National Council of Education

Eminent Educationist, Freedom Fighter & Nation Builder

Dr Triguna Sen was one of India’s most distinguished educationists, freedom fighters, and administrators. His remarkable contributions to higher education, public service, and national development left a lasting impact on independent India.

This detailed Dr Triguna Sen biography highlights his life, achievements, and the commemorative postage stamp issued in his honour.

Early Life and Education of Dr Triguna Sen

Dr Triguna Sen was born on 24 December 1905 at Sylhet (now in Bangladesh) to Shri Golak Chandra Sen and Smt. Sushila Sundari Devi. He completed his schooling at Government High School, Silchar (Cachar district, Assam).

He later joined the Bengal Technical Institute (BTI), where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Driven by academic excellence, he went to Germany for higher studies and obtained a Doctorate in Engineering, marking the beginning of a distinguished intellectual journey.

Role in India’s Freedom Movement

After returning to India, Dr Triguna Sen actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement, one of the major movements led by Mahatma Gandhi. His involvement led to imprisonment, reflecting his deep commitment to India’s independence.

Following his release, he worked with Dibrugarh Electric Supply Company in Assam, where he served for nine years.

Contribution to Higher Education and Jadavpur University

Dr Triguna Sen had an unwavering passion for quality education. His efforts were instrumental in the establishment of Jadavpur University in 1955. He played a pivotal role in shaping the institution and later became its Rector and first Vice-Chancellor.

The university traces its roots to the National Council of Education, an organization dedicated to promoting national education during the freedom struggle.

He also briefly served as Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University and was elected President of the Institution of Engineers (India) in 1962.

Public Service and Political Career

Dr Triguna Sen’s contributions extended beyond academia:

• Elected Mayor of Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1958–59
• Nominated Director of State Bank of India
• Inducted into the Union Cabinet in 1967 as Minister for Education
• Formulated the National Education Policy (1968) during his tenure
• Later served as Union Minister for Petroleum, Chemicals & Minerals
• Issued stringent drug price control orders
• Accelerated oil exploration to reduce India’s crude oil deficit
• Elected Member of the Rajya Sabha

In recognition of his immense contributions, he was awarded the prestigious Padma Bhushan in 1965.

Legacy of Dr Triguna Sen

Dr Triguna Sen was an eminent educationist, committed freedom fighter, able administrator, and respected parliamentarian. His lifelong dedication to nation-building and educational reform continues to inspire generations.

He passed away on 11 January 1998, leaving behind a legacy of intellectual leadership and public service.

National Council of Education Stamp and Dr Triguna Sen Commemorative Issue

To honour his invaluable contributions, a complete set of two commemorative postage stamps was issued featuring:

• The National Council of Education (NCE)
• Dr Triguna Sen, the first Vice-Chancellor of Jadavpur University

The National Council of Education stamp is a significant collectible for philatelists and those interested in India’s educational history. It commemorates both the institution and the visionary leader who helped shape modern higher education in India.