Notre Dame College Dhaka: A Legacy of Education and Service

Notre Dame College, Dhaka (NDC), a Catholic higher secondary and degree-level educational institution, stands as a beacon of academic excellence and holistic development in Bangladesh. Founded and managed by the priests of the Congregation of Holy Cross, NDC has a rich history deeply intertwined with the nation's educational landscape and its journey towards independence and progress.

Genesis and Early Years: From St. Gregory's to Notre Dame

The story of Notre Dame College begins in November 1949, amidst the educational challenges that arose in the newly formed East Pakistan. The Roman Catholic priests from the Congregation of Holy Cross, responding to a formal request from the government, established "St. Gregory's College" at Laxmibazar, Old Dhaka. This new institution was an extension of the existing St. Gregory's High School, also founded by the mission. Archbishop Lawrence Graner played a pivotal role in this initiative, recognizing the need for quality education in the nascent nation.

Initially located at 82, Municipal Office Street, Laxmibazar, and later at 61/1 Subhash Bose Avenue, the college affiliated with Dhaka University in December 1950. The early years saw a modest beginning, with 8 students taking the University of Dhaka examination in 1950, and a student body of 55 by 1951. Despite its humble beginnings, St. Gregory's College quickly gained recognition for its commitment to academic rigor and character formation.

A significant turning point came in 1954 when the college relocated to Arambagh, near the Kamalapur railway station, and was renamed Notre Dame College. The new name paid homage to the University of Notre Dame, the alma mater of many of the faculty members, symbolizing a commitment to higher ideals and academic pursuit. The dedication to Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, further emphasized the institution's Catholic identity and values.

Academic Expansion and Recognition

From its inception, Notre Dame College focused on providing a comprehensive education in the humanities and business disciplines. In 1955, the college introduced BA courses, followed by B.Sc courses in 1960, further expanding its academic offerings. By 1959, NDC had earned the distinction of being the foremost educational institution in East Pakistan, a testament to its unwavering dedication to quality education.

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The college faced a faculty shortage in 1960, which led to the involvement of volunteers affiliated with the British Volunteer Service Overseas from 1963 to 1970, enriching the teaching environment with diverse perspectives and expertise.

The War of Liberation and its Aftermath

The Bangladesh War of Independence in 1971 brought unprecedented challenges to Notre Dame College. Despite government directives to continue operations, the college was forced to close due to student absence amidst the turmoil. Principal Richard William Timm played a crucial role during this period, and the college premises served as a safe haven for 44 UN officials, offering refuge during the conflict's final weeks.

Tragically, two young doctors, Azharul Haque and Humayun Kabir, were abducted and killed near Notre Dame College on December 14, 1971, a stark reminder of the war's devastating impact.

Following the war, Notre Dame College actively participated in the nation's reconstruction efforts. Principal Richard William Timm dedicated himself to relief, rehabilitation, and human rights initiatives through non-governmental development organizations. In 1973, a devastating flood led to the college's closure, with its workforce dedicated to relief efforts. Under Principal Timm's leadership, the "CORR" relief and rehabilitation organization was established, providing daily meals for approximately 1,500 individuals. The college administration continued to aid the government in managing the crisis during the subsequent flood and famine in 1974.

Post-Independence Developments and Continued Excellence

In the post-independence era, Notre Dame College continued to evolve and adapt to the changing educational landscape. In 1972, the college was re-registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The B.Sc course, which had been halted during the war, was discontinued in the academic year 1972-73.

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In 1974, Bengali became compulsory for education in schools and colleges, marking its inclusion in the curriculum at Notre Dame College. This shift notably facilitated learning for many. Concurrently, James T. Benas, an English department faculty member, initiated an English language course to foster English proficiency as a second language. Initially exclusive to teachers, the course expanded to encompass students who appeared in the SSC examination.

Despite these changes, Notre Dame College remained committed to its core values of academic excellence, character formation, and service to the community. The college gained affiliation with the National University in 1992 and was recognized as the nation's premier educational institution four times (1959, 1988, 1992, 1997) by the National University.

The College Emblem: A Symbol of Knowledge, Faith, and Service

The emblem of Notre Dame College encapsulates the institution's philosophy and mission. At the apex rests an open book, displaying the Greek letters Alpha (Α) on the left page and Omega (Ω) on the right. These symbols denote the beginning and end of the Greek alphabet, symbolizing the entirety of wisdom. This imagery echoes a biblical phrase ascribed to Jesus in the Book of Revelation, emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge as a path to enlightenment.

At the base of the emblem lie three sections. On the left, seven Lotus flowers grace the compartment. The lotus, symbolizing purity, embodies the seven sorrows of Mary's life, designating her as the "Mother of Seven Sorrows" commemorating the tragic events. It signifies the pursuit of enlightenment amidst hardship. The adjacent right field portrays a flowing river, traversing boat, golden paddy fields, and vast blue-green vistas, encapsulating the college's location in the heart of lush Bangladesh. In the lower segment, a crucifix emanates from two intersecting anchors, denoting the emblem of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Embodied within: Just as Jesus' crucifixion brought salvation to humanity, salvation is attainable by anchoring oneself to the crucified Jesus, symbolized by the cross and anchors.

The College authorities have established a defined philosophy and mission. The motto encapsulating this philosophy reads, "Notre Dame College Students: Dedicated, Creative, Skilled, and Responsible." The institutional philosophy is as follows:"The mission of Notre Dame College education is to foster the holistic development of individuals-nurturing self-motivation, creativity, a service-oriented mindset, engagement, and proficiency in acquiring and applying knowledge.

Campus and Facilities

Notre Dame College boasts a well-equipped campus with several buildings dedicated to academic and extracurricular activities. These include the Archbishop Ganguly Building and the Father Timm Building, named in honor of prominent figures in the college's history.

A Hub of Extracurricular Activities

Notre Dame College recognizes the importance of extracurricular activities in fostering holistic development. The college has a rich tradition of clubs and organizations that cater to a wide range of interests. Currently, it consists of 17 sections for students in science terming each as "Groups". In the case of science, groups 1 to 14 include Bangla medium students and the rest 15, 16, and 17 groups admit English version students. These clubs provide students with opportunities to explore their passions, develop their talents, and contribute to the college community.

Some of the notable clubs include:

Notre Dame Science Club (NDSC): Established in 1955 by Father Richard William Timm, NDSC is the oldest science club in the country, fostering a passion for science and innovation among students.
Notre Dame Rotaract Club (NDRC): The first Rotaract club at the college level in Bangladesh, NDRC promotes leadership, community service, and international understanding.
Notre Dame Abritti Dal: The first college-level recitation organization in the subcontinent, founded in 1992, nurtures a love for poetry and elocution.
Notre Dame International Peace and Harmony Club (NDIPHC): One of the oldest international relations clubs in the country, NDIPHC promotes global awareness, diplomacy, and cross-cultural understanding.
Notre Dame Math Club: Established in 2017, the Math Club organizes seminars, workshops, and competitions to promote mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Notre Dame Photography Club: Founded in 2017, the Photography Club encourages students to explore the art of photography and capture the beauty of the world around them.
Notre Dame College Writers' Club: The motto of this club is 'অক্ষরে আঁকি সৃষ্টির সৌন্দর্য' or 'Depicting the beauty of creation in letters'. This club arranges workshops on creative writing, book publishing, and journalism.
Notre Dame College IT Club: The activities of the club include Competitive programming, Graphics design, Content Writing, Robotics, Video Editing, etc.

The college also publishes several magazines and yearbooks, providing students with platforms to showcase their creative writing, research, and artistic talents. These publications include Blue and Gold (the college yearbook), Dhak Dhol - Chit Chat (a quarterly magazine), AUDRI (published by the Notre Dame Science Club), and Jogajog (published by the Notre Dame International Understanding and Relation Club).

Principals: Guiding the Institution's Vision

Notre Dame College has been led by a succession of dedicated principals, all priests from the Congregation of Holy Cross. These leaders have played a vital role in shaping the college's vision, upholding its values, and ensuring its continued success.

Some of the notable principals include:

Fr. John J. Harrington (1949-1954): The founding principal, Fr. Harrington laid the foundation for Notre Dame College's commitment to academic excellence and character formation.
Fr. James L. Martin (1954-1960): Fr. Martin oversaw the college's relocation to Arambagh and its renaming as Notre Dame College.
Fr. Richard William Timm (1970-1971): A renowned biologist and a winner of the 1987 Ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding, Fr. Timm played a crucial role during the Bangladesh Liberation War and its aftermath.
Fr. Benjamin Costa (1998-2012): Considered one of the most successful and dedicated principals, Fr. Costa served for over 14 years, contributing significantly to the college's growth and development.
Fr. Hemanto Pius Rozario (2012-Present): The current principal, Fr. Rozario continues to uphold the college's traditions of excellence and service.

Noted Alumni

Notre Dame College has produced a long list of distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields, including politics, science, literature, and the arts. These individuals serve as an inspiration to current students and a testament to the college's transformative impact.

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