Dr. Triguna Sen

Visionary Educationist and Nation Builder

Dr Triguna Sen was an eminent educationist, freedom fighter, administrator, and parliamentarian whose contributions significantly shaped India’s higher education system. His lifelong dedication to national education and public service made him one of the most respected academic leaders of independent India.

This detailed account of Dr Triguna Sen biography highlights his early life, academic achievements, political career, and enduring legacy.

Early Life and Academic Excellence

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 ambition, he went to Germany for higher studies and obtained a Doctorate in Engineering, establishing himself as a scholar of distinction.

Participation in the Freedom Movement

Upon returning to India, Dr Triguna Sen actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. His involvement in the freedom struggle led to imprisonment, reflecting his deep commitment to national service.

After his release, he worked with the Dibrugarh Electric Supply Company in Assam, serving there for nine years.

Contribution to National Education and Jadavpur University

Dr Triguna Sen’s passion for quality education defined much of his life. He was closely associated with the National Council of Education (NCE), which aimed to promote indigenous technical and scientific education during the freedom movement.

His sustained efforts contributed to the establishment of Jadavpur University in 1955. He later became its Rector and the first Vice-Chancellor, playing a pivotal role in shaping its academic structure and reputation.

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 influence extended beyond academia into public administration and national policy:

• Elected Mayor of Calcutta (Kolkata) in 1958–59
• Nominated Director of State Bank of India
• Inducted into the Union Cabinet in 1967 as Minister for Education
• Instrumental in the formulation of the National Education Policy (1968)
• Later served as Union Minister for Petroleum, Chemicals & Minerals
• Accelerated oil exploration to reduce crude oil deficits
• Issued stringent drug price control measures
• Elected Member of the Rajya Sabha

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

Commemorative Postage Stamp Honouring Dr Triguna Sen

To commemorate his immense contribution to education and nation-building, India Post is happy to issue a commemorative postage stamps on Dr. Triguna Sen.

Legacy of Dr Triguna Sen

Dr Triguna Sen was an ardent freedom fighter, visionary educationist, able administrator, and respected parliamentarian. His work strengthened India’s educational institutions and contributed to national policy-making during crucial years of development.

He passed away on 11 January 1998, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire educators, policymakers, and students across India.