NAAC peer team inspects SJC (A) in Jakhama

JAKHAMA — St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous) in Jakhama hosted the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) peer team for its fourth cycle of accreditation on Tuesday and Wednesday at its campus.

The three-member team included Prof. SN Chaudhary; Rajiv Gandhi, professor at Barkatullah University, Bhopal, as chairman; Prof. Amit Singh, dean at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, as member coordinator; and Dr. Vighneshwar Yalamali from KLE Society’s Raja Lakhamagouda Science Institute, Karnataka, as member.

During the two-day visit to the college, Prof. Chaudhary, emphasised the significance of cultural and musical programmes in personal and societal development, noting that studies have shown their positive impact.

Reflecting on his past experiences, he conveyed how his roots from an uneducated and modest farming family afforded him the liberty to develop without external constraints, showcasing the powerful impact of education and cultural engagement.

Chaudhary encouraged the integration of diverse activities such as music, sports, and dance in students’ lives, asserting that those engagements would help them excel in various aspects of their lives.

He also addressed the concept of social capital, stressing the essential roles of trust and reciprocity in cultivating a cohesive community, while he also discussed how cultural activities contribute to the development.

Commending the college’s principal, staff and teachers for their efforts in making the institution vibrant, Chaudhary expressed hope that the alma mater would eventually attract students globally.

He looked ahead to a future in which the college would be recognised as a premier institution of learning, attracting students from all over the world.

On Wednesday, the peer team visited various departments including other infrastructures of the college such as the classrooms, IQAC office, library, administrative office, PG block, Science block, examination office and hostels.

After preparing their report, the visit concluded with an exit meeting held in the conference hall in the evening.

The two-day visit commenced with a reception at the portico of the Arts block, where the NCC cadets offered a guard of honour followed with the singing of National Anthem on Tuesday.

The first day of their visit concluded with a ‘cultural evening, celebrating the rich heritage and artistic talents of the students at the college at the indoor stadium.

It was followed with a presentation from Rev. Fr. Dr. George Keduolhou Angami, principal of the college, in his office as well as presentations made by the IQAC and select departments.

A meeting was also held with the governing body, management members of the college, state government representatives, university representatives, alumni, students’ body, other stakeholders and guests at the PG block.

The team also interacted with parents, alumni, faculty members and non-teaching staff of the college.