A GLIMPSE OF THE HISTORY OF DEPARTMENT OF SANSKRIT

In the city of Cuttack, Christ College emerged as a superstructure of learning in 1944. The college, to its profound credit introduced Sanskrit as one of the faculties of Arts Department although it was named after Lord Christ. Therefore, the department of Sanskrit carries the splendour and glory of the past 70 years in the history of Christ College. Prof. BanambarAcharya, an exponent of Sanskrit studies, introduced Sanskrit in 1944 in this immaculate institution. After his superannuation, Prof. Acharya handed over the charge of the department to a true heir and an eminent scholar Prof. RangadharSarangi in 1957. Prof. Sarangi rendered service to the department for 33 long years and waved away in 1990. Honours studies in Sanskrit was inducted with a strength of 16 students in 1988 after obtaining due government concurrence and university affiliation. After the superannuation of Prof. Sarangi in 1990, the charge of the department was handed over to Dr. D. G. Mishra, who specialised in Sanskrit literature and had a profound knowledge of the English language as well. He, as a skillful sailor, continued steering the department way up to its glory till his retirement in November, 2017. The charge of the department was passed on to the hands of Dr. Mrs. Debajani Dash who had meanwhile joined the Department as a lecturer in October 1991. She specialises in Sanskrit Grammarwith the additional credit of holding M.Phil and Ph.D. degrees. With the passing of time Dr. Mrs. Kshyanaprava Nanda joined the department in 1995, who has specialisation in the Vedas. In June 2017, Miss SukanyaSenapati specializing in Sanskrit Grammar, also became a part of the family.

In 1994-95, the Golden Jubilee year of the College the department of Sanskrit organized a cultural programme in Sanskrit. A ten day Sanskrit camp was also sponsored by Sanskrit Bharati at that time. In 1996, the department got the opportunity to open private coaching for post graduate study in Sanskrit and continued for four years, but as ill-luck would have it, the same collapsed in 1999.

Sudhansu Ch. Sarangi, a brilliant student of final year Sanskrit, stood first class first in university exam. in 1996 and won the SurjeetSahoo Memorial Gold Medal. Afterwards by dint if his outstanding achievements, he got appointed as assistant professor in the P.G. Dept. of Sanskrit in the University of Himachal Pradesh. Presently, he is working as an associate professor in Punjab University.

In 2001, our department organised National Level Conference in Sanskrit on Sanskrit - A Value Based Education where eminent guests graced the occasion. In 2002-2003 our department hosted a UGC sponsored program a ten month program insimple spoken Sanskrit. In 2005 our department hosted the 11th Sessional Conference of College Teachers in Sanskrit on 'Curriculum in Sanskrit' by the kind assistance of the Governing Body of the college on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee celebration of this esteemed institution where renowned dignitaries adorned the stage. Again on 5th and 6th Feb. 2006, our department organized a National Conference on 'Cultural Sanskrit' proposed by SahityaSangeetaNataka Academy. With UGC assistance we also hosted a National Conference on 4th and 5th Feb., 2012 in collaboration with All Odisha Non-Government Association of College Teachers in Sanskrit on 'Sanskrit & Global Fraternity - A Perspective'. On 20th Feb. 2017 a UGC funded State Level Workshop on 'Stress Management by Yoga' was organised by our department. Also, in the same year on 26th and 27th November a National Seminar on 'Perspectives of Yoga' was hosted in the presence of eminent personalities and renowned figures in our esteemed institution.

Our department houses a seminar library which is of great help to the students. We organize essay and debate competitions whichhelp the students flaunt their talents and build their confidence. The faculty of this department has always put in efforts to develop a healthy rapport with its students through its mentor-mentee system and makes it a point to stay in touch with the parents through parents-teachers meetings held at regular intervals.

As I try to recollect my journey of 27 years in this college, I realise that this divine shrine of learning has become my place of worship and my second home as well. Many vivid memories come to my mind which makes me feel proud that I am indeed a lucky person to become a part and parcel of Christ College.

The Department of Sanskrit is eagerly waiting like a blooming bud to blossom into a thousand petals, spreading divine fragrance and serenity in this divine and pristine sanctum sanctorum of Lord Jesus.

NAME	QUALIFICATION	DESIGNATION	Contacts
Dr. Mrs. Debajani Dash		Lecturer & HOD
Dr. Mrs. Kshanaprabha Nanda		Lecturer
Mrs. Sukanya Senapati		Lecturer

Gallery Of Sanskrit Department