Purnia,In the wake of the completion of the demands of Purnia Airport project, a surge in demands for the establishment of a Central University in Purnia has taken center stage as the new year unfolds. This rallying cry, the second of its kind after the successful push for an AIIMS facility, is gaining momentum and has even reached the attention of the Prime Minister. MT first brought this demand to light on January 1, 2024, and in a short span, social activists from the Kosi-Seemanchal regions are actively mobilizing to bring this request to the forefront of the central government’s considerations.
In this unfolding narrative, a dedicated social worker has utilized virtual means to send a comprehensive letter to the Prime Minister. This letter not only reiterates the demand for a Central University in Purnia but also urges its fulfillment within the ongoing fiscal year. Significantly, the letter not only places the demand before the Prime Minister but also proposes that the announcement of the Central University’s establishment in Purnia be made prior to the Lok Sabha elections in 2024.
Regional and International Impact: Three States and Neighbor Nations Stand to Benefit
The missive underscores that the establishment of a Central University in Purnia will have profound regional and international ramifications. It goes beyond serving the nine districts of Bihar, extending its impact to neighboring states like West Bengal and even reaching across borders to neighboring nations. Currently, the existing Purnia University, established as a State University in 2018, is still aspiring for its full-fledged identity. The establishment of a Central University would significantly broaden the horizons for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to access quality education in diverse fields.
Inclusive Educational Opportunities: Economic Background Students Stand to Benefit
Dr. Navneet Kumar, an esteemed faculty member from the Mathematics department of Purnia University, passionately explains that a Central University in Purnia would be a transformative force for students from economically modest backgrounds. Central Universities are renowned for their high academic standards and global-level education. They receive centralized financial support and place emphasis not only on academic excellence but also on pioneering research activities. This move could potentially be a game-changer, providing students from general economic backgrounds with opportunities to actively participate in cutting-edge educational processes.
Prof. Sunil Kumar, the Head of the Economics department at Purnia College, expresses his belief that the announcement of a Central University in Purnia should have transpired at least 25 years ago. Taking into account the rich history and economic-social necessities of the Purnia district, the immediate announcement of a Central University by the central government is anticipated. He emphasizes that higher education institutions not only enhance academic and research activities but also fundamentally transform the entire identity and socio-economic landscape of the region.
As the clamor for a Central University in Purnia continues to gain momentum, local residents remain hopeful that the new year might bring yet another positive development following the successful completion of various crucial infrastructure projects in the region, including the Purnia Airport.