Ramakrishna Mission Residential College, Narendrapur

The history of Ramakrishna Mission Residential College is identical to that of its parent organization, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Narendrapur. In 1943, in the wake of the disastrous Bengal Famine, a handful of spirited and dedicated monks of the Ramakrishna Order set up a Students’ Home at Pathuriaghata in North Kolkata.

The Home was housed on a small plot of land earmarked for the education of young college and university students. It slowly but steadily accumulated a reputation for nurturing meritorious but indigent students. In 1957, the Home was relocated on a larger compound at Narendrapur. Within a short span of time it acquired an enviable stature under the dynamic leadership and persistent efforts of the late Revered Swami Lokeswarananda, the Founder-secretary, and his distinguished team of teachers. The acorn has now grown into a massive oak. The campus of the Ashrama is spread over 150 acres of land, dotted with flower gardens, orchards, mango groves and water bodies. Far away from the squalor and clutter of the city, the Ashrama boasts quite a few centres of excellence, Ramakrishna Mission Residential College (Autonomous) being amongst them.

The College was established on the Ashrama campus in July 1960. Affiliated to the University of Calcutta, its first batch of students commenced classes in August 1960. Much later in 1976, the Higher Secondary Unit of West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education started functioning on the college premises, but was shifted to the Vidyalaya after 2006. Autonomous status was conferred upon the college in 2008. Fully residential, this boys’ college follows the same principles and objectives as all other institutions functioning under the aegis of the Ramakrishna Mission. Swami Vivekananda believed education to be the panacea for all the evils running rampant in our country. He envisioned an educational system which would build character as well as ensure social upliftment. For such a system of education to become real and practical, an ambience of trust and love needed to be created. Through a happy combination of learning and practising, students could engage in a joyous participation in the learning process. A modern implementation of the ancient Gurugrihavasa was Swamiji’s solution. Teachers and students sharing the same living space, governed by moral and cultural modes of Indian life, in sylvan surroundings was the model chosen by the wise sages of the Ramakrishna Order. Ramakrishna Mission Residential College, Narendrapur was destined to become Swamiji’s realization of education being ‘the manifestation of perfection already in man.[3]

Three-year Semester System Under Graduate Degree Courses under Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) in the following Core (Honours) Subjects :

(i) Chemistry, (ii) Computer Science, (iii) Physics, (iv) Mathematics, (v) Statistics, (vi) English, (vii) Economics, (viii) History, (ix) Sanskrit, (x) Bengali.

Two-year Semester System Post Graduate Courses in Chemistry, Physics, English and Computer Science.

Ramakrishna Mission Residential College (Autonomous), Narendrapur is also a recognised research centre under University of Calcutta (vide Syndicate Resolution No. Permission/690/UCAC/C.U. dt. 14.05.2015). The University of Calcutta has granted Ramakrishna Mission Residential College (Autonomous), Narendrapur the permission to start Vivekananda Centre for Research to conduct M.Phil./Ph.D. courses from the academic session 2015-16 (vide letter No. Permission/690/UCAC/C.U. dt. 14.05.2015). The Institution has the requisite infrastructure to conduct Post-Doctoral Research work also. Moreover, it has been also conducting regular Ph.D. courses in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.[4]

The campus of the college and ashrama occupies a full of lush greenery area of 181 acres (0.73 km²). The college provides several facilities for its students, such as hostels, library, multigym, games & sports and medical. At present, there are four hostels under the supervision of the college:

Brahmananda Bhavana: In the presence of Swami Lokeswaranandaji Maharaj (the founder monk of the Narendrapur Ashrama) and other dignitariers, Sri Morarji Desai, the then Finance Minister of India inaugurated the building. The oldest of all the hostels at Narendrapur Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama started its glorious journey on 5th December, 1958.[5] The bhavana celebrates the birth anniversary of Swami Brahmananda every year.

Shree Gouranga Bhavana: East facing hostel. The most unique feature of the Bhavana is a centrally located open air space. Shree Gouranga Bhavana Jayanti is celebrated during the Dol Purnima with flying colours under the full moon sky.

Ramakrishnananda Bhavana: The bhavana is a three storeyed building with an adjoining dining hall. Surrounded by a lush greenery of trees. The bhavana celebrates the birth anniversary of Swami Ramakrishnananda every year.

Adbhutananda Bhavana: The bhavana is a three storeyed building dedicated to the accommodation of the college students. The bhavana celebrates the birth anniversary of Swami Adbhutananda every year.

The college also provides a well-stocked library.[6] The college building has four floors. A swimming pool beside the Brahmananda Bhavana was recently inaugurated.

On 16 September 2018, Sarada Mandir, the college annexe was inaugurated by the president of Belur Math, Swami Smaranananda.

This is a completely residential college. Students have to follow a strict daily routine. The wake up knock is made on every door on 6:05 am. Students have to get up, freshen up and attend the morning prayer. After that, tea is served at 6:45 am. After that, students are expected to study during this study hour. After that, lunch is served at 9:30 am sharp. Students must attend the college prayer at 10:25 am.

Evening snacks are served at 4 pm. The time after this is students' free time. Though not specified, but students are expected to indulge in an outdoor activity during this time. The evening prayer time varies according to the season. In summer, the evening prayer starts at 6:45 pm while in winter, it starts at 5:45 pm. All students of the first and second year must attend these prayers. After the prayer, study hour starts again and students are advised to remain in their respective rooms or the study hall in their Bhavana during this time. Dinner is served at 8:30 pm. After dinner, students enjoy free time till 9:30 pm. Every student must remain in their room from 9:30 pm to 10 pm as the daily hostel attendance is carried out during this period. Study hour starts from 9:30 pm and the student may study as long as he wants. Lights are turned off at 11 pm. A month prior to end semester exams, this is changed to 12 am.

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