Imagine fathers beaming with pride. They look toward a new institution. This represents hope for their daughters’ improvement. This is Bethune College. It stands as India’s oldest women’s college. Bethune College is located on Bidhan Sarani in Kolkata. It is affiliated with the University of Calcutta.
Founded in 1879, Bethune College started as a school. John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune established the Calcutta Female School in 1849. He had financial support from Dakshinaranjan Mukherjee. The school began in Mukherjee’s home. It started with 21 girls enrolled. The following year, enrollment rose to 80.
In November, a cornerstone was laid. It was for a permanent school building. The “Hindu Female School” name was inscribed on a copper plate. It was placed in the stone. A ceremonial silver trowel was made. After Bethune’s death in 1851, support waned.
The government took over in 1856. It was renamed Bethune School. This happened after its founder in 1862–63. In 1879, it became Bethune College. It became the first women’s college in India.
Bethune College holds the motto “Viddaya Vindatey Amritam”. This means “knowledge provides immortal bliss”. The college is ranked 91st among colleges in India. This is according to the National Institutional Ranking Framework in 2024.
Bethune College boasts notable alumnae. Kadambini Ganguly was one of the first two female graduates of the British Empire. Chandramukhi Basu shares this honor. Abala Bose became a social worker. Sarala Devi Chaudhurani promoted female education. Begum Khaleda Zia became the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Neena Gupta is a mathematician. She solved the Zariski Cancellation Problem. These women exemplify Bethune College’s impact.
John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune secured assistance. It was from a lady to take charge of the children. Bengali was the foundation language. English was only for subsidiary advantages. This included literature. English was taught only when parents did not oppose such knowledge.
Bethune’s inaugural speech expressed triumph. He felt a father’s joy. Documents led him to a conclusion. The day was near. A call would be made to extend education benefits. This was for the other half of Bengal’s inhabitants, the women.
The Times of India cautioned prudence. It said prejudices must not be outraged. Good faith and secular instruction were vital. Any attempt to introduce Christianity in disguise would postpone female education.
Bethune College stands as a testament. It shows the power of education. It especially highlights the empowerment of women. Its legacy continues to inspire. It encourages generations to seek knowledge. It also encourages them to achieve immortal bliss. Bethune College remains a beacon of progress.