The Department of Political Science at Handique Girls’ College stands as one of the most esteemed and dynamic academic units within the institution. With a proud legacy that spans over eight decades, the department has been instrumental in shaping the intellectual and civic outlook of generations of young women in Assam and beyond. Currently, it caters to approximately 600 students across the undergraduate (UG) and higher secondary (HS) programmes, making it one of the largest departments in terms of student strength. Beginning from the current academic session, the department is also introducing a Postgraduate (PG) Programme in Political Science (2025 onwards), offering 30 seats. This significant academic expansion marks a milestone in the department’s journey, providing students with opportunities for advanced learning, research, and professional preparation in the field of political studies. The department was established in 1939 as the Department of Civics - a time when the study of civic consciousness and political awareness was essential to India’s freedom struggle and democratic aspirations. With the growing recognition of Political Science as a distinct academic discipline, it was restructured and renamed as an independent department in 1961. Since then, it has evolved in tandem with the changing contours of political education, public policy, and democratic practice in India and the world. Over the decades, the Department of Political Science has become a nurturing ground for academic inquiry, critical thinking, and ethical engagement. It plays a vital role in empowering students - especially women - with the analytical tools to understand and question political systems, ideologies, governance processes, international affairs, and issues of rights, justice, and development. The department not only encourages academic performance but also places equal emphasis on personality development, leadership training, and civic participation, aligning with the broader vision of the college to create responsible and enlightened citizens. The department fosters an inclusive and intellectually stimulating environment that blends classical political theory with contemporary political realities. It places particular importance on contextualizing political thought and practice in relation to the socio-political fabric of Northeast India, thereby making its pedagogy both locally relevant and globally aware. By engaging with emerging themes such as digital governance, gender justice, environmental politics, human rights, and global diplomacy, the department ensures that its students are prepared to respond to 21st-century challenges with competence and confidence. As part of its commitment to academic excellence, the department encourages research-oriented learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement. With dedicated faculty members, robust academic programmes, and a wide array of co-curricular activities, the Department of Political Science continues to be a leading force in nurturing empowered women leaders, thinkers, educators, and changemakers.
Faculty Members
The Department boasts a dedicated and dynamic team of six faculty members who bring diverse specialisations and a strong commitment to teaching, research, and mentorship:
- Dr. Madhurima Hazarika Choudhury, Head of the Department - Dr. Archana Sarma - Mrs. Rashmi Bhattacharyya - Dr. Biswajit Choudhury - Dr. Pallavi Deka - Ms. Niminita Saikia Their collaborative approach and scholarly engagements contribute significantly to the academic ethos of the department.
Academic Programmes Offered
The department offers the following programmes:
-Research and Innovation
-Master of Arts in Political Science (August 2025 onwards)
-Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Major and Minor) under the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP), introduced as per NEP 2020 guidelines (since 2023) -Higher Secondary (HS) in Arts, First and Second Year
-Certificate Course (Short Term) The curriculum is designed to provide foundational as well as advanced knowledge in Political Science, incorporating interdisciplinary perspectives, contemporary debates, and field-based learning.
Teaching-Learning Methods
The department adopts a student-centric and innovative pedagogical approach, including:
- Individual and group mentoring and counseling - Regular unit tests, home assignments, and class seminars - Teacher-guided student projects and presentations - Interdisciplinary and interactive lectures - Use of ICT tools and blended learning - Invited lectures and interface with professionals, civil society members, and experts from various fields These methodologies are aimed at nurturing academic excellence, leadership, ethical reasoning, and participatory learning among students.
Co-Curricular and Extension Activities
To foster all-round development, the department regularly organises:
- Annual Educational Excursions and field visits - Departmental Freshers’ Socials and Teachers’ Day Celebrations - Cultural and literary events, talent showcases, and student-led initiatives - Guest lectures, awareness programmes, and outreach activities Such engagements provide students with opportunities to explore their creative and leadership potential beyond the classroom.
Annual Departmental Lecture and Periodical
Since 2019, the department has been hosting the Annual Political Science Lecture, inviting distinguished scholars and practitioners to engage with students on pressing political and social issues. It also publishes ELENCHUS, an annual theme-based departmental periodical featuring scholarly articles, student essays, reports, and creative works. This publication offers a platform for critical engagement, reflective thinking, and intellectual dialogue.
Departmental Resources
- Library:
The department maintains a well-stocked departmental library with a collection of over 600 books, journals, and digital resources to support academic and research activities. - ICT Facilities:
The department is equipped with:
- 1 Desktop Computer - 1 Laptop - 1 Overhead Projector - 1 Printer These tools facilitate digital presentations, blended learning, and research-based instruction. - Publication:
- ELENCHUS – The Annual Political Science Periodical (since 2019)
Vision and Mission
Vision:
To be a centre of excellence in political science education that nurtures informed, responsible, and empowered citizens committed to democratic values and social justice. Mission:
- To impart quality education in political science through innovative and inclusive pedagogy - To promote research, critical inquiry, and civic engagement - To empower students, especially women, through education, leadership, and ethical awareness
Click here to Download the Periodical-Elenchus
Sl. No
Topic/ Title
Resource Person
Date
1
Gender and Development
Dr. Anna Nath Ganguly
Amity University
14/03/2024
2
Rousseau’s General Will
Mr. Angaj Gautom
Gauhati High Court
19/02/2024
3
Right to Equality: From Constitutional Provisions to Real Practice
Dr. Rajashree Padhe
Central University of Jharkhand
09/12/2023
4
India’s Emerging Foreign Policy Dynamics and the NE Region
Dr Biplab Debnath
Tripura University (Central)
07/08/2023
5
Modernity of Indian Political Thought with special reference to Tagore
Dr Rinku Lamba
NLSIU, Bangalore
31/03/2023
6
Chinese Political Structure and the Contemporary World
Dr Bhim B. Subba
Central University of Hyderabad
27/03/2023
7
Climate Change and the Global Commons Debate
Dr Anjan Kumar Sahu
Allahbad University (Central)
8
Formulation of Public Policy Process in India
Dr Meera Rajeev Kumar
Madras Christian College
18/03/2023
9
Ecological issues: Climate Change and International Environmental Agreements
Dr Abhinandan Saikia
TISS, Guwahati
11/03/2023
10
Human Rights in Captivity
Dr Shantanu Chakravarty
Cotton University
10/10/2021
11
Emerging Economic and Global Environmental Politics: Situating India
Dr. Anushree Borthakur
24/06/2020
12
Gandhi and Swaraj
Dr Mithilesh Kumar Jha
IIT-Guwahati
01/10/2019
13
Rural Governance
Prof. Dhruba Pratim Sarma
Gauhati University
20/09/2019
14
Wishful thinking to Innovative Ideas: Challenges of Governance in International Migration Today
Prof. Vinod Khadaraia
JNU, New Delhi
15/02/2019
15
War Room Management
Dr Rajan Pande
31/10/2018
16
Human Rights Today
Dr Shyam Bhadra Medhi
Retd. IAS
26/08/2015
17
Student and Politics
Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma
Education Minister, Govt. of Assam
15/03/2013
18
Party, Polity and Democracy: A View From India and The World
Dr Arup Jyoti Choudhury
27/08/2010
19
Recent Development in World Politics
Dr Akhil Ranjan Dutta
10/11/2009
20
Human Rights
Dr Purobi Sarma
04/09/2009
21
Beauty, Beautician, Beauty Business and Health
Mrs. Runu Hazarika
18/08/2008
22
Global Terrorism
Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta
21/09/2007
23
Importance of Breast Feeding Among Young Mothers
Dr Chandrashekhar Bhattacharyya
05/08/2007
24
Game of Life
Mrs Radha Kar
03/11/2006
25
Pre Marital Councelling
Adv Suniti Sonowal
Advocate, GHC
17/11/2005
26
Empowerment of Women
Prof Anuradha Dutta
28/09/2004
27
Trends in Party Politics in India
05/11/2003
28
On Democracy
Prof. Akhil Ranjan Dutta
03/12/2002
Annual Lectures organised by the Department of Political Science
Annual Lecture 2024 by Mr. Mayur Bora, noted writer, critique and speaker on 13/11/2024
Changing Contours of Social Science: The Challenges Ahead
