Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya: Upholding the Legacy of a Cultural Icon

Introduction

Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya (MSSV), located in Nagaon, Assam, is a private university established in 2014 under the Assam Private Universities Act, 2007. The university is named after Srimanta Sankaradeva (1449–1568), a multifaceted saint-scholar who significantly influenced Assamese society through his contributions to religion, literature, music, dance, and social reforms. ​

Academic Programs

MSSV offers a wide array of programs catering to diverse academic interests: ​

• Undergraduate Programs: The university provides Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees with majors in Assamese, Economics, English, Philosophy, and Sociology. Additionally, it offers a Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) program, fostering artistic talents.
• Postgraduate Programs: At the master's level, MSSV offers MA degrees in Assamese, Economics, English, Philosophy, Sociology, Dance, Drama and Music, Law, Yogic Science and Naturopathy, and Social Work. The university also provides M.Sc. programs in Mathematics and Bioinformatics, along with an M.Com. in Commerce. ​
• M.Phil. and Ph.D. Programs: For research enthusiasts, MSSV offers M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs across various disciplines, encouraging scholarly inquiry and innovation. ​

Departments and Research Initiatives

MSSV comprises several departments, each dedicated to specialized fields of study: ​

• Department of Assamese: Established in 2014, this department offers BA (Major), MA, M.Phil., and Ph.D. programs. It publishes an annual newsletter, 'Dapun', and a biannual magazine, 'Pragyan', providing platforms for students to showcase their literary talents. ​
• Department of Education: This department offers BA (Major), MA, M.Phil., and Ph.D. programs in Education. It emphasizes research and innovation in teaching methodologies and educational practices. The department also organizes workshops and seminars to enhance pedagogical skills. ​
• Department of Performing Arts: Located at the Guwahati campus, this department offers programs in Performing Arts, nurturing students' talents in dance, drama, and music. It provides a platform for cultural expression and artistic development. ​

Campus Facilities

MSSV's campuses are equipped with facilities that support both academic pursuits and extracurricular activities:

• Libraries: The university houses well-stocked libraries with a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources, supporting diverse academic disciplines. An e-library with modern facilities is also available, enhancing digital learning. ​
• Laboratories: Specialized laboratories for disciplines like Mathematics, Bioinformatics, and Biotechnology are equipped with modern instruments, facilitating practical learning and research. ​
• Auditorium: A well-equipped auditorium with a seating capacity of approximately 300 is available for seminars, cultural events, and workshops, fostering a vibrant cultural environment. ​
• Sports Facilities: The university encourages physical well-being through various sports and games facilities, including access to the Nagaon District Sports Association's indoor stadium. ​

Expansion and Outreach

MSSV is committed to extending its educational services across Assam. In October 2022, the university inaugurated its Jorhat unit, offering programs in Performing Arts and Yogic Science & Naturopathy. Plans for additional units in Goalpara and Dibrugarh are underway, aiming to make quality education accessible to a broader population. ​

Accreditations and Recognitions

The university holds several prestigious accreditations and memberships: ​

• University Grants Commission (UGC): Recognized under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, ensuring adherence to national educational standards.
• All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE): Approval signifies compliance with technical education norms. ​
• Association of Indian Universities (AIU): Membership facilitates academic collaboration and recognition.
• Bar Council of India (BCI): Accreditation for the university's law programs, ensuring quality legal education.

Conclusion

Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya stands as a beacon of higher education in Assam, honoring the legacy of Srimanta Sankaradeva. With its diverse academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to cultural and social values, the university continues to contribute significantly to the educational and cultural landscape of the region.