Speakers stress academic reform as TU-affiliated campus honours students and achievers
KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 27
Saraswoti Multiple Campus (SMC), one of the country's oldest state-owned colleges affiliated with Tribhuvan University (TU), celebrated its 67th anniversary on Thursday at its premises in Thamel, with speakers calling for affordable higher education and an end to excessive politicisation in public campuses.
Addressing the anniversary function, participants highlighted growing concerns over the rising cost of higher education at a time when access and affordability remain major challenges for students across the country.
Located in the heart of the capital, the prestigious campus currently offers 14 faculties, including Journalism, and has an enrolment of more than 9,000 students.
Speaking at the programme, newly appointed Campus Chief Dr Thakur Prasad Wagle said politicisation in government-run colleges has severely undermined academic standards. Notably, SMC has, for the first time in recent TU history, appointed a campus chief on a merit basis rather than through political affiliation.
"I am continuously working to expand the number of subjects and shifts while also giving priority to improving physical infrastructure for students," Dr Wagle said.
On behalf of the faculty, lecturer Balkrishna Sharma urged teachers, staff and students to rise above political divisions to restore academic excellence at the campus.
History lecturer Dr Achyut Adhikari, presenting his views through poetry, highlighted the difficulties the historic campus is facing due to prolonged politicisation and called for urgent and meaningful reform.
Student leaders, including Rajesh Babu Bagale, chairperson of the All Nepal Independent Students Union–Revolutionary; Lokmani Joshi, chairperson of the All Nepal Free Students Union; and Mandip Singh Thakuri, president of the Nepal Students Union, stressed the importance of creating a peaceful and student-friendly academic environment.
During the programme, Campus Chief Dr Wagle felicitated students who secured the highest marks in their respective subjects. Cultural performances were also presented by students, including Laxmi Neupane and Prakriti Pariyar, alongside other talent showcases.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the campus had earlier organised a sports week featuring competitions in football, basketball, table tennis, volleyball, chess, quiz, essay writing and tug-of-war, among others. Dr Wagle distributed medals to students who emerged winners in the various events.
