Silchar: Cachar College, Silchar, has taken a major leap toward digital and technology-driven education with the inauguration of a new Smart Classroom and Interactive Digital Board on Tuesday. The facility was formally inaugurated by Rajya Sabha MP Kanad Purkayastha and Silchar MLA Dipayan Chakraborty, both of whom have longstanding connections with the college—Chakraborty being an alumnus.

The event began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by an interactive discussion session that brought together educators, administrators, and students. Present on the occasion were Principal Dr. Apratim Nag, Governing Body President Prof. Dr. Parthankar Choudhury, Prof. Dr. Anup Dey, and several members of the teaching faculty.

In his address, Chief Guest Kanad Purkayastha commended Cachar College for embracing technology to make learning more engaging and effective. He said that both the Central and State Governments have taken major steps to modernise education in line with the needs of the digital era.

“If we truly wish to build an educated and self-reliant society, our institutions must be technologically advanced,” Purkayastha said. He expressed pride in being associated with his alma mater and announced that he would extend financial and technical support to upgrade the college’s two existing smart classrooms into fully-equipped digital learning spaces.

He added that such developments will not only benefit students but also help teachers adopt innovative teaching methods.

Guest of Honour Dipayan Chakraborty highlighted the government’s focus on reshaping the education sector from the grassroots to higher levels. “Modernisation of education has been one of the foremost priorities of the BJP-led government,” he said. “Quality education, backed by practical infrastructure, is the true key to a nation’s progress.”

He noted that the transformation underway is not limited to infrastructure alone. “The focus is equally on teacher training, curriculum renewal, and skill development so that students gain real-world competence,” he explained. “India is steadily moving toward becoming a knowledge-based society, and initiatives like this are helping strengthen our global standing.”

Principal Dr. Apratim Nag, in his address, called education the true force behind social and cultural transformation. “Education not only enlightens individuals but also awakens their sense of duty toward society, the nation, and humanity,” he said. Dr. Nag urged students to move beyond rote learning and cultivate creativity, moral values, and social awareness.

He emphasized that the true strength of an institution lies not merely in infrastructure or examination results but in the depth of its teacher-student relationships, its research environment, discipline, and the nurturing of human values. Dr. Nag also lauded MLA Chakraborty’s initiative, describing it as a significant step toward making Cachar College a model of progressive education in the region.

Prof. Dr. Anup Dey, drawing from his long academic experience, stressed the need for students to develop genuine curiosity and love for learning. “No technology can replace the desire to learn,” he remarked. “Smart boards and digital tools are valuable, but it’s the inquisitiveness of the mind that drives true education.”

The event drew a distinguished gathering that included members of the College Governing Body, eminent journalists Pranabananda Das and Satadal Bhattacharjee, faculty members, and students.

The programme was smoothly coordinated by Assistant Professor Nabarupa Dhar, while Assistant Professor Birupaksha Pal Choudhury delivered the vote of thanks.

The ceremony concluded with the singing of the National Anthem, marking not just the inauguration of a facility but the beginning of a renewed commitment to digital learning and academic excellence at Cachar College.