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.
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:
Their collaborative approach and scholarly engagements contribute significantly to the academic ethos of the department.
The curriculum is designed to provide foundational as well as advanced knowledge in Political Science, incorporating interdisciplinary perspectives, contemporary debates, and field-based learning.
The department adopts a student-centric and innovative pedagogical approach, including:
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:
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.
The department is equipped with:
These tools facilitate digital presentations, blended learning, and research-based instruction.
ELENCHUS – The Annual Political Science Periodical (since 2019)
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:
Click here to Download the Periodical-Elenchus
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
