My Happy College Days

Khallikote College is the premier institute in the southern Odisha and earned very good name.

It is a College of Uniqueness in the entire district. Alumni include Late V V Giri, ex president of India, Dr Kota Subba Rao, a colleague of Late Dr Abdul Kalam, another ex president of India. it is a primary graduation and post graduation institution in the entire District.

Very nice and friendly teaching staff. Hierarchy of teaching faculty was Lecturer to Reader to Professor under all over in charge of a single Principal and a Vice Principal. Lot of greenery motivating students to concentrate on their studies. There were tutorial classes for a batch of 16 in addition to subject classes.

As stated above in 20th Century the concentration was on gaining knowledge rather than employment. Ever since autonomous internship is also part of education.

Unlike the situation in 20th Century, placement and job opportunities is main ingredient of any educational institution and Khallikote College after it has de-affiliated with Berhampur University and became autonomous, a seperate and dedicated placement Section is operating.

Cultural programmes, drama and debate competitions are annual feature. There is a dedicated play ground and hence sports competitions for intra college, inter college sports are regular feature. Being a premier college in the District even Inter University Competitions are held.

Fee is collected on monthly basis and hence very feasible. College is having regular grants and patronage of the Government and hence fee structure is very much affordable. Continuous inflation however is making pinch to the parents' pockets which every walak of life has to withstand.

Scholarships and educational loans are provided by the State and Central Government. In addition College it self has separate Corpus to provide such facilities.

Unlike in 20th century, there is a tremendous improvement in gender ratio I the twenty-first century. Well, grooming encouragement is provided for extracurricular activities. Lab facilities are existent, A dedicated sports stadium is also available for college, university competitions.

During our time in 1970s itself there were separately hostels one each for boys, girls at graduate level as well as post graduate level. Being a premier town in the District as well as State there are several private hostels with sumptuous mess food.

Till the year 1974 the examination structure was annual and in a traditional manner that is theory papers and practice papers for Science faculties such as Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Anthropology etc. For economics, commerce, English, and the like separate seminars are held. Now Semester system is for every discipline.

in the last part of 20th Century in 1970s scoring forty percent in academics was considered very bright. The institute where from I passed only 3 were the above 60 percent, 8 were between 45 and 60 and I secured just 2 marks below forty five per cent. That made me to secure admission on merit.

During our time in 1970s the object of the Schools or Colleges, the impetus was more on knowledge and less on vocation. Ever since it has become autonomous, vocational courses have been added and even compulsory internships have been prescribed. Faculty is also subjected to accountability.