, 20 June 1989, nestled amidst the serenity of a small town called Marcela.  Back then, I was a fledgling institution with a grand vision – to be a “Centre of Excellence”. In those early days, offering courses in Arts, Science, and Commerce, I catered to a small batch of students. I wanted to expand my knowledge, broaden my horizons and offer the privilege to students.

I offer Honours programmes in all subjects. It was just the beginning. With a strong foundation in place, I launched Master’s programmes in Commerce, Geography, Microbiology, and Chemistry. I embarked on a “bottom-to-top” approach, by establishing Research Centres offering doctorate programmes in various fields. Today, I am proud to say that the curricula offered are some of the most sought-after in the State of Goa, and even beyond.

But excellence isn’t just about the programmes I offer. It’s also about how I deliver them.  I’ve always focused on creating a vibrant learning environment, one that is flexible and adapts to the ever-changing needs of my students.

I’ve always focused on creating a vibrant online learning environment, using Smartboards and many other software that were useful during the Covid-19 pandemic, precisely when student hubbub was missing on campus. It is a matter of pride that my infrastructure includes a well-stocked library, smart classrooms, a virtual classroom, cutting-edge laboratories, and Wi-Fi connectivity. A lot of expenditure was incurred on maintenance and upgradation of laboratories. As UGC introduced NEP, new skill programmes having multiple entry-exit, such as B. Voc. in Software Technologies, were introduced. BSc Electronics, BSc Geography were started on demand from students.

It is believed that learning should extend beyond textbooks. Hence, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Translation was introduced, the first of its kind in the State of Goa, as part of my endeavour to preserve and promote Indian languages. To bridge the gap between theory and practice, industry experts, professionals, and mentors were invited to share their knowledge with students. Skilling, upskilling and reskilling through SEC, VAC, certificate and value-added courses, including Sanskrit, were conducted. Curriculum expansion has promoted academic flexibility within students’ community. Students were motivated to visit reputed institutions across the country, on tours, internships, or project work, to broaden their horizons of knowledge. Thus, the student population increased substantially.

Well qualified and experienced faculty is the backbone of an institution’s success. Many of my faculty hold doctoral degrees and are involved in research. Their research work figures in journals under UGC Care list, SCOPUS and Web of Science. They update their skills and knowledge, attend workshops and short-term courses. They collaborated on creating e-content during the pandemic, to ensure that learning would never stop.

My achievements haven’t gone unnoticed. I’ve consistently participated in NIRF rankings and figured in the rank band 101-150 for three consecutive years (2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21). These recognitions are a testament to the quality of education that the institution provides. Faculty work actively to strengthen UG programmes under the DBT Scheme. We have also participated and ranked in the India Today annual Best Colleges Survey. Funding received from the State, philanthropists, industry under CSR is an endorsement of our performance. This has resulted in quality enhancement in the areas of academics, sports and cultural activities.

I offer Swachh Bharat Summer Internship, to inculcate leadership, social responsibility, and environmental awareness.  My students have excelled in sports, NCC, NSS and other co-curricular activities.

This is my narrative on the Chessboard of Education

My story began as a young college, a KING standing tall, a symbol of recognition but yearning for a richer purpose. The QUEEN arrived next, her arrival heralding a new era. With her came the pursuit of advanced learning, thrill of research, and dedication to nurturing scholars.

The ROOKS, sturdy and dependable, followed soon after. They were the embodiment of my growing infrastructure – the esteemed faculty who brought knowledge to life, the state-of-the-art facilities that housed learning, and the vast library that became a treasure trove of wisdom.

But the KING, QUEEN, and ROOKS, while powerful, couldn’t conquer the ever-evolving landscape of education alone. That’s when the KNIGHT and the BISHOP entered the fray. Visionary and agile, they forged alliances with innovative programmes like IGNOU and SWAYAM. Together, they ventured into exciting new territories – the intricate world of Electronics and Software Technologies. Their mission: not just to impart knowledge, but to equip students for the complex chessboard of emerging fields. Every move they made was a deliberate strategy, ensuring our students were prepared for a bright educational future.

Meanwhile, the PAWNS, the bedrock of my foundation, thrived. They represented the strength of my undergraduate programmes and the vibrant spirit of sports. The BISHOP, too, played a crucial role. By embracing diverse programmes like NCC, NSS, IGNOU, and SWAYAM, I fostered a holistic approach to education, one that nurtured well-rounded individuals.

Today, I stand as a testament to the harmonious interplay of these chess pieces. Each one – the KING’s recognition, the QUEEN’s scholarly pursuits, the ROOK’s infrastructure, the KNIGHT and BISHOP’s innovative spirit, the PAWNS’ foundational strength, and the BISHOP’s diverse offerings – contributes to the richness of my story. We are a strategic ensemble, where every move is a milestone, and every piece a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence. The journey continues, and with each move, we write a new chapter in the story of academic triumphs and collective success. As I look towards the future, I am filled with excitement for the new possibilities that await in teaching and learning.

Presenting the Institutional Distinctiveness of GOVERNMENT COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCE AND COMMERCE, KHANDOLA, GOA!