Cooch Behar: Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma University, named after the iconic social reformer Thakur Panchanan Barma, witnessed a moment of reflection, cultural exchange, and collective resolve with the flag-off of the North East Integration Rally 2026 from its campus on January 9.

The event brought together academics, students, civil society representatives, and rally organisers in a programme that blended ideas, music, and purpose.

Thakur Panchanan Barma, also known as Roy Saheb Panchanan Barma, was a towering Rajbanshi leader and reformer from Cooch Behar whose legacy of social awakening continues to shape the region’s intellectual and cultural landscape.

The university that bears his name served as a fitting venue for an initiative rooted in unity, awareness, and regional integration.

The programme was organised through the collaboration of the university’s NSS unit and the North East Integration Rally organisers. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Registrar Prof. Dr. Madhab Chandra Adhikari, Examination Controller Dr. Abhijit Deb, Finance Officer Dr. Tapas Manna, and NSS Programme Coordinator Prof. Prabir Kumar Haldar.

NEIR 2026 advisor and guest of honour Prof. Dr. Sukamal Deb, KRC Foundations CEO Biswadeep Gupta, Dr. Dipankar Paul, Development Officer Dr. Soumendra Kumar Saha Choudhury, along with other faculty members and students, were also present.

The initiative for hosting the rally’s flag-off at the university was taken by HoD of the Department of Economics, Dr. Ramakrishna Mandal, whose proactive role was acknowledged by speakers throughout the programme.

Several speakers lauded the organisers for taking the rally to academic spaces and engaging students directly in conversations around integration, responsibility, and social awareness.

Delivering the welcome address, Registrar Prof. Dr. Madhab Chandra Adhikari spoke about the significance of the North East Integration Rally, which began its journey from Kolkata on January 4. He congratulated the organisers for what he described as a noble and timely initiative, stressing the importance of such activities in shaping socially conscious and informed citizens.

In a lighter and memorable moment, the Registrar also sang a song, drawing warm applause from the audience.

Chief resource person Prof. Dr. Sukamal Deb, in his address, called upon students and faculty to think beyond immediate concerns and commit themselves to a sustainable future. “Let us take an oath to make our planet sustainable for our next generation,” he said, linking environmental responsibility with social harmony and regional cooperation.

On behalf of KRC Foundations, Prof. Dr. Deb also felicitated the university authorities in recognition of their support and participation.

KRC Foundations CEO Biswadeep Gupta spoke at length on the personal, professional, and social dimensions of human life. Emphasising the role of awareness and information, he remarked that those who read newspapers never lag behind in life.

He also outlined the benefits available to student participants, including certificates, internship exposure, feedback mechanisms, online workshops, disaster management orientation, and a free one-year subscription to KRC TIMES.

The programme also highlighted future possibilities of collaboration. The Registrar assured that steps would be taken to establish a HAM Radio Club at the university, underlining the institution’s interest in disaster communication and practical skill development.

Cultural performances added depth to the event, with students presenting Rabindra Sangeet and an Assamese song. The NEIR theme resonated through the performances, leaving the audience visibly engaged and moved.

As the rally flag was ceremonially flagged off from the varsity, the event concluded on a note of optimism and shared purpose. The gathering reflected not just a formal launch, but a collective affirmation of dialogue, sustainability, and integration, values that both Thakur Panchanan Barma’s legacy and the North East Integration Rally seek to uphold.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally