Serampore College

Serampore College, established in 1818 by Dr. William Carey and his associates, Joshua Marshman and William Ward, holds a significant place in the history of education and missionary work in India. Under the Royal Danish Charter, the college was granted the authority to confer degrees in Theology, making it one of the earliest institutions of its kind in the region.

The pioneering missionaries, members of the British Baptist Missionary Society, faced challenges from the British East India Company, leading Carey to initially engage in missionary work as an indigo planter in Malda. However, they eventually found protection and support in the Danish Settlement at Serampore, where they established the college with the goal of integrating Eastern literature with Western science.

The missionaries made substantial contributions to various fields, including arts, science, agriculture, horticulture, archaeology, journalism, and social welfare. Their educational endeavors in Bengal during the 19th century were hailed as a renaissance period by historians.

Serampore College stands out as a unique institution, providing both religious and secular education under one management. Its constitution explicitly states that admission is open to all, irrespective of caste, color, or country. The college adopted a blend of Eastern and Western educational philosophies, with a focus on regional languages as the medium of instruction.

Affiliated with the University of Calcutta since its inception, Serampore College has played a vital role in higher education for over 150 years. As it celebrates its tercentenary, marking 150 years of dedicated service, the college continues to await recognition from the University Grants Commission as a degree-granting university of full status.

In honor of this significant milestone, the Posts and Telegraphs Department is pleased to issue a special postage stamp commemorating Serampore College’s enduring legacy in the field of education and its contributions to society.