P.C. Ray and The University of Calcutta

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To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray the University of Calcutta, in collaboration with Acharya Prafulla Chandra College, initiated a project to publish collections of his writings and speeches. Five volumes have already been published. The Acharya had a fruitful and an abiding association with the University of Calcutta for nearly four decades, during which period he remained deeply involved with its Senate, Syndicate and Faculty Councils. The present volume – the sixth in the series – brings together his observations and submissions in various meetings of these decision-making bodies of the University.

The volume unfolds the pioneering role that Prafulla Chandra Ray played in introducing Science education in the Post- graduate level of the University. As we grapple today with issues relating to the development of interaction between basic and applied sciences, promotion of interdisciplinary teaching and research, and motivation for university-industry partnership we can fall back on the thoughts and principles of the Acharya for sustenance. But the other principle which Prafulla Chandra Ray steadfastly pursued was the principle of University autonomy, which has acquired contemporary relevance both in our country and abroad. His refusal to compromise with the University's autonomy even at the cost of sacrificing British government's financial grants stands out as an example worthy of emulation. In fact, our illustrious Vice-Chancellor Sir Asutosh Mookerjee was equally forthright in upholding the cause of University's autonomy. Significantly enough, the country's latest Education Commission Report - popularly known as the Yash Pal Committee Report - also envisages the role of universities to pursue teaching and research within an autonomous and accountable framework of self-governance. The Yash Pal Report thus notes:

Any change in the governance structures of a University should be aimed at achieving more autonomy for it ... It has been proved that wherever the higher educational institutions have a governance system which functions with a high degree of autonomy, their performance have earned national and international respect not withstanding financial constraints. The absence of any sense of academic and administrative autonomy, introduces a high degree of educational and social distortion.

Our University has always sought to promote its motto 'Advancement of Learning' on the strength of its autonomy of thought, and in tune with principles of equity and justice. This is the legacy bequeathed to us by such illustrious teachers of the institution as Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray, and we commit ourselves to move forward, enriching this legacy. The present volume will hopefully equip us in continuing with this journey.

As with other preceding volumes, the sixth volume could not have seen the light of the day without the tireless efforts and single-minded devotion of Professor Anil Bhattacharya and his dedicated colleagues. I sincerely thank them for their contribution to make our project a reality. I hope that this volume, like its precursors, will receive wide appreciation from the reading public.

**Contents and Sample Pages**