NISTARINI (WOMEN’S) COLLEGE, PURULIA

About Institution

The genesis of NISTARINI (WOMEN’S) COLLEGE, one of the premiere academic institutes in the State of West Bengal is intimately entwined with the cause of women’s education. The institution was first conceptualized in the Summer House of Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das – whose family had significantly fostered women’s education in Bengal and was an integral part of the national freedom struggle.
Sri Bhuban Mohan Das and Smt. Nistarini Devi, father and mother of Sri Chittaranjan Das came to reside in this house in the year 1902. Both of them were dedicated social workers and pioneered in introducing higher education among the women folk of this place. Amala Devi, their daughter started a school to impart higher education to the girls of Purulia.
At that time, there was only one lower Primary School, which was known as NISTARINI VIDYALAYA of which Deshbandhu Sri Chittaranjan Das defrayed the entire expenses. A number of the lady teaching staff was brought in to educate girls on all fronts – literary, musical and artistic. An orphanage and a widows’ home were run under the guidance and supervision of Amala Devi. Soon it became a centre of culture for the people of Purulia. Unfortunately, the demise of all the three, Sri Bhuban Mohan Das, Smt. Nistarini Devi and Amala Devi within a short span of time led to the temporary closure of these institutions.
Sometime after, Shrimati Basanti Devi, Chittaranjan’s wife came to reside here and the tradition of the house was again revived. This time they paid special attention to educate the Harijan children living in the neighbourhood. They, along with their parents, were also encouraged to attend religious ceremonies regularly in this house.