Birsa Munda College, established in 2018, stands as a pioneering institution in the Terai region of Darjeeling District, West Bengal. It is the sole Hindi Medium College in this area, strategically located amidst the lush tea garden landscapes and rural communities of Hatighisa and its surroundings. With a mission to provide quality education to marginalised populations, particularly those from the tea garden areas, the college embodies a vision of accessible education and social upliftment.
This vision is reflected in the logo of the college which started with the phrase one-bud-two-leaves (ekti-kuri-duti-pata) which has a special significance in the tea garden areas. The bud was replaced by the pen to symbolise the spread of education in the tea garden areas. It was supplemented with the shloka “Asatoma Sad Gamayo” reflecting the institution’s vision of moving from ignorance to truth.
Spread across six acres of land, Birsa Munda College is a co-educational degree college affiliated with the esteemed University of North Bengal. Situated in the heart of the “Chicken-Neck Corridor,” a crucial connecting point between eight northeastern states and the rest of India, the college holds strategic importance. This corridor, marked by its shared international borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China, underscores the college’s significance as a gateway to the country.
Accessibility is a cornerstone of Birsa Munda College’s infrastructure, as it is conveniently connected by air, rail, and road. The nearby Bagdogra Airport, just 9 km away, provides air travel options, while the Siliguri Junction and New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP), located at 18 km and 22 km respectively, cater to rail commuters. Additionally, the college enjoys proximity to the Asian Highway 2 and National Highway NH-31, facilitating easy road access for students and faculty alike.
More than just a centre for academic learning, Birsa Munda College embodies a spirit of resilience and empowerment, symbolised by its namesake, the iconic tribal freedom fighter. Rooted in the ethos of resistance and community empowerment, the college has evolved into a beacon of hope for first-generation learners and Hindi-speaking students in the region. Through a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and cultural preservation, Birsa Munda College continues to leave an indelible mark on the educational landscape of the Terai region, shaping a brighter future for its inhabitants.
