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Pachhunga University College

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Coordinates: 23°43′28″N 92°43′30″E / 23.7244°N 92.7251°E / 23.7244; 92.7251
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Pachhunga University College
File:PUC logo PNG.png
MottoLearning and Service
TypePublic
Established15 August 1958
PrincipalTawnenga
Academic staff
138
Administrative staff
95
Students2442
Undergraduates2415
Postgraduates27
Location
Aizawl
,
Mizoram
,
796001
,
India
CampusUrban
AffiliationsMizoram University
Websitewww.pucollege.edu.in

Pachhunga University College (PUC) is a public institute in Aizawl, Mizoram, and the only constituent college of Mizoram University, a central university established by an Act of Parliament of India. Founded in 1958 as Aijal College, it is the oldest and largest college in Mizoram, by enrolment and campus size.[1] It started with intermediate of arts (equivalent of higher secondary education) courses, and later expanded to bachelor degrees in arts, commerce and science. With the opening of master's degree courses in Mizo, philosophy and life sciences, it became the first postgraduate college in Mizoram.[2]

The college is named in honour of Pachhunga, a leading businessman and politician, who funded its initial management in 1962. It became university college when the North Eastern Hill University incorporated it as its only constituent college in 1979. The permanent campus, occupied since 1965, is situated in College Veng, a locality at the eastern end of Aizawl. The 138-acre campus is the only verdant forest reserve in Aizawl, and is referred to as the "lung of the city."[3] For its conservation of forests, it received the Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Awards in 1995, a national award for pioneering and innovative works in afforestation and wasteland management, from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.

It received the Best College award from the Zoram Research Foundation, consecutively in 2004 and 2006. Between 2009 and 2013, the Department of Science and Technology of India awarded the college with a special scheme of Fund for Improvement of Science and Technology Infrastructure (FIST). In 2011, the Department of Biotechnology of India set up Institutional Biotech Hub, which was upgraded to Advanced Institutional Biotech Hub in 2017. The same year, DBT awarded its Star College Scheme.[4] The National Assessment and Accreditation Council classified it as B grade with a cumulative grade point average of 2.78 in 2011, and raised it to A+ grade with a CGPA of 3.51 in 2016, the highest score in Mizoram.[5] The National Institutional Ranking Framework listed it among the best 150 colleges in India (rank band within 101-150).[6] In 2017, the University Grants Commission made it College with Potential for Excellence.[7]

History

Busts of Pachhunga and his son Lalhmingthanga near the entrance of PUC.

After the independence of India from the British Empire in 1947, the Mizo people were governed under the Government of Assam as Lushai Hills district. By 1950s, many Mizo people had completed secondary education with no further opportunity. J. Malsawma made the first provocative petition for the establishment of college by writing an open letter titled "Vana Pa College" in MZP Magazine; but to no avail. He and H.K. Bawichhuaka, set up what they called an "Organising Board" at Pachhunga's house in Dawrpui, Aizawl, in 1957. By then, Pachhunga was known as the "most prosperous Mizo businessman" or "the wealthiest man in Mizoram", and he was made Chairman of the board. The board held a public meeting in June 1957 at the Boys’ Middle English School, wherein the public unanimously voted the Deputy Commissioner as Chairman of the board. The Deputy Commissioner then was adamant. In April 1958, Lawrence Singh Ingty from Mikir Hills become the new Deputy Commissioner. Quick to action, Ingty created the first Organising Board under his chairmanship, with Bawichhuaka as the Secretary, Malsawma as the Joint Secretary, and Lalhmingthanga (Pachhunga's son) as the Treasurer. He inaugurated Aijal College on 15 August 1958 (Indian Independence Day) at Aijal Theatre Hall (now Vanapa Hall).[3]

At the behest of Ingty, Brother Godfrey Danis, who at the time was Headmaster of St. Paul's High School, became the first but temporary Principal. The faculty were volunteers and originally comprised a team of Christian missionaries including John Meirion Lloyd, Helen Lowry, G.R. Roberts (Pi Tei) and Father O'Brien, along with educated natives such as Rita Neihpuii, Sangliana, and Malsawma. Classes officially started on 1 September 1958.[8] Initially, classes were conducted at the Theatre Hall itself in the afternoon (which they called Evening Class). Towards the end of 1961, the college moved to an abandoned warehouse at Children's Park. For financial support, Ingty would ask for donation from people applying for arms license.[9] Upon the request of the Organising Board, the Welsh Mission Board (Foreign Mission of the Presbyterian Church of Wales) appointed Rev. Alwyn Roberts as the first regular Principal in November 1960.[10] In 1961, the college became government aided, and received affiliation from Gauhati University.[8]

In 1962, it was renamed Pachhunga Memorial College (PMC) after the philanthropic entrepreneur Pachhunga, he and his family who were outstanding benefactors of the college since its inception. It was relocated to its permanent campus in June 1965. On 1 July 1965, the Assam Government declared provincialisation (official recognition), and the name was once more changed to Pachhunga Memorial Government College (PMGC). Permanent teachers were appointed only in 1967 under the Assam Public Service Commission. UGC granted full recognition in 1969.

When Lushai Hills became a separate Union Territory as Mizoram from Assam in 1972, the management of the college was handed over to the Government of Mizoram. The college was renamed Pachhunga Government College in 1977. The affiliation was transferred to a newly established North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), on 19 April 1979. NEHU incorporated the college administration to its own and made it its only constituent college with a vision to promote it as a "pace-setting institution." Then it was renamed Pachhunga University College (PUC). With the setting up of Mizoram University on 2 July 2001, the authority was once again signed over to the new university; and remain as such ever since.[8]

PUC main gate.

Courses

For a start, the degree consisted of only Intermediate of Arts (I.A.; modern equivalent of higher secondary) with five subjects such as English, Civics, Geography, History and Logic. New courses on basic science were instituted in 1973. The faculty of commerce was introduced in 1984, and with this, the college was, and remains, the only institute in Mizoram to offer the three different disciplines. Department of Public Administration was initiated in 2005. From 2012 two new departments such as Biotechnology and Environmental Science were started. In 2018, Bachelor of Business Administration, postgraduate courses in arts and science were started.[11] All courses are conducted with choice-based credit system.[12]

As of 2018, there are 11 bachelor degree courses in arts (English, Economics, Education, Geography, History, Mizo, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration and Sociology), 9 in science (Biotechnology, Botany, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics and Zoology), 1 each in Commerce and BBA. There are three master's degree courses, M.Sc. in Life Sciences, M.A. in Philosophy, and M.A. in Mizo.[2]

Additional courses

PUC is the Study Centre 1923 under IGNOU. Started in 2008, the centre offers certificate courses such as in Environmental Studies, Laboratory Techniques, Higher Education, and HIV and Family Education, along with bachelor's degrees in arts and science.[13]

UGC add-on and skill development courses have been introduced including Certificate Course in Pisciculture (2009-2013) and Certificate Course in Human Rights (since 2013). PUC also received UGC Community College Scheme in 2015 from which Diploma in Mushroom Cultivation course is offered. The college also conducts a self-financing Finishing School for graduating students.[7] Coaching Class for Entry into Civil Services are conducted during winter sessions.[14]

Mizo Cultural Studies and Performing Arts was introduced in 2018.[15]

Faculty

There are 99 permanent teachers, including the Principal. 60.57% of them possess PhD and 12% MPhil in their respective fields. There is 1 Professor, 23 are Associate Professors, and 80 are Assistant Professors. J.V. Hluna became the first Professor in colleges in Mizoram under UGC regulations. There are 71 supporting staff including Assistant Registrar, Section Officer, clerks, peons, drivers and cleaners. There are 25 technical staff including laboratory assistants, mechanic, electrician and carpenters.[14]

Students

Average number of enrollment of students is 2,200 for the past five years, with approximately 850 fresh admission every year. Admission is done through online portal and selection is based on merit in the last board/university examination. Minimum mark required for application to any course is 50% of the total marks in the last examination. More than 95% belong to minority and Scheduled Tribe category. The average annual gender ratio of male to female is 1.1:1.[14]

The college has official organisations for students such as Students' Union, National Service Scheme, National Cadet Corps, and Red Ribbon Club. It offers "Earn While Learn" scheme for students from low-income family to earn their educational expenses. Other independent co-curricular bodies include Cultural Club, Eco Club, Adventure Club, Literature Club, and Chess Club.[14]

Awards for students

The college and its alumni provide proficiency awards such as H.K. Bawichhuaka Proficiency Award for BA students, Lenrual Hlui Science Proficiency Award for BSc students, and Khawtinkhuma Proficiency Award for BCom students who secured highest marks in the final university examinations. There are sponsored awards such as ZET Award from Zoram Educational Trust (ZET) for meritorious students in physics, and SEL Foundation Award from Sunflower Electronics Foundation for students in physics, mathematics and chemistry.[16]

NSS

PUC Unit of NSS was established in 1972. It organises community works and social services regularly. Annual programme includes Green Mizoram Day, Cleanliness Drive, and Mass Blood Donation.[17] PUC Unit has won Indira Gandhi NSS Awards two times, in 1994-1995 and in 2015-2016. In the 2015-2016 Indira Gandhi NSS Awards, Zoramdinthara received the Programme Officer Award, and Chawnghlunchhungi received the Volunteers Award.[18][19] Since 1998, PUC Unit set the record of most blood donation from educational institution in Mizoram. In 1998, 333 volunteers donated blood in a day.[20] It also won first prize under the category of educational institution jointly awarded by the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) and the Association for Voluntary Blood Donation (AVBD) at the World Blood Donor Day on 14 June 2018.[21]

Campus and infrastructure

Administrative Building.

PUC campus is situated at the eastern side of Aizawl, and covers 138 acres of land.[22] There are five academic buildings, one central library, seven staff quarters, health clinic, counseling centre, NSS/Students’ Union Office, power generator room, ring well, basketball court, volleyball court, and seismological observatory. In addition to classrooms and departmental rooms, Academic Block 1 consists of Student's Recreation Centre and Internet Resource Centre. Academic Block 2 consists of a workshop/maintenance cell. The basement of Academic Block 3 is Language Lab. Science Building consists of IGNOU Centre 1923. Seminar Hall lies adjacent to Science Building and Life Science Building, and the basement is a cafeteria. Research and Instrumentation Centre, Zoological Museum, and Advanced Biotech Hub are at located within Life Science Building.

The administrative building consists of Principal's chamber, establishment cell, finance cell, faculty common room and departmental offices. Multipurpose Auditorium is located at the entrance of the playground. It consists of badminton court. The playground is standard football pitch size, surrounded by concrete pavilion. There are two girls' hostels each having 190 capacity, and two boys' hostel, each with 178 boarders . A free-access Internet Resource Centre, the first of its kind in Mizoram,[23] was established under NER FIST of the Department of Science and Technology. All offices and departmental rooms are linked with internet connectivity through broadband service. All classrooms and laboratories are furnished with fixed LCD projection system since 2012.

Seminar Hall and library behind (left).

Library

PUC library had been one of the best in northeast India; however, the original library was completely burnt down on 4 November 1981.[24] With new building and restoration, it has now collected more than 42,803 general books, 34,242 textbooks, 8,561 reference books, 29 academic journals, and a number of magazines and newspapers available. Reprography and internet access are also available. Library automation has been initiated, and is using INFLIBNET.[25]

Library.

Laboratories

All science departments, Geography and Psychology have separate laboratories. The laboratories are adequately provided with state-of-the-art equipment for practical classes. Sophisticated instruments are also available for research activities. Laboratories are further maintained through NER FIST of the Department of Science and Technology. Departments of Botany, Chemistry and Zoology are further supported by the Star College Scheme of Department of Biotechnology since 2012.

Research centre

Research Centre (ground floor), Biotech Hub (first floor), and Life Sciences classroom (second floor).

There is a Research and Instrumentation Centre at the Zoology Department in which research projects are carried out.[14] It also houses the Advanced Institutional Biotech Hub.

Research

The institution receives research grants from various funding agencies. There have been 23 research projects from UGC, out of which 21 are minor research projects and 2 are major research projects. There are two major research projects in Zoology Department from the Department of Biotechnology. The Department of Science and Technology has given four major research projects and two Women Scientist schemes. Under the Advanced Institutional Biotech Hub, a separate research is conducted.

Mizoram Government (Horticulture Department) had sponsored "Zo Huan". The Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change also had funded research projects on fish diversity and campus conservation. Zoram Educational Trust (ZET) also offers a minor research scheme.[14]

Accreditation and ranking

NAAC

PUC had its first NAAC assessment in 2011, and received grade B with CGPA of 2.78. It was the second highest grade among institutions in Mizoram. In the next cycle in 2016, it was graded A+ with CGPA of 3.51,[26] becoming the highest graded institution in the state.[5]

NIRF

In 2018, the National Institutional Ranking Framework listed PUC for the first time and included it among the best 150 colleges in India (rank band within 101-150).[6] At 132, the college ranked highest among colleges in northeast India.[27]

ISO

On 23 July 2018, PUC received its first certification of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) from HYM International Certifications Pvt. Ltd. It is certified for ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management) leh ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management).[28]

Alumni

Pachhunga University College Alumni Association (PUCAA) was established in 2007, with P.L. Liandinga as its first President. Among the notable alumni, Lal Thanhawla is one of the most successful politicians and is the longest serving Chief Minister of Mizoram. He has been in office during 1984-1986, 1989-1998, and 2013-2018. He won general elections nine times, in 1978, 1979, 1984, 1987, 1993, 2003, 2008, and 2013.[29][30] Vanlalzawma is also another politician. He had been a teacher at Government Hrangbana College, President of Young Mizo Association (YMA), and Member of Parliament from Mizoram in the 13th Lok Sabha and 14th Lok Sabha. In 2013 election, he became Member of Legislative Assembly of Mizoram and Opposition Leader in the assembly.[31] Laltluangliana Khiangte is a renowned Mizo literary scholar and Professor at Mizoram University. He was Principal of Serampore College and Professor at NEHU. He is the recipient of Pu Buanga Award, the highest literary award of the Mizo Academy of Letters,[32] and Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India.[33]

Cultural Day and Laisuih Award

PUC organises a Cultural Day every three years since 2011. On 14 November 2011, the Principal Tawnenga launched it as a commemoration of cultural harmony and as promotion of ethnic awareness among the students and employees. At the event, all staff and students dress up in their own ethnic costumes. Part of the programme, Laisuih Award is given to an individual who has made influential contribution to Mizo literature, particularly through music. The first award was given to V. Thangzama, a traditional musician and composer.[34] In 2015, the award went to singer Lalnunmawia (Valtea).[35] The 2018 award was given to Lalnunsanga, vocalist of a rock band T. Melody from Myanmar.[36]

References

  1. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 29 September 2012. Retrieved 6 March 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. ^ a b "Pachhunga University College-a Post Graduate course hawn thar chu vawiin khan MZU Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof. R.P. Vadhera'n a hawng [MZU Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. R.P. Vadhera inaugurated new postgraduate courses at PUC]". Zonet. 1 August 2018. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  3. ^ a b "Chief Minister-in PUC Grand Celebration a hmanpui [Chief Minister graced PUC Grand Celebration]". Vanglaini. 10 April 2017. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  4. ^ "List of Colleges supported under Star College Scheme". Department of Biotechnology. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  5. ^ a b Rahman, Daulat (7 November 2016). "A feather in Cotton cap". The Telegraph. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  6. ^ a b "India Rankings 2018: College (Rank-band: 101-150)". National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MHRD. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  7. ^ a b "Pachhunga University College - UGC College with Potential for Excellence". Times of Mizoram. 13 July 2017. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  8. ^ a b c "Outline History of Pachhunga University College". Memorabilia: Golden Jubille Souvenir. Aizawl (India): Pachhunga University College. 2008. pp. 3–8.
  9. ^ Lalmanzuala, M. (26 February 2018). "Pachhunga University College beginning". Times of Mizoram. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  10. ^ "Mizoram's oldest college mourns the death of its first principal". Assam tribune. 5 August 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  11. ^ "Pachhunga University College-ah academic". Vanglaini. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
  12. ^ "PUC zirlai ti ṭhate chawimawi". Vanglaini. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
  13. ^ "IGNOU North-East Study Centres under AIZAWL". IGNOU. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
  14. ^ a b c d e f "Self Study Report (2016)" (PDF). IQAC of PUC-NAAC. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  15. ^ "PACHHUNGA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE IN GRAD DINNER BUATSAIH". DI&PR. 24 May 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  16. ^ "Prospectus 2018-2019". PUC. p. 17. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  17. ^ "National Service Scheme (NSS)". pucollege.edu.in. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  18. ^ "Winners of Indira Gandhi NSS Awards" (PDF). National Service Scheme (NSS). Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  19. ^ "NSS award dawng dawn". Vanglaini. 31 October 2016. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  20. ^ "Pachhunga University College "Blood Donors Festival"". Directorate of Information & Public Relations. 1 October 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  21. ^ "World Blood Donor Day hman a ni". Vanglaini. 15 June 2018. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  22. ^ "Self Study Report (2010)". IQAC of PUC-NAAC. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  23. ^ PUC ah internet resource centre » buannel
  24. ^ Tonson, Vanlalremruata. "MZP President ni rei lo ber, chaw ei rei ber". Retrieved 19 August 2012.
  25. ^ PUC LIBRARY
  26. ^ "naac.gov.in" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 May 2012. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  27. ^ "Tadong college in Sikkim ranks 190 in NIRF list". Northeast Now. 11 April 2018. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  28. ^ "MZU leh PUC hnenah ISO certifcate hlan [MZU and PUC receive ISO certificate]". Vanglaini. 24 July 2018. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  29. ^ "About Government - Chief Minister: PU LALTHANHAWLA (11.12.2008 - )". mizoram.nic.in. National Informatics Centre, Mizoram State Centre. Retrieved 12 January 2014.
  30. ^ Talukdar, Sushanta (14 December 2013). "Lal Thanhawla sworn in as Mizoram Chief Minister". The Hindu. Retrieved 12 January 2014.
  31. ^ "Mizoram Opposition Leader Pu Vanlalzawma Biodata". Times of Mizoram. 19 November 2017. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  32. ^ "Laltluangliana Khiangte Awarded the Pu Buanga Award". Eastern Panorama. June 2010. Retrieved 7 December 2015.
  33. ^ "Padma Awards" (PDF). Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 November 2014. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
  34. ^ Tawnenga (2011–2012). "Report from the Principal". Buannel: The 46th Annual Magazine. Aizawl (India): Pachhunga University College. p. 25.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date format (link)
  35. ^ "PUC-in Cultural Day an hmang (PUC celebrates Cultural Day]". Vanglaini. 27 May 2015. Retrieved 19 August 2018.
  36. ^ "PUC-in Lalnunsanga hnenah 'Laisuih Award' an hlan [PUC gives 'Laisuih Award' to Lalnunsanga]". Vanglaini. 10 March 2018. Retrieved 19 August 2018.

23°43′28″N 92°43′30″E / 23.7244°N 92.7251°E / 23.7244; 92.7251

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