Utkal University Celebrates 82 Years of Academic Excellence

Bhubaneswar, 27th November 2024, Utkal University, Odisha's oldest and one of its most prestigious institutions is all set to mark its 82nd Foundation Day on 27th November , 2024. Established in 1943 through the efforts of key leaders such as Biswanath Das, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Singh Deo, and Pandit Nilkantha Das, Utkal University has been at the forefront of higher education in the state.

The university's journey began with laying the foundation stone on 30th June, 1943, followed by its official inauguration on 27th November of the same year. Over the decades, it has grown into a hub of academic innovation and excellence, attracting students and scholars nationwide. In 1958, India's first Honourable President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, laid the foundation for its new campus at Vani Vihar. By 1963, it had expanded under Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India's second President.

Today, Utkal University is a beacon of higher education, offering a range of programs through nine centres of excellence and over 380 affiliated colleges. Its distinguished centres are the Directorate of Distance and Continuing Education, the School of Women's Studies, and the Ambedkar Study Centre. The university's innovative, self-financed programs cater to over 2.7 lakh students across its affiliated colleges, with around 4,500 students on campus.

Utkal University is the only institution in Odisha to rank among India's top 100 universities consistently. Its commitment to holistic development is evident through initiatives that foster creativity, character-building, and social inclusion. With a particular focus on underprivileged groups, including Scheduled Castes, Tribes, and minorities, the university is recognized as a Centre of Excellence for economically disadvantaged students.

The university has also embraced technological advancements, with the establishment of the Centre for Innovation and Incubation (CII), which aims to support entrepreneurship and research. This has been bolstered by significant grants from RUSA and the World Bank's OHEPEE programme. Key infrastructural upgrades include 30 smart classrooms, a cutting-edge e-library, and a high-capacity virtual tutorial lab, enhancing the overall student experience.

Further enhancing its role as a research and innovation hub, Utkal University established the Utkal Entrepreneurship and Career Hub (UECH) in 2020 to promote entrepreneurial skills and career development. Its collaborations with national and international institutions have led to a flourishing exchange of ideas and research, solidifying the university's position as a leader in Odisha's educational landscape.

With a proud legacy of alums who have excelled nationally and internationally, Utkal University continues to thrive in the face of evolving educational trends. Despite the rapid changes brought by new technologies, the university remains dedicated to nurturing future leaders while maintaining its core values of tradition, innovation, and academic excellence.

As it celebrates its 82nd Foundation Day, Utkal University remains committed to shaping the future of education in Odisha and inspiring future generations.